Yesterday morning was bright and beautiful and I should have taken myself off for a walk but I am a bit hooked on knitting bunny heads at the moment, so I sat and knitted instead. It always happens when I find a new and particularly nice bunny knitting yarn and I’m having fun turning a big bag of yarn that I bought before Christmas into lots of animal heads.
This particular yarn isn’t just a single ball but a combination of 2 strands knitted together, both from a new brand called Willow and Lark. One is tweedy and rustic and has interesting flecks of subtle colour – Woodland, and the other is a thin strand of very fluffy blended mohair and silk – Plume. The nice thing is that there are similar shades in both different yarns so they match up perfectly. I’ve done the same thing in the past (with Rowan Felted tweed and Rowan Kid silk haze) and the two new Willow and Lark yarns are similar to those and combine beautifully to create a lovely knitted fabric that has texture, fuzz and subtle tones – in short perfect for bunny heads. I like the lovely halo that you get around their little ears and you can even brush the finished fabric to tease out extra mohair strands and increase the fuzziness.
The other reason I’m finding it a bit hard to step away from the knitting at the moment is because I want to release an updated version of the 2 rabbit patterns with a couple of extra head options, so I am knitting samples, tweaking a stitch here and there and making sure I’m happy with the instructions. I’ll keep the blog here updated with news when the pattern is ready but it will be a free update.
So a sunny day passed by outside while I sat inside knitting, but by yesterday evening the winds were beginning to build in strength ahead of an overnight winter storm. Happily I was still snuggled up with tea and chocolate and feeling cosy. When I was a child I loved the sound of storms at night, it was thrilling and a bit scary. But being an adult and a homeowner puts an entirely different complexion on things and instead of lying there listening to the sounds of the storm and pretending that you’re on an old-fashioned sailing ship with big sails and creaking decks, you’re lying there wondering how many roof tiles are flying off and how expensive it will be to get the roof fixed.
Happily for us all of the roof tiles seem to be intact this morning, though we do have a couple of loose fence panels and the profile of the hill that I can see from my kitchen window looks somehow different, so there may be a tree or two down up there.
Hope the weather is calm and restful where you are and you have the chance to do something you enjoy sometime today x
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PS: Before I go I just wanted to say a big thank you to Feedspot for including this blog in their top 50 UK Knitting blogs. I’m in some very good company, so if you are a fan of knitting blogs then it might be worth visiting and seeing who else is included.
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Disclosure notice:
Please be aware that I only write about and recommend yarns/products that
A. I’ve paid for with my own money and
B. I actually use in my projects
At the beginning of December I bought 2 of every shade suitable for bunny knitting and received the tote bag as part of a promotion that was running (a free bag with a minimum spend of £10 while stocks lasted).
little cotton rabbits 
Hi Julie. Just love seeing your blog appear on my screen. I’ve been making some animals from a new book of patterns and have to tell you that your instructions are the most clear and easiest to work because they are so well done. I have a three-ringed binder chock full of your patterns and can’t wait to go back to it! fondly, Christie (in Maine, USA)
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Hello Julie…love your blog, really look forward to reading it. It is so calm and satisfying with lovely pictures and no rush….and the friends that come out at the end are so delightful and soothing. You must be like this as a person to imbue your characters with such charming personalities…..keep up the good work…xx
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I love the mohair haze around the bunny ears too!
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There is nothing cuter than your bowl of bunny heads! It sounds as if you made the right choice for your day, staying cozy inside with some knitting, tea and chocolate sounds perfect to me! Your new yarn is beautiful, I do love your sense of color.
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Looking forward to the new updates on the bunnies!
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Good Winter Morning to you Julie!
