Yesterday started early, I can't tell you what time exactly but I can tell you that there was a number 5 on my digital clock. Little B was up and ready to start his day so I knew that like it or not I had to get up too.
Little B and I have an early morning routine which doesn't take a break on weekends. We rise and come downstairs early, he busies himself with his toys or settles on the sofa to watch kids tv, and I shuffle off into the kitchen. Radio on, empty the dishwasher, heat up milk for Little B, provide banana for Little B, make fresh coffee for me, then out into my little back yard with coffee mug in hand to check on my flowers.
Yesterday was hot and sunny here, so on the spur of the moment I set about arranging my table ready for an early al fresco breakfast. Awww, that small corner looked so inviting! But before I could settle my backside down I needed to do a smidge of work at my desk to prepare for my working Saturday :: answering emails, printing out risk assessment forms and pattern sheets and filling bags with fresh Yorkshire Lavender (a gift for my Visiting Ladies). By seven o'clock I was all finished, and it was time to poncho-up and head outdoors in my pyjamas. A second mug of coffee and some toast, accompanied by the beautiful, inspirational pages of a magazine. I LOVE the summer magazines so much, and this one did not disappoint (August edition of Country Homes&Interiors). It makes me really happy to take off into those dreamy interiors and gardens, I know it's all total fantasy and escapism, but I like it all the same :)
At 7am, the table was in shade but by 7.50am we were treated to delicious shafts of soft, warm sunlight as the sun peeked above the rooftops of the neighbouring houses. J came out to join me and we chit-chatted about this and that, made plans to book a table to eat out that night (a family meal with his Mum and Dad, a real treat!), and he asked me about my day ahead. I told him I've got nine ladies coming to my studio, and that weirdly I am feeling just a teensy bit nervous.
You would think the nerves would be a thing of the past by now, wouldn't you? This was to be my seventh workshop, but I still found myself worrying about whether I would be able to make it a successful day for my Visiting Ladies. I knew that several of the ladies were travelling quite some distance for the workshop, and that this represented a precious treat for many of them. A special allowance of Me-time, a whole day/weekend to leave the men folk (and kiddos) behind and enjoy the pleasure of self-centred sociable creativity.
I love setting the scene for these days, it's a lot of fun. Preparing my studio, switching on my beloved lights, tidying my (slightly chaotic) corner, organising the materials and the space so that it delivers maximum visual pleasure and inspiring vibes. My studio feels like it is singing the happiest song when it is all ready and waiting for visitors!
Of course, I had no need to be nervous or worried. The day breezed along in a blurr of hooky hands, yarny colour, squeals, giggles and chitter-chatter. It was both relaxed and concentrated, informal and hard working. This pattern does take a certain amount of concentrated effort to see it through to a happy conclusion, and at times during the day the room was deadly silent as my ladies counted stitches and worked that grey matter.
But by 4pm, they had created a flock of the most beautiful Birdies.....
....just look at how pretty they are! Some super embroidery emerged, which pleased me enormously! I absolutely love love love doing embroidery (did you know I actually studied a three year BA degree course in embroidery?), but understand it's not everyone's cup of tea. It is an Optional Decorative Extra where this pattern is concerned, but oh I do think the birdies look super cute with their added stitchery :)
After the ladies had all left the studio, I pottered about tidying up my table, feeling shattered (I'm still not 100% health wise), but with a deep feeling of contentment. Such a super-lovely day :)
So that's my last workshop for now as I'm going to be concentrating on Yarndale work for the next few months. I'm planning on re-starting my creative crochet workshops in the Autumn with a brand new project and I'm reaaaaaaaaaaally excited about my ideas for this new workshop. The very thought of it makes me want to jump up and down!
Now then, do you remember me making this promise??
Can you guess what'll be flying into the Attic very, very soon???
Oh yeah, get ready for some Birdie Love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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The Bower Bird is awesome. When are you going to write your book? Wish I were coming to Yarndale but I live 6000 miles away in rural Tennessee in the US. Thanks for the lovely pattern and tutorial. I have made several of the Neat Ripple Pattern for our prayer shawl ministry. Looking forward to reading al about Yarndale.
Posted by: Rural TN | July 22, 2014 at 10:34 PM
Dear lucy I really enjoy your posts. Thank you very much
I was looking for this site Deramores they discounts on yarn
But I'm asking you for some advice before doing internet shopping
How many yarn should I buy for a big afghan on crochet bigger than queen size
And a yarn that is warm
I hope i did explain myself properly
Thanks again
Alicia
Posted by: Alicia larrain | July 22, 2014 at 09:29 PM
Hello lovely! We never managed that end of term coffee, did we? Perhaps in September. I am slightly in awe of how much you achieved before 7 am on a Saturday morning... My two are up at 6 every day lately, it's so warm and bright, I can't blame them. Your workshop looked brilliant, those ladies created some individual and creative birds. xx
Posted by: Gillian | July 17, 2014 at 11:07 PM
Oh yeah, I can't wait! I love me some little birdies, especially yours!
Posted by: Bridgette | July 15, 2014 at 08:46 PM
On a different note.......just made the vegetation burgers you wrote about recently. They are soooo tasty. Thanks!!!!!
