March is one of those lovely liminal months where seasons are transitioning. Days can start with sharp frosts or sleety rain and the feel that winter still is here, or can be bathed in warm sunshine, drawing delicate scent from early blossom and bright bird song from the tree tops. The change from winter to spring is never a smooth linear transition, it is more like the ebb and flow of waves on an incoming tide, each one advancing just a little higher up the beach and March days feel just like this, each one advancing just a little more towards warmth and regrowth and lengthening daylight.
At the beginning of the month the first hedgerow blossoms were opening on the wild cherry plum trees and here at home on our damson plum tree which looked gloriously beautiful and gave great delight for a week. Now, as the end of the month draws near, it is the turn of the blackthorn blossoms. Blackthorn or sloe bushes flower on bare stems with the new foliage opening after the blossoms have faded. This makes for such a beautiful sight, with white clouds of blossom lining the roads and field margins.
The first green shoots of new leaf growth are gradually opening on many of the trees and aconites, anemones and daffodils are blooming under this gradually greening canopy. And this coming Sunday the clocks go forward an hour, which always brings delight, as the lengthening days mean that light lingers until evening. Even when life feels a little heavy these are all hopeful things that bring small joys.
Knitting is happening too. For a while now I have had a plan to take new photos for the front covers of my early patterns and so I’ve been busy making new sample animals and clothing in currently available yarns. As always these days though progress is slow, but a small step forward is better than none at all. I’ll keep you posted on progress and hope to begin working on some new patterns soon too. In the slow and quiet moments of the day I knit socks, mostly choosing patterns that I have knitted many times before, such as this one ‘Lucky me’ socks by Sofia Capelle.
The more years pass by, the more I realise how much comfort there is to be found in the familiar. The familiar turn of one season to another, the familiar trees along our regular woodland walks, familiar routines day after day, familiar patterns knitted time and time again, so much so that they are in my memory. It will sound boring to some, but it gives me a sense of calm and order and pleasure especially when things outside of my control feel unpredictable and stressful. How about you, do you like your routines or do you prefer the excitement of something new?
Well, I’m off to get Toby a snack, so I will say goodbye for now and leave you with the wish that you have a good few weeks ahead of you where you are, see you in April sometime, J x
PS: (added after getting Toby’s snack), I wanted to give you an update on Katsue the fox. I mentioned in February that she had picked up a new injury which looked quite serious, and I’m very happy to say that she is doing well. She is still limping but moving with much greater ease than she was, and though she is still coming to visit most days she’s no longer encamped in our shed and has returned to her den. I still check the shed daily so see if she’s asleep in there but it’s been over 12 days since she moved out and she is now back to coming for her snacks mostly under cover of darkness.
It seems that she will always have a limp in both back legs now but I’m confident that she is managing well and does not need human intervention (other than small snacks). I feel that intervention should always be kept to a minimum with wild animals and that they should not be removed from their family group and familiar territory unless it is a life threatening situation. It is an enormous relief that she is recovering from her injury well enough to live a normal and very wild life.
little cotton rabbits 
Over the years on your blog Julie your plum blossom has always signalled the start of spring! 🙂
Love the socks … and I’m delighted to hear your little fox is doing well.
V x
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Thanks so much Vivienne, I’m always amazed at how much variance there is between the blossoming time each year but it’s always a joy when the blossoms appear. I hope there is lots starting to happen there in your lovely garden and that you’re enjoying the lengthening days, even though they’re still on the chilly side! Lots of love to you and thanks as always for your lovely comments here, J xxx
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Always happy to get your post! Glad to hear about Katsue. Yes, I have knitted a butterfly shawlette countless times in different colors. It is one that keeps you interested in the pattern changes, but is an easy knit. And then there is the hitchhiker shawl…also in many colors and mindless knitting. I like to add beads on the points. Best to you!
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Thanks so much, sometimes mindless knitting is just the ticket when you want to relax with the rhythm and movement of your hands but not have to concentrate on the details, I’m glad you’ve found some much loved patterns that you can relax with and enjoy too, J x
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Thank you, Julie, as alway, for the lovely words and pictures. I’m with you re the blessing of routines and being able to do things you love again and again. And if the universe offers you a delicious challenge from time to time, there’s space for that too.
So glad your fox is doing well.
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Thanks so much Lil Bruin 🙂 those are wise words, J x
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Yes I too love the familiar routines of home and also enjoy the familiar makes that have almost become a part of my personal identity . One such make is inspired by your pattern for teeny tiny bears and rabbits which I take to extremes of tiny with the smallest my fingers can manage! The changes are in the scraps of yarn and unique characters . I purchased a card today with a quote from Mark Twain, mostly for myself but I think it might resonate a little with you? “…to one in sympathy with nature, each season , in turn, seems the loveliest” Its a real gift to appreciate the details and inspire others to do the same as you do. Thank you for your inspirational words …and patterns!
Elizabeth
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Oh I do like that quote Elizabeth, thank you so much for sharing it, I shall jot it down in my diary – I like to collect quotes that appeal, especially from those throughout history who knew how to appreciate the beauty around them. Thanks so much for your kindness, J xx
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Dear Julie
I do so enjoy reading your updates.
I to love the seasons, they bring so much joy with them.
Kind regards
Susan Parker
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Thank you so much Susan, that’s so kind of you. I hope you’re enjoying the joys of seasonal change where you are too, J x
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Hi Julie,
I am enjoying the changes of the season. I am sitting watching a bluetit
Going in and out of the nest box building its nest, also Mr and Mrs blackbird are in and out of the bush at the back of the garden.
