Summer's End

Today these new black shoes were on Little B's feet and he started school age 4 years and 8 months. It's been a funny old day for sure. We had both been looking forward to it very much, him so excited to be starting out on his new journey and me dreaming of some long overdue time by myself.

The reality was very different to what I had expected. Not for Little B, no, no, he was just great. He bounded into the classroom full of happy confidence, he couldn't wait to get his hands on all that Fun Stuff. When I left him he was dressed up as Superman, chatting to his friend from nursery whilst waiting for his turn on the computer. I wandered slowly back along the canal, then spent about fifteen minutes aimlessly pottering about in and out of rooms photographing odd things. The house was full of deafening silence, so I put the radio on and made coffee. Sat in the big chair. And do you know what? For the first time in aaaaaaaaaaages, I felt lonely.

I drank my coffee and sat quietly working on a bit of blanket edging (the edge of the edge!). Crochet never, ever fails to calm my soul and rest my mind. But I decided that what I really needed was to go out. Out the house.....

....and down across the wet grassy slope of the park. Summer is gently drawing to an end and the first signs of Autumn were right there at my feet.

Sigh. I am really, really, really not ready to let Summer go just yet. Not until October I don't think. September is classed as Late Summer in my personal seasonal book.

I called at the supermarket for a few supplies and picked up a bunch of cheap n cheerful English Asters to take to the studio. Gosh, I've missed my studio very much, it was lovely to be back there today, pottering about, tidying up and knowing that I am at the beginning of a New Phase. From tomorrow, I'll have six child-free hours a day at my disposal and I am truly thankful that I have rather a lot of work on at the moment to neatly fill those hours. People keep asking me "what will you do with all the extra time now that Little B is at school?" And I reply simply that I shall work of course. I will go to my studio each day and work. Crochet, write, play with yarn. It feels unbelievably good to be able to say that, words cannot describe how good it makes me feel to know that I have such wonderful things to fill my daytime hours with. But crikey, I really did miss my Little People today, like really missed all three of them rather embarrassingly badly.

Another question I got asked a lot today was "did you have a Good Summer Holiday?" I answered without hesitation Yes, we did. It was a lovely summer, thank you. Just the right balance of everything and nothing, of leisure and laziness, of home and away. I think about the trips away that we've had this year and hope that the Little People enjoyed them as much as I did. We had a wonderful week in Dorset at the start, followed by some long, slow weeks idling about at home.

We had a  family outing to the quirky little local cinema here in town to see a film that I cannot for the life of me remember now. Errrrrrrr (desperately racking brain for the answer....nope, nothing, a complete blank. Ok, give in, asking J....) yes, that's it, it was "How to Train Your Dragon 2", Little B's first ever cinema experience. He fidgeted a lot, on and off my lap, big yawns (huuuge yawns actually) even though it was the middle of the afternoon, but I think he enjoyed it.

The days we spent at home were pretty good I think, it's hard to remember every detail now but the overall impression is one of happy laziness.

Aside from the sewing and the baking, I didn't attempt to interfere with their activity choices. They played outside quite a bit, and they sat at the table on the odd occasion to draw or colour or snip up bits of paper. They made paper aeroplanes and Little B went through half a reel of selotape sticking random bits of paper together.

Some of the time they gamed too, Minecraft mainly, and some Lego and racing games. Oh, and Little Big Planet. I didn't mind it really, didn't feel the need to limit it as they kind of did that for themselves. The gaming/screen time never seemed to be all consuming, and I am glad about that.

We went out and about when we needed to, to get food, new shoes, school uniform, Birthday presents. This was Little Lady and I, out in the park one evening, counting up how many lamp posts line the pathway (I am master planning my yarn bomb strategy for Yarndale, there are Thirty One lamp posts that need yarning).

Summer evening light, how very much I love it. I wish Summer lasted a whole lot longer, it's already getting dark way too soon for my liking.

So our Summer holiday this year was pretty chilled, lazy even. I spent ridiculous amounts of time wearing pyjamas, I know this fact as I seem to be wearing them in so many of the photos! Photos of me baking, picking flowers, drinking coffee, crocheting, cuddling my children. All in my pj's. Thinking I am a bit of a slattern!

I just found this picture of Little B's snuggly toy that he takes to bed each night, he's had it since he was a wee babe. We named him Pengy Quin after a penguin character in a children's tv programme, and he is very well loved I can tell you. It made me happy to come across Pengy Quin one day, all wrapped up in Little B's favourite crochet items (round cushion and Vintage Stripe blanket, both made out of James Brett Kool Cotton, now replaced with a similar yarn called Cotton-On). Four years since I made that little pram blanket, when Little B was still a baby, and he remains very attached to it.

