Chitter-chatter

WOW, that's quite a punchy photo to be shoving in front of you straight up isn't it??!!!

Haahahahaaaa :: Hello!!!! Lovely to see you as always, thanks for bobbing by. Thought you might enjoy a real good bit of colour therapy to begin today's witterings, I certainly feel like I need a colour fix as the weather in my patch is so grey and damp and miserable today. Got wet walking to school and even wetter walking home again. Its that kind of dismal light drizzly rain that is neither here nor there, yet still manages to make you incredibly wet.

Still, I'm home now, and when I walked in here I was greeted by the sight of these amazing sunflowers beaming out from the corner of the room, aren't they beautiful?

I bought them home from the supermarket yesterday, along with two other bunches to give to my two lovely neighbours (I just love giving friends flowers for no particular reason). I walked home along the canal with the pushchair completely laden down with groceries, this big pile of sunflowers balanced precariously on top, and in the short fifteen minute walk I had no less than three people comment on how beautiful they were. Yes, Aren't They Just, I replied.

Ahh it is good to sit and have a chitter-chatter with you all! I've not got an awful lot to say really, but I do like to chat about This and That, to share with you some little snippets of my week, pics that've been snapped on my camera in the past few days.

I'm enjoying this week, it feels really comforting to be getting back into a routine with home and family life. Little People settled back to school, J back to work (he's been on hols the past fortnight), which leaves just Little B and me hanging out together. I do like my pottering little routines. Generally speaking, by the time we get home from the morning school run, Little B is asleep in the pushchair, which is wonderful timing on his part cos it gives me a weeny baby-free space to sit, breathe, think and drink a coffee. Sometimes I sit in the Big Chair, sometimes at the table with my laptop catching up in Blogland, and sometimes if the weather allows, I take my coffee outside. I like outside coffee time, I really do. Even though we don't have a garden as such, I do still enjoy sitting in my teensy-tiny back yard looking about me and feeling the air on my face as I drink and ponder. I've got this lovely checked oilcloth spread on my outside table right now and it cheers me every time I clap eyes on it, even when it is covered in rain drops.

I've been making a real effort to eat more healthily this past week, and I'm enjoying that too. Well ok, honestly, I'm kind-of enjoying it. But I'm missing my Sweet Things. I'm cutting right back on the amount of sweet sugary things I consume as I developed an alarming sugar addiction whilst being pregnant and then breastfeeding. But as I'm no longer feeding Little B (as of last week when he turned eight months) it seems time to address the alarming size of my midrift. Don't worry though, I'm not going to blather on about dieting, cos truthfully I find talking about dieting and weight loss Very Tedious. But I can talk about fruit can't I? I love eating fruit, most especially fruit that's been chopped into bits. I find that if I can be bothered to go through the hassle of chopping various bits of fruit onto a plate, then the whole fruit eating experience becomes pretty fine. Not quite as fine as the experience of eating caramel shortbread but hey ho, I am making the most of it.

So I'm spending lots of time this week entertaining Little B cos there's no one else here to do it (oh Little People, I did so appreciate your entertaining skills during summer, you were ace with Little Brother). He has this little plastic box full of little plastic toys which keeps him happy for a while, but truthfully he really does prefer people to plastic. He loves singing and jigging and tickling and peekaboo games which require me to be present and fully engaged. His plastic box of plastic toys will do the job when I really need to go get something done, but it is generally short lived. He is definitely happiest when he has full-on interaction, and if that interaction comes from a whole gang of people then so much the better. Like at Knit and Natter for example.

He positively glows with happiness when I take him to the cafe on Thursday mornings for the knit and natter group. He loves it. He gets soooo much attention, from soooo many lovely ladies for most of the morning. Which I am wholeheartedly encouraging. I was really happy to be back amongst hooky and knitty friends yesterday, I had really missed my cafe mornings. I managed to do a little work on the centres of my Sweet Flower Grannies, I'm enjoying these a lot. Do you like my little housey purse? It's not one of my creations, it was made by a very talented local lass called Cathy who's sells her textile work under the name  "Dear Emma". As soon as I saw those adorable little houses I knew it had to be mine, I adore little houses, as you probably already know. Incidentally, just discovered a new Group over on Flickr which is dedicated to fabric houses :: it's called "New House on the Block" and  it makes for a lovely inspiring browse if you have a little time to spare.

