Knitting a Bunny & Glamping in the Smokies
I can’t think of a better way to spend a fall weekend than knitting a bunny in the mountains of North Carolina. Squishy yarn, gooey s’mores, and colorful trees set the scene for a wonderful weekend getaway.
When I booked our glamping trip to the Pisgah National Forest back in August, I had no idea how much we were going to need to get away. At that time I couldn’t have anticipated the rollercoaster we would be on for much of the fall. Thankfully things have calmed down and spending just a few days in the mountains was just what I needed to feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
If you want to read more about the trials and tribulations we endured this fall click here.
Glamping
Definition of glamping:
A form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.
Oxford Dictionary
‘glamping is likely to satisfy any city slicker seeking a little refuge in nature—without foregoing any of life’s luxuries’
When I discovered there was such a thing as “glamping” I was intrigued. I love being in the outdoors but I’m not a big fan of sleeping on the ground. Our family had a previous camping experience that ended with a skunk spraying our tent in the middle of the night…true story.
I made the reservation without doing a lot of research and crossed my fingers that my family and I would enjoy it. I’m typically not that spontaneous and my husband is usually the one to make travel plans. So with a wing and prayer we headed to Asheville, hoping my little expedition would be fun for all.
Knitting Project
Originally I wanted to bring my granny square project with me but I started to worry about lugging something that large. I settled on another bunny project from JetKat. This pattern works up super quick and I knew I would be able to get quite a bit of it done overlooking a scenic autumn view. Knitting a bunny is one of my favorite pastimes and combining it with crisp mountain air was irresistible.
Glamp Site
When we pulled into our glampsite I knew right away that we were going to enjoy our weekend. The cozy little yurt, as they called it, and the gorgeous fall foliage was exactly what I had imaged. There was a queen sized bed, a cot, and plenty of room for an air mattress. A small generator allowed us to charge our phones even though cell phone service was spotty at best.
There was small covered porch with two chairs, perfect for knitting. I comfortably sat there while my husband and boys trekked through the trails during a rainstorm. No thank you, I’ll just sit here, listening to the pitter patter of the droplets and the clicking of my needles.
Hiking
One of my favorite things to do is hike. I walk our gorgeous dog, Jersey-boy every single day, rain or shine. Since he loves the outdoors as much as I do we brought him along on the trip. We knew he needed some quality time with us since the addition of our new rescue kitty, Olive. We also knew he would love the cool air and mountain streams. When the rain cleared out for a few hours, the five us took off for a hike.
The Appalachians are also known as the Great Smoky Mountains, and it’s an appropriate nickname. The clouds hover around the peaks in a way that adds mystery and beauty to this region. I never get tired of seeing it.
Knitting a Bunny
While I didn’t finish my knitted bunny at the glampsite I got quite a bit of it done while we were there. This pattern has been much more enjoyable the second time around. The first time I struggled with the cheap double point needles I originally purchased. I fumbled and bent the craft store brand, but this time I planned ahead and ordered a quality set.
Click here to read my full review of this pattern by JetKat.
Knitting a Bunny on ChiaoGoo DPNs
I actually did a little formal and informal research. During my investigation the ChiaoGoo brand kept coming up time and time again. The Amazon reviews were glowing and I had heard from several knitters I know personally that they love them. I decided to splurge and buy a set that included six different sizes and came in a cute, fabric carrying case.
CHIAOGOO Red Ribbon Double Point Stainless Steel Knitting Needle Set, 6-Inch
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These needles didn’t bend one little bit, not even a teensy tiny smidgen. I’m hard on needles when I’m knitting toys so I was really impressed that I had no issues with these. They are made of stainless steel but not the super slippery kind. I would describe them like the brushed nickel metal fixtures you see in hardware stores. They are more of a matte finish and my stitches weren’t slipping off like I was afraid they would.
I love how cute my new knitted bunny turned out. I decided to give him a smiley face this time around, rather than the pouty frown I embroidered the last time. Changing something so simple really does make such a big difference. I also added a black and white striped scarf. It almost looks like a chevron pattern but it isn’t, I just alternated two rows of each color.
Thank You!
