Some random things from the last week…
working on the edging of my big misty blanket, having finished the main section. Hope to make this a wide border but it will be dependant on how much wool is left.
enjoying frothy coffee in the early afternoons
discovering a new yarn brand – Yarn Stories. Not only beautiful quality yarns in gorgeous colours but also the nicest packaging I've ever seen. I expect to be knitting lots with their newest yarn, Fine Merino and Baby Alpaca Aran – a couple of colours are going to be so perfect for my next pattern.
preparing over-winter residences for the local bugs
Liking, the first frost of the year…
…the emerging structure of trees…
…and a regular visitor these last few afternoons – one of our neighbours has a pond so they are probably not liking this handsome chap as much as I am!
Thanks so much for all of the thoughtful kind and wise comments on the previous post about Toby's recent struggles. It's always lovely to receive such warm-hearted, sweet encouragement and it's so helpful to know others have gone through similar times. The only variables for us now are duration and intensity but since we've been through rough patches before and they've not lasted indefinitely, it's easier to feel hopeful now, knowing that it's a passing phase.
little cotton rabbits 
I love the colours that you have used in your misty blanket ~ it is going to be very beautiful when it is finished :O)x
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Such restful colours for your blanket and I love the housing for the bugs.
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It is a passing phase but it doesn’t mean it isn’t terribly hard while going through it. There is the comfort of knowing that it is a phase but while you are in the trying time, I’m at least grateful that you are able to get time away for just you.
I love that the Internet brings people together and helps make new friends but I wish in this case especially, that I lived next door! I’d come clean your bathrooms and rub your feet or something!!
Our weather here has been quite odd. A very mild winter thus far. I can’t say as I mind. Henny Penny has a new puppy and taking it outside constantly to do her business is a lot easier in milder temperatures than in the cold and freezing.
You are such a beautiful person Julie! XXXX
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Gosh, Julie, I can’t believe that blanket is almost finished! You are putting me to shame, as mine is taking soooo long. I can’t wait to see the final photos. Xx
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It looks like you’re having a lovely start to winter — your photos are beautiful. I can’t wait to see what pattern will be next — as always, I’m hoping it’s something that swings from trees LOL!
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Its definitely the weather for crocheting under a growing cosy blanket Julie! 🙂
I love your new visitor and your photos are all beautiful. Thanks too for the link to the new yarn!
V x
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your blanket is so lovely Julie, such tranquil colours xxx
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How gorgeous your blanket is looking. I keep looking at it and wondering if I could make one too. I’m not a very experience crocheter, but you’ve made it look so appealing. I do hope things with Toby are easier soon, it must be very hard for you all while it lasts. CJ xx
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The colours of your blanket are gorgeously muted and soft. I’m looking forward to seeing it finished 🙂
Cathy x
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That wood photo is exceptional. As are you.
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That wood photo is exceptional. As are you.
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That wood photo is exceptional. As are you.
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That wood photo is exceptional. As are you.
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That wood photo is exceptional. As are you.
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That wood photo is exceptional. As are you.
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That wood photo is exceptional. As are you.
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That wood photo is exceptional. As are you.
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That wood photo is exceptional. As are you.
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Your blanket is beautiful. I hope that all is well. xx
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Wow – the colours of your blanket are just gorgeous. Looks as though you might be needing in the very near future!! Thanks for the link to Yarn Stories. Looks a great site – and how lovely that it is home grown. Take care. Jenny
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I love the crochet blanket and am making one myself…what stitch are you using to sew the blocks together??? It has been so fun to work on!!
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I was just wondering if you had heard about the new regulations about selling pdfs and ebooks? Basically from January, sellers have to charge and collect the VAT at the rate set by every country in the EU. It isn’t payable in England if you are below a threshold, but that is not in place for other countries and you will be liable to pay VAT for all sales to the EU outside of the UK. So if you make a sale for just £1 to someone in France say, you need to calculate the VAT, charge it and pay it to the French authorities, keep records, find a way of charging different amounts, and pay money owed. A logistical nightmare obviously and one giving people a lot of headaches.
People are cancelling selling their pdfs as they are unsure of the situation which seems an incredible mess. I heard a while a go but was reassured at the time. However, I have been reading this morning and am now alarmed at what this might mean for small business and people seem to be taking the change very seriously. I do not currently sell pdfs but it was my full intention to do so. You can read more here from Laura Howard (author of Super cute felt) on Bugs and Fishes and she has links with further readinghttp://bugsandfishes.blogspot.co.uk/ . There are also etsy discussions here https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/7718/questions/discuss/15650903/
https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/7332/etsys-uk-ireland-seller-support-team/discuss/15479309/page/1
https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/15651570/page/1
Even if you just sell to the UK and outside the EU, the onus is on you to prove that. I just wanted to tell you, just in case you were unaware and as a pattern seller it affected you.
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This is a really lovely post. I enjoyed seeing little snippets of your days lately.
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I discovered Yarn Stories a little while ago, but I’ve yet to get my mitts on any of their yarn. I love your pic of it through the wrapping 🙂
Another set of gorgeous images. Have you ever thought of selling your photographs Julie. One reason I don’t post so many pics on my blog is because most of what I take I put up for sale. You often share some very marketable photos here.
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Beautiful photos!
How do you join the crocheted squares so neatly? It’s one thing I struggle with!
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