One of the things that I am told most often by visitors to the Attic is that they find my blog Inspiring. Isn't Inspiration a truly wonderful thing? Both providing it and receiving it (as I do almost every day of my life) is such a thrill. It's one aspect of writing my blog that I never really bargained for when I started out. I never sat and thought "Well now, what I really want to do here is to inspire the creative folk of the world. I want to become an Inspirational Person". Nope, the thought never crossed my mind for one second. I simply had a desire to write words to go with my photographs. Wanted to try and document my life in a way that made me feel creative and productive. It was all very me-me-me, and to a certain extent it still is. I read a comment on my blog recently saying that blogs are often thought of as "Vanity Vehicles"...oh my goodness, I SO laughed at that, cos there is such an element of truth in it!!!
So yes, I can well understand the desire and delight one feels when one is hit with Inspiration. It can be quite an intoxicating experience, and I do often find myself craving it and going in search of it. And there is plenty of it out there for the taking. The World Wide Web, more precisely Blogland, Flickrville and Pinterest are chocka block full of it. There are oodles of inspiring images, words, projects, recipes and patterns waiting out there, waiting to send those creative sparks flying.
Do you like what I'm showing you today? These lush images of gloriously colourful hooky? They're inspiring aren't they?
I made this dear little blanket yesterday, on a complete whim. Whipped it up just like that.
Actually, I am pulling your leg here, I did no such thing. Sorry.
This gorgeous piece of hooky was made by a friend of mine, a friend who knit and occasionally did very complicated stitchy things involving vigorous counting before I taught her to crochet. Just before Christmas she asked my advice about edging a blanket she was doing. Pulled it out of a carrier bag to show me. OH! Oh oh oh OH HOW BEEEEEEEeeeeeaaaaaaaaaauuuuutiful!
I was completely and instantly smitten with her blanket. I recognised the yarn straight away (good ol' Rico Creative Cotton) but the pattern....oh where did the beautiful pattern come from??? It's yours, she said. Na, I don't think so, I said. Yes it is, I'm sure it is, she said. Well now. She happened to be right actually, it is indeed one of my creations, a sample design I worked on way back at the beginning of 2010 but had comletely forgotton about.
Isn't it wonderful, this Circle of Inspiration??? I love it. Love that I was inspired by an old crochet apron, which in turn inspired my friend to make this blanket, which is now inspiring me all over again to make a blanket of Granny Wheels. With deep dark navy edging. And stripes.
Wonderful Inspiration. Where would we be without it?
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Edit to add :: I never had chance at the time to write up the pattern for the Granny Wheel, but I will try and do it for you in the next few weeks.
Yes, inspiring, your blog is one I always pass on to people who ask about crocheting, for example last nights knit and Natter has moved from the new wool shop over the road to the Woodman in South Street and two people left with scraps of paper with 'search Google for Attic 24' on. Rosie now has even more amazing wool in the shop. If you have time next time you come down to Bridport call in, I think you;ll be amazed.
Did you do the pattern for the Granny Wheels? I like the squareness of them, got to try and use up some of this wool so I can go and buy more!
Take care.
Colette
Posted by: Colette | January 11, 2012 at 10:54 PM
A friend posted about your blog a few weeks ago. I'm a keen knitter but since reading your blog I have attempted a few crochet squares and I'm really enjoying it. I love the blanket. Are you going to put a pattern or tutorial on line? Thank you for your blog.
Posted by: Lorraine Gray | January 11, 2012 at 10:59 PM
You have been such an inspiration to me in my journey to learn crochet over the last couple of years!
I am in a new swap on Ravelry for scrappy grannies on the Vanna's Choice Group and I had decided a couple of days ago that I would join in black because I loved the 'vintagey' feel to it. And then I came to your blog and you had posted exactly the same thing!!
Beautiful afghan! Hope mine turns out as nice!
Posted by: Jen | January 11, 2012 at 11:03 PM
I NEED to learn to crochet!!!
Z xx
Posted by: Pennyblossoms (Zoe) | January 11, 2012 at 11:11 PM
There you go again, A24.....There you go.
Posted by: Reality Jayne | January 11, 2012 at 11:13 PM
That is so pretty! I have looked at your bursts of colour on all of your beautiful works and now your friend's beautiful rug too and I so want to do something like that. I made a rug last year, my very first crochet project, made of granny squares but just solid colour ones. I really enjoyed making the squares, but didn't really enjoy the piecing together part lol. I have often thought about doing one with lots of colour changes but don't know if I have the patience for the constant changes,,,,,but looking at this, I may just have to at least try lol. I so want something like that in my house!!
Right now I am doing smaller projects just to be able to turn some things out a little quicker, since I am still fairly slow at the whole crochet thing.
