How are you doing so far this year? Are you on track with any New Years resolutions or have you, like me, already slipped from your aims before the end of the first month? Actually, I didn't really have any hard and fast resolutions for the new year, just a general aim to be a bit more organised on all fronts and more tidy around the house. I started out quite well, targeting the kitchen and clearing out cupboards of anything that is no longer in regular use. A day of sorting, cleaning and trip to the charity shop made things feel brighter and tidier in the kitchen.
But now I seem to have stalled. What really needs tackling is my yarn stash which has got out of hand and spilled out from it's allotted areas to take over most of the living room. The problem is it's hard to tear myself away from knitting but even that lacks order at the moment. Where I really should be buckling down and getting on with the next pattern, instead I am flitting about knitting a new tea cosy or fiddling about with blankety ideas (I keep trying to shake the urge to start a new crochet blanket but it won't quite leave me alone). I am pleased with my new tea cosy though. Knitted in charcoal grey Alafoss Lopi from Meadow Yarn from a Churchmouse yarns pattern, details on ravelry.
Anyway, there is productive knitting going on and that is good at least for reducing my stash – the more I knit the smaller it will get so perhaps I should feel completely justified in knitting instead of getting on with cleaning out the cupboard under the stairs. I would much rather be playing around with yarn, especially bunny knitting in ash grey and lingerie pink which is a colour combination that just sings to me at the moment. I finished off some Quince and Co sparrow linen dresses (one of the patterns in my seasonal dresses collection)…
And I started a couple of bunnies…
Do you love the little hangers and the cups and cake in the top right hand corner? I fell in love with them as they're perfect sized bunny accessories (made by Maileg and I got mine from Bijou).
The third dress I've made in this yarn (Rowan Cotton 4ply which is my favourite ever yarn for knitting bunny clothes from but is sadly discontinued) just needs an animal to wear it – I'm leaning towards a grey cat at the moment but there's a mouse and an elephant in the running too. I'll have to decide before I can knit up the body…
At least the lovely new basket I bought with money I was given for Christmas is helping keep my work-in-progress neat and tidy and it's big enough to fit in all of my knitting essentials (basket from Injabulo). Well, I'm off to my cosy corner to knit a bit more – it's important work this stash reducing 😉
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PS: Any products that I mention here on the blog are things I've bought for myself or our family with my own money – I don't write sponsored or solicited posts.
little cotton rabbits 
Stash reduction is very important work indeed!! 🙂
I just love all your beautiful images Julie, the pink and grey is so pretty together. What a gorgeous basket and I think I might just NEED some of those cute little clothes hangers. 😉
Enjoy your cosy corner!
V x
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Hooray for stash reducing! It’s a double bonus because you can be tidying up all that excess yarn and doing something peaceful, relaxing and otherwise productive at the same time!
And I LOVE the pink and grey! 💕
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Love this colour way! Oh I must make my kitty, it is on my TO MAKE list, so it’s on the horizon. Although a trip to Jolie to buy their lovely book distracted me and i’m knitting bed socks. Off to look at the basket……..I do not need another one!
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Do you know, my idiocy never fails to amaze me – I’ve read your blog and admired (yearned after) your animals for ages, yet I still excitedly clicked on your seasonal dress pattern link thinking ‘ ooh I wonder if I could make one to wear’. Doh!
Ah well, they look lovely and once again I’m awed by your knitting brilliance – totally adorable.
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It must be part of recovery after the Christmas holiday. I’ve been deep cleaning kitchen cupboards and drawers too. The job isn’t completely tackled yet, but clear headway has been made. Every time that I open something in the kitchen and get the reward of clean and sparse it spurs me onto the next shelf or drawer. My stash is getting handled and recorded and re-arranged this weekend (if I’m home alone). I need this event to be private because no one understands what they are looking at…only me. I’ve continued to knit through January, but not in the most satisfying way. Organizing will help, I’m sure. Your post was very interesting because it felt so similar. Thank you for sharing!
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These guys are just too adorable…as always. Even the disembodied limbs and heads are cute! How does that work? The basket is stunning. I have a serious basket habit that the husband just doesn’t understand, but still lets me indulge. What a wonderful way to spend time!
