Well hello one and all, I am back in the Attic after an unintentional break and I'm really, really happy to be back. I've missed you! Thank you very kindly for all your well wishes of late, and I am very sorry to have been gone so long.
February seems to have passed by in a bit of a blur to be honest, a month of personal struggle for me on a few different levels, and truthfully I am glad it's now behind me. For those who have asked ((thank you, thank you)), my health is improving slowly but surely and for that simple fact I am immensely thankful. I went for some checks at the hospital, had some more blood tests done and everything appears to be "satisfactory", gosh I think my sigh of relief could have been heard for miles. I've another month or so of iron supplements to take, then more blood tests, so although I'm not quite 100% just yet I am very, very much better than I was a month ago.
These photos were taken at Bolton Abbey in the middle of February, a short walk with the youngest two Little Peeps (we left The Teen in bed). The day was cold and bright, and although I look at these images and remember that I was feeling really rather rubbish at the time (oh those hilly paths, my legs complained very loudly!), it was also a wonderful walk with the L-Peeps.
A morning of low winter sunshine and long shadows....
....of slow plodding and mindfulness.
There was a time back in mid February when I truly worried that I would never feel normal again, when there was a tinge of melancholy and fretting seeping into pretty much everything I did. It was so hard to shake off the exhaustion and keep myself cheery and positive, but hey - I muddled through and tried hard to listen to my body, treat myself kindly and allow myself time to recover gently.
Slowly, slowly over the past few weeks I have felt my energy begin to return, and I am so grateful for it. I am trying not to be too negative here, after all, I only have anaemia and a vitamin deficiency and I am well on my way to recovery from both. The struggles I've experienced have been oh so minor compared to the lives of others. So I have tried hard to balance the negativity with gratitude, to combat the exhaustion and low moods with early nights and gentle days and just get on with the business of living life. I hibernated a bit too I guess, tucked myself up at home and withdrew a little from putting myself out there, cos it felt like the right thing to do at the time. But oh it's GREAT to be back, I have seriously missed my normal, happy, share-everything self!!!!!
We had a welcome break from routine in February with a week off school/work for Half Term. We went away for a few days (more of that in a bit), but mostly the week comprised of slow and leisurely days spent quietly at home.
The Little People happily entertained themselves for hours on end, with visiting friends/neighbours adding to the fun. Just to keep it real, a rather extensive amount of screen time was indulged, I confess it's not all paper crafts and hama beads around here. To keep it even more real, I admit I actively encouraged the screen time. I even once or twice commanded Little B (in a slightly hysterical tone of voice) to Go-play-on-your-Play-Station!!! when I really didn't have the energy to deal with his boredom. There. It's all out now. Real life, warts and all.
One of the reasons I've not been blogging lately, (apart from the fact my brain felt like it was stuffed with cotton wool) is down to a timing issue. Often the only window of opportunity for me to sit at my desk and write is in the evenings once the kiddlets are in bed. But due to the tiredness I've been experiencing, I simply haven't had the stamina to do anything much in the evenings. Apart from crochet that is. I've found that crochet has really saved my evenings from being a blur of nothingness. Often I've retreated to bed at 8pm to cosy up and work on some colourful rows - crochet really is the perfect therapy and a very, very happy way to end a long tiring day. Particularly with the easy granny stripe pattern, I have found the repetitive stitches have often sent me into a kind of a trance which is soooooo relaxing and a down right lovely experience. Not only that, but you get a beautiful handmade blanket at the end of it all - win win!!
As a result of all the extra sofa time and early bedtimes last month, I managed to crochet and make this blanket (an updated version of my original granny stripe) in under six weeks, and it's now all finished. I'll be sharing a little ta-dah moment soon to show you the extra stripes I added, plus the slightly simplified Little Waves border. I've started work on writing up the printed pattern for the yarn packs so hoping to have that done and dusted in the next week or so. Thank you for your patience if you've been waiting for this.
