So far Winter has been quite mild here, with only one hour long snow storm and a handful of days with frosty beginnings. Even so, it's been cool enough to warrant regular lighting of the fire and I've been keeping my pattern writing hands warm with new wristies (yarn and pattern details in the previous post). There's also been enough of the mini skeins left to make a bunny cardigan and a teeny tiny bunny dress.
The lack of light is getting wearisome though. Some days it has hardly felt like we've had a proper daytime and more like we've gone straight from a dim dawn to a drab dusk. I really don't envy anyone living further north. We've been compensating with some well-placed LED lights, one string in a strip on the wall, brightening a dark corner…
and a little set of battery powered ones sitting on the table and lighting up our mealtimes…
Happily this afternoon we've had a brief shaft of weak sunlight coming in through the side window, a welcome reminder that the days are starting to lengthen out and we're on our way back to long, bright summer days. I don't know about you but I'm really looking forward to some warm sun on my skin.
Cosy (part 2) will be about my second misty blanket which is now finished but it's huge and is proving a bit difficult to photograph, especially on these dingy days. I hope to pop back with some pictures of it soon. Til then, keep warm and catch those rays when you can x
little cotton rabbits 
Much as I try to embrace cosy, really I prefer warm and sunny. C’mon Spring!
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I so know what you mean about the quality of the light! I live in the far north of Cumbria and have invested in a SAD lamp which sits on my desk whilst I’m working (I work from home) and it has made a big difference, I feel so much more alert after having it on for an hour or so, definitely worth investing in.
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As always that little bunny cardigan is deliciously cute! 🙂
I know what you mean about lack of light, although this week I have noticed a lengthening of the days but I agree it will be good to feel some warm sunshine!
V x
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Stay warm Julie
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oh, those grey days- I so hear you! I actually repainted my entryway a few weeks ago, changing it to a lighter colour in hopes that it would brighten up the space a bit. Next I’ll probably put a mirror there, anything to help amp up the light at home. Otherwise, it’s so hard to feel energized.
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I don’t mind a gray day but we don’t get very many here. When I lived in more uniformly gray climes, I didn’t want so many either. I really love the look of the lights in the jar on the table. It’s pretty and very clever.
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I’m looking forward to some warm sunshine and longer lighter days too, although I don’t mind if the winter carries on for just a little longer, it is quite cosy. I shall look forward to seeing your Misty blanket, it’s one of my all time favourite blankets, quite gorgeous. CJ xx
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Hello lovely Julie! I’ve actually been quite enjoying the winter days sitting by the fire with my knitting but I don’t like the lack of light. Unfortunately being “cosy” has had a disastrous effect on my plans to get back into running! The siren calls of a warm fire, comfy chair, exciting knitting and a cuddly puppy to sit on my lap, have just been irresistible!! Xxx
P.S I introduced a friend to your patterns and she’s been loving them x
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Your knitting is so special and beautiful…Look forward to seeing your Misty blanket, I have a granddaughter called Misty ☺☺
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I feel your pain Julie — I go to work in the dark and I come home in the dark. Pictures? Lots of reflected artificial light in my pictures these days. And Yipee! Another pattern — can’t wait to see who’s next!
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Wishing you more sunlight to come!
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I have to say I LOVE that first photo, with your fingerless mitts, the bunny cardigan and the little dress, all in the same shades. Great use of the scraps! My indoor plants and I are enjoying the longer days (we had sunshine today!) but not the cold. Forecast tonight is -17C, feeling like -25C. Obviously a good night to stay in!
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Hi Julie from New Zealand. I am looking forward to seeing your photos of your blanket. You have inspired me to try crochet again. I’ve got the book out of the library (your pattern you used)- now to choose colours – it is doing my head in, so many colours to choose from. Keep warm – we are in a hot dry summer.
Love Leanne NZ
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The grey shaded knitting looks so pretty. Love how you store your knitting and crochet needles. My grand daughters finally received their little rabbits made from your pattern, at xmas and last night both bunnies were snug in grand daughters beds. Such a brilliant pattern thank you
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I love cosy posts x
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I think the open fires are one of the few things that are really nice about winter – that, and the planning for the warmer season. I’ve been doing a lot of that, planning what to do in summer, and planning what to plant in the garden and at the allotment. xx
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As you know we moved south almost two years ago. Snowdrops in January,lighter nights and mornings – in January, wearing a cardigan to work in the garden to work, (in January!) so much milder than the North. I still miss the wonderful soft water, beautiful to drink straight from the tap (and the shiny hair that comes from washing with it) got to say though. Loving the south too! Looking forward to the ‘misty’ pictures. 😊
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We are getting snow today. Hopefully it won’t be too bad. We’ve had lots of grey days but the odd bright one which is lovely.
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Beautiful, cosy photographs. Stay warm!
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Hi Julie, I am always looking at your blog, so in aw of your talent. How you learned to knit like you do always inspires me. I think about trying to learn more about knitting, however, I am a hands on person. Learn much easier by being taught. Not many in the United States can do what you do, most have to follow patterns. I find you to be about the most talent knitter I have seen on the internet. Thank you for sharing even though your time is limited due to caring for your son Toby, it’s truly much appreciated.
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Please: keep writting!!?
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This winter has been so odd! Because it has been so mild, I feel like it has been just teasing me and I’m sick of it I tell ya! Just sick of it! I too am ready for warmer temperatures and ……..sigh………….. we’ve how many more months of this??
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Hi Julie; cold & dreary here in Canada but we do have the odd day of bright sun…but that usually means it’s really cold…-25 degrees C! I find the stress of the extreme cold, short days & limited sun take it’s toll. Knitting your little pattern…I love the dresses, cardigan, Aran sweaters to be just too much fun, have provided some artificial sun and helped my spirits. What we know for sure is this too will pass.
Love and a little sunshine from Lori from Port Perry 😊
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It has indeed been so grey and dark at times. The lighter days will come, and as you say it will be good to feel the sunshine again! xx
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I’m a huge fan of Led lights, and like you, have some in a jar…virtual moonlight perhaps! Today the sun actually did shine at lunchtime, the aconites were wide open …and we had some snowdrops at last…we thought the squirrel had eaten them…but no…they just seem to have migrated to the part of the flower bed they like the most! Looking forward to “Misty”….can’t crochet anything except pansy flowers…and I have tried…honest! Love and a huge ray of sunshine…
Jenni xxx
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I always love your photos.. sigh the cozy mitts are very nice. I love the gradient. I have used pigeonroof studios yarn and its lovely dyed yarn. I agree with you, longing for those longer summer days!
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Hopefully the lighter days will be with us soon. Looking forward to seeing Misty blanket number 2 remembering your first one.
Mitzi
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I love that the cold is an excuse for knitting and hot drinks, but it seems especially dreary this year… looking forward to some sun as well!
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Take heart Julie…on the other side of the world the leaves have just started turning their golden colours. I’ll miss the warm this year I think. I’m not looking forward to the damp and the cold.
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