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.
Hello, your works are truly inspiring! You are so blessed to be the source of other people's inspiration. You are right, we really do best if we love what we are doing. If we love what we are doing, we learn to be more creative, more motivated, and more inspired especially when people appreciate what we are doing.
Keep going!
Posted by: Gulbranson Schlegel | February 25, 2013 at 01:11 AM
VERY INSPIRATIONA KEEP IT UP
Posted by: Toronto airport taxi | September 27, 2012 at 11:28 AM
I´m speechless by admiring your work. It´s absolutely fantastic. Tahnks soooo much for sharing.
Posted by: Ana Angelica Clemente | August 14, 2012 at 05:12 PM
I just wanted to say that you are most definitely an inspiration & touch the lives of so many. Your photography of all of your wonderfully, colorful projects is indeed scrummy! I hadn't crocheted an afghan in 25 years & after following your blog, I started an afghan last fall, which I am finally completing. I'm using your edging ideas to leap-frog off into some imaginings of my own on how to finish it. I also enjoy hearing about Connie Van & your vacations there in the UK. Thank you sooo much for allowing us a peek into your colorful world.
~Deb
ps I would also love to know where to find Rico Creative Cotton here in Missouri in the USA.
Posted by: Debora Lesmes | May 27, 2012 at 09:53 AM
Mrs Lucy I think I am going to attempt to make this Granny Wheel! =) I love love love it! (almost as much as I love your granny stripe pattern!)
You take such great pics that I hope to be able to determine how to put it all together. ;)
Posted by: Angie | May 16, 2012 at 08:26 PM
Can't wait to try this. Are you going to post a tutorial - I might be able to figure it out but I'm not sure! Love it so much!! I can see how much you love color - it's so inspiring! Thank you for sharing all your ideas!!
Posted by: Maureen M - BC Canada | March 18, 2012 at 06:04 AM
YOU ARE SO TALENTED,,,,, I LOVE THESE GRANNY'S SO COLORFUL AND VIBRANT.... I WANT TO DO A STRAIGHT LINE GRANNY, I'M SURE YOU CAN SHOW ME HOW, OR HAVE A TUTORIAL ON IT ALREADY, CAN YO LEAD ME THERE.
DO YOU EVER THROW AWAY ANY SCRAPS?
Posted by: tempest sharp | March 17, 2012 at 02:14 AM
have you seen www.livemaster.ru/miroslava1? the crochet is mind-blowingly gorgeous! also, outstanding crochet!
Posted by: dana pallessen jungwirth | March 10, 2012 at 12:10 AM
I really love your blog and have been inspired to crochet a granny stripe blanket and a ripple balnket.
Can you tell me how thick the rico yarn is??? I love the colours and wuld like to make some dishclothes out of the yarn if it is thick enough.
Many thanks
Kay
Posted by: Kay Sutton | February 20, 2012 at 01:43 PM
I have always wanted to make a scrap granny afghan with the black yarn, like both my grandmothers had on their couches. I will have to watch for your pattern. I am so excited, and definitely inspired!
Posted by: kerri ward | February 19, 2012 at 11:00 PM
hello I have just completed 2 stunning cushion fronts using your summer granny square pattern for my daughter, one in bright cotton and one in bright wool, they look fantastic..i have also completed half a blanket using the same square for her but it's work in progress. xx I love your work. Bethany (also a North West girl)
Posted by: Bethany | February 12, 2012 at 08:58 PM
Please, please, please write a tutorial for these lovely squares!
I have recently picked up crochet out of a homesickness for my mother. I've been looking for the perfect project and I think this might be it! I can't wait to get started.
Wonderful blog!
Posted by: Megan | February 06, 2012 at 07:25 AM
Hello, I love you and your craft. Please go visit http://www.lemondedesucrette.com She might be your next best friend. Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
jill
Posted by: jill | February 01, 2012 at 02:59 AM
Hi Lucy! I've been a long time lurker, but this post just made me laugh and I just want to say "thank you!" to you. You've been the source of many inspirations too! :)
Posted by: c | January 29, 2012 at 07:56 PM
Wonderful words to think about! I was sent here from another blogger, I agree with all that you say. My blog was just my way of organizing what I do and keeping up to date with family and having pics of things I made to reference back to, but it has become so much more than that, a circle of friends who inspire me and who, hopefully I occasionally inspire. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy Strate | January 27, 2012 at 09:51 PM
your work is inspirational and appreciable.
Posted by: Kaplan Step 2 | January 23, 2012 at 10:11 AM
I just found your site last night and couldn't wait to come back today! PLEASE do post the instructions for this! I don't crochet, yet, but am dying to learn. I have dreamed of making myself a granny square vest for some time and as this post says, you are very inspiring!
Posted by: Lila Wiese | January 22, 2012 at 08:19 PM
Hello Lucy,
Thank you for linking us on your beautiful blog!
Keep on crochet :)
Greetings,
Elske en Wimke, JoeperDePoepske
Posted by: Elske en Wimke, JoeperDePoepske | January 16, 2012 at 08:13 AM
Hi! I love your blog!! I just stumbled across it this past week looking up a pattern for a friend, and I am so glad I did. Thank you for sharing all of your WONDERFUL creations!
I already tested the Granny Line pattern of yours and can't wait to try the Granny Wheel!!! Granny squares are my favorite, so I am sure I will love the wheel. Keep up the great work!!
Posted by: Angie O | January 15, 2012 at 10:58 PM
I love the dramatic colours and the use of the dark blue background. Please post tutorial asap - my crochet hook is at the ready! I'm just finishing a 'One Big Square' blanket which started off using left-over wools from my first Ripple blanket. The One Big Square has taken on a life of its own!!! At last my colour combos (based on your interlocking colours theme) have resolved themselves to a point where I'm satisfied that everything is in proportion, so I'm just finishing off my Very Last Row - finally! What started off as a little throw for a garden chair now almost fits a King size bed. Any ideas on how to cope with washing and drying such a monster (its in DK - 100% acrylic and weighs a ton, even when dry) would be most welcome.
Posted by: ScoobyDoo | January 15, 2012 at 08:38 PM
Yes Lucy, you are quite an inspiration!!! And that blanket reminds me of stained glass-GORGEOUS!!!
Posted by: Jeanne | January 15, 2012 at 04:58 PM
I believed you too!!! Been trying with out success to learn to crochet, this year i promise myself i will succeed!!!! I want bright and gorgeous ripple blankets on my bed, along with bunting and pot holders,etc. This year is MY year to " DO IT"
Love looking at and reading your blog.... I have just started to write mine, Onwards and Upwards...
Posted by: karan sheahan | January 15, 2012 at 03:39 PM
Hi, Lucy!
My husband and I were wondering if your fireplace burns coal. We have been looking for a coal burner for our house, but no one in our local area sells them (we live in the USA).
I love your blog. As a matter of fact, your blog is the reason behind my reteaching myself to crochet! So--you are an inspiration :)
Posted by: Paula | January 15, 2012 at 02:58 PM
Hi Lucy,
I'm new in the crochet world, i'm trying to make the granny blanket, but don't look prety, i think i'm not doing the treble's correctly...could you explain how to make the 3tr's and the 6tr's??? thank you.
xxx sónia
Posted by: sonia | January 15, 2012 at 11:46 AM
Inspiration is such a funny thing, sometimes it can be found everywhere you look, other times it appears to be nowhere at all, usually when you are most in need of it, of course!
Those grannys really are lovely.
X
Posted by: Vicki | January 15, 2012 at 10:12 AM