The last few days have been bathed in the kinds of temperatures that we don't often see here, 32c by day and hot sweaty nights of 24c. I know that's nothing to many of you living in warmer climes but it's a notably rare occurrence for those of us living in a land of cool mists and plentiful rain 🙂
It's been a bit too hot for my liking if I'm honest. I like it in the low to mid 20's when I still feel like I can comfortably knit – working with wool when you're all hot and sweaty and swollen fingered from the heat is not a relaxing activity. I have however managed to take pictures of the shawl I finished a week or so ago.
It definitely benefited from blocking and is the perfect summer shawl in that wonderful yarn 'rose garden' luxury sock yarn by Maya at The Wool Barn. I had the perfect amount for Helen Stewart's Spindrift shawl, working the picot cast off row in Oakworth 4ply 'Geum' a beautiful pale peony pink by Victoria at Eden Cottage Yarns and now the temperatures are set to return to a summer norm I expect I'll be throwing it around my shoulders come evening time.
The weather has been great for the garden and the herbs have really taken over everything. I've had to give up on home grown beetroot this year as the poor plants have been crowded out but the beans, peas, raspberries, broccoli and kale are all now harvesting well. I've been building muscles by ferrying the watering can to and from the water butt to keep everything from wilting in the heat. I love growing herbs as they're such a magnet to bees and butterflies and they're good for cooking too.
To stop myself from wilting on the hottest day I spent time under the tree in our garden with plenty of cool water and a good book. Meadowland by John Lewis-Stempel is a lovely gentle read, a homage to the small and intimate delights of an English country field and well worth a read if you like that kind of thing, which I do.
Well, summer is racing by and the start of the long school break is here. We'll be spending it close to home having decided once again that a holiday away is just too complicated for Toby, but hopefully we'll have lots of days out and I hope to share some of our small adventures here. 'Til then keep well and happy x
PS: Thanks so very much for all of the kind comments on the previous post. I am planning to sit down tomorrow and reply to each of them properly but wanted to say a general thank you now. x
little cotton rabbits 
Your shawl is beautiful Julie and as the British summer returns to norm, you will surely be glad of it!
Your herb garden is looking wonderful, so lovely to be able to pick your own herbs.
I have read Meadowland and its a lovely book, my kind of thing too.
Wishing you a peaceful relaxing summer break!
V xgr
Your shawl is gorgeous and your area under the tree looks so welcoming. Our summer has been cool so far but is predicted to be in the 90’s all next week. Enjoy your sunshine.
Blessings,
Betsy
knitting, gardening, reading….some of my favorite things. Your shawl is beautiful!
Thanks for the book title!
Hi Julie, your finished shawl is beautiful. What a lovely shady spot to relax in the mini heatwave. I hope you have a wonderful summer break. Sue x
Wow, fabulous herbs, really green and healthy looking. You’ve done well keeping them so well watered. Beautiful shawl as well, no doubt we will be needing a little something round the shoulders before too long, really warm evenings are a bit of a rarity. You’re right about the summer racing by. Your blanket in the shade looks very inviting though, somewhere to sit and watch the bees. I’ve seen that book and thought how good it looks, exactly my sort of thing. Hope you have a good weekend. CJ xx
Holidays time can be difficult. Routine is upset, days can drag. Hopefully about to start my first ever grown up shawl. (Baby shawls? Been there , loved that)
Patterns collected. Cashmere stashed. Make the most of summer ‘moments’. What is life if full of care etc..
X
Your shawl is beautiful, and the yarn is heavenly. The herbs really do come into their own at this time of year, don’t they? I read ‘Meadowland’ this spring and really enjoyed it. I must say your picnic rug looks very inviting – I very nearly melted at work this week. Wishing you a happy and relaxing break. Cathy x
Popped in after a long break to see what you had been up to, and as always was enchanted by your beautiful work and photos, touched by your thoughts about precious moments with Amy,and although you may feel irrelevant in her life at times these special moments will give her strength, peace and comfort on her journey through life always. wishing you a happiness and love. Lesley x
your shawl and your garden look gorgeous. have a wonderful summer xxx
Lovely shawl! Happy times wearing it. Have a lovely break & some great days out.
What a beautiful shawl! Your pictures are beautiful and you create a view of such a calm and peaceful summer — in spite of the heat! I hope you have a wonderful school break with Toby and Amy — looking forward to reading all about it! XO
The shawl is beautiful – I hope I can make something like that some day!