I have also been busy working on new projects for Yarndale, we do lots of creative planning and scheming at this time of year, but my biggest job right now is to work with my friend Lovely C to hatch a new sheep for our yarny flock.
This will be our fifth sheep, we have named her Flora as she is particularly fond of flowers.
I've been crocheting a little flower meadow for Flora to frolic in which has been a lot of fun actually, I do really love making flowers. I created a new flower design for this project and I love the way they look. In fact I've had a lot of sparks flying in and out of my Creative Mind inspired by these flowers (made using Drops Karisma DK which is gorgeous 100% wool yarn). I love the buzz of inspiration when it strikes unexpectedly, it's such a wonderful feeling!
My new Cupcake blanket is coming on a treat too, I am over half way with the stripes now and trying really hard to get it finished in the next three weeks, cos I have an idea........
......we'll be heading down to Dorset for Easter and I've got it into my head that the pastel painted beach huts at Lyme Regis will make the most beautiful backdrop for a little blanket photo shoot. What do you think? Good idea?
Talking of the seaside, we took a little trip to the coast in the middle of February and it was absolutely beautiful. We had perfect winter weather (blinking freezing, but oh the sunshine and blue skies were delicious). I'll share some more seaside stuff very soon, can't wait to show you where we went.
Back soon (and I mean soon! I'm back in the Attic, yippeeee!!)
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Lucy,
I am so happy you are back and sharing your lovely blog once again. Take care of yourself and rest when needed.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Mickie, Indiana USA
Posted by: Mickie | March 14, 2016 at 08:58 PM
welcome back my lovely xx Joy xx
Posted by: Joy | March 13, 2016 at 06:57 PM
Very glad you're better. And the photo shoot would be wonderful with the beach huts in the background! Stay well; take care; rest; take time for YOURself...
From Across the pond in New England, USA
8-)
Posted by: Mary | March 13, 2016 at 01:49 PM
I'm a relatively new follower & very happy to have you back & feeling a little better! I love the cupcake colours, and think your photo plan would be great - I spent all my childhood holidays in Lyme Regis, with many an hour spent in the beach huts (although they weren't such pretty colours back in the day!)
Hoping you are back to 100% soon
Posted by: Amethystmum | March 12, 2016 at 07:49 PM
Aw glad you are feeling better, I've missed your inspirational posts I love the crochet blankets you've been busy making. The cupcake one is different but still fab. I think the colourful beach huts as a photo shoot backdrop will complement your blankets perfectly :) Please do a "Yarndale" down South!!
Posted by: Catherine | March 12, 2016 at 04:34 PM
Lucy, I am so very glad that you are back in the attic and glad that you are getting better. I love your cupcake blanket. The colours are gorgeous and I think that a photo shoot by the beach huts in Lyme Regis is a fab idea!
Lucy xx
Posted by: Lucy Peltier | March 11, 2016 at 08:01 PM
Glad you are doing better. I love those little pot huggers!
Posted by: Sheilah | March 10, 2016 at 11:03 PM
yippppeeee you are back!!!! so glad you are feeling a little better. Your little break in Lytham St Anne's obviously did you the power of good. Can't wait to see the photo shoot of the cupcake blanket down in Dorset xxx
Posted by: Jane Garry | March 10, 2016 at 05:59 PM
So glad you're feeling better.
I love the idea of using those beach huts as a backdrop for a blanket photo shoot! Look forward to the pictures!
That hint of sheep is looking good - look forward to seeing the whole of Flora in her meadow too!
Posted by: Claire | March 10, 2016 at 04:18 PM
Missed you so much. Very happy to hear you are getting along a bit better now. Being tired is no fun, its rather exhausting in fact. I suffer from Lupus so I do know the feeling. I enjoy your blog so much and have followed you for years, feeling as if I have tea with you on some chilly mornings.
Posted by: JoAnn Dillon | March 10, 2016 at 04:10 PM
So glad you are feeling better...I want to Thank you for all inspiration..I made 2 blankets this winter Thanks to you.
