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
That fantastic! realy! these website is way better then everything I ever saw.
Posted by: Kid Rock Tickets | March 10, 2011 at 06:45 PM
oh gosh, thanks for sharing Loretta's blog, she does amazing art! and, as always, totally inspired by your crochet!
Posted by: elsa | March 10, 2011 at 03:16 PM
That art print is amazing! So are your bunting triangles!
Posted by: Denny | March 10, 2011 at 03:06 PM
I always enjoy your posts so much
is that a knitted teapot cosy? and those butterfly scissors,I've never seen any like that here.
Posted by: linda burke | March 10, 2011 at 02:59 PM
Hi Lucy, Yep, Alice's blog is one of my favourites, she does great things with wool. I also knew Loretta's work via flicker. I do agree that she's such a talented artist and definitely matches your palette really well. Look forward to seeing your secret creation! x Pati
Posted by: Pati from London | March 10, 2011 at 02:20 PM
Oh you inspire me so and I just love how you write. Off to bed soon and do some rows of cheerful colour. Thanks to you I am over coming my monochromatic existance.
Posted by: Suzan | March 10, 2011 at 01:23 PM
To answer your question, YES, I do the same thing! I always fall in love with something, get the "wanties," and then sit on it for a few days to see if it's really something I can't live without. It does seem like many people just buy on impulse these days, but I carefully consider each purchase, more because of Lack of Space than anything else!
I love the print - I'll have to check out her blog and etsy shop - thanks!
Posted by: Cindy Green | March 10, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Lucy your blog and fantastic outlook onlife keep me inspired. Lorette Grayson is well known in the scrapbooking circles down under so I know of her work, she has inspired many a scrapbooker/artist as you have encourage a huge number of crocheters? Well done Lucy, you make me envious that I am here in Aussieland and not in your wonderful part of the land. I originated from the north east, scarborough, whitby area and you make me so homesick.
Posted by: Linda | March 10, 2011 at 10:40 AM
I also love the stuff on your mantle piece, mine looks so boring.
Posted by: maypole | March 10, 2011 at 10:18 AM
I love Reta's little trees so much that I bought a full set of them for my 40th birthday last year, they really are little gems.
It's funny that i actually came across Reta's page via your hex blanket projects on Ravelry! I loved the colours she had choosen for her hex cushion which lead me to her rav page and then onto her blog and the little trees. Then I sat and waited oh so patiently until they appeared in her Etsy shop and then tormented for several days over which ones to buy. In the end I just couldn't decide...so I bought them all!
Posted by: Mandy | March 10, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Just taking a little time out today as I'm passing by the Attic (which I do most days but don't always comment) to say a big Thank You to you Lucy. Your little patch of bright Colourful lovliness always brings a smile to my face (even when I'm feeling gloomy like today).
Thank you for sharing. I'm looking forward to seeing the secret project..... so no forgetting. Please :)
xMx
Posted by: Marie | March 10, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Oh, I've just had a creative thought (carefull now!)...after reading Rett's blog and watching her do her wonderful paintings, wouldn't it be interesting to design something like her paintings but in quilting!? You could use up lots of brightly coloured scraps and then applique a tree onto the design, and add lots of texture through buttons and stuff.... just checked out heretsy blog and am so tempted to get the "bluey" midnight colour print... just stunning. Thankyou for directing me to another amazing crafter/artist/blog xx
Posted by: nicola pengelly | March 10, 2011 at 09:46 AM
wow, that print is amazing! i love it! and the bunting really makes me happy! must learn to crochet! lots of love xxxx
Posted by: nicola pengelly | March 10, 2011 at 09:31 AM
O dear! Can you believe I've never looked on Etsy before?! Now yourve gone and got me hooked!!! Several purchases later im back here to say thanks for sharing I can't wait for my own packages to arrive with beautiful colorful objects of desire inside!
Posted by: Jayne | March 10, 2011 at 09:26 AM
I love Loretta's work. Beautiful. And your bunting is so sweet!
I do so hope you'll share your secret project soon! :)
Posted by: Lara | March 10, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Thank you Lucy, seeing your pictures I feel the Spring!
Posted by: Adél | March 10, 2011 at 09:04 AM
The triangle bunting is on my way to long to do list for a long time. Love your colorfull version of it!
~ Marjolein
Posted by: Marjolein | March 10, 2011 at 08:18 AM
The painting suits your world-bright and cheery! I love the bunting, it is going to look lovely. I love reading your blog and try my hand at your lovely crochet projects. Thank you for the inspiration.
Posted by: Bonnie | March 10, 2011 at 07:17 AM
What a fantastic idea - thanks
Posted by: Pia Eriksen | March 10, 2011 at 06:08 AM
Adore Rett's sweet print! Yes, it is totally you, great purchase! Your bunting will be beautiful and soon enough, filling that 'empty space' with loads of picot trimmed lovely.
Posted by: krista - Poppyprint | March 10, 2011 at 04:53 AM
:) I've been a fan of Rett Grayson for a while. Have you seen her rainbow paper cranes? Gorgeous!! I love her bunting too!
Your new print looks right at home!
Posted by: Allyson | March 10, 2011 at 04:49 AM
a japanese flower how to or hint would be great! thanks
Posted by: joanlvh | March 10, 2011 at 04:03 AM
Hi Lucy. I bought the exact same print from Loretta's beautiful Etsy store about (?) 8 months ago. I fell in L.O.V.E with it too and just had to have it (a rare internet purchase for me too). I'm sure you're "Backyard with Stars" artwork will bring you just as much joy as mine has. Love Anita. xx
Posted by: Anita Meade | March 10, 2011 at 02:27 AM
I am thoroughly enjoying your beautiful, colorful blog. We are still blanketed with snow in Minnesota and your colorful projects lift my spirits. Thank you for sharing your life and your attic photos. They are just lovely - I need to re-watch All Creatures Great and Small now! Rolling green hills...
Posted by: Susan P. | March 10, 2011 at 02:14 AM
Oh, I am just totally in love with that artwork. So in love with it, in fact, that I don't dare go look at the shop for fear of deciding that I absolutely NEED every last piece in it. LOL. I will most certainly be tucking it away in the back of my mind, though, for an opportunity when I have a little extra spending money. ;)
Posted by: Amii | March 10, 2011 at 12:19 AM