crafts & knitting · garden stuff

longest day

Can you believe the longest day of this year has already been and gone?

My Summer solstice was a quiet one with Toby in respite for the day, Amy out with friends and H off cycling. I made the most of the peace by settling myself in the shady spot at the end of the garden with my knitting, notes and computer and I worked on getting the seasonal sweaters pattern finished.

 

Sweaters

It's pretty much done but later today I need to take a cover photo and give it all a final check through and then it should be ready to share. I'll tell you more about what is in the collection later in the week.

 

Sweaters2

 

Being outside feels so good and the weekend weather gave plenty of opportunity to do just that. There were some pretty interesting skies too, with perfect conditions for contrails which took ages to disperse, the sky above our house soon becoming criss-crossed with them.

 

Skywriting

 

Yesterday was also a garden day. Toby had lots of fun on the trampoline while H and I pottered around, tidying up some of the shrubs that have become overgrown and weeding out the chicken run. A few months back we lost Butterscotch, the last of our 3 original chickens to a mystery illness and we thought we'd wait a while before getting ourselves a new flock – just incase there were still some germs lurking around. I think enough time has passed now so we've tidied up the run and I'm hoping we'll have some new clucky friends very soon.

The garden is very green and fresh looking at the moment. We've not had intense summer heat yet and although there's not been much rain of late the water butts are still quite full and I've been diligently watering each night. I love all of the different shades of green in the various corners of the garden…

 

Pyracantha

 

Pyra

Plums

 

Hydrangea2

 

Well, I'm off to get everyone ready for their respective day and then I'm going to try and take that cover photo for the sweaters pattern. I hope to be back later in the week with news of that, so until then have a good week x

 

35 thoughts on “longest day

  1. Wow ….. look at all of those dear little sweaters and what a LOT of work!
    your garden looks absolutely beautiful, very peaceful in green and white.
    Have a lovely new week :o)
    love Jooles x x x

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  2. Beautiful, Julie. All of it. A sweet juxtaposition of serene green and an array of vibrant coloured tiny sweaters. It’s good to read your words and to know that you are making the most of the fine summery weather.

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  3. Awe all those little sweaters look so cute Julie and I spy a couple of new designs too, 🙂
    Sorry to here about your poor little chicken, I do hope you can get some more soon.
    It’s great that you have been able to enjoy some outside time lately and that Toby can have fun on his trampoline, your garden is looking lovely!
    Have a lovely week,
    V x

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  4. Lovely photos Julie, especially the basket of bunnies and friends. The sweaters look amazing and I’m sure all your followers are going to be very happy when the pattern I goes on sale. Xx

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  5. Why is it that as soon as I see a photo of your amazing creations I just want to raid my stash and start knitting another animal??!!?
    I just love your creations so much Julie! And I can’t wait to get the patterns for those adorable cardigans! Helen x

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  6. Loving those little sweaters Julie , your work is amazing ! Good luck with the next batch of chickens . Glad to hear Toby is bouncing fit and enjoyiing the trampoline ! Best wishes to you and your family :o) x

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  7. So adorable, look at those cute shapes in those tiny sweaters. You are amazing! Wishing your family a peaceful summer season in your lovely garden. Love all the white blooms with the summer green.

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  8. The little knitted creatures are absolutely gorgeous, and I love your colour choices. It’s easy to miss all those lovely greens in the garden at this time of year, with all of the flowers in bloom, but it’s worth taking the time to notice and enjoy them. Lovely photos
    Cathy x

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  9. What a beautiful collection of sweaters etc, how exciting cant wait for the patterns, and your garden looks amazing Julie, so glad you enjoyed the time you spent out there with Toby and H. your an inspiration and a truly talented lady love to you and your family Meg xx

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  10. Those little sweaters are so cute but I think the little cardigans have stolen my heart they are totally adorable. Sorry to hear about Butterscotch it’s never nice to lose anything is it. Your garden plants are looking very lush and the cream of the hydrangea is beautiful. Take care x

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  11. I love your basket of critters! Each one is darling – as if one can feel your love of knitting imbued in each stitch. You have a true gift.

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  12. Sigh…of relief! I was thrilled to see your post! Glad things are well in your world. I am so excited about your new patterns! I have four bunnies waiting for clothes and this will be my inspiration! Once again thank you so much! I love your patterns and your ability to make the directions so clear and easy to follow.

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  13. I can’t wait for your seasonal sweaters pattern. I have been hopping over to your blog every few days wondering if I might have missed an announcement. 🙂 Thrilled! I also love your garden photos! What beautiful pictures! It makes me want to take more time to experiment with my camera.. Someday… 🙂 Thanks again! Can’t wait. 🙂

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  14. Oh Julie , every time you give us another pattern I fall in love all over again . I have been wishing for those gorgeous sweaters and cardigans .i just can’t wait . Much love to you X

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  15. Oh Julie…I can’t stop searching on the basket…adorable :-). The little blue dress on the elly with the darker blue cardigan…any chance you might give the pattern for the texture? I have your seasonal dress pattern but can’t help adoring this one.

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  16. I’ve been wondering how you have been doing with the schedule interrupted by the end of the school year. It looks like you have gently moved into summer and are productive as ever. I LOVE that little pink cardigan. Oh my! Looking forward to the pattern.
    The garden looks magical. You have many well placed plants.There seems like there is always something blooming. ( Well, not in the winter…)
    As always, it seems our weather is so much the same. It has been delightful outside here as well. Not much rain and low humidity. Makes for wonderful outside time with the kids. Enjoy your week!

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  17. Oh, that photo of the basket with all your little babies in it is sooo adorable! And your garden is looking just beautiful — so pretty and GREEN! Looking forward to seeing your new pattern!

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  18. We are having those same lovely blue skies here in Ireland and everything is looking lush and bright with it. Looking forward to seeing all those wool inspirations in a day or two.

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  19. You really do have the most beautiful garden Julie, and those mini sweaters are really pretty too 🙂
    We’ve been enjoying the most glorious sunny days too, until today which was cool and cloudy. I do hope you fared better weatherwise.

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  20. The new knitwear is gorgeous, I particularly like the cable one. What is the plant in the bottom photo? Have you ever thought of knitting a donkey? I’ve been looking for a pattern but haven’t found one I really like.

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