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It’s January and most of us are stalled. I agree you should follow your heart and knit what brings you joy. I am trying to gather my courage to invite a friend to help me log my stash. I like to keep projects “in play” so having nice baskets and containers really helps me. Unfortunately my basket is not filled with delightful bunnies
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I so enjoyed this post today. I had many plans for the new year but then my health waylaid me. I’ve always been a pretty healthy person, so this is very frustrating for me. I love all your little animals. They are just darling and the clothes are amazing. My yarn closet is a bit out of control also. But I just know if I get rid of anything, that’s the yarn I’m going to want for my next project! So I just keep Knitting away.
Blessings, Betsy
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I love the colours of the quince linen yarn. Is it good for jumpers and fair isle dresses too?
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I inherited my Mum’s yarn stash and am trying desperately to de-stash by crocheting and knitting blankets for refugees which makes me feel good BUT I seem to be accumulating even more from friends to keep the refugees in blankets! And I am now going to volunteer at a charity shop which always has a lot of donated yarn! I just can’y win!!! Love your latest colour combinations.
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I just love the beautiful images in your blog, Julie. Each photo is like a still life, and the colours are heaven – love the grey tea cosy. The little lacy dresses are so pretty, and your animals are full of character. I think stash-busting is a very productive use of time, and I too have a thing about baskets (and candles, and lanterns). Happy knitting!
Cathy x
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Naked bunnies are so sweet. Their dresses are nice too. Love it!
When I try stash reduction I usually grab fingering yarn and small needled and it isn’t until I’m deep into a project that it occurs to me that I won’t be using up my stash very quickly. It’s so easy to fool myself. I guess I really love my stash.
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You have the best to-do-list! Choosing the right girl for the dress, fun, fun, fun!
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I had to laugh at the stash busting comment. Whenever I tell my husband that I am knitting from my stash his immediate reply is “Oh, yes”. He then tells anyone who cares to listen that he is sure more is coming in via the back door. Keeping stash under control is difficult as I find it has a habit of spreading. It must be the little cotton rabbits having fun at night.
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How idyllic it sounds to be quietly knitting at your house. I so love your bunnies (I have one from you–Cooper) and I also enjoy having tea and knitting although my skills are not advanced enough to master your rabbits and clothes since I’m primarily a quilter but knit to relax. I initially started knitting to be able to buy and use all the luscious yarns! Thank you for sharing your quiet and not so quiet moments!! 😊
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Knitting is definitely the best way to use up your yarn stash. I love the tea cosy and those little dresses are just adorable!
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I, too, am struggling to clean. In my case, the basement. Major reorganizing and cleaning. I spent quite a bit of time earlier today copying completely unnecessary recipes from the internet, something I keep swearing I must stop doing, and poking around in all sorts of fun websites. I did manage to tear myself away and get some work done, until the phone rang. And here I am again. But, oh my, the Cotton Rabbits and their dresses are some of the very cutest things I have ever seen. You make my heart melt. You’ve really picked up my spirits, which were flagging seriously down there in the basement. One of the ironies of life is the separate world that real mice and knitted, anthropomorphic mice inhabit. Thank God. Because I am cursing the real ones who live in the basement and I need something lovely to think about to get me through the end of the job. Thanks!!!!
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Hi Julie, glad you are getting on with knitting your lovely bunnies again. Love the tea cosy too. I am onto my 6th bunny since I bought your patterns in November – 2 boy bunnies and 4 girls. I have one more to do. The lace dress is gorgeous to knit and is my favourite pattern in seasonal dresses. When all the bunnies and their clothes are finished I want to knit a shawl so spending lots of time looking at yarn….. What could be nicer in this awful weather. Happy knitting. X
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One of my resolutions is to finally knit some of your cute animals! I have the yarn, patterns desire but something always seems to be knitted first. It’s high on the list though!
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I vote for the cat! Also, I love how your tea cozy matches your vase. Also, my adult daughter is in love with your animals! Just thought you should know 🙂
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I love the picture looking through from your kitchen and oh my, the tea cosy……….😀
I’ve stalled a bit too, I have two things lurking in the car to take to the consignment store, one of which is slightly blocking my view when I reverse, oh dear! But we will begin again, Julie.
