♥ Three things that have made me feel heart-skippy happy today....
♥ Thing #1 :: on my table ♥
I've been browsing through my collection of Japanese crochet books today, thinking, absorbing and attempting to coax out a new design idea which is still maddeningly caught up inside the messy tangle of ric-rac inside my Creative Mind. I am so close to teasing it out (it's been there for over a year) and I am antsy-excited for it to show itself to me. It's a blanket design for the Summer months, something bright and floral and folksy and rather nostalgic and sweet. I can feel what it needs to be, have a good idea of the colour palette I'm after, but apparently it's not quite ready to show itself to me just yet. I will not be deterred!
I've been collecting these Japanese books for a good many years, I treat myself maybe once a year and they are the most fabulously inspiring things. I've just placed an order for another today, it tickles me to know that it will be flying through the air all the way from Actual Japan!! I buy from a very good Etsy seller called Pomadour24 - be warned, this is a giant sized rabbit hole, so please don't blame me if you take a tumble down it.
♥ Also on my table is a jug of pretty pink tulips which are making me smile. A sweet Valentines day gift from-me-to-me, and why not indeed? J is a lovely, lovely man, but not a romantic atom in his body. After 23 years I feel quite alright about buying my own tulips and having a little love fest with the colour of them.
♥ Thing #2 :: on my sofa/lap ♥
Awwwww, little Tilly, she is the sweetest thing. She seeks me out when I'm at home, sometimes perching on my shoulder if I'm working at my desk, but today she came to join me on the sofa for a while.
♥ I honestly can't think of anything more comforting - this afternoon I spent an hour snuggled up on my crochet-laden sofa, my feet all cosy in my hand knot socks, some very pretty stripes growing on my hook and that sweet kitty nestled into my side and resting her chin on my legs. It was so so so good. My heart was full.
♥ Thing #3 :: on my Mantel ♥
Amazingly, after just two days indoors, the first little yellow narcissus has opened on my mantel. My hyacinths are also in full bloom, and I'm loving the dose of floral Spring cheer they bring.
♥ I've got one of my favourite Pintail candle tins burning on my mantel right now too, and the scent of it is absolutely glorious. It's zesty and fresh and comforting, just the thing to give a little pick-me-up in these cold winter days.
♥ I hope you're finding some little things in your day to make your heart skip with happiness!
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ps I remembered I created a category for my 3Things posts, I have just re-read them all and have had such an unexpectedly lovely trip back down memory lane! They go back to 2009 - h e r e - if you want to see xxxx
pps if you look closely at some of the photos today, you might spot my new Hydrangea blanket just beginning.....more about that in the next few weeks xx
Hello! I'm wondering if you have a pattern posted for that LOVELY Granny triangle bunting on your mantle? I've tried searching your links but didn't see it. Thank you!
Posted by: Heidi | March 04, 2017 at 04:45 AM
I buy myself flowers too, £1 bunch of daffs at moment opening on windowsill, total get hubby thing but mine does other stuff so as you say after 24 years no big deal.
Posted by: heidijo | February 21, 2017 at 09:46 PM
I have loved every Japanese crochet book I have ever seen. The attention to detail is fabulous. I have never had a good source for them but now you have told me, I fear that I will also venture into dangerous territory, just to get a glimpse!
Beautifully inspiring photos and colours as always.
May your summer blanket reveal itself soon!
Have fun.
Posted by: Jodiebodie | February 21, 2017 at 12:23 PM
Crocheted blankets for Elephants: I kid you not! I've just come across this project in India to protect elephants from the cold http://www.top13.net/indian-shelter-knitted-giant-sweaters-for-rescue-elephants/
It would be a great project for Yarndale this year!
Posted by: Adaliza | February 20, 2017 at 10:33 AM
Thank you for the gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate those special moments! And YIPII to flowers indoors!! I think I need to head out to the flower shop :)
Posted by: Stacey | February 19, 2017 at 09:26 PM
Love how colorful and cozy this is! I have a tortoiseshell kitty too, and they are just the best!
Posted by: Katherine of Kitten's Lost Her Mittens | February 19, 2017 at 07:11 PM
A summer bright floral folksy blanket sounds like Just The Thing 😊 ...especially if the folk art pins you've been pinning on Pinterest are anything to go by! I noticed because I've been busy pinning them too, for furniture painting inspiration.
I'll look forward to seeing what pops out of your head!!