Which leads me nicely on to my own little stitchy houses.....I really hope you like the new Attic24 banner that's appeared at the top of my blog? Did you see it when you arrived?

 

I made it almost two years ago now, in December 2008 (had to really rootle through my photo archives for it as I've "mislaid" the actual textile, oopsie, no idea whatsoever where it might be). I vividly remember the afternoon I finished it :: I was sitting in the window seat of the Attic stitching those little windows, looking out over the white snow covered hills. Bliss.

Ooooooooooooooo sweet Little Houses, I do love them so! I've wanted to have this stitchy banner up on my blog for an age, but it wasn't possible with the very basic Typepad account that I had. So I finally decided to upgrade this week and then got my resident Techie AKA J to help me do furiously devilish things with html code...and hey presto, there it is! I am so so happy to see it there.

Another change to Attic24 is the appearance of a second sidebar over to the right. And you've also probably noticed that this new sidebar contains a little strip of advertisements. I have deliberated long and hard about the business of allowing ads into the Attic, it hasn't been an easy decision by any means. Ideally I would love to be aiming for something like writing a book or designing and publishing patterns in order to contribute financially to my family. But as I am finding it tricksy even to go for a pee during the day, working as such is out the question right now, there is simply no time for it. However, with J on my back I increasingly have to be accountable for the time I spend in Blogland! It’s not always easy to stand my ground when blogging is seen as just “a crazy hobby”. But if it has earning potential….well you get my drift.

Well...I need to hop off and do other things now, but thank you for reading all this chitter-chatter, it's been a pleasure.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend, full of bright and beautiful things!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ps meant to say a big huge ((thank you)) for all your enthusiasm and delight over the TRP, it's been great reading your comments, thank you xxxx

Comments

[RJ]

Oh, I absolutely HAVE to make a print of the sunflowers in the blue vase for my laundry room. Would you mind terribly if I "borrowed" your beautifully creative endeavor for my decorating THEME? It would be a stunning addition to my wall. A master photographer could not do any better than you do at photographing the wonderful sights you experience. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

You are so incredibly talented!!

[Gill]

Great to see you making use of your houses - I loved seeing them last year when you showed them off. And I think looks fab especially the sea-green sidebars! Love and stuff xx

[Linda]

Hi Lucy,
I love, love, love the banner and I have been following your blog for about a year I think! I love your colors, creativity, love hearing about your little family!!!

[flora]

love the banner! it's so sweet!

[Caroline]

Being from the "sunflower state"; Kansas here in the US I love the sunlower kudos. Have you seen this sunflower? http://sewritzytitzy.blogspot.com/2010/09/sunflower.html
I'm scurrying around trying to get the book and the thread so I can start my own.

[The Pea Pod]

I love the new banner, very jolly. :)

[Jody]

Love the little houses and the new blog layout. It sounds like you are getting into a routine with litle B. Good for you ☺

[Kune]

Your blog makes me so happy everytime I read it.
I must say I missed the wonderfull new banner at first, but only because I was drawn towards the lovely sunflower taking up all my attention! Your blog reminds me to take some time for ME and sometimes I just leave the page open on one of your colorful pictures just because...

[Lynda M Otvos]

Sunflowers are stunning; the whole courtyard agrees!~! Your new banner beams with cheer and warmly given goodness. I love the way the hills are made; I need an example and now you have provided same-husband may get his requested fabric sculpture with you to thank ...

[Donna]

Hi Lucy. I have been reading and enjoying your blog for quite awhile.

I noticed your blog changes immediately. The banner is beautiful. Colorful and eye catching.

Also saw your ads. I said to myself, good for you, and clicked on a few. If that helps you so you can keep providing your readers with smiles, wonderful stories and excellent photos, then it's a no-brainer. Easy. I'll do it.

Don't ever stop blogging. I look forward to reading each new entry.

[Haley J.]

Hurrah for lovely blog re-designs and also scrummy-yummy fruit plates!

