With the autumn equinox yesterday the balance of the year has tipped and now we're heading towards shorter days, from warmth to cold and from light to dark but for now it still feels like summer is hanging on here. I've been trying to get out a little more often while the good weather lingers. We have such great countryside around us and I always feel relaxed and peaceful after a walk but it seems hard to fit one regularly into my days, there's always something that needs doing isn't there.
Still, I've been making good progress on knitting projects. The first prize in my 10th anniversary giveaway competition has been sent off and has safely arrived in her new home. I really enjoyed making her and putting together all of the little bits and pieces (I always loved dolls houses when I was little and that's obviously still with me). The little suitcase and tea-set are from Maileg who have retailers all over the world and I made the little iced bun from my teeny tiny bear pattern (scroll down to the bottom for the bun).
Towards the end of summer I'm always tempted by patterns for scarves and shawls and mittens so I'm also working on a couple of cosy projects for myself and my family. This one is from a pattern from 'Flora' the first Issue of Making (which I believe has now sold out). It's the Flora cowl but I'm making it into a long rectangular scarf which will wrap round and round and be snuggly. The yarn is the very beautiful Blend No 1 from Ysolda which happily is back in stock (probably not for very long as it's rather in demand due to it's softness, lovely marled grey tones and it's excellent provenance). I bought 2 skeins and am just coming to the end of the first one so I'm hoping that I'll be able to finish this in time for the arrival of colder weather.
I don't know if it's the time of year but I feel like I'm struggling to fit everything into my days at the moment. Nothing has really changed here, so I think it's me more than anything else, but I just can't seem to settle or get myself properly organised. I'm good at making lists but the power to get on with tasks seems to have deserted me at the moment. Maybe it is the time of year and hopefully I'll feel more settled once autumn has got going. How about you, are you faffing about or organised and together at the moment? If you are organised do you have any tips to share?
Well, I'm rambling so it's time to go and add some things to my list of to do's and then promptly ignore them by making a cup of tea and picking up my knitting! 'Til next time I'll leave you with some pictures from my equinox walk up Widbury Hill yesterday. Thanks for dropping in x
little cotton rabbits 
Lovely images Julie, I’m not a fan of the darker months but I have to admit autumn colour is beautiful.
I’m faffing a bit too, I think I would need to hide my hooks and needles so I’m not tempted away from the the more mundane tasks that need doing!! I’m a great list maker and I find it does help me, I love scoring off completed tasks…very satisfying.
Beautiful knitting as always….Kate is a very lucky lady! 🙂
Have a lovely weekend,
V x
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It has been so incredibly hot here in Macon, GA for the last 3 months that I am encouraged and pleased to see autumn coming. We’ve actually had a few cool mornings this weeks, although daytime highs are still in the 90’s. I love seeing your beautiful photos, which always portray tranquility.
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Oh, just to have a walk with you up the hill! I’m like you Julie — feeling a little unsettled. I’m steadily working on a quilting project, but all the while thinking about the projects undone plus the projects I’d love to start — or more like worrying how to choose a new start — the inspiration out there is ridiculous! Love that adorable little mousie and your super-sweet packaging!
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I’m at the same place you are Julie! My lists are long and lovely but nothing gets done on them. Partially because of the pain I’m constantly in and partially because I have one month until my daughter’s wedding and I need to spend every waking moment crocheting her wedding shawl. She and I were talking the other night about how we’re both at the same point, too much to do and no motivation to do it. Fortunately most everything for the wedding is done and it will be a simple affair. I do love your photos, autumn is my favorite time of year!
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Completely faffing here, and pulling far too many things out at once. Gorgeous mouse, and how lovely all of her things look packed into her tiny suitcase. Someone will be very happy indeed I think! You’re right about fitting in walks. They are great for the mood, but it’s very hard to find the time. I’m wishing you a good weekend with a little knitting time included. The cowl is gorgeous. I wish my knitting was up to making something like that. I’m starting another very simple scarf – about all I can manage to concentrate on in my allotted late night knitting time. CJ xx
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Nothing organised in my life at the moment either! I have long to do lists and not enough energy to get on with them. There is clearly something in the air as it seems a common problem. I flit from one thing to the other just moving stuff about and not getting anything done.
Lovely photos as always!
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Unsettled seems to be a common theme in my neck of the woods, too. On a public front – Picking the best of 2 unsavory characters to become president and having a terrorist setting off bombs and being captured a few blocks from friends. To the home front with a job hunt for me and not being able to find a satisfying knitting project. I have tried a few knitting projects and jobs but just have not found the right fit. On a positive note – the weather here has been beautiful so we have continued to enjoy the beach and trips to the orchard for fresh picked apples and peaches.
Love the bunny and her suitcase of goodies!
