The patter of furry feet

Winter is almost over and here in the English Lake District everyone is preparing to welcome the many visitors that will holiday here during the coming season. If you listen carefully you might hear the patter of furry feet; not the visitors arriving I hasten to add but many thousands of familiar looking soft toys making their way to local shops. Each one will be hoping to find a good home and travel to pastures new.

All this furry activity is due to one little rascal in a blue coat who goes by the name of Peter Rabbit. He is the creation of Beatrix Potter who lived in the Lake District for many years.

Anyone who visits the area will see Peter Rabbit peeping out of shop windows everywhere.

Peter and his cousin Benjamin Bunny are part of the large family of animals that, thanks to Miss Potter's little story books, have become synonymous with the Lake District and are now known and loved the world over. At times it seems there are more softies living here than people.

 
 
 
Above are just a few of the characters that are available in gift shops.

Apart from fabric animals, shops sell a huge variety of figurines.

There are plates in many different sizes, in fact there's enough china for a thousand banquets.

But who wants a banquet when you can enjoy a quiet tea party.

If you are a fan of Beatrix Potter's stories and fancy having a go at making some of her characters at home then I can recommend 'Toys from the Tales of Beatrix Potter' by Margaret Hutchings. Although it was published in 1973 I have checked various bookseller's lists and it is still readily available second hand.

Containing over 300 pages it has patterns for most of the characters in Miss Potter's books. There are lots of hints and tips about the best fabrics to use and lots of little extras to make as well. Sadly there are very few coloured pictures but from those that are in the book I have chosen some of my favourites.

I have made Apple Dapply a number of times over the years in a variety of different dresses. I once inserted a tiny wind-up musical movement in the back which provided great amusement for the little girl who received her as gift.
(N.B. this isn't the mouse I featured a few ago weeks ago in my blog).

Here's my favourite, Hunca Munca and her babies. Instructions for making the cane cradle are also included in the book.

Tabitha Twitchitt and her kittens are wonderful and on the right is Mrs Ribby calling to borrow some yeast in 'The Tale of Samuel Whiskers'

Who could resist Mrs Tiggywinkle doing her ironing. She has been made from thick fur fabric that has been stiffened to form prickles....very clever.

And finally here are Aunt Pettitoes and Spot seeing Pigling Bland and Alexander off to market.

There are several other coloured pictures which I haven't included here and plenty of black and white ones together with drawn illustrations.

The soft toys in the book are unique and would make special gifts to be treasured. The cute little characters (below) are mass produced in the Far East and are great for little children as they are washable. 

N.B. the patterns for these shop bought toys are NOT in the book.

As the tourist season gets ever closer these little characters will grow in number, their happy smiles greeting us everywhere we go!!

Until next time,

Eli

Comments

[Rhondi]

I love Beatrix Potter's books and had the fun of visiting her home there years ago. I really expected to see Peter hiding in the garden somewhere!
Hugs, Rhondi

[Carolyn]

Reminds me of our trip last spring to the Lake District.
It is so beautiful there-I loved there and the Cotswolds.Hope we can go back sometime!

[Kitschen Pink]

Oh the handmade ones are so very lovely! Miss Tiggywinkle is always my favourite. t.x

[Debbie]

Delightful post Eli. I am a Beatrix Potter fanatic and collect books, toys, ornaments, china and anything else I can find connected with her. I have visited Hill Top three times and hope to go back soon. Thank you for the information about the book.
Debbie x

[Paula]

Dearest Eli,

Oh, what a delightful post!!! You must love living in the beautiful Lake District as Beatrix Potter did. The softies, books and china are all so very charming and sweet! Indeed, I would prefer the quite tea party that your sweet bear is enjoying!

The homemade softies are so darling! Thank you for sharing the book recommendation, and all of the lovely photos! I will have to read some of Beatrix's stories today!

I always enjoy my visits with you!
Love, Paula

[Suzanne]

Eli,
How I wish I could find the treasures in the pics! I am coming for a visit I tell you--I will be walking up the lane to your cottage someday:-)

[Redwood House]

Hi Eli, ohh my word what a delightful post, I love Bea and her family of lovely animals, I never tire of the pictures in her books the colours are beautiful. Love the teapot.
Apple Dapply is so sweet and to have music as well in one of them how fab is that.
I suppose the 'visitors ' of the human kind are mixed blessing in the Lake District, I have very fond memories of camping on the banks of Ullswater as a teenager, it was busy then I suspect it is even busier now adays but still just as beautiful.
Jan

[Melanie]

What a pretty blog.

Yes I'm a fan of Beatrix Potter too. I like the changing colours in your garden. I hadn't realised the rhodedendrons were out yet as the weather has been so overcast.

[clarice]

We love BP, there use to be in Carmel, CA this little tiny BP store. You walk down this narrow cobblestone walk way to a little garret house with a stucco fireplace. I LOVED that store and was very sad when it was closed. I love your new banner by the way. Clarice