Thanks so very much for all of the comments on my giveaway post. I’ve really enjoyed reading all of the different ways in which we each take pleasure in our free time. I’ve left the choice of winners to the random number generator (see bottom of post) which has come up with…
359 Far From Harm Farm
178 Thistle
Sorry that the chance of winning was a slim one, I’d have liked to give something to everyone who regularly visits here and hopefully the knitters amongst you can make use of the cupcake dress design – I do hope to write up some more free supplements for the animal clothing in future too.
Last week I did manage to finish off the fox patterns which are available now.
The Patterns are on Ravelry though an account is not needed if you want to purchase. The patterns are also on Etsy for anyone who prefers to purchase that way.
Generally though I’m not very well organised on the knitting front at the moment (or on any other front for that matter) and I can’t seem to decide whether to knit and finish more animals or press on with more pattern writing.
I have been enjoying playing around with designs and comparing stranded knitting with Swiss darning / duplicate stitch. I definitely prefer duplicate stitch when working in 5 colours for these dresses.
And I have a lot of animals on the go, mostly heads though as I’m flitting between working on the elephant, monkey and mouse patterns and still have a lot of bodiless fox and bunny heads, poor things!
These are just the stuffed heads I have knitted, I have a lot more empty ones – a bit like my head at the moment!
Anyway, the result of my indecision is that both pattern writing and animal making are getting done but neither one very quickly. Hopefully I shall settle into a more structured way of working once we are fully back in our term time routines. Toby has started back at school in a new class (he’s now in the senior part of the school rather than juniors) and though he seems to be coping OK on the whole he is more unsettled than usual which is putting us all a little on edge. Things will calm down once the new becomes the familiar 🙂
Thanks again for taking the time to leave comments on my giveaway, I really appreciate you stopping by x
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Competition random numbers:
little cotton rabbits 
Congratulations to the 2 lucky winners! I’m sure they will be so so thrilled! I’m glad that routine and the promise of more settled times is on the horizon for you and my goodness, those rose dresses are absolutely amazing.
S x
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The two winners must be thrilled. Congratulations to them. I love your new dresses….gorgeous. And I have noticed those monkey heads in the basket! I don’t think you should stress yourself about animals and patterns. You have already given us so much. Your fans will be happy to wait as long as it takes. I think it’s better to have things to look forward to.
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Well done winners! Whilst I am a regular lurker of many blogs (I’m just off to Cherry Heart after this!) I rarely leave a message, not really sure why but I’m often inspired by what I see on these blogs and by the beauty of the photos, so thank you Julie for taking time out of your busy life to bring a little bit of beauty and inspiration into the lives of others. I have a really busy, stressful job as a midwife but was missing creativity in my life, I have been lucky enough to teach myself crochet via YouTube and blogs but I visit this blog to keep up with your lovely family (and garden!). One day I may even treat myself to one of your knitting patterns though I fear I may create a monster and not the beautiful creatures that fall off your needles!
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The new dresses look wonderfull!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS, LOVE THE ROSE DRESS BUT FIND IT HARD TO DO SWISS DARN,BUT LOVE ALL THE PATTERS COULD KNIT THEM ALL DAY CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE.
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I love the dresses, that beautiful rose pattern…just lovely.
I hope it’s not too long before Toby settles into his new class.
Emma x
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Congrats to the lucky winners! Goodness that basket of goodies does look wonderful! 🙂 I love the rose dresses, absolutely gorgeous!
Hopefully Toby will settle into his new routine soon and then life will settle for you too.
Take care,
V xxx
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Congrats to the happy winners! Even if i don’t won, you gave me the chance to dream a little bit! And that’s a real gift !
Hope Toby will find his new routine soon.
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Hope Toby settles in soon, I know that will help. The basket of heads if funny. The monkey peeking out is so cute. Good luck with it all hope it gets calmer. Love your patterns as always.
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I’m loving the beautiful rose dresses, absolutely gorgeous. The basket of heads is very funny, reminiscent of revolutionary France. iI’m going to have to gird my loins, summon my courage and try to knit one of your fox patterns.
Congratulations to the winners – lucky devils. 🙂
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School song – ‘from the old into the new, keep us travelling along with you’. Thank you allowing us to be part of the journey. Indecision is part of the journey. Relax and enjoy it. Love the roses. X
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Those dresses are stunning with the rose! That basket of heads is ADORABLE!! What a way to put a smile on your face – just go look in the basket.
