Trees and Triangles

My memory really must be very bad indeed cos I honestly thought I had shared this with you a few weeks ago. But it turns out that no I didn't, I just imagined that I did. Dear oh dear, I do apologise. So thank you very much to those of you who gently reminded me you hadn't in fact seen inside the map-package (mentioned in this post), cos you are in for a treat.

Isn't Internet Shopping so easy these days? And such a huge temptation too! I partake in a lot of  Virtual Shopping, lots of browsing and oooohing and ahhhing but on the whole I try very hard to keep my actual purchasing to a minimum. We have quite a strict Financial Control Manager here at number 24 you know.  If I come across something that I really, really, really think I want/need/desire, I tend to step away from the computer, sleep on it a few days, then re-visit and test out the level of Genuine Wanties for whatever it is. I am very rarely an instantaneous buyer. Is this bonkers? Anyone else do this?

This is what happened with this particular purchase. I came across it by happy accident as I was searching for something entirely different at the time. I was on Flickr, looking for bunting inspiration. Which I found (more of that in a bit), and that then led me onwards to a new blog which happened to showcase some amazing artwork. Clickety click and I arrived at an Etsy shop where the aforementioned amazing artwork is for sale. Ooooooo, the wanties kicked in immediately. I really wanted/needed/desired this artwork in a BiG way. So I walked away from the computer, slept on it a few days, chatted to husband/friends about it, tried to gauge if these particular wanties were strong enough to give in to. Back to the computer screen, clickety-click and YeS, that overwhelming heart lurch and I was certain I had to go for it. It helped that the FC Manager had provisionally given this potential purchase The Nod.

Good-o, clickety-click then and it's done. And so I waited. I waited and waited. The Little People waited with me, for they found it incredible that a package would be arriving from the Upside-down side of the world and they were very excited at the prospect. It takes quite a few days for a package to travel from Australia to the UK, so we continued to wait, and one morning it finally arrived.

As you can see from the above picture, it arrived beautifully wrapped. We were (all three of us) very impressed by the map wrap, not to mention the delightful little paper crane. So thoughtful! So clever!

So do you want to see inside the Mappage?

Want to see what got my heart a-skipping?

OK, here it is...........................................

.........this is the sweet little card that accompanied my purchase................

.....and this is the purchase itself. What do you think? Isn't it just beeeeeaaaaauuuutiful???

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh deep sigh. I L♥VE it so much.

It's a print taken from an original artwork called "Backyard with Stars" by the super talented Loretta Grayson. What a creative whizz Rett is! Her crochet work is hugely inspiring, but it's her artwork that really blows me away. I was fascinated to read this post with step by step pictures showing how each artwork is created. It made me love my little print so much more once I got a feel for it's creation. So clever.

The colours in Rett's work are incredibly close to my own instinctive colour palette don't you think? You can see how beautifully it fits in around here...it's right at home in the Attic I can tell you.

I love seeing it propped up there on the mantel, but I do intend to have it framed soon so that I can hang it on the wall.

So if you'd like to see more of Rett's work, do pop along to her Etsy shop and be prepared for The Wanties to strike.

Anyhow, cute little Trees aside, lets talk Triangles now shall we?

The above photo shows Loretta's fabulous crochet work :: this amazing bunting is what caught my eye in the first place over in Flickrville.

You see, I decided to finally take down my Advent Star Garland in the New Year and it left behind it a big wide open empty gap. Even the Little People commented on how empty it looked without the garland there, and we decided between us that the space was in desperate need of Something Else to fill it. Triangle bunting, I thought, and off I went to Flickrville to search out some inspiration.

So I had in mind to make some crochet granny bunting (ie triangles worked in the round with holes in, as opposed to triangles worked in rows without holes)...lots of patterns around and about in Blogland for this sort of thing.

The pattern that I fell in love with is to be found on Alice's blog Crochet with Raymond. What a gem of a blog this is, do go and have a rootle around at Alice's place if you don't already know it, it's a true delight. Her granny bunting is sooooooo pretty (that's her picture above) :: the dinky little picot edging and sweet little pointy bit at the bottom really captured my heart.

She's written up a super pattern for her bunting and it is all yours for free if you should want it...go here to find it.

I started working on my own bunting way back in early January, turning to my trusty stash of Rowan Handknit cotton. I switched down to a 3.5mm hook, and have to say am very happy with the results. I've not blocked them yet so they look a little bit wibbly and roundy still, but they are very sweet indeed.

I'm making mine very slightly different to Alice's original pattern in that I'm making the picot edging round in a different colour to the last granny round and also working an extra row along the top of the triangle.

I reckon I'm going to need twenty triangles in total to fill my very wide archway......only done four so far. Cos I got sidetracked by the Japanese Flower Scarf (almost finished!!!!!!!!), and then that in turn got tossed aside for a wee while when I needed to steam ahead with the Secret Project (very finished!!!!!!!).

More of Scarves and Secrets coming soon I promise. Although do feel free to (gently) remind me if I forget to remember to show you. You know, if I imagine that I did but in reality forget completely. Thank you. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

Comments

[Anne-Lie]

hej... i am Anne-Lie from Luleå Sweden.
I googled on granny squeres, found your site yesterday and are totaly in love in all your work and the site :)
Do you have any turorial for the squere (picture nr 13 picture in this link... from up)

http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2010/12/2010-year-end-review-crochet.html

and all the other ones (squeres)?
Hope you understand my terrible english writing... the speking is no better.
Hugs/Anne-lie

i´ll be happy if you send me a mail..

