Autumn has arrived here, with wet and windy weather and a sudden profusion of fungi out in the woods. I head there at every opportunity, savouring the soothing peace and quiet that flows between the trees.
It’s been a good year for the hedgerow fruits of hips, haws and berries and the woodland creatures will be well provisioned this winter. Tree nuts have been abundant too – chestnuts, beech nuts, hazelnuts and acorns have covered the woodland floor, though most are now hidden away in the winter larders of squirrels and jays. And now the holly trees present their harvest and are heavy with scarlet berries. I hope to see the first waxwings, but am not lucky this time.
There is such great beauty in the natural world, but sometimes you have to get dirty knees and elbows in order to see it. Luckily for me the woods are mostly deserted on week days, so there is no-one to see me lying on my tummy in a soggy patch of moss in order to capture the close up delight of a toadstool and home is only a 10 minute trip in the car so I’m soon warming up in a hot bath after getting damp and chilled on my adventures.
Then it’s back to knitting, for now just a little gentle-paced making rather than the more intense pattern writing. A pair of socks, a couple of Sophie scarves and quite a few pairs of very simple ribbed wrist-warmers are all currently on my needles and I’m enjoying just flitting between whatever takes my fancy at the time. And with each new project I begin to feel a re-kindling of my love of knitting, which I’ve recently felt has been ebbing away from me a little. Perhaps being so focussed on the end product, as is necessary when writing patterns, has diminished my enjoyment, and I just needed a little simple ‘process knitting’ time to find my joy again.
Hope you find a little joy somewhere in your week, J x
PS: it’s been wonderful to see so many cows appearing on the facebook group and on ravelry, thanks so much for sharing pictures of your lovely projects 🙂
little cotton rabbits 
Hi Julie
So great to see these beautiful pictures of the forest fungi. So many different species.
It must feel good knowing the cow pattern is finished and and you can do what ever you want. It’s freeing
I’m so enjoying making the cow and will soon be finished. A very cute pattern.
Thanks again for bringing these patterns to life so that we all can enjoy them.
A big hug
Sandy
Julie – Your photography skills are outstanding! Your pictures are so lovely. Thank you for taking us along on your wooded adventures! I have purchased the new cow patterns and am anxious to get started! Happy Autumn!
Your description of the woods and hedgerow bounty made me think of the Brambly Hedge books. I can just see Primrose out with Lord and Lady Woodmouse gathering blackberries for the Store Stump.
Your photos are wonderful! Thank you.
Such amazing photos Julie !!
I can just imagine you laying on your tummy getting your favourite shot!!! Enjoy
Glad you are enjoying the great outdoors Julie, your pics are so worth the muddy clothes! 🙂
V x
Amazing pictures! ❤️❤️❤️
Stunning photos Julie – thank you for sharing! Glad to hear you’ve got your knitting mojo back with some lovely projects to enjoy after all your hard work!
What beautiful fungi photos. If you ever decide to change careers you could have one as a nature photographer. The photos are stunning. I’m so happy you’re finding time to pursue other relaxing pastimes now, without the pressure of “work” knitting and pattern writing. Enjoy all of the simple creative outlets that you so excel at.
We have hips & haws, too, in southwest colorado. Not many mushrooms, though. Maybe, they’ll appear after some rain or snow.
Loved your message & photos!
I love seeing your woodland photos and all the memories of being a child growing up in the UK come back. Amazing pics. Looking forward to the cow pattern after I finish the koala. My grandson loves his “Shaggy” the lion.
Julie, your posts bring me much joy. I love your photos, and it makes me wish I could visit with you on your woodland walks and then back to a cozy afternoon, knitting by the fire. Thank you for sharing with us!
Beautiful photographs. Perhaps there are knitted fungi in your future?
WOW! these photographs are great! I love forest 🙂
I am convinced that if I could knit as well as you, I’d never stop. I still cannot knit a complete sock. Turning a heel is my Achilles heel.
Be well.
Fab photos particularly love the first mushroom with the spider hiding underneath 😀 🕷xx
Beautiful pictures! I totally understand your need to kneel down! I would probably pick some of them that I know they’re very tasty.
Your fungi photos are honestly the best, absolutely stunning. Some of the toadstools look like wood, some are so fresh and delicate, it’s amazing to see them in such detail, I am blown away. I just love fungi, they are so fascinating. The shots of the sun filtering through the trees are fantastic too, and I love all that moss on the ground. Just seeing picture of the woods makes me happy.
I’m glad you’re feeling in love with knitting again. I have been feeling the same over the past couple of weeks. I have treated myself to a little new yarn that I’m looking forward to using, as soon as I’ve finished the scarf I’m working on, which should be today or tomorrow. CJ xx
You take the most wonderful photos and tell the loveliest stories. Thank you x