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HI Julie
Such beautiful photo’s – your little basket of heads is wonderful ! You are quite amazing how you manage to fit everything in to your already busy life. Keep knitting and blogging !
Kate x
justpootling.blogspot.co.uk
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I’m so excited to be a winner. Thank you so much. I have replied to your email with my mailing address. I love your work and when I do learn how to knit, I am determined to make something you have designed.
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Congratulations to the winners!
Yes, I’d love to win, but reading your blog and seeing your adorable designs is reward enough. Thank you!
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Going back to school is always hard. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for Toby and children with autism. Change is difficult. I hope he settles in soon.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful patterns. Having written patterns I know how much time you devote to making them easy to understand. Thank you Thank you Thank you. I’ve purchased all of them (am knitting right this minute on the fox pattern) and can’t wait for the monkey and elephant. Best of luck with all things family right now.
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That basket of parts makes me want to curl up with my own needles. I think I’d better finish my crocheting projects first though. Goodness knows I have to much in my head as is. Thanks for sharing your inspiring photos.
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Julie! You spelled my name wrong. It’s not 178 THIstle — it’s 178 THImbleanna LOL!!!
I LOVE it when you post a picture of a basket of animal heads — just too cute. And Yipee!!!! More patterns coming. I haven’t purchased any yet because I can’t get my act together, but it’s coming. It’s DEFINITELY coming!!!
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Congratulations to the lucky ones who get to house your lovely creations! I’m always more than happy just to look at your photo’s of happy things. Hope that Toby settles soon x Maggie
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Love the foxes and the basket of heads is so cute, looks like they are all swimming!
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Wow, those dresses with the roses are too lovely for words. I hope you will be selling patterns for these soon too. They are divine!!!
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A slim chance for everyone to win but oh those who won!! It makes it that much more fantastic and amazing! 🙂 I hope they know what treasures they’ve won……..
I’m laughing at your comments about the heads and how you’re feeling empty headed. Oh can I relate. I think my head feels like someone did take a bunch of cotton stuffing and shoved it all up in my head and now I can’t hear my own thoughts bouncing off the empty walls anymore……
The dresses you’ve made with the flowers are just lovely! I’ve not tried that before. I do love needlework. Hmmm, I wonder if I’m brave enough to try. I’d need to remove some of the cotton in my head first I think…….
I do hope Toby settles down soon and peace comes back to your little hamlet. Is your garden room helping during this time of distress and change for Toby? I do hope it is and that you are getting some respite!! As always, hugs and loves and prayers to you!
XXXX
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Those dresses are amazing! Truly, your creations are works of art. I am so thankful to you for writing up patterns for the bunnies and foxes. Your animals make me happy!
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Those foxes? Adorable!
Hope toby settles in okay 🙂
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In love with the foxes. Beautiful.
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Congratulations to the winners. How generous of you to have such a wonderful giveaway – a LOT of time and work. A labor of love. I know I am thrilled with my dear little hedgehog that I won several/maybe many years ago now. I’ve had fun with that pattern too. Always glad to get an update on life in your corner of the world. I love to see the basket of critters in progress. Each face has so much character. You have a real skill for creating that. The fox are darling. I should really finish a bunny before I get the fox pattern but know that is not a prerequisite;) Thank goodness. So I’ll pop on over to Ravelry today. Looking forward to the pattern for the darling monkey as well. Praying life settles for all of you now that the new term is underway.
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That rose design is stunning! What an amazing talent you have.
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Hi Julie, I hope Toby settles down soon for his sake and yours. I’m so happy to see you have done a fox pattern, I love your fox and will be off to buy it. Have a lovely day. XxBrenda
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I’m so happy to have the fox pattern! First one is nearly complete although as always it doesn’t look anywhere near as good as yours. But the patterns are so brilliantly written and explained that it really is possible to make a fabulous looking character! Thank you again and congratulations to the winners of the giveaway!
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Congrats to the 2 winners !
I love the basket full of heads, it’s really too cute.
Have a very nice day.
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Looking forward to when you publish the elephant pattern
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Sometimes it’s hard to settle to just one task or craft – I do this with knitting and stitching from time to time. I think you do amazing things with your time. I am still hoping for a mouse or bear pattern soon – I’ve just bought the two foxes and can’t wait to sit down and study them.
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What gorgeous little dresses. I would like one for myself if I was younger/slimmer/etc. Bx xxx
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Congrats to the winners! I just finished both bunnies and I’m checking my yarn stash for the colors for the foxes! I took the bunnies to work today just to show them off! Everyone was amazed! You, of course, get lots of the credit for writing your wonderful patterns! Thank you so much and I look forward to making the foxes!