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I can’t believe how quickly the year has flown by! The summer definitely seems to be clinging on for dear life – hopefully we get to enjoy a bit more sunshine over the next few weeks! For some reason I always seem to feel more organised when September hits, I really keep on top of my ‘to-do’ lists and my diary. These photos from your walk are lovely by the way. 🙂
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Love your knitting and your beautiful photos! Your little rabbits always make me think of a single older lady my family was good friends with. As soon as I could knit she let me help her with making knitted stuffed toys for underprivileged children. My dolls were always the best dressed dolls because of the beautiful outfits she’d make for them. Sigh. Thanks for bringing back sweet memories….
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Gorgeous. Love your prize package. Your animals always make me smile. I’m not a fan of autumn because it heralds winter soon, although the cooler temperatures are very welcome. I just really don’t like snow at all. Thank you for the beauty you add to the world
Blessings,
Betsy
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Oh Julie, what a beautiful prize for the lucky recipient, I am sure they are thrilled to have won. Like you my ‘to do’ list grows ever longer but my motivation is sadly lacking! I do love autumn but dread the dark days of winter. It is difficult to find time to recharge the batteries with a good walk, but so worth it when you can. Your scarf is really lovely, as are all your projects. Hope to see some more of your beautiful photos soon. Sue x
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So beautiful! How wonderfully talented you are.
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I feel unsettled right now. All I can think of is all the undone projects, cleaning, laundry and stuff that needs my touch. I had surgery & can’t drive or lift anything. Never been sitting for this long, since childhood. My mantra right now is God made me a good person. I need to heal. I have worked hard all my life, and am sure I will be soon. We all have hard things to overcome in our lives. I find myself wishing for a different life, or living somewhere else. Probably from too much Facebook!! LOL
God made you a good person. Enjoy your life, where you are right now. It is were you are meant to be.
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Do not fret oh talented one! You are doing what so many wish they could do, and managing to keep your sanity and be productive/creative at the same time. Just continue doing what you love to do and sharing it with us. I’m messy too. It bothers me greatly, but obviously not enough to do much about it. Everything goes to dust in the end anyway, right? Hugs to you.
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Your photos are achingly beautiful. I could stare that that sweet rabbit for hours and fantasize about opening the suitcase and changing her outfit and having tea with her. I am cleaning out my mother’s house–a staggering accumulation of multiple generations of saved stuff. Two of the things I threw away were my Barbie Dream House and my Troll House. It made me sad, but I realized I won’t be playing with them any more and they really were rather ugly and showing their age. When I look at your little cotton rabbits I realize that we desperately need to raise the bar on children’s toys. Manufacturers assume that children are dull-minded enough to accept whatever cheap quality and poorly designed nonsense that the factories can crank out. Even though I was devoted to my Barbie stuff when I was little, I think it was more because every girl had to have one. So, I was part of the in crowd. But, I also remember truly appreciating well designed toys and books. If we could only remove the burden of commercialism and peer pressure from young minds, I think children gravitate towards much better stuff (like yours)instinctively. Meanwhile, it struck me that a calendar of Little Cotton Rabbits would give me an excuse to have those pictures hanging on the wall to look at 365 days a year. Not sure you could afford to ship them overseas though. Just a thought. Shiny Happy World puts a photo / monthly calendar up once a month for wallpaper for your computer.
I’ve never heard of faffing about, but yes indeed that does describe me now. Cleaning out my mother’s house single-handedly is a dreadful job. Endless decisions about what to save and what to discard. I rise every morning and declare loudly to myself that I will get this room or that task done today. Then I collapse into bed at night bitterly disappointed that I’ve only accomplished a fraction of my goals. Sometimes lists help me, but mostly they depress me. What a joy to take a break and sit down and see little cotton rabbits in pristine outfits. Thanks. She makes me very happy. I don’t need Barbie any more. I need a little cotton rabbit.
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Très beau tout cela bravo.quel talent …!
Bel automne.
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What an absolutely gorgeous prize – and that little pink nose! Adorable!
I’m definitely a faffer and a list person. I write my lists, feel inspired and then obviously sit down with a cup of tea to ponder my list. Actual activity does happen but at a much slower pace than my list making!
I’m actually looking forward to autumn -I’ve found this summer too hot and I’m looking forward to snuggly knits and crunchy leaves underfoot.
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Hi Julie! I’m just like you at the moment. I know I have so much to do but I can’t seem to get a lot done. It would be more than necessary though as I am pregnant with twin boys, and have a one-year-old baby girl. And I’m not going to be any less tired in the months coming! But I love autumn and its gorgeous colours(it’s my favorite season).
Your pictures and little mouse are as usual so nice to look at. I would love to live near such beautiful countryside and you have a real talent for photography (and knitting, needless to say!).
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Julie thanks for sharing your feelings… and your photos!
I really love your blog!
All the best!
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Ooooh. Which grown up ex child wouldn’t love such a suitcase of loveliness. Seasonal readjustment, winter about to descend. It hits us all. Enjoy the knitting, the lists will be completed. Or not. Life will carry on. Much love. Jill. About to lose my grands to the delights of Dubai for a couple of years. Looking forward to time to ‘faff about pointlessly’. Hugs.
