Studio Time

A few weeks ago I had a chat with myself about Time Management and I decided that I really need to take a different approach to managing myself. I have an awful lot of balls to juggle these days, and in order for me to continue to feel happy and upbeat it's essential that I keep on top of things. What this basically means is that I need to alter my natural free-floating tendencies and create a little more structure to my days. Yes, a little more organisation and structure would be very good for me, I decided. Just a little, nothing too harsh or stifling. This structure would allow me to carry on doing the things I love (and the things I am committed to) but in a less chaotic, flighty way.

My first priority was my studio. Last year I spent a lot of time wishing that I could be here more, yet even when Little B started nursery in September I somehow could not find a way to make it happen. Well not on a regular basis anyway. I realised that I needed to re-think the way I work my days, and make my studio time happen. Plan it. Organise it. Create time for it. So I decided Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings, these would be my Studio mornings. It might not work out, but I am at least going to give it a go.

Yesterday was the first day of my new Structured Week. Day one. I dropped Little B at nursery, dashed back home to do a few quick jobs, then it was straight down to the studio (and it really is down, it's a steep hill and I ran) for two hours of happy time. Having a studio above a café is absolute heaven I have to say. It means I can kick start my morning with a really fantastic Grumpy Mule Latté, which gets things going rather nicely. So yesterday morning, emails flew out and I wrote notes (yes, I really did! This is the New Me!) and it was all very productive and fun.

After a while I tired of the wordy words and decided to make the most of a gorgeous sunshiney spell. I pulled my chair right into the patch of sunlight and settled down for some happy hooky work.

The joy that I feel when I work on my poncho is pretty immense. I get to play with colourful stripes (oh, those colours!), work with gorgeous yarn (mmmmmmmm, cashmerino!), and I get the most marvelous, precious thinking time too (ooooo, buzzy-buzz-buzz brain!). I think about all sorts while I'm methodically creating those long rows. I write mental blog posts, I think about recipes and make menu plans. I dream up holidays and outings, and all manner of creative projects. It all goes on you know, all those dreams, ideas, plans, thoughts, feelings, projects and activities, jumbling and tumbling over each other while I work my rows.

Every so often I have to force myself to stop. STOP!! Stop all that mental dreaming, planning, scheming and creating, give IT a REST! I nip downstairs and order up a second coffee, then settle back down and force myself to concentrate on the moment, the here and now. Coffee. Sunlight. Colour. Calm. That's better.

Back to my stripes. My hands are cold so my wrist warmers go on, and I spend the rest of my studio morning alternating between hooking and leaping up to take photographs of hooking. I ponder my poncho and wonder a) how big should a decent poncho be? and b) will I actually have enough yarn to make it much bigger? The rows are ginormous now, really long and yarn guzzling.

I put it on to try and get a feel for it, and think it does maybe need another few inches, then a wonderful border of some description. I really do want to get it finished asap as I am still bloomin' freezing in the evenings sat at my desk (ie right now) and I really, really, really want to get cracking with my Winter Wreath while it's still winter.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is another Studio Morning, so I shall go full steam ahead with those rows.

xxxxxx

Edit to add :: Grumpy Mule is a fantastic coffee, for those of you that asked!

♥...more little snippets from the Attic...♥

The Studio Story

Wreath Making

Open Studio :: June 2013

Studio Furnishings

Our Working Studio

Comments

[Joyce]

Lovely post Lucy.....while browsing through the Poetry catalogue the other day I notice that garments are swingy and big....maybe you should think of some more yarn for the poncho...I know it's expensive but for the sake of a few more balls etc...but you know your own mind best. I also noticed that there are a lot of kimono styled cardis....I like them but don't like ultra wide sleeves as they are not practical to work with.
Anyhow, keep ME time whenever you can...bringing up a family is time consuming and to cope with all of that time out is absolutely essential.

[Nicky]

Hi Lucy, well done on the organising apart from one thing... 'I just popped back home to do a few quick jobs...' - don't! If it is a Studio morning, then just go straight to the Studio and enjoy being creative, the jobs at home can wait! Sorry if that sounds bossy but I've soooo been there...

[Tanya Miller]

Love your poncho and its beautiful colours. I've got resolutions like yourself of thinking and planning and prepping and being organised and so far so good. Can't wait to see you with a finished poncho and your winter wreath. I'm gonna make some crocheted wreaths this year definitely.