Best regards, Kajsa, Sweden
Posted by: Kajsa Nordin | March 10, 2016 at 12:37 PM
Hi glad you are feeling a little better, I have missed your posts xx
Posted by: Poodilly | March 10, 2016 at 11:51 AM
Oh thank you so much for posting about your kids watching so much tv in the holidays! I adore your blog, I save it up and read it on grey miserable days like today and it fills me with sunshine and colour, but it always seems so perfect and idyllic, so reading that has just made me love it even more! :D:D:D
Posted by: Kathryn | March 10, 2016 at 11:11 AM
Glad you are feeling better. I have just had a second B12 injection and can't believe the difference. And I was only slightly anaemic.
BTW just in case anyone else has puffy ankles and Restless leg syndrome - try Magnesium (but check with your health professional first).
Posted by: Sue Rostron | March 10, 2016 at 07:06 AM
So glad you are feeling better Lucy 👍
Seeing the beautiful dragons made me think.... Your little peeps would love Jackie Morris dragon illustrations and books. Home grown talent( she lives here in Pembrokeshire) do check her out!!!
Posted by: Linda harrison | March 10, 2016 at 06:43 AM
So glad you are back and feeling better! Love your projects and especially the flowers - they are so cheery. Planning to make one of your blankets soon, but can't decide which one!
Posted by: Eleanor MacLean | March 09, 2016 at 11:34 PM
Lucy, the photo of the beach huts is such a good match for your Cupcake Blanket! I think you should definitely do a photo shoot there. And I'm so glad you're feeling better, warts and all. ;)
Posted by: Lonormi Manuel | March 09, 2016 at 11:30 PM
Glad that you're on the mend and feeling more yourself, Lucy. It's lovely to have you back! I've followed your blog for the last 6 years and it's been my go to happy place for colour, positivity and some wonderful crochet inspiration. Hope you have a swift journey back to feeling and being 100% well. X
Posted by: Kerry Allen | March 09, 2016 at 10:27 PM
So sorry you've been under the weather for so long Lucy, I'm very happy to hear you're on the mend. Love those blanket colours, they're amazing, and a photo shoot in front of those beach huts will be perfection. And somehow a blanket and a beach hut is an ideal combination, just right for snuggling up in the evenings or after a chilly swim. I shall look forward to seeing your pics. Look after yourself sweetie. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | March 09, 2016 at 09:32 PM
So, glad that you are getting better. Take care of you.
Posted by: Sabine | March 09, 2016 at 09:20 PM
I'm glad you are now back on the end, poor you! That's a wonderful image of Lyme Regis and that will be an wonderful backdrop for one of your blankets. Sarah x
Posted by: Sarah | March 09, 2016 at 07:52 PM
How lovely to have you back again and I'm sorry to here you have been poorly, hopefully you will feel back on top soon. Lyme is only a couple of miles from us and the beach huts are waiting for you and that photo shoot. Lets hope it warms up a bit for you this Easter.
Posted by: Juliet Heighway | March 09, 2016 at 07:26 PM
Good to have to back and feeling a bit better too.
Clare x
Posted by: Clare | March 09, 2016 at 07:01 PM
Lucy, I am so glad you are feeling better, I have missed you very much!
I can't wait to see pics from your trip to the coast. I do hope you went to Silverdale, one of my favourite places.
I visited my friends in California recently, and was so pleased to see the Coast blanket I made for them in regular use. Dragged around by the kids, and snuggled under in the evenings. It really was the perfect gift for them!
My crocheting has come to a grinding halt. Achy sore hands that I am resting, and right in the middle of baby projects, my first grandbaby is due is just a few weeks. Eeeek :)
Take care of yourself, CL
Posted by: CL in CO | March 09, 2016 at 05:55 PM
So lovely that you are back Lucy! Been looking forward to hearing from you! Great to know you are on the mend :)
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Posted by: Bethy Boo | March 09, 2016 at 05:26 PM