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! ♥
Lovely post...so much exciting news. Thankyou. I know you are short of time, but any chance of a quick tutorial for the key rings? Thankyou, Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 29, 2011 at 10:56 AM
What a treat to be allowed to share your July adventures!
Could I ask how you made your key fobs, please?
Posted by: sew | July 29, 2011 at 09:13 AM
Had to check out your weather there after hearing about picnics and barbeques and such... so fun! We've been around 100F here, so it's too hot to do anything but swim. So glad to hear you have 7o's in July. Sounds perfect! I looooove your patio. Looks like something from a magazine. Loved the whole post, and mostly your happy, contented heart.
Posted by: Kimberly V | July 29, 2011 at 03:39 AM
How lovely to have a backyard that looks like the courtyard of a posh hotel! It must be like being on vacation every time you go outside :)
I adore everything that you and your friends made for the craft sale. Oh how I would love to have a group of creative friends!!
Posted by: debbie@happy little cottage | July 29, 2011 at 12:47 AM
Hi Lucy.. everyone else seems to have read this blog this morning and here I am about to go to bed! I loved reading about your few hours to yourself... I think most Mums harbour secret longings for an hour, day, weekend away....one of these days I'll treat myself to a hotel by the sea...just for a weekend... hmmmm...
Now look... you made me feel bad about my little 'patio bit'! It is shaby, unloved, ugly... so next week I am going to give it an overhaul... I promise... rain or shine I will do it! ps: sending you strength for you and your Mum:)x
Posted by: Jill | July 29, 2011 at 12:07 AM
What a lovely sight to see a craft stall at a fete, our school is having a fete later this year and I am hoping to have a stall, if it looks half as lovely as your photo's I will be sooo happy. Your courtyard looks just lovely. Enjoy your simmer break! xx
Posted by: Brenda | July 28, 2011 at 11:42 PM
COR!
You see, speechless with it all and all so nice....
Posted by: Kate | July 28, 2011 at 10:37 PM
lovely photos x
Posted by: Netty | July 28, 2011 at 10:15 PM
How lovely to see the hanging basket. Made my day! :) Glad it's surviving! What beautiful things you made for the craft fair! Thanks as always for a divine post! xoxo
Posted by: Louise | July 28, 2011 at 09:58 PM
What a fab month you have had, I feel like I blinked and missed July it went so fast, I LOVE your makes for the stall...I notice two of your little bunnies are blushing..what have they been up to I wonder?
much love
Jane x x x x x x
Posted by: jane | July 28, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Very envious of your nice tidy little garden with colour sprouting up all over the place! I just have a large patch of weeds, very ugly and difficult to maintain. Glad you are enjoying July, I am too, even though the weather is a bit iffy. Looking forward to seeing what you are crocheting whilst the kids play outside... xx
Posted by: Juliab | July 28, 2011 at 09:27 PM
Lucy,
I'm delighted by all the crafty goodness! So, so beautiful. Those rabbits you hooked are so precious! They remind me of cute little bowling pins. Wouldn't a set of 'bowling pin' rabbits with a little ball be great? Certainly nothing I could do- never hooked anything in my life. Unless you count a husband ;)
What a gift you have for bringing color to the world!
Posted by: Jennie | July 28, 2011 at 08:45 PM
Your post is like going on a little happy vacation! Although I know it must have been hard visiting your poor Mum in hospital.... Keep up the courage. You live in a beautiful place and I love all the handcrafts-they are inspiring me to start some of my own. xx Karen
Posted by: Karen | July 28, 2011 at 07:13 PM
hello from across the pond.first time posting,stumbled across your site recently.LOVE your work. crocheted for years myself.you have inspired me to use brighter colors.love the blooming flower cushion. working on a sunflower one now. i ve increased the center a bit in brown and using several shades of yellow. thank you for sharing!wishing your Mom well.
Posted by: angela-southern USA | July 28, 2011 at 05:46 PM
Hope your mum is getting better. I have been back and forward to Yorkshire, taking turns with family, staying with my mam as she is not well. Strange being away from your own home home, but a novelty.
Your pictures are lovely, glad you enjoyed your break.
Posted by: maypole | July 28, 2011 at 04:54 PM
What a delightful post! All your pictures from your getaway reminded me of my time in the UK. What a nice display table. Those bunnies are quite cute. And the wonderful pillows that your friend made!! Thanks again for a great post!
Posted by: Taylor | July 28, 2011 at 04:40 PM
oh lucy you are so wonderful you make my heart skippity skip skip,you made such a lovely hideous cusion. you and all your sycophantic followers dont have an interesting thing to say between you.
Posted by: j | July 28, 2011 at 04:36 PM
Ooh what a lovely post! So happy you had the chance to spend some precious 'me'-time in those beautiful surroundings. Your back garden looks so very pretty and cosy, I especially love the flower basket! Ooh and congrats on the cute bunny sales (I was relieved to read that Mr.Ssssnake came back home with you) :D Have a lovely day/weekend!
p.s. reading the comments of fellow-followers for a while now, I can't help but notice there is a big interest in a book/calender of yours, Luce! Maybe it's worth thinking about it? Imagine the amount of people you would make ridiculously Happy, and the extra pennies!! :-) xxxx
Posted by: Nanita | July 28, 2011 at 04:33 PM
You have done such a good job of selling Bridport that we will be bringing our caravan there next June! Gentle, calming and joyful post as always Lucy.
Posted by: Catriona | July 28, 2011 at 04:27 PM
I have a serious lack of bunting in my life. I need to fix that right away!
Posted by: Meg McG | July 28, 2011 at 04:08 PM
You're pictures are excellent. So beautiful.
Wish I'd known about the sale, I would've come from the USA, just to buy a key fob. Really, I couldn't have, but someday when you're famous, some lucky person will have a famous bunny. I wish you would sell the round pillows.
Still love the walls and all the stone.
Posted by: Lisa S. | July 28, 2011 at 03:41 PM
I love, love those chicky pillows! I have not made one of Kate's rabbits yet, but maybe sometime this summer...
Posted by: gracey | July 28, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Hi, I am new to your blog and I love it. The pictures of where you live and all the crafts that you do are just wonderful. I would love to have you as an online pal if you have the time. I'm a school cook in West Virginia, USA. I knit and crochet and cook and do vegetable canning and have several groups and I have a knitting group that I started. Talk again I hope Libby
Posted by: Elizabeth Bowles | July 28, 2011 at 03:01 PM
Love love love your cheery blog, your stories are great they give me so much inspiration. I think Im gonna hook some cushions now so cute... Certainly a faithful follower now.
Posted by: Christy | July 28, 2011 at 02:36 PM
I love your posts, the way you describe things is beautiful. I totally get how you enjoyed being by yourself, its so precious when you've got little ones. Lovely post, thanks for sharing x
Posted by: August Paddock | July 28, 2011 at 01:46 PM