July 2011

Ahh July, what a sweet month you are turning out to be!

Life has been very full and busy during July but my overall memory of the past three weeks contains much happiness. The weather's been a mixed bag but mostly I recall it's been pretty good around  here really. Warm and summery, sometimes quite humid and thundery, but beautifully warm yes, and plenty of sunshine. We've spent quite a lot of time outdoors taking it all in, appreciating all that these long summer days have to offer. Picnics and barbecues by the river. Impromptu trips to the park. Ice creams. Water fights. The sound of children playing out till well gone 9pm. Chilled white wine with friends. Lots of salad meals that involve No Cooking. Bare arms, flip flops and silver painted toe nails. The smell of high summer in the evening air. Delightful.

At the very beginning of July I went off on a little solo adventure. In an airplane no less. I tootled off to Manchester airport very early one Saturday morning, climbed on that there white metal bird with it's slightly scary propellers and flew down to Southampton, which took all of 45 minutes. It was an amazing flight with clear blue skies and the most fabulous views of the landscape below. At one point we flew right over a hot air balloon, I was quite beside myself with the beauty of it all. When I arrived in Southampton I hopped on a train and travelled a further 100 minutes west to arrive in Dorset by ten am. Wow. Yorkshire to Dorset by ten am! Never done that before!! It was a really great journey and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole business of being on the move. Just me by myself with a small rucksack on my back, making the journey to visit my dear Mum in hospital.

Later that same day after I'd spent all afternoon at the hospital, I got onto a local bus and travelled a further 40 minutes west to get to Bridport where I was staying the night. When I got off the bus, I had a sudden realisation that I had no door keys, and that the house where I was staying would be empty till midnight (everyone was off making merry at a wedding). It was a beautiful early summers evening, so I decided to while away an hour or two by travelling some more. I journeyed on foot this time, a mere 45 minutes tramping south across familiar fields until I reached the blue of the sea.

West Bay harbour was an absolute picture, the evening light was incredible, and at 6pm it was still very hot. I went to a bar with the above view and sat on the terrace drinking an ice cold beer in the sunshine.

Enjoyable as it was, I was still in a bit of a predicament re getting to my bed for the night. So I decided on one more jaunt on foot, this time an hours journey along the coast to a neighbouring village where the wedding reception was taking place and where my host and hostess would hopefully be found with The Keys to The Door. I walked up over West Cliff....

....and enjoyed some wonderful peaceful time being Me-by-myself on top of the cliffs, gazing out across the bluest of blue seas with the sun on my face and a spring in my step. I have some fabulous memories from this little snippet of time, it was such bliss finding myself quite unexpectedly on a familiar sunny clifftop beside the sea. All By Myself. Just Me. I can't tell you how good it felt, such a rare luxury at this stage in my parenting career to have time so completely to myself.

I did eventually end up at the wedding reception after a lot of huffing and puffing (hugely steep hills in that village don't you know). I felt a little conspicuous walking into the venue wearing my crop jeans and a sweaty teeshirt when everyone else was done up to the nines, but hey, I carried it off with a broad smile.

The next morning I joined a large post-wedding gathering for a spot of brunch in a rather splendid posh local place. An old coaching inn which has been transformed in recent years into a top notch hotel with fine dining and plenty of ambiance. 

Behind the rather grand facade of the hotel lies a rather beautiful rustic courtyard which totally captured my heart. Fabric bunting strung across, casual wooden furniture and lots of vibrant geraniums, it was a little slice of heaven I thought. Perfect for sitting with a mighty fine cappuccino and allowing my  divine "eggs benedict" to settle. I didn't want to leave.

That sweet little Sunday morning courtyard really stuck in my memory, I'm glad I had my camera with me to capture a little of it's atmosphere. It's exactly how I like to think my own small outdoor space should look. Kind of pretty and casual and rustic and homely.

This is a snap of my July back yard. I took the above picture by standing very precariously on my bedroom windowsill and holding the camera out of the top opening window. Since I took this photo a few weeks ago, the geraniums in my wall top pots have really started to flower their hearts out, it's quite lovely if I say so myself. I feel quite proud of it. And I love my windowsill too, I love that our house is made out of old, old stone.

I have a rather amazing hanging basket next to the kitchen door in my back yard, it's chocka block full of my favourite colours. It was given to me as a surprise gift actually, and my goodness, it totally delivers a bolt of pleasure on a daily basis.  I even remember to water it daily and religiously deadhead the flowers, it's very well treated I can tell you.

I wasn't actually around to take my usual first-day-of-the-month photo of the Attic view, but I took a few pics when I remembered on 12th July.

Yes, now I think about it we did have a bit of a cruddy cold, wet spell near the beginning of the month but like I said earlier, July has mostly been bright and beautiful I think.

