I started to write this post yesterday, I had just started talking to you about the tradition of Maundy Money in the UK when I lost my internet connection - something which is getting more and more common in our house. If I were cynical I might suspect that it was my internet providers way of forcing me to take out a more expensive contract for fibre, but I have made enquiries, and fibre is not available here yet. So I remain perplexed as to why my laptop keeps loosing our internet signal.
When I worked as a Civil Servant, my colleagues and I always received an extra half day holiday on Maundy Thursday. I never discovered the origins of this tradition, other than being told, that it was a gift from The Crown - who, technically, employs the Civil Service in the UK.
Back to the subject of Maundy Money, which is traditionally given by the Queen to a selected group of pensioners on Maundy Thursday. Those selected to receive Maundy Money purses each year number the same as the age of the Queen, which this year is 93, each man and women received 93 coins. These small silver coins, whilst legal tender here, are not in general circulation, because of their silver content and something to do with their numismatic value, therefore I imagine that they are very rare. I did not want to waste that tidbit of information, having taken the time to check my facts moments before loosing my internet.
The real reason for my post is to introduce to you a special little friend. Meet my Easter Bunny, Lavender Rabbit.
I chose lavender coloured alpaca double knit wool to make this rabbit, alpaca yarns are so very soft and lovely to work with. The features are stitched on and the knitted fabric can sometimes make the embroidered stitches pull in one or the other direction, making each face very individual.
In keeping with the lavender theme, I made her dress from two lavender -ish colours of 4 ply cotton yarn.
I also tried to work a lavender motif into her bloomers, I had a lot of fun coming up with this design.
Her outfit is completed with a pair of Mary-Jane styled shoes ... in lavender of course.
All of the other Mary Jane's Tearoom's rabbit designs are finished with a flower either tucked behind their ear or worn as a brooch. I would love to do the same here but I have been unable to find a suitable pattern for a lavender flower.
Her purple and white stockings are part of the rabbit pattern and are also made of alpaca wool.
Naturally, Lavender Rabbit has a fluffy white tail, or scut, as they are called around here.
I hope you have a very happy Easter.
Some of the patterns I have made from this series are:-
Anaka Rabbit
Donovan Bear
Pink Primrose Rabbit
Gorgeous lavendar rabbit and love the beautiful little dress-it's so annoying when we lose connection-shows how soon we become reliant on technology!You never hear of Maundy money been given now-probably cutbacks !!!
ReplyDeleteCarol x
Thank you Carol. I enjoy making these bunnies but I really would like to find a laveder flower pattern I could turn into a brooch - daft I know.
DeleteI have always found Maundy Money one of those strange, quirky, very English things. I spotted it on the BBC website last night, so the Queen still gives out Maundy Money. (This year the ceremony took place at Windsor Castle with Princess Eugenie.)
Have a good weekend.
Dionne x
Didn't think it still happened tbh---it's not a dafty idea to make a brooch-have you googled it?
DeleteCarol x
She is just the perfect Easter Bunny. Love the colour, it reminds me of the shade of the Cadbury's mini egg 😁 The lavender pattern on the bloomers is so pretty, especially against the white. Her stripey legs look fabulous, that must take you ages. A few years ago the Maundy Money was given out at Sheffield Cathedral which was right next door to my office at the time. It was such a palaver in terms of security, but a prime spot for viewing! As you know, cutbacks mean no longer a sneaky holiday for most civil servants but for now, the Queen's birthday remains! X
ReplyDeleteAh, thank you. I really enjoyed designing the pattern on the bloomers and went as far as pointing the flowers in different directions. 😁
DeleteHow sad to have lost that additional half day holiday, it would make me feel appreciated by a lady who did not know I existed. It took so long to get home from the office at lunch time so a trip up Oxford St appealed to many.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Dionne xxx
Such a lovely rabbit and beautiful colors...Always impressed with your work! Hope all is well!
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind, you always so such lovely things, thank you.
DeleteDionne x
Hi Dionne thnk you for all your comments and yes I made all the die-cut flowers
ReplyDeleteCarol x