[Anne]

I m so not a crochet person - but I keep reading your blog, being totally inspired by your colours, your projects, your enthusiasm.....you just might make a hooker out of me yet!

Can't wait to see your new triangle garland.....but I'll be patient!

[Nanita]

Ohh Lucy congrats on your FaBuLoUs print!! I looove Loretta's work and have spent quite a few joyous moments oohing and aaahhing over her paintings and crochet... Your print is one of my favourites, and it fits so wonderfully well in your home, you couldn't have made a better choice!! :)
xxxxx

[Donna]

ooh more gorgeousness Lucy. I so-oo wish I'd read your latest post before I ordered a gorgeous Janet Bell Cross stitch kit called 'Harbour Lights'. I didn't walk away from my PC; I just gave in, instantly, caved into a melted heap of wantingness. I daren't google anything else. I must go finish my varied UFO's whilst I wait for it to arrive. You are so spreading inspiration through blog land. I too have now rediscovered my love of colour. From my hot pink student days, through earthy brown land for year's to 'who knows what?'And I've bought some hooks. . . .

[alisonb2]

Thank you for all the bright colours and what a beautiful print! Will definitely be checking out the artist. Happy hooking!

[Gill]

There are so many WOW's to this post! WOW I love that print,the colours,the style. WOW The bunting looks fabby. WOW You're not the only one who takes pondering time over purchases(tho sometimes I ponder a tad too long and then the item's gone).And finally WOW I can't believe there's been so many posts in such a short space of time!! Happy, happy days!

Love and stuff xx

[Meraud]

Bunting with tassels. Genius. How did I live without them until now? ;-)

[iHanna]

Wow, can't remember if I've ever seen triangle granny squares, but now I know what I want to crochet next! Sooo awesome, and the painting - yummy indeed!

[Paige]

Talk about yummy!!!!! and thats both the artwork and the crocheted bunting which I adore and think I will have to have a go at as soon as i've finished my new rounds blanket. You are such an inspiration!!!!!!!

[Melissa P]

It's all gorgeous! The artwork is perfectly matched to your sensibilities. Proof that it was meant to be yours. And the crocheted triangle garland....fabulous. I'm off to look at all the links you've generously provided.

[Esther]

How great! I love this little bit of colour you've injected to my (almost) overcast day here in the South East of England. I hope your lovely bright colours inspire the sun to poke its head out again! xx

[kathi]

Love the colors you are making your bunting with!!

[Louise]

wow the picture is just beautiful!

I love the bunting so far and am looking forward to seeing more of it, along with the scarf and secret!

Now I'm going to follow that link over to etsy and get myself a case of the wanties!

[Kristen]

Oh, wowwwww! The print is absolutely gorgeous, and yes, it really is very Attic24. Lovely! :) The bunting is so wonderfully tempting, too, as is everything you do. Thank you for the inspiration.

[Loulee]

It's just so YOU. LOL

[Carol]

Beautiful print, no wonder you fell in love with Ret's work.
There is so much wonderful art work available at the "click of a mouse". I'm a fan of Jessie's style and lucky enough to own some of her original works.
http://jessielilac.blogspot.com/
The granny bunting looks lovely, here comes Spring!
Carol xx

[debra cooper]

Thanks for sharing all your amazing finds! So many wonderful places to explore this morning and your little attic was the perfect place to start it off! As always! ;-)

[Lynda M O]

I have already picked up the hook; but I am typing with it !~!

[Penelope]

Love your print Lucy, Loretta's works are too beautiful xox Alice has been a BIG inspiration to me and her bunting pattern is heavenly, such happy colours for spring that-a-comin' xox looking forward to your scarf and secret reveal x

[Liz]

Hello Lucy, You are FABULOUS and AMAZING in all that you do!! LOVE the bunting. I especially LOVE how you have stashed your Rowan yarn -in a picnic basket!!!!!! I was just about to throw out my basket since it seems that it never gets used (shyly I must say, I have had it for over 10 years and its never been on a picnic!). Thanks to you, my picnic basket is going to be filled to the rim with yarn today, yippieeee! Then, off I go outside to my patio for a crochet picnic. It sure would be sweet to have the Sweet Flower Granny Blanket tutorial, I so desire to make one (thank you for allowing us to tip-toe in with the reminder). Have a wonderful day. ♥ Liz B.

[Nilla]

That print is so totally what I expect to find in Attic 24. Your colours indeed! :)

[Victoria]

Wow - I want it all, especially your crocheted bunting. It is stunning. x

[Wendy]

You are not alone regarding waiting to see if you are still wanting. I do this too (usually with yarn) and sometimes the urge goes away, sometimes (usually with yarn) it gets stronger and stronger until it's overwhelming..... add to cart!!

[Elisabeth Andrée]

Dear Lucy,
Your blog is an almost daily read for me for quite some time. We have the love for crochet in common.
Today I had a post ready for tomorrow on my own blog but decided to post it today because tomorrow it is going to be busy. At the same time I saw a rss in my mailbox from Attic24 and when I looked at it I was very surprised: triangles bunting. Same subject as my posting, funny. I love yours of course!

[Kate]

Oh my!
Speechless...those trees.......that crochet...the colour.....