Something else I did earlier this month was to participate in a fund raising event at a local school. I was asked if I could provide a few hand made items for the craft stall and I was happy to give it a go as I knew I'd be in very good company. One of the things I love  about where I live is the growing number of friendships I have which are connected by The Yarn Thing. Other people who lead a creative life and share similar passions and excitements to my own. Its marrrrrvelous to have those connections with friends, it really is. I like nothing better than a get together over a coffee/glass of vino (depending on the friend in question and the time of day) and a natter about arty-crafty-yarny-handmade type of things.

And if those particular friends happen to live just two streets away, well then, it's all very handy and supportive and creative and jolly! I watched some of the above knitted cupcakes take shape each week at the pub you know (yes, we frequent the local pub on a Monday night to do hooky and knitty things, my friends and I). Aren't they totally scrummy?

These beautiful appliqued and embroidered cushions are made by another friend....I adore them, and you may remember me bringing one home to number 24 last year? I'm the proud owner of a round birdy cushion with colourful felty triangles (scroll down this post and you'll see it second pic from the end...cor isn't it weeeeeird looking at frosty winter pics in high summer???!!!) Anyhow...yes, these cushions are a complete joy to behold, they really are.

The same clever-pants lady who knitted the cupcakes is also a hugely talented stitcher. Her work is un-be-leivable. She makes the most gorgeous patchwork and applique cushions with a homespun, folk-art feel to them. They are true works of art, just lookeee at this.................

...........yay, chickies have landed in the Attic! How could I resist??? I just had to have one of these beautiful cushions for my very own, just had to. The Wanties hit hard.

There's an insane amount of hand stitching going on here, such a labour or love. You can tell this is made by a lady who completely lurrrrrrrrrrves to sit and stitch can't you?! Gorgeous.

So my contribution to the abundant craft stall was rather thin on the ground I have to confess. I simply didn't have the available time to make all that I wanted to make as my daylight hours are mostly filled by a demanding Little B shaped object. I managed to make seven little crocheted and stuffed keyring fobs (pretty colours don't you think?).......

..........and three little rabbits. Ahhh I did LOVE making these rabbits! Two of them hopped off to find new homes, and one remains here in the Attic with me.

The pattern came from Kate's blog Greedy for Colour, of which I am an adoring fan. I love Kate's  work. I practically begged her on bended knees to write up her pattern for these bunnies when I saw her making them last year. And being the kind and obliging soul she is, she did just that. Isn't she a gem? You can find her Flora Rabbit tutorial here look.

Well now.........I think I need to finish up, it's quite late and I've just realised I'm sat alone in the dark whilst the other four-fifths of the family are tucked up in bed. We are in full school holiday mode this week, taking it leisurely day by day with no plans to speak of. Lots of mess, lots of time lounging in pj's, slap dash meals eaten as and when. Mid morning breakfasts. Lots of hooky time too as I'm getting a welcome amount of help entertaining Little B (free child labour, oh how I love school holidays). I've got a huge amount still to share with you and something wonderful and new on the hook already this week. More soon.

Toodle-oo for now!

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Edited to add :: ahhhh fear-ye-not, Snakey-chops is still in residence here! He was on the craft stall purely to serve as colourful eyecandy, although I could have sold him I'm sure, he got loads of attention! Did you also spot my granny buting hanging on the front of the gazebo? Will have to show you that sometime as I realised just now that it never received it's Ta-dah moment. Thanks for all your lovely comments today! ♥

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Maggie]

Hi!
Love the website - only just discovered it after teaching myself to crochet using the internet. You're site has been so helpful and inspirational.
Do you have a pattern for the key ring phobs?
Magoir

[Shelley]

Hi Lucy. I love, love, love your blog and am quite new to crochet and find your beautiful work so inspiring. I wondered whether you have a pattern or plan to release one for your gorgeous keyring fobs please? Also, is there a knack for getting the hole in the middle of your bauble decoration to stay small as every time I try to make them the hole is always quite large (as I said I am quite new to crochet and don't know whether I am doing something wrong or whether I just need to practice more!)Many Thanks.
Shelley.

[Mary]

Just recently took up knitting and crochet and discovered your blog, had to post here and say I love it! You make such pretty things, I get all excited and inspired!And your photos and posts are great, so positive! Mary

[Miriam]

Inspiring and refreshing as always! I dove into your gorgeous Yarn Bag tonight. I've been waiting for the perfect yarn, but couldn't resist starting with something from my stash. Like you, it has grown much larger than expected, but that just means more room for yarn!

[Valentina Chubretovic]

I just LOVE this Blog!

Following your art from Chile

[hire a website developer]

Nice places all are. I love to spend my holidays in places like this. Hope I can fullfill my dream some day.

[redneedle]

What an absolutely delicious post. I felt like I was with you on your 'journey'. Lovely pics and beautiful makes as usual.

[Ryan]

Your courtyard is lovely, the perfect place for relaxing with a cup of coffee. I always enjoy catching up on your blog.

