Rabbits, rabbits, rabbits...and some gems!

Oh dear, how I’ve been slack of late…I have been completely immersed in the world of bunny rabbit knitting. In fact it has taken over my life completely and blogging has been the last thing on my mind! But I won’t complain as it’s all invaluable knitting experience. I’m slowly getting to grips with knitting, pearling, casting on/off and everything else, although the odd dropped stitch still happens - grr.

You will have to excuse the lack of quality photo’s – I don’t have a good camera, but I also seem to suffer from ‘shaky-hand’ syndrome so the pictures aren’t really all that clear. Unfortunately I think this is something I may have inherited from my dad, I'm hoping that it's nothing more serious, and therefore all it will require is either a tripod or an investment in a new sparkly camera with an anti-shake setting...anyway, I'm going off point...I really wanted to keep a record of what I’ve been making and I’m hoping that over time I will see some sort of improvement – on both the crafting and photography side of things.

I’ve been making bunnies for friends who are having babies and friends of friends who are having babies! (Basically there seems to be a bit of a baby boom in the Midlands at the mo!) I’ve been trying out different coloured wools and even took a plunge at a bit of decorative knitting with the heart on one of the jumpers (ooh get me!)

I think they’ve turned out alright, especially as I’ve only been knitting since about March/April time.

Once I’ve gotten all these rabbits off the production line I can fully concentrate on a baby blanket that I seem to have been one third of the way through for what seems like forever. Chris and I are hoping to be going down the parenting route in the not too distant future so I wanted to be able to make something that would act as a keep sake, but also give me practice as I want to be a mum who can knock anything up at any given moment…..and I also wanted to hone my craft and start making my own creations to sell. In my mind I picture a future where I am selling my illustrations and handmade goodies…I just have to get these bloomin rabbits out of the way first!

New Finds

I have recently fallen head over heels in love with the Belle and Boo collection of art by Mandy Sutcliffe - check out the website: http://booboobelle.com and blog: http://belleandboo.blogspot.co.uk/ The illustrations are so beautiful (do I even need to tell you that?) and full of the joy that is being a child! I think I'm going to have to request a print for Christmas (unfortunately my birthday has been and gone), and I already know exactly what I'm going to be asking for.

Belle Hugs Boo

While researching and on my quest for ever more inspiration I stumbled upon the work of Sarah-Jane. I don't know how she does it, but with beautiful illustrations spanning all kinds of creative fields: books, stationery and textiles Sarah Jane's, illustrating childhood is something to be marveled. Dare I say, check out the website and blog: http://sarahjanestudios.com and http://sarahjanestudios.com/blog/.  Love, love, love! (Can I make that two requests for Christmas presents??)

Children's Wall Art Print - Oh Happy Day

If these don’t get my creative juices flowing then I don’t know what will. They are beautiful, gentle and make me want to smile - and if I could buy out the whole collection(s) then I would. Delicate illustrations full of whimsy and nostalgia. I love these childhood images, they bring back memories of myself playing as a child, with no cares in the world. Oh to be 5 again! If anything, they've given me a kick up my ever expanding backside, as I haven't done any drawing or painting of my own in yonks....damn them pesky rabbits!!