Julie, what a gorgeous shawl you knitted. The yarn is to-die-for. I’m not really a “shawl person”, but I do like the little crescent shaped ones – especially if garter stitch is kept to a minimum. (I have no idea why this basic stitch doesn’t appeal to me as most knitters love it.) The pattern you chose is just my style – especially when worn as in your photo. Oh what a lovely little picnic you had. Wish I could be there to chat with you, but the blog is second best to that. Your herb garden is perfection, and LOVE your red sandals! Thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity and photos once again. Hugs, Kimmy
Thank you so very much for your posts. I love the photos and I love reading about your thoughts and your projects. It is very uplifting and inspiring to me.
Once again you inspire me! I got the Spindrift shawl pattern & I am searching for just the right yarn. I will take a short “bunny break” …knowing full well that I can’t stay away for too long…but the shawl will be a good road trip project. Inspiration just in the nick of time. Thank you so much! Enjoy your days…the summer is starting to fly. 🌞⛅️🌬☔️⛄️
I hear you on the heat- it’s been roasting here, too! I love the yarn you chose for your new shawl, the subtle speckles are so lovely, like a subtle dapple of flowers on the yarn. And that picnic photo- so idyllic!
Thanks for the book recommendation – I’ve requested it from the library and am now eagerly awaiting it!
PS Love the shawl!
Your shawl is beautiful Julie , the colour with flecks is so pretty. I hope you enjoy your holiday at home
Love from Carole in Rossendale, Lancashire xxx
Thank you for the recipe, I am so enjoying your blog. I am currently making some little rabbits for a friend’s baby. I hope they turn out like yours. Keep up the good work and thanks for the book recommendation.
Lovely pictures of your pretty new shawl and peaceful garden. In California we often don’t see a drop of rain from May to November and we have been in a drought now for several years. It makes you hungry for the green of England. Glad you spent some special meaningful time with your daughter recently. As children grow up and mature they usually realize how dear their parents are. This especially happens when they have children of their own and begin to know the sacrifices you have made for them. 💓
Lovely pictures of your pretty new shawl and peaceful garden. In California we often don’t see a drop of rain from May to November and we have been in a drought now for several years. It makes you hungry for the green of England. Glad you spent some special meaningful time with your daughter recently. As children grow up and mature they usually realize how dear their parents are. This especially happens when they have children of their own and begin to know the sacrifices you have made for them. 💓
Lovely pictures of your pretty new shawl and peaceful garden. In California we often don’t see a drop of rain from May to November and we have been in a drought now for several years. It makes you hungry for the green of England. Glad you spent some special meaningful time with your daughter recently. As children grow up and mature they usually realize how dear their parents are. This especially happens when they have children of their own and begin to know the sacrifices you have made for them. 💓
Lovely pictures of your pretty new shawl and peaceful garden. In California we often don’t see a drop of rain from May to November and we have been in a drought now for several years. It makes you hungry for the green of England. Glad you spent some special meaningful time with your daughter recently. As children grow up and mature they usually realize how dear their parents are. This especially happens when they have children of their own and begin to know the sacrifices you have made for them. 💓
Lovely pictures of your pretty new shawl and peaceful garden. In California we often don’t see a drop of rain from May to November and we have been in a drought now for several years. It makes you hungry for the green of England. Glad you spent some special meaningful time with your daughter recently. As children grow up and mature they usually realize how dear their parents are. This especially happens when they have children of their own and begin to know the sacrifices you have made for them. 💓
Lovely pictures of your pretty new shawl and peaceful garden. In California we often don’t see a drop of rain from May to November and we have been in a drought now for several years. It makes you hungry for the green of England. Glad you spent some special meaningful time with your daughter recently. As children grow up and mature they usually realize how dear their parents are. This especially happens when they have children of their own and begin to know the sacrifices you have made for them. 💓
Lovely pictures of your pretty new shawl and peaceful garden. In California we often don’t see a drop of rain from May to November and we have been in a drought now for several years. It makes you hungry for the green of England. Glad you spent some special meaningful time with your daughter recently. As children grow up and mature they usually realize how dear their parents are. This especially happens when they have children of their own and begin to know the sacrifices you have made for them. 💓
Lovely pictures of your pretty new shawl and peaceful garden. In California we often don’t see a drop of rain from May to November and we have been in a drought now for several years. It makes you hungry for the green of England. Glad you spent some special meaningful time with your daughter recently. As children grow up and mature they usually realize how dear their parents are. This especially happens when they have children of their own and begin to know the sacrifices you have made for them. 💓
Lovely pictures of your pretty new shawl and peaceful garden. In California we often don’t see a drop of rain from May to November and we have been in a drought now for several years. It makes you hungry for the green of England. Glad you spent some special meaningful time with your daughter recently. As children grow up and mature they usually realize how dear their parents are. This especially happens when they have children of their own and begin to know the sacrifices you have made for them. 💓
10 years! What an achievement, but not surprising. Not sure how long I’ve been following and using your patterns, but it’s quite a few of those 10!
