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.
This blanket is beautiful! I have known how to knit and crochet since I was young, but I was primarily a knitter until recently. I am in love with crocheting! So versatile! So fun! Please do get the pattern up for this blanket! I can't wait to start making it!
Posted by: CaraLu | January 15, 2012 at 02:50 AM
It is funny how as bloggers we start to see our worlds through the lens of a camera, tell our stories in spellchecked sentences and paragraphs and sometimes see ourselves through the eyes and words of our commenters. You are most inspirational indeed Lucy. You are generous and colourful and creative. I hope you and your family have the most wonderful 2012. xx
Posted by: Kate | January 14, 2012 at 11:46 PM
I honestly believe you should have your own magazine. "Life at Attic 24" maybe. There are so many people inspired by your blog I'm sure there would be a ton that would buy it! I know I would and I would have to pay extra because I am on the other side of the pond!
Posted by: Pixiefirefly | January 14, 2012 at 10:05 PM
How about this for inspiration?
http://tinyurl.com/7dv26pg
there's a link to the original article (in Finnish) with more photos :o) I think your beautiful work would fit in nicely :o)
Much love Tracy M (always inspired by your blog)
Posted by: Tracy M | January 14, 2012 at 09:17 PM
I agree with the poster that blogs ARE often vanity vehicles. In fact I was talking about this with my male friend and he reckons that ALL writing, apart from that for work, ie: technical or mind-numbingly dull stuff I guess(!), is for reasons of vanity saying: "Look what I can do, everyone see how clever I am." He even thinks that is accurate for writers of fiction, though is not judging anyone for it....I guess he's probably right. And so what? If you enjoy blogging, if even one person sees a blog and is interested or inspired to do something similar then that has to be a good thing surely? (Unless you're writing about something deeply dodgy or explaining to how make a bomb etc!!!)
Well done you your friend (and I might already have commented on this- so double welldones to her!) for a super dooper blanket.
Posted by: Rachel | January 14, 2012 at 08:27 PM
Inspiration is definitely the word for you, Lucy! Whenever I'm down in the dumps I head straight to your blog for an injection of inspiration. Not only an injection of creativity and color, but an injection of Love of Life and seeing beauty and value in all the day to day things life brings.
Posted by: Mimzy | January 14, 2012 at 08:26 PM
Yes you are inspirational, so much so I want to do my own blog, I knit, sew, crochet, embroider, forage for vintage bits and bobs, bake, walk around in awe of my surroundings, colours textiles etc etc. Problem is fitting in my crafting and a possible blog with working 36 hours a week and keeping a home.
I love your blog and have a list of projects stacked up rready to roll when I can fit them in :(
Thank you for your blog, I always look forward to the next instalment.
Posted by: Jacqui | January 14, 2012 at 07:23 PM
Lucy OH YES HOW YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME! I have commented on just about every piece of work you have "created" and your words are very insiring and beautiful, just down to earth kind of lady! As I am now disabled and unable to work thanks to an elderly lady who I latter learned didn't have a drivers license hit my vehicle while I was at a stop sign and injuring my back beyond repair, so I was browsing the Internet when I can across your lovely blog. I never considered myself a crafty person but at the same point was looking for some thing to occupy my time. I had first seen your Japanese Flower Shawl Oh what a beauty that's is, that is exactly what made me want to learn to crochet! So with your wonderful tutorials and a little help of You Tube I was off learning this new craft! I have started several projects this past year, but yet to finish one because I always see some thing I just have to have and have to make sure I am able to make the design so I start on yet another project! I did join your crochet a long and do HOPE you will have more in the future! I haven't even half finished my ripple yet one do to the fact I decided to make it for a KING size bed, maybe shouldnt have went that big with the first one but loving it just the same, number two I had to take a break to make a baby blanket for my new little nephew who was born 3 weeks early on Christmas day, what a wonderful gift he is! So here is to the wonderful Lady that has brought so much inspiration in my life! HERE'S TO LUCY!! YAY!! Hope you continue with this wonderful blog for a long time to come, as it is one of my "look forward to" things I do every day! Love and many many hugs!!
Posted by: Lynn | January 14, 2012 at 04:32 PM
Yes, you must. I hear Navy is the new Black. I so would love to see this color enter your palette. You would use it wisely and give all some new inspiration for 2012. Goodness, knows I need a little right now. You are always the perfect place to find it. Hope the new year is treating you well so far.
Posted by: Kate - The Garden Bell | January 14, 2012 at 01:28 PM
BEAUTIFUL...and how wonderful that it came right round behind you and bit your rear in such an unexpected way - lovely story....and what a talented friend!