The final week of our summer holiday was spent with Connievan, and what a fantastic week it was too. It was a truly gorgeous family holiday, the sort where everything just kind of went right and stacks of happy memories were made.

We went back to one of our favourite places, to the beautiful coastline of Northumberland. I had worried that we might miss the comforts of the cottage that we usually stay in when we're in this neck of the woods, but truthfully, the caravan provided us with such simple, cosy, comfortable accommodation that we didn't miss the cottage at all. True, we didn't have sea views from the caravan (we were a mile inland) but we made up for that by spending most of our days beside the sea.

It was just fabulous. I took a huge number of sea-drenched photos, it was exceedingly picturesque you know. I'd like to share them here, if you don't mind coming along with me and strolling along the shoreline? I'll show you my Sea Treasure! And my new favourite beach! We will picnic and walk and paddle and beach comb and sky gaze! We will visit castles and flower gardens, and endless sandy shores.......until then, thanks as always for stopping by..........

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

Autumn Wreath :: Ta-dah!

Coast Ripple blanket :: ta-dah!

Funky Lamp Yarnbomb :: Ta-dah!

Comments

[Sarah Finnigan]

Hi Lucy - thanks for all your amazing ideas, colours and inspiration over the last few years. I completely agree with you that crochet can be such an incredible solace and comfort. Last year my before our elderly father died, my sisters and I sat around his beside for two weeks with our crochet and chatted and supported each other. It really was a special time. Moving on though, we are desparate to start your 'Autumn Cosy Blanket' but can't quite work out the colours from your little pic. Can you PLEASE post the colours or e mail me, so we can get going before Autumn is over! Thanks so much. Sarah

[Stela Matthews]

We're having our Spring holidays here in Australia, glorious today, can smell my wisteria. Like you, I'm feeling a little lonely as my two beautiful children have gone to visit the grandparents. Shall play some piano, clean the house and potter in the garden - will try to look at it as a time to recharge the soul. I never believed it when people would say 'they grow up so fast'. 3 years since my youngest started school. Like you,I have work that is flexible. Love it! A good balance of doing something for me and for my family.
Looking forward to creating beautiful memories like you as summer approaches.
I'm excited to see what your new phase brings Lucy. Enjoy and experience with all your heart!
Love Stela x

[magui]

hi,everything is very nice!!!

[Carmen Gonzalez]

Reading your post about the holiday and the starting period after a sweet holidays ,
is so pleasant , so sweet.
You can actually , feel the calm,the excitement, the happiness....... you have the unique ability to communicate brilliantly you thoughts and feeling.
I Love all your crochet project they reflect this calm and sweet enjoyment that you describe .......living, contemplating and taking part of life

[Annalisa]

Hi,
Beautiful pics!
Annalisa from Italy

My blog: http://icapriccideldestino.blogspot.it/

[Angela-Southern USA]

For a big smile check this out!
http://greedyforcolour.blogspot.com/2014/09/my-vintage-crochet-caravan.html
I know you'll love it!xx

[Helen]

Gosh!! what tiny school shoes!!!
I have to buy adult sizes 9 and 3 for my two little boys now...how does one photo bring so many memories flooding back!!!!and how can I possibly be old enough to have 2 children in secondary school !!!
Your life will continue to evolve, so just go with the flow and enjoy the ride, there are Sooooo many more adventures to come...

[kim]

Beautiful photos once again Lucy. Glad you had a good summer and fitted in some hooky time.
I posted about your beautiful blog on mine today.
http://redlionmary.blogspot.co.uk

[emily]

Summer is never long enough (and winter always lingers to long), and I,too, look at September as late summer...I'm not ready for fall, not yet.
Enjoy you 6 hours a day of kid free time!

[Cathy at The House with The Blue Door]

A lovely post :) I remember those mixed feelings when my youngest started school, and here I am again with my middle one about to head off to university. You will get used to it, and have more time to do even more of the wonderful creative things you're already doing! x

[Karen G]

What a sweet poignant post about sending the little one off to school and reflecting back on summer. I know you will come to enjoy your time as you adjust to the new stage... but I can appreciate the mixed feelings involved! How awesome that you spent this summer with them, in your pajamas, cuddling and adventuring and making memories! My kids are all grown now but I still recall those happy / sad moments of letting them go just a little further away, one step at a time. Thanks for sharing, you are a gifted writer. I came to see your blanket edging crochet instruction from Pinterest but ended up touched by your words about life : )

[Sunshine Girl]

Sounds like your summer holiday was a lot like mine! I also call my second son Little B too - although he is now nearly 10. I have just popped over here to tell you I came across your hexagon-how-to instructions last week and am now in the throes of making a blanket! Details are here if you are interested http://www.sunshinegirlnicola.blogspot.co.uk/ - they are great instructions and really easy to follow even to a beginner like me! Have fun with your yarn bomb - I was involved with yarnbombing Solihull earlier this year - sew much fun!

