Thanks so much for the lovely comments on the previous post. The 'Holland' piece has obviously been a source of comfort for a lot of people - I'm certainly very glad it was written. Thanks too for sticking around while I was 'off blog'. I'm up to date with my paperwork now, which is a nice feeling, however fleeting!! I even managed to squeeze in some knitting time - not toys but a pair of Eunny Jang's wonderful Endpaper mittens.
Taking this break from knitting toys has given me a bit of breathing space to consider where it has all evolved to. For the last year I've been going at the toy knitting like there's no tomorrow, but of course there is and this knitting pace is not sustainable if I want to continue to enjoy what I'm doing. For me, that is the one true aim - making the toys is my 'thing' and definitely an antidote to raising a severely autistic child.
Since starting this blog I've had so many lovely comments about the
things I make, all of which I deeply appreciate and treasure and I
guess I felt that I owe you all an explanation and an apology for the
current lack of toys. So I'm sorry that there will be no Little Cotton
Rabbits for Easter this year. Instead I'm building up a stock which
will mean that there will always be a slow and steady trickle going
into my shop even if I have a knitting break now and then.
I've also been pondering my patterns again but I'm not ready to release any yet so I've put a new link to some toy patterns from other designers - including Ysolda Teague who designs toys with the most beautiful shaping and Fuzzy Mitten who has a great range of different creatures. See the list below on the left (I'll add more in future).
It's not all bad news from here though - Edgar and his friends are waiting in their box (in fact they keep trying to break out!) and will pop into the shop in early April and I'll aim to have a new batch every 4 - 6 weeks following that (barring school holidays of course!).
Also this is my 199th post and so in keeping with tradition I'm having a giveaway in the next post - a chance for someone to win a Little Cotton Rabbit of their choice. To enter the draw please pop back and leave a comment on the next post.
Good to hear you are bang up to date and totally organised. Do you think you could spare any of that organised streak so that I might get sorted? At the moment I just seem to mve things from place to place with a view to getting them done, one day.
Great news about the imminent pet release - they look ready to escape at any moment!
Posted by: Lucy | March 17, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Hi Julie
you sound revived and very refreshed. We have all been passhent oand stuck around waiting for you because we all think that you are worth it.
You have worked very hard to get everything done and still look after two children.
A BIG BIG WELCOME BACK JULIE.
lOADS OF LOVE NICCI XXXXX
Posted by: Nicci Kirkham | March 17, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Nice to see you back and thats a lovely box full of toys there :D
Posted by: cazzie | March 17, 2008 at 09:48 AM
And julie just look at all those toys i wish they would escape to my house i would look after them very much.
Well done julie again your work is fantastic. Youre one hard working lady and mum
Also I hope you get lots of eggs on sunday
loads of love Nicci
Posted by: nicci kirkham | March 17, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Your mitts are very lovely!!!
and I LOVE the box of all the critters... it's like they're going to a play or something :)
Posted by: Nikki | March 17, 2008 at 10:53 AM
So glad you're back Julie. Thank you for the links to the toy pattern sites. I will have a go at some of them while living in hope that you decide to release your patterns one day.
Happy Easter to you and your family.
Love Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | March 17, 2008 at 11:04 AM
You never have to explain Julie. If knitting brought stress instead of pleasure, they wouldn't be the special little creatures that they are. Because I am absolutely convinced that each and every one has a touch of magic inside, and that just can't be rushed.
And unless I am much mistaken, they are holing up inside the box from the fab red boots - I am so sad that mine will be put away for summer soon. Must find some red shoes to take their place...
Posted by: Ali | March 17, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Gorgeous box of toys and nice to see you knitting something for yourself.
Posted by: Kate | March 17, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Wow, those mitts are just gorgeous - it must be fun to knit something for yourself for a change!
I often wondered if you still enjoyed the knitting of your toys as they became such a hot commodity. I'm glad you came up with this plan and hope very much that it does the job to provide balance in your daily life. I agree with Ali that we can tell that your creatures are knitted with love. You do whatever you need to keep that true.
Have a wonderful week!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 17, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Gosh but those mittens are beautiful - I can't begin to think how complicated that pattern is/was.
I think it's great that you're being organised with your toys, and look forward to the new listing.
Take care. x
Posted by: Kitty | March 17, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Thats like boxed prozac, how could somebody not smile at that box of little peeps... specially as i spy piggies!!!