Thank you once again for stopping by the Le Petit Saint Crochet blog. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Knowing that there are so many of you all over the world swinging by for a visit warms my heart. I just wish we could sit together in person over a hot pumpkin spice latte and craft together. I would love to hear from you! Where are you from and what is your favorite thing to make?
Sounds dreamy! I enjoyed your pictures immensely!
Thanks so much, Jenn! It was such a wonderful trip. Can’t wait to go back!
I love bunnies! So cute. I visited the Smokies earlier this year for the first time but didn’t get to stay very long. The mountains and clouds made me want to gather some good books, my yarn, and the nearest cabin with a big comfy chair. This is my first visit to your page- looking forward to seeing more. I’m a crocheter and cross stitcher from rural Illinois.
Well thank you so much for stopping by for a visit! My grandfather was from Oakaville, Illinois, it was a small farming community, it may still be! The Smokies are such a magical place, especially in the fall.
So cute-I could “glamp” but that’s about the extent of it 🙂 I bought several mason bee houses this year, hopefully tomorrow the bees will come. I like Pom’s too!
Glamping really was wonderful! I had never seen anything like the man made pollinator home before!
How beautiful! I totally want to go now. I love your bunny too! And those needles are in my cart! 😉 Thanks for your recommendation!
Thanks so much, Jen! Glamping was so much fun!! All the benefits of camping with just a little more comfort! ðŸ•ðŸ•ðŸ•
The bunny is so cute! Glamping looked like a lot of fun!
Thanks so very much! It was sooooo much fun! ⛺ï¸â›ºï¸â›ºï¸
Your photos are a stunning! I wish I could drink a pumpkin spice latte with you, too! I would probably write or read a cookbook, possibly colour while you get crafty. I’m not crafty, but I do live vicariously through your beautiful projects.
Thanks so very much, Sylvia!! I truly admire your gift for cooking and baking! I seriously struggle in that area!!! 😘😘😘
Your bunny is so cute! I hope to go glamping one day it looks really fun.
Thank you so very much! Glamping is the best!
I love this post, and especially the sideways look you are giving this bunny. I have never been glamping so I really enjoyed the inside peek into that.
Thanks so much, Katie! That was our first time glamping and I can’t wait to go back!
I’m so glad I’ve discovered your blog as we have lots in common! I love glamping, hiking and crafting too. I enjoy wet felting, sewing/ quilting, cross stitch and knitting, but I’ve been out of practice for a while. Your bunny is adorable! When my knitting improves I might give it a go since my toddler loves bunnies. ðŸ°
Also, you’ve inspired me. I’ve been researching road trips from Cincinnati (where I grew up) since I want to take my kids exploring next summer when we visit Grandma. (We live in Ireland). I’ve always wanted to visit Asheville but hadn’t thought of going there for our road trip. Thanks so much! 🙂 Robin
Thank you so much, Robin! I’m so glad you liked the blog post! Asheville is a fantastic road trip, so much to see and do there. I would love to visit your neck of the woods! I’m 1/2 Irish and would love to explore my roots!
I’ve posted some photos of where we live on my blog and I’ll post more on Instagram soon. West Cork is my favorite part of the country. If you ever plan a trip to Ireland I’m happy to share tips about places to visit. We have lots of beautiful hill walks and hikes locally as well as unspoiled beaches. The rain is the only problem… Good boots and a waterproof jacket are essential!
I would love to go someday! My ancestry DNA is extremely specific and my ancestors are from Connacht, specifically West Roscommon, East Mayo, North Galway, and North Connacht. Not sure if those are towns or neighborhoods.
Connacht is one of the 4 Irish provinces. Roscommon, Mayo, and Galway are all counties within Connacht. I’ve traveled there a bit. Great places to visit!
Well all be darned!!! You learn something new everyday! Can’t wait to share this info with my mom who is almost 100% Irish! 😘ðŸ€ðŸ˜˜ðŸ€ðŸ˜˜ðŸ€
Thanks so much, Katie! That was our first time glamping and I can’t wait to go back!
Your pictures are beautiful and your whole post made me feel like I was getting a mini vacation. Thanks for bringing your readers along!
Awww! Thank you so much, Amanda! I really enjoyed glamping and glad you liked it too!! ðŸ•ðŸ•ðŸ•