There's currently a lull in our planning for Toby and a temporary reprieve from paperwork, so I'm enjoying decompressing a little with regular walks out in the woods.
Although winter still has the countryside in it's grip, there are signs that a change is coming, and the first flower of the year is now in bloom, the glorious snowdrop. I never feel right picking wildflowers to bring home, they all have an integral part in the wild eco-system, so I take only photos when I'm out and about, but the snowdrops in the little glass jar (clothed in beautifully made crochet by my friend Esther) were garden-grown and gifted to me by my cousin-in-law Nicky and are a beautiful reminder of their wild kin that are carpeting the woods right now.
Inspired by their delicate colouring, I have also enjoyed knitting myself a new hat. It's the Alpine Bloom hat from Caitlin Hunter of Boyland Knitworks and I've used some lovely Hampshire 4ply yarn from The Little Grey Sheep (colourways 'hellebore' and 'naturally'). I don't often wear green but I'm feeling drawn to it as a colour at the moment, probably because there is such a lack of it in the countryside over winter. Spring is on the way though, and long summer days will be following, all things to look forward to on a dark winter's evening.
There is a little gentle-paced pattern writing going on here again too, I'll show you more when it's a little further along, 'til next time I hope life is treating you kindly, J x
little cotton rabbits 
I love the snow drops! Not a sign of one here in New England as yet.
Pleased to see yours.
What a welcome sight! The first snowdrops and aconites (I love their bright yellow flowers) really cheer our hearts. The white and green of the snowdrops are soothing somehow.
Love the hat! I’m no good at colourwork so I envy your skill. The colours are sublime.
Every month now we will see more things coming into bloom and hope grows with them.
I have a tub on daffodils and a tub of hyacinths on my windowsill at the moment and watching them come out is a daily joy.
Glad you are having a break from the form filling. Happy designing.
SO nice to see the snowdrops! w/hen I lived in England and saw them being sold on the street….I Knew Spring was on the way! Be at peace .
In always so happy when snowdrops appear on your posts. It means spring is near! And what a beautiful hat! And in even better news, a new pattern on the horizon. Good things to anticipate. Heres to many more spring walks on your beloved woods and of course more knitting😊
Snowdrops, hooray!!!! They’re so beautiful in your fields…just lovely…a herald of Spring!!!! Love “Alpine Bloom”—making my third one now…it’s a great fit too…get compliments frequently wearing it…Stay hopeful!Maire
A happy post in so many ways! The photos are beautiful and so calming but stirring a sense of excitement for what’s on the horizon. Thank you!
I save your lovely posts to enjoy at a quiet moment and always feel soothed afterwards. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the snowdrops as well as of your knitting.
So lovely to see all the little snowdrops in bloom!
Love your new hat Julie. 🙂
V x
Love the beautiful snowdrops. Gives me hope that Spring is just around the corner. Thankyou x
What beautiful photos (as always). It’s a wonderful feeling when Spring is in the air. Here in the Southern Hemisphere I am starting to detect that Autumnal feeling – it’s getting light that bit later and some days the air just smells different. It’s also been quite chilly some days but I am hoping for some more hot days before things really change. I’m sp pleased you are having a little break from paper work – it gets exhausting. Big hugs xx
Beautiful photos. Here on the south coast of England I have snowdrops, crocus and even some daffodils in flower in the garden. The hyacinths will be out soon. I also have primroses in flower too! Spring is early this year. I feel that I should be busy in the garden but reluctant to prune dead leaves, stems etc as plants still need protection. We had a frost yesterday!
Very nice post! The things you make are beautiful! But also the photos with the flowers are wonderful! Have a beautiful week!!
I love the simple beauty of snowdrops, and they always give me hope that better days are coming. Such a gorgeous hat too, delicate colours.
The Snowdrops are lovely. I enjoyed seeing your photos. I hope the right thing works out for Toby and your family, and that in the meantime you are all able to recharge your batteries and enjoy the coming of spring x
What a lovely hat with such pretty soft colors! We have snowdrops in our garden in New Jersey in the US, but they are so beautiful as wildflowers sprinkled throughout the forest floor! ❤
Gorgeous had, beautifully done. And lovely snowdrop pictures. Glad you have had some regular walks, it’s lovely to start seeing the woods come to life isn’t it. CJ xx
Wow Julie, your choice of colours are always so so beautiful and inspiring. Absolutely love that green palette.