I’ve found if I write four projects at the beginning of the week in my small notebook, 3 stitching and one either knitting or crochet and really haven’t done badly sticking to them. Might be an idea?
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Your home has such an air of tranquility about it Julie! I resolved to drink more water and work on my tennis goals – mixed success, but I’m still trying with both and that, to me, seems the most important thing.
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I so love your blogposts and your knitted toys (and especially the bunnies) always bring a smile to my face and make me happy. They are just too cute and I love the pink dresses, pink and grey are a favourite colour combination of mine too! Happy knitting, Julie!
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Love your tea cosy!!!
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Super inspiring site with such gorgeous, peaceful colours.
This time most of all thank you for the basket link.
It was amazing to see these beautiful items and read the
heart wrenching write ups about these lovely ladies.
Reminded me that despite all my own health issues (28th Dec
diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies) I’m fortunate enough
to live in a country with a health service and although not rich
I can afford a stash of yarns, fabrics, buttons & more.
So again many thanks for this link as now I can support these
lovely ladies and have amazing stash storage :~)
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Just love your tea cosy, Julie, it is so original and pretty and just the thing for a stash bust! I bought Alafoss Lopi wool direct from a shop in Iceland (my sister had a holiday there & told me about it) and loved the smell and texture of it – there were bits of twig and moss included. However it was not so good for making up the rabbits I knitted for my sisters; the strands are short and don’t have the strength needed to pull through quite firmly as on your rabbit pattern instructions, I thought you might like to know in the name of stash busting; it knits beautifully but it’s wise to use tougher yarn to make up.
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Hi Julie – love, love, love the linen spring dresses. Do you enjoy knitting with the linen? Also – what a great basket – did you sew the lining? As usual your musings,photos and projects bring much joy – thank you.
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I love your photos! You are right : the more you knit, the less stash is left! I wish I could knit as well and fast as you. I am still using my grand mother’s yarn, and I am so fed up! The other day my mum found more of that again… so I cannot get any new wool yet. Yiur tea cosy is really nice and your animals are so so cute! Anne
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There is a theory that too much order and tidiness stifles creativity…….your latest works look exquisite.
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At least you have a made a start to stay tidy. I figure as long as you continue throughout the year, it shouldn’t stress you out.
Your little bunnies look adorable 🙂
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I love everything! The new tea cosy, the pink dresses, the two rabbits, and the heads waiting for bodies. What yarn did you use for the rabbits? And I agree that stash-busting is most important.
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I would rather knit too than clean out my stash. I think your knitting will reduce your stash as you knit those adorable animals so fast. I quite love those little pink dresses too, so adorable!
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Trying to organize stash here this weekend – for some reason it’s all over the house so time to rein it in. Love your little knitted bunnies and the tea cosy too. Jane x
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Oh I think stash busting counts as housework, doesn’t it? 😉 A good tidy up always lifts the spirits, but I find I can only tackle one area at a time before my energy wanes.
Your little animals are just so beautiful! And are those spotting ended needles the Tasmanian Oak Art Viva ones? They are my favourite brand and are so lovely to use!
Happy new week tomorrow,
Sarah x
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Those dresses are gorgeous Julie, I love the pink ones with the little collars. Have not tried your collar pattern yet but will have to with the dress for the latest girl animal, am knitting my first mouse and loving it. I have got slightly fluffy yarn and it looks so cute. Take care.
Alison xx
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Rooms at your house look very well organized to me! Your critters and their little dresses are to-die-for. SO cute. Keep on doing what you’re doing because we love to see the pictures and get inspired. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to knit your cat, bunny or both along with some cute outfits for them. Thanks for sharing!
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Your photos are truly still-lifes. Just lovely. Best wishes for a renewal of your forward progress in February!
February???? Already? Sigh.
I love the fluted vase on the table with the tea cosy. Is this a line of pottery? Or a nice something you picked up for yourself?
Keep moving along……….
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I’ve had that tea cosy pattern in my Ravelry queue for a while. It’s tradionality appeals to me muchly.
