Every so often I find that some weeks stretch and lengthen to such an extent that even trying to remember things from a few days ago seems impossible, let alone trying to reach back into last month. I uploaded these pictures at the end of January, meaning to write a Farewell-January-Hello-February sort of a post and then unexpectedly lost my blogging voice. I was unwell for a few days which left me feeling worn out and a bit grumpy (I don't do very well when I don't sleep well), and I've been feeling just a weeny bit down in the dumps. I find that when I'm not feeling quite right health wise, or when I am worrying about friends/family/situations out of my control, then I simply can't write. The words refuse to land on the page, sentences get half written and then deleted, and blog entries get stuck in my thoughts. And so I've learnt to leave it be when this happens, to simply wait it out and return when I am ready. Thank you so much for continuing to check in on me here, I'm sorry to those of you who began to worry over my absence.
My days are a funny mix of all and nothing at the moment, and by that I mean there is a lot of planning, thinking, problem solving, sorting, sampling and pondering, with very little to actually show for it at the end of each busy day. It's all about thoughts and ideas and plans and schedules which I find very trying. Truthfully, I just want to sit and crochet a colourful blanket, but no, now is not the right time for blankets, I've got other things to do first. I've been sampling various things too, playing with new colours and ideas and trying to ease the congestion building up in my Creative Mind. I've got a new Granny Square design!!!!! I am beyond excited about the look of it, and thrilled by the idea of a Spring/Summer granny square blanket on the horizon. It's been a while since I did squares (it was all about the ripples and stripes last year) and I can't wait for this new blanket journey.
In the meantime, I've been crocheting a few snowflakes inspired by the January weather and the arrival of this lovely book by Caitlin Sainio. Beautifully entitled "100 Snowflakes to Crochet : Make your Own Snowdrift : To Give or For Keeps" (LOVE that title - find it on Amazon UK
As you know, I'm going to include some snowflakes on my winter wreath. I'm experimenting with using thread and super-skinny hooks to make some itty-bitty little snowflakes, it's fiddly work but weirdly satisfying. I'll show you what I've done so far when I remember to take pictures.
January was really cold here in Yorkshire, with regular snow flurries, sub zero temperatures and lots of ice. It provided the perfect backdrop to my winter wreath making, and for that I am grateful. Talking of my winter wreath, I am struggling with a bit of a tricky stamen situation (there are loads of those little blighters in the middle of a hellebore you know), which is frustrating, but I am persevering. I really want to see that wreath on my wall this week so fingers crossed the flowers will work out.
Last month, my mantel had a bit of a dust down and my much loved crochet tins came out of storage to hold the first of the narcissi. I buy these yellow pots of bulbs from the supermarket (they were 69p each) and they give me such a great deal of floral pleasure at the start of the year.
Last month I obsessed a little (well a lot actually) about painted pebbles. Stone art, do you know what I'm meaning? I discovered Elspeth McLean doing some incredible dotty things with acrylic paints on pebbles and fell in love with the idea of doing something similar for my own pleasure.
I treated myself to a set of acrylic paints
Much of January was about home comforts, about keeping warm and feeling nourished. We lit the fire a lot and ate a lot of toasted bread products. I experimented by using a seeded wholemeal bread flour with the no-knead bread recipe in a vague attempt to eat more healthily, although the liberal slathering of butter probably cancelled the Healthy thing right out. This bread made mighty fine toast, but was maybe a bit too hefty to use as sandwich bread, just in case you were wondering.
Oh, I had forgotten about this! Yes, this was the cold, wintry afternoon in late January when the neighbourhood was covered in snow and I sat in the light of the bay window and made pine cones for my wreath. I'll write out the pattern and show you more when I do a round up of my wreathy makes. Soon, I hope.