[Katie]

It is nice that you have several hours of freedom per day. Even though I am a stay-at-home mom, I hardly ever have uninterrupted time, even during nap time, there are chores to be done that I can't do with the little babe up and moving and the dogs to "shush" so they don't wake her up. I have started taking some "me" time while she is sleeping, though I use it as a treat. If I clean the cat boxes, I can knit for 15 minutes. Finish the dishes, then write a blog post, etc.

[Su Bishop]

Your studio is looking yummy, particularly in that shaft of sunlight. Programming in time to do what you love is an excellent idea, do what works for you. But stay flexible so that your "time management" doesn't become a burden.

[Ada Bea]

I used to be super organised, now I'm sort of organised! You studio looks wonderful and it's a shame not to use it more, poncho looking good....I'm going to sort out my vintage sheets today, pop them on my new shelves, is that organised enough? Think so....have a lovely day! :) x

[Sonja]

Love you blogpost again. I was wondering if you can read Dutch ;) I see Haken en Kleur on your desk.. Greetings from the Netherlands :D

[beatriz]

que bonito lo tienes y que colorido!!!

[Melissa]

aah, lovely, Lucy! That poncho is coming along a treat. Really enjoyed seeing a peek of life in your studio. Also fascinated with how your hold your crochet hook! I think I hold mine more like a pen?! :-) I must try it your way.

[barbaraschaap]

Good luck with the new structure Lucy! It's a nice thought you are hooking stripy poncho rows as I write this :-)

I'm checking my mailbox three four times a day, waiting for my first Simply Crochet, with your column in it! Should be here (ie the Netherlands) any day now...

[Paige]

Love your blog so much! Oh and your studio is just amazing :)) May I ask what the book is that is sitting on your desk? It looks lovely :) and I'm slightly addicted to craft and home decorating books :) xx

[Jools Morgan-Jones]

Loving the colours - one day I must get myself up to Skipton and see it all for real! The poncho looks fab, I'm really looking forward to seeing it finished, probably as much as you're looking forward to finishing it so it'll keep you warm ;) xx

[Teresa Kasner]

Lucy.. I must say that I really think you're doing super well at keeping all your balls in the air as you juggle through your colorful and happy life. Your studio really is a colorful nest, good for you! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Kate]

A creative person really needs her creative time and I think you choosing to carve out time for what you love to do it very important. I, too, have to quilt, or I would go completely mad I think. Since I am retired, I have more time than you, but one day your children will be all grown and you will have time to do more of what you love to do. You seem to be a pretty balanced person anyway and your family is happy, so that is what is important now. Have fun in your studio. It's so bright and cheery.

[Rebecca]

Your studio is gorgeous, I would get so much done in a room like that! Or at least I like to think so! :)

[AnnB]

To be warm/to have warm hands/feet, eat a scone/donut/cake, etc. with that coffee. It works. See the book Eat For Heat by Matt Stone.

[Marylin]

You're studio is inspiring and I will need to get myself another one. I remember how creative my time spent there was and I taught classes and such. I will have to give that some thot. Your poncho kinda makes me think of the colors used in South American knits/crochets. Beautiful! Hugs, MO

[susie]

Love the photo of you "in the zone" working on your awesome poncho...The colors are vibrant and gorgeous!!

The studio is a reflection of your heart:)Bright, Open, and Happy:)
Enjoy your time doing what soothes your soul

[Ewebewe]

I haven't been "in" to visit since Yarndale. Your studio is lovely! It looks soooo cozy and just perfect for a day of fiber arts. Thank you for sharing it with us!!!!

[Louise]

Loving the stripes on that poncho! Can't wait to see its big Ta dah!

[Kathy, FRANCE]

Oh Lucy - I'm in the same boat at the mo - trying to organise my days - here's hoping!!

I l-o-v-e the colours you have used for the poncho - just looking at the colours will warm you up!!!!!

[Donna]

Lovely as always, the poncho looks great. Your studio looks a real crafters sanctuary, and very inviting with all that yarn to choose from, lush!

[Carolyn]

What a brilliant invention the poncho is. You are so right about organisation being the key- it's on my list of things to do ;)

[VVALÉRIA GOMES]

OLÁ,VOCÊ FAZ CROCHET PARA VENDER OU SOMENTE POR QUE GOSTA?UM ABRAÇO.VALÉRIA.(BRASIL).

[Laura]

Didn't think it was possible, but I adore you even more for having a Surface in your studio!