And as other’s have said, stash reduction is important work. I’ve been sorting some yarn to sell on eBay … is it just me who occasionally buys entirely the wrong thing?
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LOVE ALL PICTURES,NICE TEA COSY AND THE FAB DRESSES.WE ARE IN FEB AND I STILL CANT GT GOING
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Oh, Julie, your grey and pink dresses and bunnies are divine. I love those colours, that’s the only pink I wear myself, along with tonnes of grey!! They’re such “grown-up” pastels!
Love the shot of your kitchen too, is that a carved mirror or a surround on an island shelf?
Julie :o)
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I spent a happy hour re-reading some of your old posts and enjoying your photos. It struck me that you have a lovely collection of baskets and here is another, so attractive and useful. I love my knitting bag though and it keeps everything together, my cats would have a fine time with an open basket of wool!
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Your home must be filled with the most lovely accessories on the planet! Every photo you share makes your home look decorator perfect. I must admit I envy your little wooden trays, pottery, and tiny dishes. The pink/gray combination has given me a lot to think about. Thank you for sharing your pics!
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It’s not so good unfortunately Lynsey, it’s a bit too thin for jumpers and Fair Isle dresses but it works fine on a single colour bunny dress.
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Thanks Sarah, yes I was lucky to find a supplier here in the UK as I’ve wanted some of those spotty Art Viva needles for ages!
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Thanks skeindalous, I wanted a vase that I could keep on the table year round and fill with different things depending on the season. This one came from Graham and Green…http://www.grahamandgreen.co.uk/alba-ceramic-vase (it’s the smaller size)
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Thanks Vicki. Yes, the linen is lovely to knit with but I’d not want to do anything to complicated with it – it would be hard work to cable with I think. I didn’t sew the lining of the basket – it’s just full of lots of cloth project bags which makes it look that way 🙂
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Hi Jo. I can’t remember off hand which yarns I used, I have it jotted down somewhere and will have to look it out when I write up their descriptions (I have a rather disorganised and non-linear way of working unfortunately). I’m pretty sure at least one of them is Rowan British sheep breeds but I can’t remember the colourway and I have a feeling it’s been discontinued.
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It’s not just you Annie, I too have a bag of yarns that is mentally labelled ‘what was I thinking?’ or things that I bought thinking they’d be a certain colour and they weren’t. I am a terrible hoarder when it comes to yarn! I can definitely recommend the cosy pattern.
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Thanks Julie. It’s a surround to a hatchway between the kitchen and the dining room – it was here when we moved in and we’ve changed lots around the house but I kind of like it so it has stayed.
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Love your posts, your knitting and your pictures. The little rabbits are so adoraable!
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Bonjour, j’adore vous petits lapins, ils sont adrables ainsi que leur vêtements !!
Bonne fin de journée
Jauneyris
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Everything you share here looks so adorable (and organized)! The new knitted animals are delightful, personally I think the grey kitty would look just perfect in that pink dress.
I’m curious, where are you straight needles from? They look shorter than the straight needles we’ve here.
xx
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Thank you for your generosity in sharing the information about this vase. I did connect with the shop, but they say they will not ship to USA. Sigh.
If I ever find someone going to UK who can pick it up for me, or who will drop it in the post, I will try that.
That would be a good service for someone to start……re-shipping items that others out of the country want. The first person has it sent to the second person…who walks it back to the Post Office and sends it along to its next home! Ta da!
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Lovely photos as always, I must try and get hold of some Quince and Co yarn, the colours are gorgeous. I love the new collar on those pink dresses. Hopefully it will be incorporated in a new pattern one day. The dress patterns are lovely too, they look like little party dresses.
Take care Julie.
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I have just found your blog randomly on Google, so glad I did!! I will definitely be following your new posts.
I am new to knitting and would love to knit some of your animals as they are so cute, I love the little details – they are what make them your animals so fantastic I think!
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Also where do you get those tiny needles??
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Hi Julie,
Do you have the pattern for the pink dresses? I love the simplicity of the single color with texture. I have been knitting your bunnies and elephants for the past year and just LOVE THEM. I have the seasonal dresses and the sweaters. If possible, I would love to add these simple patterns to my collection. Thanks!
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