Yes PLEASE to the tutorial.... I am know for wearing bright colours and odd things and I DON'T want a Hostess Pinny...BUT...in the right colours...dare I say a skirt!!
Oh! By the way Luce...I did give in and buy those red shoes I was fluttering over the other day...OOOPPPSS! :D
Happy Hooking! xx
Posted by: KayElleC | January 14, 2012 at 01:23 PM
This may not make sense here but this post inspired me to ask this. Actually the idea has been on my mind for quite awhile. Have you ever considered translating your tutorials to video so we can watch & see how you work you "hooky magic" & "inspiration? Your instructions are always very clear but I am one of those people who needs to see it more than read it. Even as beautiful as your pictures are I can't quite get it. I have not been able to find video tutorials with the wonderful patterns like yours. Would you ever consider it?? Please???
Posted by: Lucy | January 14, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Hello!!! I am Mora, from Argentina, I can say you were and you are my inspiration, the first time a saw your blog it remind me how much I used to love knit and all your colours gave life and joy. I just want to thank you so much. (please excuse my english)
Posted by: Mora | January 14, 2012 at 11:43 AM
I just got a yarn catalog and saw this chair decorated with crochet and knitting and it reminded me of you: http://www.lionbrand.com/yarnBombing.html
Posted by: Ali | January 14, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Lucy, I came across your blog some time before the holidays and want you to know how much I look forward to your updates. I love your crocheting, but your posts about life in general are lovely and you've been an inspiration for this "old 51-year-old lady" who has grandchildren probably about your children's ages ... heehee. From Conway, Arkansas, USA --- God Bless!
Posted by: Bridgette | January 13, 2012 at 10:56 PM
Oh Lucy you are an inspiration, not only with your ideas and your colours, but also in your view on life and the way you live it....so sunshiney bright! How wondeful, Sarah x
Posted by: Sarah | January 13, 2012 at 10:14 PM
O my goodness i have just stumbles across your blog after searcing for inspiration crochet blogs so its funny that you were talking about inspiration ;-) I am amazed and delighted to have found you and your work and home are just beautiful. Your ripple blanket is stunning. I have just started learning and im in the middle of my first blanket and i love it and im very excited to be finely able to do it well kind of ;-)) There is so much to learn. I would love to follow you but i can't seem to find the button. dee x
Posted by: delia hornbook | January 13, 2012 at 09:08 PM
The blanket looks so beautiful. The colours are so shiny. Thank you for showing us. Hugs Nicole
Posted by: Nicole | January 13, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Hi Lucy, well I'm so pleased that my "Vanity Vehicle" comment made you laugh! I do think non blog readers/writers can still get that impression, if I find one I'll send them to your blog so, like me, they too can be proved wrong.
Love the Granny Wheel blanket, yes, the circle has turned and how lovely it looks too.
Attic24 remains a place of inspiration and happy, colourful fun - long may it continue!
Carol xx
p.s. I bet my new shoes and stripey socks will make you smile.
Posted by: Carol | January 13, 2012 at 08:35 PM
Lucy,
Just wanted to share a few pix that you have inspired. Thanks for all your happy and colorful posts.
M
http://musingsandmeanderings-mlp.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-moment_13.html
Posted by: Melanie @ M&M | January 13, 2012 at 08:15 PM
I love how colorful your blog is!!!
Posted by: Kristin Whitehead | January 13, 2012 at 06:18 PM
How fantastic to see something you originated come back to you in such a gorgeous blanket. I really love the navy edging.
Posted by: Janice | January 13, 2012 at 06:08 PM
Ooh lovely, it's almost celestial. You are indeed inspirational. Whenever I've got that 'I need to make something but I don't know what' feeling, I have a rifle through your bloggings and inevitably come up with something. :-D
Posted by: domesticlou | January 13, 2012 at 05:57 PM
One thing always leads to another....as one blog always leads to another. It is always fun to see what everyone is doing and to become inspired to do something creative in the process. Your blog was the very first one I ever read and it kinda just snow-balled from there. I wonder just how many of us lay awake at night dreaming up new patterns in our heads while trying to count the sheep that provide the wool.....
Posted by: Susanne Tyree | January 13, 2012 at 04:11 PM
It goes withut sayng I'm inspired in turn by these goLORious piece of work! I'd never have thought of navy and it makes the other colours jump up and shout! :o)
Jess xx
Posted by: Jess | January 13, 2012 at 04:01 PM
I love reading about you and your accomplishments. You are one of my favorite blogs. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Posted by: cdpquilter50 | January 13, 2012 at 03:49 PM