And this, well this is just a random January still life, with no significant meaning whatsoever. My kitchen drainer, with glass jar of basil and hyacinth stem and second smaller glass jar with glue spreader and paint brushes. I'm not even sure now why I took the picture or thought that it should be included in a January round-up, but I like the fresh green of the basil contrasted with the neon pink of the glue spreader - there could be a fresh new colour palette lurking right there - feel free to take it and run with it.
And there was January 2015, not bad for a tricky winter month. Lets see how February unfolds - a shaky start, but I'm hopeful for better things ahead. It's school holidays next week and we have planned a very short break away. There could be some pebble-hunting on my horizon next week!
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UPDATE :: I've temporarily disabled the Word Verification thingy whilst Typepad try and sort out the problems, so you should be able to leave comments now (I've missed your voices!). And if by any chance my blog stays free of spam comments then I may try leaving it off permanently. Here's hoping.
In a post I think dated in 2009, I noticed a crocheted elephant in the background. I think it was the circular petaled pillow post. I have searched through your archives and can't locate a pattern for an elephant. Can you help?
Posted by: Judy Petersen | February 17, 2015 at 04:54 AM
Welcome back :). I read this post this morning, and then picked up this weeks local newspaper lying around to put it in the recycling, and on the front was a picture of Elspeth McLean getting stones from our local beach here in Ashburton, NZ! Funny coincidence! i love your mantelpiece, so pretty! Take care, hope you're feeling back to normal soon xx
Posted by: Andrea | February 15, 2015 at 01:59 AM
No Knead Bread - I use 2 third white to 1 third whole meal. Slightly more healthy, but lighter.
Posted by: Calli Bradley | February 14, 2015 at 06:22 PM
Thanks for a great blog, you always inspire me. I hope you are feeling much better and enjoy your weekend. Love the dotty pebbles!
Posted by: bartynboz | February 14, 2015 at 05:30 PM
Hi Lucy was lovely for Hayley and myself to meet you today at your studio, enjoyed our chat and your studio looks just amazing xxx thankyou
Posted by: kay Griffiths | February 13, 2015 at 10:35 PM
I'm so glad you're back! I've missed your posts and find many of my days mirroring your mood and thoughts. Thank you for sharing and lifting my spirits as I sit in my daughter's hospital room on day 6. I hope you're feeling better soon and you enjoy some much needed time away. I look forward to your rock hunting journey.
Posted by: Carrie Johnson | February 13, 2015 at 03:44 AM
At work we did a chalk board with how many days until the first day of spring. The count down is on...
Woo woo yes we all have a hard time getting thru these months.....
Posted by: alison | February 11, 2015 at 11:46 PM
The winter months have left me feeling a little dreary, I'm working on a philosophy of "keep going to get through it" and it seems to be working. Glad to see you back x
Posted by: Gemma | February 11, 2015 at 12:06 PM
I'm sorry you've not been well and glad to see you again, although I have not been reading blogs as husband has been ill and is now in hospital until I don't know when.
It's lovely to see your wintry landscapes (sorry this is a two in one response) and as I know the area it makes it more special. I have cycled in your area in the snow but it was a long, long while ago, when I was young and foolish and I didn't worry about traffic, accidents and falling off.
Loved the sound of your un-posh friends in the posh restaurant!!! I look forward to your new square.
It's dull over here in North Cheshire but not raining yet !
Posted by: Anne Marie | February 11, 2015 at 11:51 AM
Hi Lucy, I tried a comment yesterday, but apparently failed. I was going to say that although you bought brushes to do the 'dots', I've found the opposite end of the stick works much better. Dip the wood end in the paint and use it on the surface. You get consistently matched dots. Bigger points, bigger dots and of course smaller points, smaller dots. I can handle a brush very well, but for dots, I never got consistent, round results with the brush. :)
Posted by: Helen | February 11, 2015 at 07:24 AM
I'd like you to know that I love your patterns and they have made me into a dedicated hooker. My first project was a ripple coast baby blanket which I made for one of my students who has just had her first baby. It made me feel able to show her she had my support and the support of her classmates. That was special for me so thank you.