[Lori Daly]

Lucy!!! You deserve to get paid for what you offer and what you have given me and so many. I would run out to the store and buy a book of YOUR crochet patterns...with your easy instructions and awesome illustrations ANYDAY!. I would and I am sure many others would too. I look forward to that day. I am always thinking...how would Lucy do this or how would Lucy do that. You should put a donate button your site too. ;)

[Light in the Darkness]

Good heavens there are a lot of people who read this. What a compliment! I love "reading" your accent. I had the hardest time figuring out what a pushchair was! :D It's a Stroller here. It made me smile anyway. Thank you for your "crazy hobby".

[Kathryn Bowe]

Hello Lucy, I really, really love your blog including the new banner. The sunflowers are cheery & delightful. I look forward to hearing more about your family & your life's journey. Continue to enjoy your life in blogland!

[Kate]

I've been reading your blog for a year now, and I absolutely love it! You should definitely think on taking on sponsors. Your blog gets many readers, and so it would make a good use of space to feature those businesses whom you like/love. Soulemama does something similar on her blog.

Also, you should definitely ignore your husband on this! It's so not a "crazy hobby"! I sincerely hope he's more supportive than what that comment lets on. You're not just a "crafter" or a crazy blogger ... but a very talented artist. I love your use of color, I love your embroidery, I love all your crochet projects. And you're so generous to share them with online world. Thanks so much for that! You actually got me started on crochet. I've made your ripple blanket, your bag, and now am doing your granny stitch blanket. I still want to do the wreath and birdie!

I, for one, would love it if you opened an etsy shop. I'd definitely buy your embroidery - in a heartbeat!! I'd also buy a book from you, pay for your designs, and heck, yes, even pay to read your blog.

[sarahovertherainbow]

Yes! What a happy shot of color! I love your little houses ~ they remind me of an etsy artist who makes miniature clay houses. I imitated some of hers with polymer clay. They were not a perfect imitation, but they were delightful to me nonetheless! I think the ad is very non-intrusive. Blogging is cheaper than therapy, right?!

[Dana]

Pretty flowers, lovely houses, and nice makeover! When little B is bigger maybe you can bring your book idea to life. :-) It would be wonderful.

[Sue]

If you do write a book don't be like certain other people who stop sharing things and say "I can't show you this you'll have to get the book". So annoying when you've been a loyal blog follower and the blogger has been asked to write a book in the first place because they have lots of followers. Sorry my pet hate. I love your blog it's so happy and always gives me an uplift. Thank you.

[Dorit]

Love your new header, and even more to see it as a project in your hands, it's as if the blog itself is handmade :)

[Tina, the quiet homemaker]

Oooh, pretty banner!! LOVE it! Guess what I did today? I thought I'd invented a new crocheted project, but someone else had beaten me to it...it's SO fab though! Crocheted paper chains!!! There's a link on my blog if you want to see! :)

[G.]

Good for you regarding the ads! Love the little houses as banner, very nice! I have three kids myself and can only agree on the 'not having time to pee' issue, though these days, when I do find the time, I usually have a least 2 smallies crowding in behind me! :o)

[noli]

Hi,

i like your blog it´s so colorful and cosy!
Have a wonderful weekend!

[alisonb2]

Love the banner and the sun flower - well I can't stop smiling!!!!

[Elsbeth]

Hello Lucy
Since a while I have been following your blog and your kind reviews about your life and your everyday life in England.
I love the colorful blankets that you crochet.
I´m always curious about what you report next.
I hope you will forgive my perhaps slightly bumpy English.
Greetings from Germany sends
Elsbeth

[Sarah west mids uk]

Dear Lucy here at our house its lots and lots of fruit at the moment as I was
making lots of cake etc over the holidays!! They will have to wait until half term for cake treats!!!
Went shopping and side tracked into yarn department to look at all the new
shades of yarn. Did not purchase any but had an IDEA!! As I have a birthday
due very soon I'll ask for a yarn treat!!!
When you shared the tutorial for the springtime wreath I made one. It is hanging up here and has been much admired. You should definitely do a book. How about crochet and pictures combining fabric and stitches.
I think it would be great!!!!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.xxxxx