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I recently cleared my mother’s home. I realised in the end it’s just ‘stuff’. Memories are triggered by so many things in the ‘life without mother’ world. I am a proud owner of a little Cotton rabbit and yes, it is a hug, hygge, in the present. Julie is a delight and a joy. To touch so many in the world is , for many , a memory to last a lifetime. Not just a knitter but an ever present hug. Each rabbit I have knitted from her patterns and sent out into the world have spread the Hygge. Replacement rabbits have been sent as the first has been loved to extinction.
I have always said’ I reserve the right to faff about pointlessly’. It is how stresses are relieved. Forgive me for using your post to echo your sentiments.
Julie is a legend in her own knitdom.
Jill
😘
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Fall is the perfect time for our creative spirits to recharge and reset themselves, I think. What amazing accomplishments lie ahead! Stephanie
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There is definitely a little girl in me too, and many of my friends find it funny and strange to see a few toys in my house. I love them, I have always loved dolls and animals and pictures and children’s clothes… Your littles cotton rabbits (and mice, elephants, pandas, bears, cats…) are among my very favourite toys. The photo of your little mouse with her suitcase full of sweet clothes and tea-set just make me dream and smile.
You have just taught me a new English word and I have to confess it describes me sometimes, I am joining the group of faffers. I never write lists, maybe I should… It must be satisfying to tick what has been achieved! (but so depressing not to tick…)
Every change of seasons makes us change our activities, wee cannot be doing everything all the time, and it takes a little time to give up outdoors for indoors, get used to a new rhythm and different things to do, hence this feeling od being incapable of doing everything we wish we could do. When I see all that you do, I don’t believe you are faffing as much as I am! Have a good Sunday, relax and faff (oh I like this word, I am going to remember it and use it all the time!), Anne
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I wish I could have Fall like yours, it seems you have beautiful lights! In my area (ok, I live in a wood!) it is dark and i have my lights on every day! So your pics are always beautiful!
Lovely pics!
Rose, xx
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Oh gosh, I’ve got lists about lists, scraps of paper everywhere with new lists on and it seems the more organised I try to be, because this is my default state, the less gets done. I start each day planning to crack on with the lists and promptly decide to do something else like wax a door. Which isn’t even on a list. What is wrong with me?! Time of year? Time of life? Feel like I am hanging on by my fingernails, just doing the basics but nothing fulfilling. Must try harder I tank every night in bed. I don’t know what the answer is I’m afraid. Your knitting is beautiful, as are your photos. X x x
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That little tiny cupcake!! Oh my. That is just the most darling little touch to add to such a sweet ensemble. Lucky recipient!
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I struggle at any time of year! I am totally in love with the tiny cupcake.
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I’m so glad that I checked in today. I have been a reader of your blog since 2006. I still check in from time to time. I was lucky enough to buy 2 of your animals when my twins were born in 2008. They are 8 now (!) and they still treasure their little cotton bears. Thank you for making such a treasured keepsake!
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That little mouse and her perfect treasures are going to be such a beloved gift! And I agree, this fall things do seem to feel unsettled, busier than usual… and lots of people going through transitions. But it feels good to know we’re not alone in those feelings, so I’m always grateful when you share how you are feeling. Not only do we care, but the ‘me too!’ that readers often feel is a precious gift.
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After the beautiful weather we have had recently the signs of autumn are creeping in.
I feel the same as you do about making snuggly garments for chilly weather. I was born in October so love the autumn and my drive to work along country roads gives me clear signals of the changing season.
Your beautiful photos are inspiring, I’m sure you achieve more than you think. Enjoy your lovely family and the simple pleasures, life-enhancing and rewarding. x
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Beautiful little mouse with her suitcase all packed for her new home.
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I use my walks to make a mental (or actual) list of what I want to do. Mindfulness meditation started me on the path of being more aware of what I am doing and focussing me on things. One exercise is to plan your next few actions and see how far you get before you become aware that you have been distracted. I find that very useful when I am being “flighty” and unsettled.
However it is also important to distinguish between what is essential and what is not. Do you “have” to do it or are you just guilt tripping yourself into doing it.
Probably teaching you to suck eggs but sometimes I still get so caught up in “everything that needs doing” I forget to check whether the need is real, or just my perception. Much love xxx
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LITTLE MOUSE SO LOVELY,ALL YOUR PICTURES OF TREES TAKEN SO GOOD.
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Such a magical collection of little things. Just looking at it made me feel like a like a little girl ready to have a play with it! Your work is amazing.
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Hi Julie, Just stopping by to say Hello, hope all is well with your family. Now that the weather is cooling off, I’m looking forward to working on my projects.
Kind regards, Kim
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J’admire. Ce qui est bien chez toi, c’est que tu joueras à la poupée toute ta vie avec tes amis animaux. Et je vois que ta théière est habillée elle-aussi, quel chic! Merci
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