[Carol D]

Lucy - off topic, but I cannot let this get by without mentioning to you.
I just found another site posting what looks exactly like your Blooming Cushion - identical - and I don't see any reference to you or your site at all.
That aggravates me when someone posts patterns that were designed by someone else and apparently takes credit for them. I saw one (same pattern!) and emailed to the poster that it looked just like "Lucy from Attic 24" pattern - and she simply replied "same one!) - but your name/link was nowhere on her post!
Here's link to the one I saw tonight: http://www.usefuldiy.com/diy-crochet-flower-pattern/
I KNOW it's yours - I made one - and will NEVER forget where I got it...and how much your tutorial helped me....did it after I picked up crochet after nearly 20 year layoff. It's my favorite item!
Thank you for all you do....don't want to see anyone take credit for your hard work!

[Jane Thompson]

Your summer holiday sounds wonderful Lucy and I hope you quickly adjust to Little B's new school life. No doubt your creative mind will keep you busy in your lovely studio and it's reassuring to see them bounding into class and looking happy. I've not heard the word slattern before, is that a Yorkshire term? (I'm a very southern girl down here in Kent.) Have a great weekend.
Jane x

[Filiz Kİcmel]

Dear Lucy İ was lucky to find your blog just now, with so many years to read and to be inspired:) U are a wonderful soul and remind me of a sweet elf:) Like you İ love to drink colours and get overly ecxited buying yarn and garn and and...:)İ could crochet till the end of times:) İ just wanted to say thank you so much for attic 24, İ read it like a sweet novel (A bit like the novels of Debbie Mccomber, the main character has a yarn store in a sweet little town in Seattle, with many sweet characters and their lifestories shared in the yarnshop, thought of this, when you read the Pilcher Novel:) So thank you so much for your blog:))

Whish you lots of yarns, health for you all, Starlight in your soul and heaven in your heart:)

Lots of love from Turkey:))

Filiz

[Lynne Gill]

Hi Lucy. Now my "boys" are 40 and 42 - but I can well remember their first days at school - and my mixed emotions! So I can relate to yours. But - onto the next chapter .... I'm sure you have great plans afoot, and lots of exciting things to amaze us with. Good luck!

[Sarah]

(Jumping up and down) That's the ripple we keep getting tantalising glimpses of and it's colours are amazing and does that mean you're about to tell us all about it?!?! September's here before I'm ready too. Be gentle with yourself adjusting x

[Marijke]

It's good to see you back. A new stage in your life, with all of your children at school. It takes some getting used to, but I can tell you from experience that every stage brings lots of good things. Hope that helps a bit. Looking forward to your seaside stories.

[Claire]

"Just the right balance of everything and nothing, of leisure and laziness, of home and away." That's exactly what makes a good school summer holidays for me too!

One of our highlights was the "Pop-up" cafe we had in our garden one afternoon with my daughter and her friend as the mini-waitresses! You can see it here:
http://thequirkyparent.blogspot.co.uk/

[Alison at Sylvan House]

I hope Little B is settling nicely into school Lucy. It feels odd being alone in the house and eerily quiet. Then you get used to it and get lots of work done during the day and look forward to them flying out of the school gate and being delighted to see you again! :-) x

[Barbara]

Children grow much too quickly, don't they? But I have to tell you that my children also wanted to see "How to train your dragon" this summer, and they are 16 and 19 years old! Enjoy your newfound freedom. I am sure you will get used to the new routine quickly.

[Silvia]

Its nice to share your moments...here in Argentina spring is beginning so days are warmer...and flowers beautiful...I like you love sea and cant wait to read about it! Wish you enjoy your "free" time working in new proyects...best of lucks!!

[Gracie]

So very lovely to see your reminiscences of your holiday. It looks so peaceful and idyllic. But not sorry you summer is coming to an end ... cause it means here in New Zealand summer is just that little bit closer :)

[Ginny]

Hope little B enjoyed his first day at school love your blog have been following you for a long time made your banana loaf it was lovely will be making this again, lovely holiday photos
Best wishes to you all ginny

[Kate]

Oh please don't - there's nothing more boring than someone else's holiday photos :-(