[Ava]

What an amazing blog you have. Such colour and amazing creativity. Now following from Australia ! xx Ava

[KayElleC]

Mmmmm.....sunny bliss, not necessarily the weather but colours too!

On the subject of granny bunting...I need some help with the picot edge - could you clarify in your lovely, straightforward, hooky sort of a way?

Thanks xx :)

[Spencer]

So happy to have found your enchanting blog... I'll be back for sure!

LOVE your July back yard. SENSATIONAL!

Warm blessings,
Spencer

[Saks]

You are amazing. So colorful......just like all those crochet works you have done. So bright.....just like all those pictures you have taken. So beautiful.....just like the spirit I meet through your eyes and your words. Amazing. Keep writing, Keep bogging, Keep clicking, more over keep crocheting.

[Sonia]

Hi, I'm a new blogger, and am getting TOTALLY into crocheting. I finished a granny square blanket last weekend, and have now begun a granny row blanket...thanks to your pattern through ravelry :)

[Miriam]

YIKES!!! Pardon that typo! I hope you know that word was meant to be "As" with one "s." I really need slow down before hitting that Enter button.

[Miriam]

Ass always, a calming inspiration! Your trip sounds like a dream! That's something you will have in your memories forever, so when in need of some solitude, just pull them out of your memory banks. Love the craft sale items. The bunting was the first thing I noticed! Very jealous of your local friends, just not fair that you're all on the other side of the pond! Strange though, as I read your posts, it doesn't feel that far.

[Wendy]

I second Kerry's wise words while reaffirming the market for an Attic 24 crochet book. Crafting is a great way to unwind and focus the mind on things other than:housework, looking after family and work, as worthy as these activities are.
Hoping to run a craft stall in the near future-any tips,Lucy?What items sell best? How many pennies to charge? Keep hooking, Wendy Woman x

[Ira]

Dear Lucy! Thank you very much for your beautiful pictures! I would love to try and make some of thouse stuffed keyrings too - could you please share the pattern? I know it must be obvious for crochet-people but I'm only a beginner... Thank you so much!

[Kerry]

Oh dear, jealousy is a terrible thing and poor J seems to be afflicted with it. I wonder why she/he visits your blog if it's uninteresting to her/him. As someone who doesn't comment very often, and is certainly not sycophantic, I find your joy of colour and life inspirational and enjoy your blog posts enormously.

Also (heck, I seem to only be noticing the negative comments here .... sorry!) as someone who is younger than you and has adult aged children (well, one anyway - 18 and 17) I would say to Samantha that parenting is a different experience for everyone .... I didn't enjoy the nurturing years much at all and it's only latterly, as we've all grown up together that I've enjoyed the experience of being "mum". Mind you, taking time out to visit your own poorly mother hardly means you're wishing your own children grown up and flying the nest, surely?!

Best wishes to your mum and your family and Happy Weekend - let's hope the sun shines!

Kerry
:)

[Helen]

Gorgeous post, Lucy! Lots of interesting things and lovely colours. I loved hearing about your adventure - and seeing your sunny summery pictures of the places you visited. And I loved seeing your crochet key rings and little rabbits - really sweet! Have a wonderful weekend.
Helen x

[Donna Kuhn]

Hi Lucy,
This is the lady who wrote you awhile back the story about having a baby at 40 from Orlando. I saw your key fobs and thought that they looked like the top of frosted cupcakes. Maybe something that we all should try making?? Of course that would mean we would need a pattern. I CONTINUE TO LOVE ATTIC 24!!! MUCH LOVE FROM ORLANDO FL Donna

[Romi]

I LOVE your backyard!! So colorfull!! I can imagine me being there. Congratulations!
Hugs and kisses from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Romi

[Katie B]

Hair looks gorgeous Luce! Hope your Mum's doing well. Lovely work, piccies & writing - STILL don't know how you do it all! Sending lots of love, K x x

[Emma (silverpebble)]

Summery good good things. That stall looked good enough to eat.

[bellabeeandme]

Such beautiful blue seas, you definately make me want to visit Dorset, it looks gorgeous. As much as we love and treasure out littlies it is great to get occasional time away, to be just yourself. Little bunnies are too cute, BellaBee would adore one, and a couple of nieces, ooo, perfect little girl (and big!) pressies.

[Samantha]

I am only 2 years older than you, yet my son is 24 and so I do not relish alone time as I have far too much of it! 3 healthy children and a loving husband are a gift not many have. I would love to have little ones at my feet; they are there for such a little time. The grass is always greener I guess. You don't have more time for yourself either as time gets taken up with work. The home years are the best years certainly. Time quickly passes and bites you on the bottom! You 'older' mums you have been given treasure to invest in when you have most to give. There are good things about being a mother young it is true but whatever comes next in life it doesn't beat nurturing your children. Empty nest syndrome is a profoundly true one.