Funny you should be dabbling in Willow & Lark… I have some in my checkout basket for contemplation! Glad to hear you like it. My life, currently, is focused on my Mom (85 yo, recovering from a knee replacement) and my M-i-L (93 yo & slowing down & wearing out). Both look alone in their home but their support needs have escalated. I am starving for a knitting day or even a stolen hour. I’ll get there! Thanks for your ongoing inspiration. Can’t wait to review the changes. Appreciate the free update! Stay warm. Stay cozy. Enjoy gentle moments or days!
As always, Lori from Port Perry 😊🐾🐾🐾🐰…🦊🐭🐹🐼🐻🐵🐷🐱
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I lay awake listening to the storm too, and also wondered what destruction I would wake up to this morning. Thankfully just a few blown over bins, wheelbarrow and a bbq cover!
I forgot to lock the chickens up last night so I was thankful that they managed to get themselves into bed and safe out of the wind.
Love the bowl of bunny heads and I’m going to investigate the new yarns.
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Ohhh mi querida Julie! Es tan inspirador tu plato de conejitos! Los adoro, me parecen lo más dulce del mundo! Tus patrones son únicos, super bien explicados y las fotos nos ayudan muchísimo! Tengo que volver hacer el conejito, cuando inicié con tus patrones no era una experta en dos agujas y menos en muñecos, pero con tus explicaciones y los links aprendí mucho! Ya quiero hacerlo! Gracias! Cariños Vicky
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These little bunnies are so sweet! The yarn looks scrumptious. I really do you appreciate your disclaimer about the yarns — it’s nice to know when people truly love something they’re using (not just because of sponsorship). Can’t wait to see the updated patterns — I’ve been meaning to knit one of your sweet animals for so long, now may be the time to do it.
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I so love reading your blog and seeing your beautiful knitting.
I love the bunnies, having bought the patterns I must start making some of the gorgeous animals. Maybe that should be my new year resolution as I have the patterns and the wool!!
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I see one little bear head tucked amongst those adorable bunny heads! What beautiful photos … love them!
I am over here in Calgary, Alberta … Canada. It was -35C last week and today is ‘only’ -10C … practically balmy. Ground is covered in snow so every day is a perfect day for cozy knitting with tea and chocolate around here!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us!
Sandy
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I am glad to hear this news about bunnys and I am going to buy new yarns 🐰
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I love the bowl of bunny heads–it is a bit discombobulating to see bunny heads without bodies, but they look happy enough so I will quit worrying LOL. I’ve had a new foster bunny for a week and I am happy to say that, although his head is firmly attached to his body, there are other remarkable similarities! As for the weather and winter storms, I know exactly what you mean. We had a big thaw, 13″ or more of water in the basement and are in full flood recovery, including yarn (and fabric) that I thought was safe. I will toss out the cheap stuff, kept and washed the good stuff. Sitting here with tea and chocolate, but no knitting time for me right now 🙂
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The yarn looks beautiful and the bunnies are as always adorable!!
I’m not surprised that your blog has been featured Julie, it has always been a big favourite of mine! 🙂
V x
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Hi Julie
Yep we had bad storms up here in Largs also lots of snow but just looking at you wonderful bowl of bunny heads has made my day, just like your great blog.
Julie I am so desperate to get back to my knitting, but with grandson attending hospital mon wed and fri it’s hard to get free time for myself, but maybe if I get chance I’ll take knitting this week coming lol 😂
I just love the idea of mixing two tarns for a texture also the colours are great.
Great news about your blog well done.
Just off to make some Horlicks and a ktkat!!!! Lol
Hope Toby and family are all well
Thanks for super blog, can’t wait to see new bunnies.
Hugs
Ellie xx
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Gorgeous little bunnies, they really are. I am in love with the one on the right in the top picture, with the little grey nose and a grey patch round his eye. He is utterly adorable, such a sweet, cheeky little face. Honestly, you’re so talented at creating their expressions, they’re brilliant. It looks very cosy with you, I don’t think I’d have ventured out either. Knitting, chocolate and a storm outside, perfection. CJ xx
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Your bowl of bunny and teddy bear heads make me laugh……..like dumplings in soup…enjoy your blog and viewing your projects. Do you paint, as well?