Posted by: beccy | February 10, 2015 at 10:25 PM
Welcome back :)
Posted by: Kristine Robbs | February 10, 2015 at 10:10 PM
I made about 20 different snowflakes from that book as Christmas gifts for the girls in my Rainbow Unit. It was a lovely book to follow, full of clear sensible patterns.
Posted by: liz Jeffery | February 10, 2015 at 09:50 PM
Glad to hear your update Lucy, January is not my most favourite month at all, too dark and dismal. I'm forging ahead with your ripple blanket and about 26 rows to finish. Looking forward to seeing your winter wreath. Rhian x
Posted by: Rhian McCarthy | February 10, 2015 at 08:30 PM
Those snowflakes are delightful- good to know you are fine!x
Posted by: Kate | February 10, 2015 at 07:57 PM
Spam is a brand of canned precooked meat products made by Hormel Foods Corporation. It was first introduced in 1937 and gained popularity worldwide after its use during World War II - fritters anyone )
Posted by: Calli Bradley | February 10, 2015 at 07:30 PM
Thank you for an understanding of January post as I too am not a lover of January anyway and especially so this year as I lost a very dear and close friend.....life will never be the same without her. I found some comfort in continuing on with my cosy blanket on the low days and was thankful when I turned the page on my wall calendar. Have a lovely half term with your family Lucy.
Posted by: Rae | February 10, 2015 at 06:02 PM
January affects lots of people in a down-in-the-dumps kind of way. It's good to have lots of things to look forward to, and the lighter nights are on their way. Can your pine cones possibly be as fabulous as your fern leaves? Can't wait to see the pictures! xx
Posted by: Winwick Mum | February 10, 2015 at 05:51 PM
Glad you are trying something else to cheer the soul on what I call the English grey days. I made a baby ripple blankie in January for latest grandaughter (no.6) using exactly that green and pink! with white, soft green, pomegranite and pale pink to tone in.... called it my watermelon blankie!
Edged it with royal purple as her mum loves purple. It worked beautifully... love those ripples. Thank you for inspiring me.
Posted by: rachel | February 10, 2015 at 05:36 PM
Oh good, thought it was me with the word thingy! So glad you are feeling better. It's been chilly here in Michigan too but not as cold as last year, thank goodness. That canal shot made me homesick......:(
Posted by: Gillie Kilner | February 10, 2015 at 05:03 PM
Lucy, I loved your little robin and am looking forward to seeing your finished wreath. I still have my winter wreath on my kitchen wall. It's not a crocheted one but it's oh so pretty and I've decided to keep it up till spring arrives! Love the crochet snowflakes also - glad to see someone else enjoying the beauties of winter :) I love reading your blog and find it very inspirational and soooooo colourful! I just started my own blog and would really appreciate any helpful hints on how to get people to find it! Thanks for a lovely blog and keep up the colour!
Kate x
Posted by: Kate Beverley | February 10, 2015 at 05:00 PM
I emphasize with your ups and downs -- January/February are such tough months to get through. Here in New England we're under about 2 feet of snow and wondering where to put the next rounds coming in on Thursday and Sunday! Your colors and textures cheer one up so much! Thanks for sharing -- and glad you're feeling better.
Posted by: Kelly | February 10, 2015 at 03:54 PM
Hi Lucy! Sorry you've not been well. It's lovely to see you back and I love all your wonderful crafty projects and gorgeous colours. XX
Posted by: OkeCrafter | February 10, 2015 at 03:51 PM
I love reading your blog posts Lucy. The colours shine through them and warm a little of my world too! Emma x
Posted by: emma from toadstool tales | February 10, 2015 at 03:48 PM
Glad your're feeling better now but do take it easy when you can and get some 'me time' to relax with your crochet. Love your blog, your mantle piece is just brilliant, homely, colourful and fun xx
Posted by: Cherie Chudyk | February 10, 2015 at 03:14 PM