Pace yourself as much as you need, would be a shame to make something you enjoy just another chore of life.
Posted by: mummynat | March 17, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Often wondered why fingers don't get cold with these gloves. Must be a reason. Yeah for finishing the paper work, Wonderful peek at the little woolly friends. Big hug.
Posted by: jill | March 17, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I'm glad you are back. I'll be happy whenever I am lucky enough to get one of your Little Rabbits. I know it will be worth the wait. Take care!
Posted by: jaci | March 17, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Love the big box of cuteness, and those Eunny gloves are gorgeous. I attempted her coloured cable socks a couple of years ago but they really did my head in - stranded colours, 1 cable needle plus 4 sock needles - what was I thinking??
Posted by: raker | March 17, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Hallo!
Ooohhh what a big box of cuties! Naughty things trying to escape, I hope one manages to and makes its way to my house!! Tee hee!
Ooohh and a giveaway what fun!
Love
Alison x
Posted by: Alison | March 17, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Do you have any plans to add any little lambs to keep your critters company?
Posted by: April | March 17, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Glad you got it all sorted ok. Those mittens - now you're just showing off!!! They look incredibly difficult, well done. Good luck with the stock - leave them alone in that box for long enough they'll do it on their own!!!!
Posted by: Caroline B | March 17, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Everyone needs to step back from their "work" regardless of how much they love it. Glad you're back and look forward to giving a home to some of your adorable critters and cupcakes.
Posted by: arlene eastwood | March 17, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Look at that box of cuteness!
If you ever decide to sell your patterns, I'm first in line!!! ; )
(nice mitts, too!)
Posted by: rohanknitter | March 17, 2008 at 04:14 PM
I'm always amazed by how much you manage to do! Your box of little characters looks brilliant and I'm very very impressed with those gloves! Look after yourself Julie! Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | March 17, 2008 at 04:20 PM
I'm so glad you're back. Looking at your webpage every day is a special treat for me. The bunnies are beautiful!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Dillon | March 17, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Do you have any plans to add any little lambs to keep your critters company?
Posted by: April | March 17, 2008 at 04:34 PM
You write, "...and definitely an antidote to raising a severely autistic child". I recognize that. I have to have something for myself. If not I am only doing things for my two boys with Asperger and there is no "me" anymore.
So I can only say, keep doing it and keep taking that time !!
Posted by: Annelies | March 17, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Your mittens are great! And you really need something for yourself, that is so important! Your toys are great as always!
Posted by: Martine | March 17, 2008 at 05:26 PM
oh my gosh - i can't wait for your release of your critters! they are so cute! please keep us posted on the release of your patterns, also. I would love to see how your creativity comes together! beautiful work!
Posted by: Rhonda | March 17, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Welcome back, Julie. Your blog is always so positive that I think maybe some of your readers (including me) forget that you have daily challenges far beyond what most of us have to contend with.
And thanks for the links that you provided too. I discovered Barbara's Fuzzy Mitten patterns last year and have used them a lot. She does a wonderful job although I still will be waiting for the day that you decide to publish a pattern:)
Posted by: Caroline | March 17, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Julie,
I am so happy that you are back! I have missed your blog and have been sending my good wishes your way. I know what you mean about not being able to enjoy what you love...it should never be work, huh? Well, I'm glad you're back!
I will be looking at your site again and was wondering if I could get a particular toy with a particular color animal and clothes. Please advise. Thank you!!
Erin
Posted by: Erin | March 17, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Heavens to mergatroid you've been busy! So many fabulous little LCR creations in one box! How on earth do your two let you part with them??
Top job, Julie, your productivity rate amazes and astounds me!
:)
Posted by: Monkee Maker | March 17, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Yeah Julie is back!! So glad you got your stuff organised! Missed you loads and kept checking for updates and just then, after a rubbish day at work - there you are!
Thank you for your mail about the TypePad stuff recently. I'm sort of up and running now.
Keep enjoying what you do! It would be such a shame if you would lose that spark for it because it's getting all too "commercial".
Take care
xx
Posted by: Sonja Driller | March 17, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Found your site by accident and now I show everyone the pictures of your animals and wishing I had your talent, stamina and resilience! (Holland was a wonderful outlook to life). You can see the love that everyone of your toys has been knitted with and I love the fact that no two have the same expression! THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL! Do you sell locally as I am in Ware (where?) and would just love to walk into a shop and see all the little faces peering back at me?!