Posted by: Mary | July 15, 2014 at 08:28 PM
It's great when everyone can really enjoy their day and also have something so lovely to take home with them.
Posted by: Gillian | July 15, 2014 at 05:31 PM
I so enjoy your blog, it never fails to make me smile to see your beautiful crochet creations.
The birds are adorable. I'm wondering if I could learn to make some? They'd make a nice Christmas gift for my little niece and likely for my own three boys as well.
Are you based in Yorkshire or the Peaks? I'm in East Yorkshire myself, so I'm wondering if I'm too far to attend one of your workshops sometime?
Posted by: Iris | July 15, 2014 at 11:13 AM
Great post as always. I absolutely adore your little table corner in your garden, especially with the crochet blanket and cushion. So cosy and colourful! I hope you feel 100% right soon :)
Posted by: Marie | July 15, 2014 at 10:34 AM
Lucy, I forgat to tell you that I will love to be in your workshops but Iam a little far from there because Iam from South America, Chile. Please excuse my english because I just know a little bit to comunicate.
Posted by: vivi merino | July 15, 2014 at 08:49 AM
Hi Lucy, Thank you so much for the little bird. I have been waiting so long for it. Love your life and I admire you sincerely.
Posted by: vivi merino | July 15, 2014 at 08:41 AM
Ohhhh! I am so excited with the Bower Bird pattern Lucy! I can't wait to start making those little birdies! I love your patterns! I have made your Granny Patchwork Blanket, your Big Blanket and a lot of other bits and pieces from your patterns. Your work is amazing!:)
Posted by: Rhonda | July 15, 2014 at 01:08 AM
excited beyond belief! beautiful birds-- love checking in to see what lovely things you are working on.
Posted by: lee | July 14, 2014 at 09:48 PM
Hi Lucy, I posted a comment on your facebook page but thought I might post here too as I was so excited to hear about your degree in embroidery. Pretty please would you show us some of your work? I've just started to embroider and would love to be inspired by some Attic24 embroidery.
Posted by: Jocelyn Nelson | July 14, 2014 at 08:51 PM
Congratulations - sounds like a wonderful day with lots of colour and smiles. Love the bird pattern.
Posted by: quiltercaroline | July 14, 2014 at 08:22 PM
Your birdies sont craquants! lovely
Lucie
Posted by: soleillucie | July 14, 2014 at 06:38 PM
Oh, how I wish to be one of those lucky ladies!!!! I think you had the perfect working Saturday doing all the things you love!!!! Have a fab fun filled and happy week!!!
Love
AMarie xxx
Posted by: Anna-Marie Field | July 14, 2014 at 06:34 PM
Hi Lucy,
Love your blog, its always so colorful and happy and i adore all the crochet designs, wish you were near so i could go to the workshop. Hope your feeling better soon. :) Liz.
Posted by: Elizabeth Alexander | July 14, 2014 at 06:14 PM
Oh, I can't wait for the pattern! I'm getting geared up for my group's big event this week- The (international) Quilters' Hall of Fame is in my town and this week is our annual Celebration. Two quilt shows, classes, lectures, vendors, induction of our newest honoree. And I have a number of things to do. I hope I might be able to attend Yarndale in 2015 as my husband the historian is itching to go to Ilkley as he just discovered his grandmother's people were from there. Win, win!
Posted by: Sue in Marion, Indiana | July 14, 2014 at 03:53 PM
I love your posts, and your tutorials have helped me with my quest to learn to crochet, they are beautifully written and so inspirational too! Looking forward to your new pattern and your next post!
Posted by: Michelle | July 14, 2014 at 03:46 PM
Lovely birds ! And so colorful, it brings joy in a cloudy day ! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Sandra | July 14, 2014 at 02:11 PM
WHy is it little ones always rise s-o early?! At least mine did, and the youngest still does, even as a teenager( which I'm thankful I don't have to supervise those early mornings anymore!)lol Congrats to you and all the ladies on another wonderful flock of birds! I love to eat breakfast, or any meal outside. We try to as much as possible. Wow! A BA in embroidery, I bet that was fun!
Posted by: Angela-Southern USA | July 14, 2014 at 01:08 PM
Good to see you haven't forgotten your stitchy roots!
You're doing so well keeping all those plates a-spinning, family, workshops, Yarndale, mandalas, blog ... phew! Well done Luce :-)
Love from your old stitchy pal,
Katie B x x x
Posted by: Katie B | July 14, 2014 at 12:29 PM
What a wonderful day you had with the ladies. I just love the little birds. Thank you.
Posted by: Paula Touhey | July 14, 2014 at 12:16 PM
Hello from a cold and wintry SAfrica! I am so excited that you are going to post a pattern for your Bower Bird ... it is on my wish/to-do list to do your class if I make my way up to the UK in the not too distant future! Looking so forward to the tutorial Lucy Thank You xxx Pat :)
Posted by: Pat | July 14, 2014 at 09:45 AM
Dear Lucy, this sounds like an absolutely PRICELESS day! And of course it was not NECESSARY to get up this early, but just think of the wonderful memories your early bird little B (and you) will have when he is grown-up B.
Posted by: Marijke | July 14, 2014 at 09:33 AM