Little Cotton Rabbits

what a week!

I won't be sad to see the back of this week, which has been a much wilder rollercoaster ride than usual. We've had the highs of little people's birthdays and the lows of terrible accidents. Just quickly to mention my Mum has now had an operation to fit a 'halo' (I always knew she was an angel!) which is a metal frame anchored to her skull and going all the way down to the small of her back to prevent her from moving her head at all. Hopefully with this in place she should be able to start sitting up from early next week and start the long, slow and painful process of recovery.

This week has left me feeling a bit weary but my spirits have been lifted by all of the wonderful supportive comments that you've left both here and on private emails - it means a lot to know that there are people out there sending good thoughts to my poor wonderful Mum. Thanks too for all of the birthday wishes for both of the children. Toby had fun with some helium balloons yesterday (his favourite pressie) and of course he enjoyed cake!

The week is ending on a high note though. Now that the postal strike has finished I've had some lovely mail.

I've been enjoying all of the treats and delights that arrived in this package from Kat at Secrets of a Butterfly. She sent such a pretty bone china cup saucer and plate (I added the tea and muffin!) and some much appreciated cath kidston goodies but my favourites are the beautiful and intricate cards which she makes.

Then this wonderful and thoughtful surprise arrived yesterday with a very beautifully worded and apt note all the way from Kim in Australia. It's such a perfect handcrafted bag for keeping my 'work in progress' bunnies in and I know they'll dream happier thoughts of what exciting lives await them while they nestle together in here...

Lastly in the post today came a brand new, just launched magazine - Let's Knit which I couldn't wait to open because not only is it stuffed full of patterns, features and yarn reviews but I'm in it too!! If you squint at this picture you can just make out my smiling face (I'm too shy to show it bigger!) and 2 of my toys.

It's a really nice article about me and my work and it's great timing as I'll take a copy to show Mum when I visit over the weekend.

So, I'm going into the weekend with a smile on my face, thanks so much for your friendship and support in a difficult week xxx

Pigs ear scarf

I'm a great one for impulsive yarn buying - I see something I like and have to get it without having any idea of how I'm going to use it (don't tell H!). Sometime last year I spied some gorgeously soft Debbie Bliss Cashmeriono Astrakhan in a beautiful smokey duck eggy kind of colour and I just knew I had to have some. You'd think I'd stand there, check the yardage and ponder over how many balls but no, I grabbed 2 and they were mine!

So when I finally get out my needles (a year or so later) and start knitting up a simple scarf all seems fine - until I run out of wool and end up with a scarf that is way too short to be worn how I like (folded in half with the ends pushed through the loop). So some serious thinking was needed to save this scarf from being consigned to the bottom of the wardrobe and then a inspiration struck in the form of a button!

With a little bit of gathering and the attaching of a big antique mother of pearl jobbie I'm now happy to wear it (and it goes perfectly with my gorgeous Kirstencan corsage). And the morale of the story - plan your project before you buy your yarn (yeah, like that's going to happen!). Happy weekend all!

Urban wildlife

I may have said goodbye to a hedgehog yesterday but my garden is still popular with the local urban wildlife. Just after breakfast this morning I looked out and spotted two foxes frolicking in the autumn leaves!

Maybe Herbert has spread the word about this garden having a good source of munchies. I don't expect them to stick around for long though - these two will probably be travelling via royal mail as they'll be popping up in my shop with the next batch of toys.

A quick Herbert update: he's definitely still around - I heard snuffling in the bushes late last night and this morning it looks like he's pulled some of the extra bedding I'd left scattered around into his little house.

A little 'me' knitting!

Before I started knitting mostly toys I made quite a few cardis and jumpers for the children but it has been ages since I made anything for myself. Well, that has just changed mainly thanks to ravelry. I was so inspired by all the gorgeous knitting going over there and finding the perfect free pattern on knitty was the push I needed to rush out and buy myself some scarf yarn.

And shortly after I had this - my 'branching out' scarf in herb felted tweed.

I've really enjoyed making this scarf and I'm chuffed to bits with how it turned out. I have a feeling that I might have need to make another in a different yarn sometime soon! There is also some bunny knitting going on here but more news of that next week.

The Gang's all here...

They're in the shop right now and have been getting together for a group shot before they all go their own separate ways. UPDATE: Sorry, they've all sold now.

Some of them are a little sad to be parting and getting in lots of cuddles but I'm sure they'll live happily ever after once they reach their new homes.

Sunday Morning happy feet

My feet are in heaven, gently nestled within a pair of wonderfully soft and perfectly fitting handmade socks from the lovely Lisa. Warm socks, a cup of tea and a good book - what more do you need on a lazy Sunday morning. Now I just have to convince H to take the kids somewhere for a few hours!

She also made me this dinky little sock keyring - so perfect and so cute! My feet and I thank you Lisa!