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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of course we remember .... When?? When?? When??!!xx lots of love Joy xx ... ps .... hope you are feeling better xx
Posted by: Joy | July 13, 2014 at 07:03 PM
Thank you so much for yesterday Lucy. Catherine and I are both back home now and my little blue bird has a completed ring. He just needs a few twiddly bits to finish him off before he is hung up to be admired.
Best wishes
Hazel
Posted by: Hazel | July 13, 2014 at 07:01 PM
Oh, what a wonderful weekend! 😊 i wish i could attend one of your workshops - you should have workshops abroad... i bet they would be well loved!
Take care
Anne
http://crochetbetweentwoworlds.blogspot.de
Posted by: Anne | July 13, 2014 at 06:50 PM
Thank you! Thank you! I'm so excited for this pattern. You are amazing!
Posted by: Beverly Kinsley | July 13, 2014 at 06:43 PM
Woohoo! Sounds great, thinking of making some for christmas pressies when you fire it off if that's ok? Loving the early morning run through- so tranquil and peaceful. Great post. Karen xx
Posted by: karen@mixture43 | July 13, 2014 at 06:42 PM
Yay! Can't wait :)
Posted by: Michelle Mallalieu | July 13, 2014 at 06:35 PM