Posted by: Lisa | February 18, 2017 at 06:38 PM
I already have a serious Anna Maria Horner fabric habit and mustn't allow myself to got down the Japanese crochet book rabbit hole.... it is tempting though. Your Tilly looks a lot like my Pippin, except that Pippin is a bit darker overall. Love the purr of a cat, so very relaxing. Enjoy your weekend. x
Posted by: Christina | February 18, 2017 at 03:14 PM
Tilly is gorgeous! Torti cats are very affectionate. I remember our torti, Possum, loved to perch on shoulders too. She died at 18, and I still miss her over 10 years later.
Posted by: Judie Loveday | February 18, 2017 at 02:15 PM
Your blog is such an inspiration! I love reading your posts. I have started collecting Japanese crochet patterns as well and using the charts. They have so many great patterns!
Love your kitty. What a beauty :) Crochet + cats is perfect.
Please keep the Tulips out of her reach (they are poisonous to cats) Just found out myself, as I also like tulips! One of my cats is extra naughty about trying to bite plants, especially air plants. Have a wonderful weekend Lucy!
Posted by: Heather | February 17, 2017 at 11:06 PM
Japanese crochet books haven't been on my radar. I shall have to go and have a look down the rabbit hole. I love the colours of the blanket you're working on.
Posted by: bekki | February 17, 2017 at 03:49 PM
Yes, I spotted that blanket right off. Those Japanese books always inspire! I've just finished a rainbow butterfly bunting for a new baby, may just have to make myself one too. lol Enjoy your new book!xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Angela-Southern USA | February 17, 2017 at 02:14 PM
Looking forward the Hydrangea Blanket!! :))
Best wishes!
Posted by: helen | February 17, 2017 at 11:28 AM
Oh dear straight down the rabbit hole I went 😀
Posted by: Lesley Bland | February 17, 2017 at 10:48 AM
My Winter days have been brightened by your Cosy Stripe Blanket kit. I am new to crochet and am loving the wonderful colours. I sit under the cosy warmth of the soft wool as I hook my way along stripe after stripe and feel so satisfied! Thank you for your inspiration!
Posted by: Heather Harkness | February 17, 2017 at 09:16 AM
Love to read your posts I love spring flowers carn,t wait for your next blanket
Posted by: Carol sewell | February 17, 2017 at 07:23 AM
oh love, i've been having such a grey old week but with just a few words and a couple of pretty pictures you sparkled into my life and made me smile. thank you honey xxx
Posted by: Kate | February 17, 2017 at 03:40 AM
Love the glimpses of the hydrangea blanket - looks like it will have great texture too! Still immersed in the moorland blanket so won't be ready for another for a while but as it looks like stripes again I will probably be doing it at some point! I think you are so talented especially with colour combo's Thanks Lucy x
Posted by: Rowena Corlett | February 16, 2017 at 10:52 PM
Love your flowers :) and they brighten everything up! I have just started buying myself flowers regularly too and am really enjoying them. Looking forward to hearing all about your new blanket.
Posted by: BettyAnn Chavez | February 16, 2017 at 10:51 PM
I think that you and your husband walking around very lovely places just by yourselves is quite romantic ...
:)
Posted by: Suzana Behmer | February 16, 2017 at 10:11 PM
Loved the flowers in this post, my mom absolutely loves having flowers in the house.
Posted by: Sierra | February 16, 2017 at 09:12 PM
Eeeeeeeeeeee! oh wow Lucy, those colours on your new blanket are STUNNING, I can't wait to hear more about it. Now this is one I think I'll be doing, 2 blankets on the go already or not :D
Posted by: Vicky | February 16, 2017 at 08:56 PM
Oh yes, I like the look of that new blanket, such gorgeous texture. No Valentine's gifts here either, you have made me think I should buy myself one next year. Because I'm worth it. Your afternoon hour sounds absolutely blissful. I've spent about eleven hours at skateparks this week, either sitting inside or in the car, and that's been pretty excellent as well, just me, a good book, a hot drink and a chocolate chip cookie. I honestly think I might have cracked the whole parenting thing. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | February 16, 2017 at 08:25 PM
You bring "cheerful" and "relaxation" back to my day to day existance. So easy to let them slip away.
Thank you, again.
Posted by: Denise | February 16, 2017 at 07:47 PM
Am I allowed to say Issuu.com has all Japanese crochetbooks? I love to scroll down and fall in love with them all and made loads from it yet. So for all the people who are not able to buy them, give it a go, it's free. My grandmother used them so I learned to read a graph as a small child. Nothing more comfy then crochet and a cat. They make me incredibly happy with their warm sweet bodies.
Posted by: tinke | February 16, 2017 at 07:17 PM