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October ramblings

Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)

 

Void2

 

Slowworm

 

Slow worm

 

Slowworm2

 

Cows

 

Cows3

 

Cows2

 

Woollies

 

Read

 

At the end of last week I went walking in a local nature reserve at Broxbourne woods where I was delighted to come across a slow worm sunbathing on the path. Although he looks very snake-like and does have a forked tongue he is actually a legless lizard (apparently his ability to blink and shed his tail make him not a snake). He was so blissed out in the patch of sunlight that I had to step over him and even though I took lots of photos of him he didn't seem bothered by me. He'll probably be starting his winter hibernation in the next month so I expect he's extra bold on these last sunny, warm afternoons while he tops up his tan!

I also met a group of lovely ladies. These beautiful Red Poll cattle have been introduced to the pasture in a habitat conservation project involving legacy grazing. The Red Poll breed is native to the East of England and they certainly looked very at home and were completely relaxed about me walking through their field.

Whilst out and about I've been enjoying the cosy warmth of the void shawl (pattern and yarn details in link on my Ravelry project page). The yarn is really soft and comfortable to wear and the shawl is pretty flexible, looped twice or three times depending on how cold the breeze is. The pom-poms are still in place despite Toby's attentions and I'm hoping he'll be able to help me to make him some pom-poms of his own to play with as a distraction from playing with mine.

Back at home I've been finishing off patterns, starting new socks and getting winter woollies out of storage ready for wearing. I've also been enjoying the October issue 79 of Knit Now magazine which has an interview with me as part of the Knitter of the year awards that I won a prize in earlier in the year. The awards nominations for 2017 have just opened so if you'd like to nominate someone then head over to their page for more details.

Well, I'm off to continue with pattern writing, won't be long now I promise – hopefully I'll be back with news in the next post, til then keep well – there seem to be coughs and colds everywhere at the moment so fingers crossed you avoid them x

 

 

23 thoughts on “October ramblings”

  1. this post just oozes autumn to me….lovely strolls, warm woolies, some wanderings and wildlife….and fall is my FAVORITE!!! time of year. So happy you are having the chance to enjoy it (ours is still weeks away—-we’re still dealing with 90 degree temps some days. UGH!) Congrats on all the so-well-deserved recognition…..can’t wait to see what’s coming our way in the pattern department!!

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  2. Great to see you in this month’s Knit Now, and an award very well deserved I think. Love the slow worm, and those red cattle are amazing. The shawl is beautiful, a gorgeous natural colour. It’s the perfect time of year for a shawl – chilly in the mornings but warm by afternoon. Nicely done. CJ xx

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  6. Glad you have been out and about Julie. We haven’t seen a slow worm in our garden this year, sadly I think they are becoming quite rare. Enjoy your autumn outings and keep us all ‘posted’, as always your photos are lovely. Sue x

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  8. The shawl is gorgeous and your award well-earned! The tassels are perfect. Frankly, I can see the attraction in wanting to play with them. The cows are a lovely color that I’ve never seen before (not that I know anything of cows). They do look serene. So nice to read a positive story regarding the land.

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  21. I love the shawl, but what caught my eye was the picture of your shoes! My favourite shoe shop closed down last year and this year my leather ‘desert boots’ from that shop split across the sole……only knew this when I was in a torrential downpour and my right foot became damp. Could you let me know what make yours are, please? (They look as though they might have good soles)

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