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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Though I love the coziness of my bed, those early mornings almost always ensure a productive day! Wishing I didn't live oceans away...would love to attend a workshop someday! Yours is the first blog I started following regularly and still look forward to each and every post. Have started my own blog just recently and have committed to becoming a frequent commenter on those I have always followed. Keep doing what you do, you inspire MANY!
Hugs!
Posted by: julie | July 14, 2014 at 05:02 AM
Love your posts and pictures! Do you have a pattern for the round pillow?
Posted by: Kelly | July 14, 2014 at 12:55 AM
My dog sometimes get me out of bed early for a sniff and a wee but we always go back to bed again lol. Lovely post Lucy and I so wish I was nearer for one of your Saturday workshop's ....google maps man say's I'm 185 miles away eeek a little too far for a day out. I shall look forward to your Bower Birdie post, don't they look gorgeous just sitting on that windowsill, I wonder what colour's mine will be??
Posted by: Rae | July 13, 2014 at 10:27 PM
Yes, when, when, when???? This will be fantastic!! I know thousands of us have been waiting for the pattern!!! I hope your health continues to improve and you feel like yourself again, sounds like you should still go to bed earlier like you did a few nights, so God Bless, Kiss your husband and children and be well!
Posted by: Melody A. | July 13, 2014 at 10:21 PM
I'm glad all of your visitors had a such a good time, although of course, how could they not. All of that beautiful yarn to play with. I'm very envious! Your early morning routine sounds wonderfully calm and relaxing, I think I need to adopt this approach a little more. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | July 13, 2014 at 10:20 PM
It will be great to have the pattern, so pleased you have done so many workshops and enjoyed them, workshops are a great way to meet likeminded people. Pleased you are feeling a little better, I am sure you will all enjoy your family get together. I love your colourfull corner outside. Cheers Carolyn. nz
Posted by: Carolyn Jackson | July 13, 2014 at 10:11 PM
Awwww such lovely birdies and so perky too!! I was up in your town today actually. Husband's turn this time as he wanted to visit the guitar show. Me and L had some happy time at Café 76! xx
Posted by: Hazel | July 13, 2014 at 10:06 PM
Have to say that both my children were larks and always got up by 5am. Absolutely not a prayer of them going back to bed, children are all different, but make the most of it Lucy, one day you will be moaning at him to get out of bed. My advice is enjoy your time with him.
Many thanks for your lovely posts, they brighten my day, and inspire me to get better at crochet!!
Posted by: Jo | July 13, 2014 at 09:44 PM
Oh I felt tired reading that! Inspired too, mind you. And very glad our days tend to start with a 7. I'm sure someone must have suggested this but could you be low in iron? Thyroid problems can mean super-tired too (your symptoms sounded really familiar) Hope you're feeling well soon and look forward to the Birdie pattern. x
Posted by: Sarah | July 13, 2014 at 09:08 PM
Looking forward to tutorial, been raining on and off all day here but still had a bit of a potter in the garden
Clare x
Posted by: Clare | July 13, 2014 at 09:00 PM
Sounds lovely but busy , it's winter here and freezing , but nice to knit, crochet by the fire ,, can't wait for the birdies to be in the attic ..
Posted by: Vicki | July 13, 2014 at 08:56 PM
I would never get up at 5 a.m. That's the middle of the night and not at all the time for grown ups or children to be out of their beds, in my own opinion. When/if my son woke up at that time, he was simply put back into bed until it was time to get up. Certainly not before 7. My son used to wake regularly at 3 at one stage, should I have taken that as the getting up signal? No, he was put back to bed. It really is unnecessary to get up so early unless you want to.
Posted by: Jane | July 13, 2014 at 08:47 PM
Does that mean that people paid for the workshop to make the bird yet everyone else now gets it for free? That doesn't seem very fair does it? I'm sure some of those who paid will think the same.
Posted by: Katie | July 13, 2014 at 08:46 PM
Yay - I am so looking forward to the Bower Bird pattern, Lucy! Your patterns are amazing and you are very generous to share them. I've crocheted your stripy bag 6 times now, and if I lived nearer I'd love to come to your workshops. I also love your colourful little outside space - I have one too, and it's a lovely place to start the day.
Cathy x
Posted by: Cathy at The House with The Blue Door | July 13, 2014 at 08:28 PM
Wonderful birds! The visiting ladies had a good go at it.
How I like your small space outside the house.
You make such a cosy spot of it.
Flowers and colours and all.
It reminds me a bit of my own home:
Brigitte
http://homeiswherethedachshundis.blogspot.be
Posted by: brigitte peetermans | July 13, 2014 at 08:08 PM
OH such lovely and cute birds ! Thanks for sharing your days in the studio ! Have a nice evening !
Posted by: b.géraldine | July 13, 2014 at 07:57 PM
Oh, all those yarny birdies look so lovely! I'm sure you were a wonderful teacher, and I hope you continue to get better and feel completely like yourself soon :)
I am so looking forward to the bower bird pattern!! You have an incredible talent for writing and photographing amazing tutorials, and I can't wait to try the pattern out and make a pair of lovebirds for some friends who are getting married this fall :D
Also immensely looking forward to the ripple reveal— I think I'll be totally bouncy with excitement when you write that post! =D
Posted by: Emmy in Eastern USA | July 13, 2014 at 07:47 PM
Thank you so much for the bower bird pattern to be available to us all, I would be very happily make a donation or pay for the pattern xx
Posted by: Sandy | July 13, 2014 at 07:47 PM
Very cute birdies...well done for a successful and happy day!
Posted by: Odette John | July 13, 2014 at 07:41 PM
The birds look lovely!
Posted by: Corine | July 13, 2014 at 07:30 PM
Oh I can't wait! I tried to make one based of the pictures you showed when you were first making them. Mine didn't come out exactly like yours (I don't think), but he was a reasonable fascimille. There is a post on my blog if you are interested in seeing it. He adds a happy burst of color in my living room now! I'm so looking forward to making him a friend using your pattern. Thank you all your hard work, and the inspiration you give everyday hookers like myself!
Posted by: Darrah | July 13, 2014 at 07:25 PM
Hi. I need your help. I have bought your cushion pack from Wool Warehouse. The help I need is how many stitches do I need to make. When I found the pattern for the Ripple cushion it said that you made I think 51 stitches for a 40 cm cushion. However the cushion which came with the pack is 45 cm. As l am a novice I do not feel confident enough to work it on my own. So any help would be great.
Thanks
Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn Clokey | July 13, 2014 at 07:22 PM
What a lovely studio day, it makes me long to join you, but the other end of the country is just too far to justify a day's crochet to the other half! Maybe I'll run a little get-together for all my friends who want to make the birdie, when the pattern is officially released! We can have a bower-bird party. Love your early morning routine, sounds like mine when we're on holiday and the rest of my family is slug-a-bed. sending you continued get-well thoughts xx
Posted by: Claire Coffey | July 13, 2014 at 07:19 PM
Lucky ladies :-) Am intrigued to know what you had to risk assess for a crochet workshop!
Posted by: Jo | July 13, 2014 at 07:18 PM
HOW exciting, Lucy - and how generous of you. You are a star. I can't wait to make a flock of bower birds! Thank you for everything you do, for your generosity, your cheerfulness, your willingness to share your work and your life with us; in fact, for everything. I can't remember any more what life was like before I discovered Attic24. It was a lot less colourful, I know that!
Posted by: Gillian McM | July 13, 2014 at 07:15 PM