Keep smitting (smiling and knitting ;-))
xx
Posted by: Jess | March 17, 2008 at 07:12 PM
It's so good to have you back and I do hope that all is well. I love your box of toys!
Posted by: Elaine from CA | March 17, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Julie-- you're right the pressure to sell often take the pleasure out of what you love to do so by ALL means keep it in balance!
and glad your paper work is caught up for now... :)
Posted by: carolyn | March 17, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Love your knitted zoological garden! The gloves are elegant yet cozy!
Posted by: c.Rachel | March 17, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Looking at that cluster of little animals, it absolutely astounds me how many of those critters you knit! I am currently at the beginning of my first BIG knitting project ( a jacket thing for me) and I'm horrified by how time-hungry it is.
Posted by: kirsty | March 17, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Hey Julie, I am so glad to see that you are back but did not begrudge you a break...but I had no idea you had such a big stash of your little creations! I am feeling some good vibes about one of your little babies flying my way now! Ha! Hope you are well - Jen
Posted by: Jenny | March 17, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Good to hear that you are feeling on top of things. The mittens look stunning and I have fallen in Love with the elephant in the photo. She is just fab.
Posted by: alison | March 18, 2008 at 04:53 AM
Julie
Please note that I am posting this comment on the 18th. I am not around later so won't be able to comment on your 200th blog. Does this count as a chance to win a bunny???
Posted by: Philippa | March 18, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Welcome back. I don't think you need to apologise for anything, enjoyment and your family must come first. Those mittens are lovely. Thank you for the needle recommendation too, they arrived last week and are so much better to knit with than my old metal ones. Looking forward to your giveaway
Take care Lisa x
Posted by: Periwinkle | March 18, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I love all your toys but would happily settle for just one beautiful rabbit - hope I'm not too late for the draw!
Posted by: Mandy | March 18, 2008 at 09:57 AM
I wish I could knit...especially when I see what sweetness can be made....your work is perfection!
Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: michele bango | March 18, 2008 at 02:05 PM
I am so glad you are back, rested and smiling!
Even my hubby (the straight laced CPA) checked your blog and let me know you were back.
It is so evident in your box of goodies that you are exactly where you need to be...wonderful mum, talented designer and cherished friend to all of us!
Posted by: Shawn Mary | March 18, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Your blog is wonderful. It is spirit-lifting just to visit. What a wonderful way to see a challenge in your life. God bless you.
Posted by: Dana | March 18, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Awwww Julie I love your work! Too sweet. THanks for sharing your talent.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | March 18, 2008 at 04:51 PM
oh good for you, your remebering the joy of knitting for fun...wow that looks one complicated knit. As for that box of cuties...I got to get myself one of those there foxes...seriously your knitting is amazing!!!
Posted by: SS | March 18, 2008 at 08:02 PM
All those little toys are just adorable. I do hope you're resting up before your 200th post -- as if there weren't enough comments on this post, you do know you're going to be bombarded on the next post, right? LOL!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | March 18, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Julie, I love visiting your blog! Your toys are so fabulous and those mittens are amazing! You are certainly the natural born knitter! I'm glad to hear you will keep the toys coming, when I start working again, I'm hoping I can buy one from you. Until then, I'll just keep trying for your giveaways!
Posted by: Mighty Sally | March 19, 2008 at 04:28 AM
Julie, I love visiting your blog! Your toys are so fabulous and those mittens are amazing! You are certainly the natural born knitter! I'm glad to hear you will keep the toys coming, when I start working again, I'm hoping I can buy one from you. Until then, I'll just keep trying for your giveaways!
Posted by: Mighty Sally | March 19, 2008 at 04:29 AM
Everyone deserves a break once in a while especially if it keeps the mojo alive. So go for it pamper yourself with alternative knitting or no knitting at all. You deserve it! :O)
Posted by: Peacock Chic | March 19, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Waw, your mittens are amazing. Oh, I wish, I knew how to knit... anyway. I really enjoy your blog. It's so fresh and your cotton babies are the cutest.
Posted by: Anja | March 19, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Oh just look at that suitcase full of cuteness!!
Posted by: Kristy | March 19, 2008 at 12:58 PM