Hello! It’s very cheerful here on Planet Penny…a blue, blue sky and bright sunshine – a perfect winters day. And when Higgins and I went round the garden this morning we found these little lovelies optimistically anticipating Spring…
They are probably being a little too optimistic seeing as we’re not even in the middle of January yet, but I shall enjoy them while I can!
And I have my usual post Christmas bunch of daffodils which I have to welcome the New Year. There’s something so fresh and hopeful about the delicate lemon/yellow and green after the bright colours and rich decorations of Christmas. They’re not quite open yet…
…so I’ve got it all to look forward to!
Can you see those spools on the the top of the dresser? I bought them at the Knitting and Stitching show last year and forgot to show them to you. They were empty when I bought them, but it was an ideal way of showing of some ribbons, tapes and bindings I’ve had in my stash waiting for the right moment to star…
The top two and the far right one are some I found in France and wrote about in this post, the blue and white stripe bias binding is made from a favourite shirt of Tim’s and the seashell ribbon was tied round a birthday present. This way I can enjoy them even though I haven’t actually made anything with them yet! (I can’t remember the name of the company I bought them from at the Show, but I’ve found them for sale via Not on the High Street from Jane Means)
And the other thing which has made me happy is a little rabbit. I don’t really knit animals much as I love to needlefelt them, but yesterday I discovered a bag of sample wool…
and this Debbie Bliss book which I’ve had for years…
click image for info
As I discovered it while I was looking for my mislaid sock pattern (which I needed as I’d got to the point of turning the heel) I abandoned the search, grabbed the most bunny coloured wool and some needles and created my own version of a Debbie Bliss rabbit. (I know, what a butterfly brain!)
I’ve used vintage mother-of pearl buttons to attach the limbs and shirt buttons for the eyes so he wouldn’t be suitable for a little one, but I think he’ll be staying with me for the moment!
So that’s what making me cheerful this week, how about you? Do share your thoughts by adding your blog to the Linky below, or if you don’t have a blog, leaving a comment. I really appreciate all your comments on every post and always read them. If you are linking your blog, don’t forget to link back to Planet Penny so we can really spread a little cheerfulness!
And now I’d better get back to looking for that sock pattern….
See you soon! x
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Dearest Penny
That simply has to be the most hoppity rabbit I have seen in ages. I love him/her and his vintage buttons are just too perfect. That spirit yarn is rather lovely, I’ve used it before and really enjoyed crocheting with it.
Love those reels too, a good idea to display some meaningful ribbons on so you can admire them istead of having them hiding in a sewing box somewhere.
We were just commenting on the daffodils showing their heads so early in the hospital grounds today, I hope frost or snow doesn’t make them go away! Thanks for sharing such cheeri-ness on this mid-week day xox Penelope
ps. I’m over the moon to be able to understand what you mean about turning the heel in sock knitting! :0)
Reasons to be cheerful … it’s so warm for the time of year. This time last year I lived in Canada (where minus 20 isn’t unusual and you go for months without getting anywhere near as high as zero), clearing snow on a daily basis and generally freezing my butt off. Now we’re back in Europe (Germany at the moment) and the winter has been quite kind so far. Loving it!
Your rabbit is gorgeous; I can see why you’re keeping him!
Wasn’t it glorious this morning? I went for a walk without a coat,gloves, hat or even a vest it was so warm… freedom spirit yarn is a favourite of mine, love knitting with it.
Hi Penny!
I have been meaning to play along with your cheerfulness since you start but I always forget which day you have it on! Next Wednesday I will do it for sure. Love your bunny, he is gorgeous!
I found you from Goat Philosophy 101! Looks like a great linky you have here! Come check me out.
Tayet
Gorgeous rabbit Penny, love how his ears flop and the buttoned limbs. I knitted one of those years ago with a stripy jumper, but didn’t have half the sweet character of yours.
Hope you’re well and enjoying this lovely start to the year.
X
The best projects are the spur-of-the-moment ones. What a wonderful bunny! I particularly like his ears and nose. The spools are beautiful too. How nice to have daffodils-in-waiting on your dresser.
Will be linking up tomorrow.
I do love a knitted bunny – I made one myself two years ago (the only thing I can ever remember knitting and finishing) and I love him to bits. Yours is utterly delightful and makes me want to knit another one.
This post has just reminded me to start plotting some of the bulbs I bought back in December. Your bunny is irresistable…I love its big floppy ears!
Love seeing your garden ‘springing’. I’m amazed at what you do, everything it seems. The buttons to attach the limbs is genius.
Your rabbit is gorgeous and I am sooo jealous of the fact you made him in one day. It would take me a week’s worth of evenings i’m sure. Love your blog.
What a cute bunny! And what is that flower in the first picture?
Penny! What have you done? You are attracting goats! 🙂
That bunny is adorable! You are so very talented!
Love your spools, what a lovely idea to put on show that lovely binding.
I’ve used some of that spirit wool before to make a bag which I then felted, but I think I far prefer your little rabbit, super cute!
I have still not really ventured into the garden, but it is nice to see the beginnings of spring. Have a cheery week!
Love your display, fabulous spools and that rabbit is so sweet! You work very quickly.
My new shoes are making me smile (see blog post) they go so well with my stripey socks, hope you found your pattern and finished yours.
Carol xx