Thank you for your beautiful pictures and yes you are truely an inspiration to all of us out here in blogland, we all luv ya!! lol
Posted by: Colleen | January 11, 2012 at 11:31 PM
love , love , love it !! :-) inspired and off to by more colours ,thank you :-)
Posted by: dawny | January 11, 2012 at 11:34 PM
Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures, for sharing and caring that we like your sharing :D Did you ever write up the tutorial for your granny wheel Lucy? I can't find it anywhere :0(
I would like to add thanks to your friend for bringing this lovely piece back to your attention and ergo, to ours :D
Happy hooking one and all
Mo x
Posted by: Mo | January 11, 2012 at 11:37 PM
Hi
Please can you put a link to the Granny Square Blanket?
Posted by: peeps | January 11, 2012 at 11:37 PM
Sorry, i meant to say can you provide a link for the Granny Square pattern please?
Posted by: peeps | January 11, 2012 at 11:38 PM
Well how lovely for you to have such a surprise, when usually it is you surprising us! Please tell your friend that her blanket is fabulous...and thanks for the linky back to the original design :)x
Posted by: Stocki | January 11, 2012 at 11:40 PM
That navy blue really makes the colours sing-gorgeous.
Posted by: Kate | January 11, 2012 at 11:41 PM
LOVE IT!!!!
Posted by: Patti | January 11, 2012 at 11:55 PM
It's a fantastic place, is it not, this world of inspiration. You are such a huge part in it all.
Thanks!
Posted by: ellen | January 12, 2012 at 12:15 AM
Lucy,
Your blog is the first place I come to when I need inspiration. :) Your color sense and boldness is one I completely envy. It looks so easy, then I get to the yarn store and get all "safe".
Posted by: Becky | January 12, 2012 at 12:24 AM
Lucy- you're the one that really reminded me about the Circle of Inspiration. I found your site by accident and it turned into just the medicine my broken heart at that time needed. I was so wrapped up in being inspired by you and Ooohing and Ahhing over your creations that it wasn't until I started crocheting and doing some simple crafting projects for Solstice that my friends were giving me so much praise for my wares! I thought, "Me??" No. But then I realized that I was just spilling the goodness forward and that we are all somehow linked in such good and pleasant ways. I think we all like to feel like our life has purpose. xx Jaymie
Posted by: Jaymie | January 12, 2012 at 12:30 AM
And now I'm inspired to do something similar... I just finished a granny square blanket for a gift (though I so want to keep it) now I need to make one for myself.... after I finish the two ripples that were inspired by you as well.... hmmmm.... seems you are very inspirational.
Posted by: Kara Nutt | January 12, 2012 at 12:34 AM
I just pinned your pattern, Attic 24 granny wheel square, onto one of my Pinterest boards and it's already been repinned several times. I hope that these re-pinners also take the time to discover your blog. Thanks again for sharing your creativity and daily life in your blog! ;-)
Posted by: diana | January 12, 2012 at 12:51 AM
SHAME ON YOU! I just knew I'd tune in today and there would be nothing... not another lovely pic shown, with a smattering of just right words and inspiration.. but, AHHHHH, I was wrong, and you've done it again. Thanks for the bright spot in my day, as always. Nice. For shame for spoiling us so. xxx
Posted by: Victoria Brewer | January 12, 2012 at 01:26 AM
Amei as lindas cores!
Beijos,
Carla.
Posted by: Carla Costa | January 12, 2012 at 01:28 AM
I have been inspired by you too! I have been pouring over Ravelry and the web looking for a great granny square pattern for a blanket I want to make for my grandma's 95th birthday. I want to do a circle that becomes a square...exactly like the one in your post! I think I've found my INSPIRATION!! Thanks!
Posted by: Lisa Williams | January 12, 2012 at 01:49 AM
Wonderful words to go with beautiful photos. Here's a bit of inspiration I found to share.
http://www.sewingdaisies.com.au/sewing_daisies/
Posted by: Caro | January 12, 2012 at 01:55 AM
I love the bright colors edged in black!
Blessings,
Lorilee
Posted by: Lorilee | January 12, 2012 at 02:01 AM
HA! You really had me with that "whipped it up last night" bit! I thought, now I know she's good but good glory! Whew... I'm glad that was a joke. ;). I actually stopped by to drool over your cake photos since I'm trying not to eat sweets this week!
Posted by: Christina | January 12, 2012 at 02:12 AM
Hi Lucy, You certainly are not a "Vanity Vehicle" you are an inspiration to many, many of us and have inspired so many to learn to crochet. Your eye for colour is so amazing and your work a joy to behold. I'm like several others, looked for your tutorial and couldn't find it, are you able to provide a link or write it up soon if you haven't already done so and if you have time?
Bev
Posted by: Bev | January 12, 2012 at 02:50 AM