cushions

July 6, 2011 Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)37 Comments

Summer colds, sports days, parent's evenings and school concerts have filled most of our time here over the last week. But in between I've squeezed in a little yarnie time and as well as putting the final touches to a batch of knitted animals, I've finished cushion n^o four.

Though when I looked at all four of them together, it dawned on me that I really wasn't keen on the third one and so it's been relegated to the bottom of a bag while I decide whether to unravel it.

I'm pleased though with the remaining three and like the way that they sit together, all different but tied together by the same colours.

There will be news on the batch of knitted animals shortly – I hope to get photos of them done before the end of the week.

We've also had some news on Toby's respite. It's been confirmed that we've been granted 1 day a month of respite (10am -4pm) which is pretty paltry really and left me feeling a bit despondent considering all of the meetings, paperwork and angst we've been through to get it. It also doesn't do a great deal to relieve the continuing lack of sleep, but they won't even consider taking Toby over night until he's 10. Still, looking on the positive side it's better than nothing at all.

Toby has had his first short visit which didn't go particularly well, but as everything there is new and unfamiliar to him, I'd not really expected it to. It's a wonderful purpose built place – a bit like a big family home with bedrooms, dining room, sensory room, toy room, quiet room and a wonderful garden with trampoline, climbing frame and sandpit. Hopefully once he gets used to it, he'll enjoy going there for the day and hopefully somewhere down the line we'll be able to get a little more help than just 6 hours a month!

crafts & knitting

coloured pencils

June 20, 2011 Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)46 Comments

Thanks for the kind comments about the latest batch of knitted animals and about my little sitty-knitty corner on the last but one post. A couple of people asked what I use my collection of coloured pencils for. To be honest, not so much these days – they had most of their use nearly 20 years ago when I was at college and then when I worked (briefly) as an illustrator / graphic designer. I used to paint in gouache and then work over the surface in the caran d'ache watercolour pencils. Things like this…

(If you wanted to see more of my paintings there are a few more on flickr.)

These days the pencils mostly come out for shrinkle making with Amy, though I do sketch out ideas for clothing for the knitted animals from time to time. I did a few paintings for the children's rooms when they were little, but the last time I painted properly was when Amy first started school and I made this Little Red Riding Hood costume for a fancy dress competition.

These days it's mostly knitting rather than painting that fills my free time – it's easier to pick up and put down and so fits in much better with having the children around. But thanks for asking about the pencils and giving me the chance to drag out my paintings again and remember how cute Amy was at five!

crafts & knitting

in the basket

June 17, 2011 Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)45 Comments

I have a host of knitted animals in my 'in progress basket' at the moment.

They're all waiting for little bits and pieces; a dress or jumper, a few french knots here, a button or a tail there.

The little bear at the back is shortly going to be a raffle prize over at Saving Rare Breeds. He's made from organic rare breed yarn (Manx Loghtan) and has an organic wool aran jumper. If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning him or if you'd like to see the lovely selection of other raffle prizes that they have please follow this link. They do so much good work for dying breeds and they'd really appreciate your support.

This is where I've been spending most of the last week, with my bottom parked in that wicker chair, my little radio turned to chill and my fingers working hard.

I like to have my collection of needles near by, ready to dip into when the need to start a new project strikes, but for now I'm trying to focus on the animals in the basket and not get distracted from finishing them off soon!