Happy Spring
Susan Parker
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I’d love to trade and taste plum varieties with you. I have an heirloom plum tree called a Potawattamie plum. It has tart small coral plums that make the best jelly. I’m so glad to hear Katsue is doing well. You’ve been a good friend to her over the years. And as always, I look forward to new samples and photos of the lovely knitted animals. Your talent knows no bounds.
Best, Bonnie
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It would be such fun to have you as a neighbour Bonnie, I’m sure we would trade plums and so much more besides and be in and out of each others houses all the time :). That is an awesome name for a plum variety and it sounds like it’s perfect for delicious jelly. I must try and make jam again this year, I’ve missed a few years of doing so. Thank you as always for your wonderful kindness my friend, I hope you know how much your support over the years has meant to me, much love J xxx
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Julie, your blog posts, photos and knitting patterns have brought me a lot of happiness over the past 8 years. I look forward to many more! Blessings from the north end of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, where the weather and the seasons are very much like yours but without the backyard foxes and hedgehogs. I enjoy your enjoyment(!) and appreciation of your surroundings. I feel the same way here.
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Thanks so much Heather, I never made it to Canada and it seems unlikely now but it would have been top of my travel destinations, you have such breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the arrival of Spring there and the chance to be out more and enjoying nature in the warmer weather, J x
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Dear Julie,
Thank you so much for your mail about March.
Just wanted to say, how much pleasure your patterns give to me since many years. I enjoy to knit them again and again! So, I like the familiair things as much as you do.
I live in the Netherlands and make the little cotton rabbits mostly as a gift for babyboys/girls. Their parents are always very happy with that kind of handknitted toys.
Maybe my English is not perfect, but I just wanted to commend on your email!
Have a nice spring!
Greetings from Holland!
Marjanne Holster
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Thank you so much for your kindness Marjanne, it really means so much to me to know that the patterns are enjoyed, thank you again, J xx
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Hello, those beautiful blossom pictures give one hope that it may happen here also!
And thank you for the update on Katsue. Much appreciated.
Love from cold Idaho!
Thistle be a beautiful day!
While there is tea there is hope!
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Hopefully spring will be breezing into Idaho soon, sometimes it can feel such a long way off, ’til then keep cosy, and thanks so much as always for your kind comments, J x
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So happy Katsu is improving and feels safe enough to go back to her Den.
Thank you for the link I shall look at the socks pattern as I’ve always wanted to try to make some.
I am now 60 and I much prefer same routines and home comforts . I have many health issues which restricts my routine but nature, walking and knitting are my go to wellbeing treats so I love to see what’s happening in your part of the world (that and my 3 dogs and Lego ☺️).
Can’t wait until your next blog post.
Keep smiling xxx
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Sorry to read about your health issues Tracy, I hope this is a good week for you and that you’re able to enjoy the things that make you happy, take care of yourself and get plenty of doggy cuddles 🙂 J x
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Thank you for your always thoughtful blog photos and updates.
I am like you, Julie, we’re familiarity breeds comfort in situations that we cannot control. Life can be very stressful, and our needles can be a source of great peace.
Thank you for the update on Katsu. It has been very interesting to follow her journey through your tellings.
Happy spring to you.xx
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Thanks so much Robin, you are so right about knitting being a source of comfort and peace, wishing you lots of that in the coming weeks, J x
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Hi Julie.
I very much enjoy your love of slow, familar days, nature and knitting. I’m an avid sock knitter and love the ones you’re making, so much so, that I’m sure Sofia will be inundated with orders for her pattern. I’ve just ordered two!
Spring Blessings to you and your family xx
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Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy knitting the socks, it is one of my favourite patterns, happy Spring to you too, J x
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Your words and your photos are a calming presence I look forward to receiving each month. I thank you and hope you know how much they are appreciated.
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You’re very kind Cheryle, thank you so much, J x
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Hi again Julie.
May I ask which yarn you used for your socks? x
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Thanks 🙂 yes it’s my current obsession yarn: https://theknittingshed.com/product/ainsworth-prin-classic-sock/ and the colourways I used are Lamentation (the blue) and Milk & Honey (the neutral), hope this helps, J x
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Thanks so much. I’ve knitted so many of your patterns for grandchildren. Now I’m having some me knitting. It’s really helpful to find good sock yarn.
I’ve just got to figure out how to knit less tightly for colourwork on magic loop! I’m aiming to try the inside out technique. Yours look perfect! So kind of you to reply Julie, thankyou
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Thank you for your monthly newsletter I always enjoy being part of your weeks and look forward to receiving them take care.
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Thanks so much Kay 🙂
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I just love reading your blogs, photos etc, they are so uplifting, nurturing & caring. I have knitted since l was a child & 6 years ago l started to crochet. I find when l lift my crochet it grounds me & calms me down especially just now as I’ve a major operation coming up. Wishing you joy with everything you do.
Regards Chrisanne
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Dear Julie. Thank you so much for your lovely posts and updates. They are such a pleasure to read and you are a true inspiration and force of nature. Have a tremendous admiration for your achievements and positivity.
Familiar, soothing routines sound just like what my heart desires too and that I often struggle to achieve in days of worry and anxiety but… one day at the time… after the storms peaceful days will come and meanwhile trying to focus on finding gratitude in what is true and in all the love, nature and peace around us that we all deserve ❤️
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