Take care and I’m thinking of all of you settling into your school time routine.
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Well done to the winners – lucky ladies! I know what you mean about settling back into school routine, I have 4 young girls who started back last week but we still havent really got back into the swing of things – by that I mean my finding the time to craft my cards and scrapbook pages myself 😉 Maybe next week!
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Congratulations winners! love the rose dresses alto’ I have to confess that I’m not a fan of Swiss Darning! Hope Toby settles well in seniors….seniors …Wow…time flies!….rather agree with Ruthie who said it’s good to have things to look forward to..so Julie, don’t forget to have some “feet up ” time when the dust settles a bit! Jenni xxx
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I love everything you do! You are a wonderful mother to Toby. I don’t know how you find the time to knit these beautiful animals, let alone write the patterns for them! I’ve started the “bunny girl” and am looking forward to the elephant and monkey patterns.
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The bunnies are so lovely, congrats to the lucky people receiving your special bunnies. Adore the heads in the basket, they even look quite happy to wait their turn to be completed.The little dresses are delightful.Best wishes for Toby at his “senior” school.Shirley N.Z.
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Lucky! I do hope Toby adjusts quickly. Life would be better for all. Has the garden room helped?
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Your basket full of heads makes me smile — they are just all so adorable. I wish I could produce half of what you do when you are working slow. LOL. Remember to treasure the moments – life was never meant to be rushed through, but savored and enjoyed moment by moment.
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The animal heads are wonderful. I especially love the foxes and the little grey tweedy rabbit in the bottom right of the basket. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
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Congrats to the winners, love your little foxes and the rose dresses, all so cute, the little grey tweedy rabbit in your basket caught my eye too. Hope all goes well for the new term.
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So glad for the winners, and thankful for your kindness.
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Congratulations to the lucky winners. Just had to say how I LOVE those rose dresses!! I’ve taught myself to crochet over the past year via youtube – maybe next I could try to learn to knit – purely so I could make your gorgeous patterns. You are sooo talented. Always love to see your photos and creativity, J9 x
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Love that basket of “heads” – it just looks so funny.
Hope Toby settles soon.
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Do you realise how much pleasure you give to so many of us with sharing your family, your photos and your precious knitting and patterns? Thank you –
and make sure you allow yourself time to smell the roses.
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Congrats to the winners. I will have to fall back on my original plan and knit one. I LOVE the basket full of heads photo. Thanks once again for sharing your lovely patterns.
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I am amazed by all the things you do. Taking care of Toby and your family must be your priority! all these lovely animals can wait in their basket. Oh they are so cute, I love them all, and their clothes are great! Anne
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Hi Julie,
That basket of heads is adorable….Love the little faces poking out all over the place 🙂 I knitted one of the little dresses from the dress pattern last night…the lace one. It’s gorgeous! I’m hoping to make some of these for my various dolls by using different yarn and needle sizes. I love how the pattern goes together, with next to no sewing…..sewing up knitting isn’t my fave job! I also bought the girl fox & bunny patterns as I love them. I won’t have time to make them for a while but they’re on my bucket list for when I retire lol I LOVE the mouse. Maybe one day you’ll have a pattern for her too….I’ll keep watch to see 🙂
I hope Toby settles into school soon. Such a stressful time when routines change!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful work….and your patterns.
Hugs
Lynne
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Please don’t feel like you should give more. I’m very thankful for the cupcake pattern and for the time that put into writing your other patterns. Thank you!
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oh gosh, that basket of heads is just fantastic!!
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well done to the winners (although im secretly gutted – just like all the others!) lol, but i must say, those dresses are INCREDIBLE!!! you are so creative Julie! And i have just managed to duplicate stitch the star onto the boy fox’s top so i look forward to trying more!
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I’m not a knitter but I admire you very much in how you care for Toby and your family and how you manage to combine this with so a devine creative artwork! Your little rabitts and animals and all their clothes are the most beautiful I have ever seen!
Keep on the great work, and please keep on with your lovely blog full of adorable pictures!