I just love your unquie knitted animals and I love to be able more creative but after working a 8
Hour shift I don’t have time so I take whatever I’m working with to work. Love to be able to able to win a beautiful knitted item. Keep on doing what you do. I enjoy seeing your beautiful handiwork. Sue O’Bryan
I have thoroughly enjoyed knitting your toys over thecpast five years and have made many for friends and for charity. I have received many compliments and cannot knit them fast enough. I can’t wait for your next pattern. Thankyou for the enjoyment you have given me and bringing me back to knitting.
I love your sweet animals and have learned new stitches by following your patterns. Also, your garden is so peaceful, your pictures are so pleasant, I feel like I am in your garden. Thanks, Julia
I love your patterns as they are so detailed that they inspire confidence to try to do them as well as yours. Your colours are so lovely too. I have made the fox, rabbit, elephant so far absolutely love them all, thank you Julie – you are an inspiration x Katherine
Hi Julie, your blog means a lot to me, it was one of the first I read on my own journey with my daughter. She’s 6 now and on the spectrum too. She’s funny, unique and loving, also challenging at times. She loves rabbits – they are her favourite animal. I wish you and your family all the best. Hello to Tobey from Violeta too.
Congratulations on your ten years an incredible journey, hope im lucky
I love your blog!,I ave bought and knit your bunny patterns and dresses for my granddaughters,and have received so many comments on how adorable your patterns are.
I was a pediatric nurse for 42 years and have worked with many autistic children over the years and I admire the way you handle your son. I’m also aware of what an ongoing struggle it can be. My best wishes to you and your family.
Congratulations on your 10 year blogging anniversary. I think your work is beautiful.
Julie,
I admire your many talents. I cannot believe how many times the picture of your bunny has been repinned on Pinterest! Have a lovely fall. I want to try knitting some of your patterns.
Joanne from Arizona
Hi Julie,
Firstly a big Thankyou for your gorgeous patterns! I have made a few rabbits and I am working on a family of bears now. I have worked with many children who have been diagnosed with Autism and supported them and their families to enjoy their unique personalities even though sometimes they can be very challenging ….I am so glad you find a calming pastime to create such gorgeous toys. I too love, love ,love to knit as a way to unwind from my day. Yesterday I found the most incredible spot…on the banks of the lake in Queenstown, New Zealand. I was able to sit for a few hours knitting, looking at the lake and sow covered mountains.(We were waiting for our flight home to Australia.) It was just sheer bliss!! Happy knitting …much love tou your beautiful family…
Oh dear…. No pigs on those snow covered mountains just beautiful scenery and lots of sheep. I bought home some gorgeous merino and possum wool… Maybe a few rabbits or bears to come!!! Beautifully soft with the possum fur added to the wool. Thanks again!!!
Hi Julie, How refreshing your blog is! I too have an autistic son and another son who is mentally handicapped – they are both adults now 44 and 39. I can’t say life has been easy with them, but everyone has some good potential and we try and concentrate on that side and enjoy the good times. All I can say is enjoy your son – he is just a little different, we cant all be the same and variety is the spice of life. Keep looking up and keep on with your beautiful creations – both the knitted ones and the human ones.
Linda from Scampton, England, UK.
Love your blog! I have all of your patterns and have enjoyed making the wonderful little toys.
Congratulations on your anniversary. Your designs are to die for.
Love your blog! You are an amazing designer and mother to your lovely children.
10 Years, what an achievement, unfortunately, I’ve only just discovered you when I was looking for a cute looking toy and am now attempting to knit a bunny. Although it’s challenging me, I will persevere because they’re just so adorable. Thanks for the pattern! Vicki
Your beautiful designs are a joy to see and try and replicate. Your passion for knitting and creativity shows how much you impart to your followers and dedication to your site keeps us all waiting for the next installment of the little cotton rabbits love it to bits xxxx
I really enjoy your blog, and your lovely patterns. I have loved knitting several of the little animals, the last one for my 87year old aunt in New Zealand. She was delighted to receive a ginger cat with a spare Aran sweater. Your instructions are the easiest to follow and I look forward to seeing more of your lovely photos.
I have kept track of your blog for a very long time. Just totally amazed at the talent you have for creating the most wonderful little creations. You
are truly someone to look up to not only for your creativity but for how honest you are in blogging your experiences as a wife and Mom. No doubt you
have been a comfort to many families in sharing. Thank you for taking the time and continued success with what you have created over the past 10 years!
wow, what adorable little bunnies. I’m new to your site, but loved the garden and the shawl. I’m not much for the heat either, and fortunately, always enjoy knitting.
The showls are amazing , u are a wonderful, designer, nice post