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I loved the photos of the bunny heads sitting in a bowl, almost looks like it is snowing. They each seem to have personalities waiting- you could almost feel the softness of the yarns. Good choices!!! Love your blog. Paula-Windmill Flower Farm, No. California.
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hello,I have been following your blog for ages but don’t usually post a comment.I love your blog,you are so talented,just adore your bunnys and other animals.Beautifully knitted.x
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Hi Julie, I so look forward to reading your blog and seeing your photographs – it never disappoints and you so deserve to be recognised for your efforts, well done.
I love the new version bunny heads, that yarn combination is gorgeous, I will be knitting a bunny for my new baby grandson so I will wait for the amended pattern. I hope you have lots more cosy knitting time planned. Sue x
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All those adorable little ears and heads bobbing up out of the bowl made me say Ahhhhhhhhhh. Just adorable. Thanks for your excellent blog. I really enjoy it and glad you have been selected as one of the top 50 in the UK. Congrats.
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Hello lovely. It’s so good to see you blogging more these days. I’m looking forward to having a rummage through those heads very soon. Your photos are so beautiful and make me want to curl up and knit along with you. x
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Those bunny heads are sooo cute! and do I see a little bear head in the bowl too? Just gorgeous!
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Your bunnies are so lovely !! ♥
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Congratulations on the recognition! =)
It is 6* F and snowy here in Detroit, Michigan, USA! I wish I could be cuddled up with some nice yarn, tea and chocolate, but life is just in the way at the moment… I will just have to live vicariously through your lovely pictures!
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Oh I can’t wait for updates! I gave my first bunny girl to a grandchild and just pulled yarn out to make myself some! Thank you !Also I’ll need a spring lamb and some teddies!
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I’m so excited for the updated bunny patterns. I love the ones with the little eye patches. I also love to read about what you’re doing. You write so beautifully about every day things.
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Bellissimi sempre i tuoi coniglietti, ho comprato parecchi dei tuoi vari schemi e ne ho fatti già un po’ per la mia nipotina Emma, grazie per le tue belle creazioni.
Un caro saluto dall’Italia,
Laura
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Hi.
Just a short remark to let you know, that I’m totally smitten with your little creatures and are happily knitting away.
I’m danish and enjoy your pattern, which are easy to understand, even though I haven’t knitted “in English” before.
Can’t wait for the new update.
Love Karin. Copenhagen, 🇩🇰
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HI,
Love your blog and your patterns.
Happy 2018
Helen
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Dear Julie, I just love this line in your most recent post “instead of lying there listening to the sounds of the storm and pretending that you’re on an old-fashioned sailing ship with big sails and creaking decks” and I will try to remember that image when listening to summer thunderstorms.
I live in the Mid-Atlantic US, and it is actually a little warm now. However, since Christmas, we had temperatures in the negative range Centigrade…and it has been a while since that has occurred. Plus snow that lasted for more than a week.
Unfortunately, I had to slog to work. However, it makes appreciate having a roof, warmth, food, etc., even if I do worry about how frequently the furnace is going on and how much fuel I must be consuming.
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Oh, those little bunny heads all look so cute! I think the biggest stumbling block for me to start one of your bunnies is choosing the yarn — I have no yarn confidence LOL! It needs to happen soon though — Easter is coming!!!
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Excited to see the updated bunny patterns–I made my niece your little girl bear for Xmas, and soon she will have a whole menagerie! I have always wondered how you source your yarns and how much you buy in a year: you always have such nice combinations, but I would be snowed under with yarn if I knitted for a living!
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When the hurricanes roar over my house in the late summer and/or early fall, and I feel my house sway a little bit in the night, I remember the hurricane of 1938 (which was actually before my time by a few decades), and remind myself that our house stood through that; it will stand through this.
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