Best regards from Belgium
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Your basket of heads is just sooo cute, and the flower design on the dresses is breathtakingly beautiful. I don’t know if it’s the weather but I’m also finding it hard to stick to one thing or finish anything, I couldn’t even decide what to start the other night, and that’s never normally a problem for me! I’m just waiting for it to pass. Hope things settle into a routine for your and yours soon. xx
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Congratulations to the Lucky winners ….Julie it’s always such a delight to pop in and read your blog,always makes my day, I am sure Toby will settle once he becomes familiar with his new surroundings bless him…. Also the Fox patterns are truly amazing, and cant wait to make a start ……I would also like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you for all the time you take in writing up the animal patterns and their clothes, so looking forward to the other animal patterns ….. have a lovely weekend Julie with your family x x x x thank you xx
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Congrats to the winners! Lucky things … I’m green with envy.
Wishing you a smooth passage into autumn lovely lady x
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I can’t wait for the elephant pattern!!! I just found out that I am having a baby boy, and am designing the nursery as a modern safari theme. The elephant will go perfectly!! I love the fox too, I may have to knit him in the mean time!
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Thank you for the foxes have bought & they are on my list of to makes……Take your time over the other animals no hurry but looking forward all the same.
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I love your foxes 🙂 What a nice blog, i just discovered it, and im going to follow it 🙂
Trude:)
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Yours is such a pretty little blog and it always makes me smile to see your little knitted friends. Hope things settle into a pattern for you soon.
Blessings Gail
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Hi Julie,
I love your patterns especially the foxes and the seasonal dresses. Hopefully Toby settles into his new class. Make sure you have a rest and put your feet up. Looking forward to seeing your next designs.
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The more I look at the lovely fox twins the more it makes me wonder at your creative knitting skills. You look a them both & you can tell one is a girl & one is a boy. It just amazes me that you can do that 🙂 🙂 🙂
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The rose dresses are stunning!
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my gosh you get a lot of comments! I feel even more lucky (if that’s possible)to be the other winner. I’m so excited to be receiving one of your little treasures, thank you so much! I’m thinking of you and Toby as he settles in.
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Hi There,
I stumbled across your blog while visiting ‘just pootling’ blog.
What a beautiful blog. The knitted animals you make are very cute! I think I may have to snap one up next time you have some for sale.
I have just entered the blogging world and I am very much enjoying it. It is a nice way to get all your thoughts out as well as share crafty ideas with others who feel passionate about the same things.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and crafty ideas. I will add you to my ‘blogs I love’ and I will definitely be popping back to see what other delicious things you make.
Thanks again,
Lisa from wallacecraftcupboard.bogspot.co.nz
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Just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying knitting up all of your patterns…and I did buy all of them! Thanks for the detailed instructions and photos. They are wonderful and so appreciated. You have brought us much joy with your little animals.
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Congratulations to the lucky winners!!
Those flowery dresses are just so cute… I love them!!
You are a true Inspiration, Julie!! I hope Toby settles down soon.
Pati x
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Congratulations to the winners and Best of luck to Toby this school year! Many thanks Julie for sharing your lovely work with us. Now I want to go make my own basket of adorable heads…
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Dear Julie, I just came across your blog and instantly fell in love with your work. The foxes are adorable! The basket full of little animal heads is so cute. I am a knitter myself, though have not done any work for a long time, simply blown away by the perfection of your work. Absolutely beautiful from the animal faces to the very last detail of the outfits. Thank you so much for finding the time to share your work with the world and for inspiring people! Best wishes, Larisa
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I have been searching for the perfect fox pattern for such a long time. I just found it. I think the heads would look wonderful hung from a Christmas tree personally. 🙂
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Dear Julie, I found your blog only recently and instantly fell in love with the little cuties you make. I used to knit a lot, there was nothing too challenging for me when it came to knitting but making little animals as perfect as yours would be a great and probably impossible challenge for me. Just looking at these two foxes and a basket full of tiny heads puts a smile on my face. Love your work! Thank you for sharing it and inspiring other crafters. Best wishes, Larisa And of course, congratulations to the winners! 🙂
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Opps.. I thought my comment did not go through a few days ago, so I posted another one just now. Anyway, it’s never too much to thank someone like you Julie for your wonderful work. 🙂
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Hi, I love all of you knitting, and have recently bought some of your patterns, for the rabbits and foxes of which I have knitted one of each. I adore them, but can you tell me please , are you releasing the pattern for the mouse, I would dearly love to knit, please tell me you will be doing so. Thankyou
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Where do you get your wooden knitting needles?
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Where do you get your knitting needles?
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Julie . . . do you have a graph for the large five color rose shown in this photograph? I have the dress made and the rabbit but i’m having trouble with duplicating your duplicate stitch rose.
Mollie
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