Designing and Writing

 

A little while ago I contributed to an article for Simply Crochet magazine which was all about yarnbombing. After the magazine was published, I came across a question on the Simply Crochet facebook page asking me whether I'd mentioned the article here on my blog or whether I'd intentionally kept it quiet. It made me stop and think about the things I do which don't always get shared on my blog, especially in recent months when I've been kept quite busy with various designing and writing commissions. But to answer the question, no, no, I really don't keep these things quiet on purpose! Mostly it's simply a timing thing - the world of magazines has a way of working which is quite different from the way I like to write and share on my blog. Commisssion work for magazines happens many months in advance of publication, whereas here in the Attic I like to share things pretty much as and when they happen. As you know, I have an atrocious memory and often by the time a magazine comes into the shops I've forgotten all about the work I might have done four or five months previously. 

Anyhoooo.....I thought perhaps it might be good to have a little catch-up sesh and share a few things that I've been up to "behind the scenes" so to speak. The magazine in the photo above is Simply Crochet issue sixty, which was out last month and no longer current. I'm so sorry I am late to tell you about it as it's a fab issue with some great projects in, but you can still get a hold of it as a back issue, or as a digital download. You can find all info about SC issue 60 {here}

I was asked back in February if I would like to work on a design for a Simply Crochet magazine summer collection, and I answered yes straight away. Back then in the depths of winter I found the idea of working on a summer project hugely appealing, especially as I was asked to choose the colour palette as well as designing a pattern.  I chose the above 7 shades of Stylecraft Classique Cotton DK, responding to the brief which had asked for "something summery and fun". In the above picture, the colours I chose (from left to right) are :

Azure : Sky Blue : Soft Lime : Wisteria : Shell Pink : Fondant : Hot Pink

There are six crochet projects (by six different designers) in the summer collection, all using this beautiful soft colour palette. From dragonflies and pebbles, to a whole amazing tee-pee....

.....these makes are all about having some creative fun and adding a bit of hooky decoration to your outside space.

My contribution was a mandala hoop, and I just love the way the team at Simply Crochet styled and photographed it for the magazine page. 

Designing and making my Boho Chic Mandala was really, really enjoyable, and I consider myself extremely fortunate (almost beyond words) that I get to do this and call it Work. Lucky, lucky me. I am so grateful for my crochet and colour addiction and all that it brings to my life!

You might possibly recognise the centre of this mandala - I started out by making the first five rounds of my Happy Flower, then continued to add enough rounds to form a 35 cm circle.

A 35 cm crochet circle should stretch quite happily to fit a 45 cm hoop - this stretching out of the crochet as you attach it to the hoop transforms the design, opening out the stitches to create a lovely neat, taut finish.

When I've made this size of mandala before, I've attached the crochet to child-sized hula hoops, you know, those brightly coloured plastic ones you can get (see my blog post here). But I've since discovered that you can  buy lightweight plastic-coated metal hoops which are very much thinner than hula hoops, making them much easier to crochet around. They come in various different sizes, from teensy 10 cm ones up to the 45 cm one that I've used here. If you are looking online for these hoops (eg on Amazon UK) , you need to search for "metal craft ring" - they are sold for making things like dream catchers I think. 

I just love the way this pattern turned out, and I've got a second mandala in progress which is crocheted in much brighter colours, more like my previous mandala hoops. I must remember to dig it out and finish it - in fact I've got a couple of large mandalas which are half way done, so I'll be finishing them off very soon and attaching them to hoops ready for this year's outdoor display at Yarndale.

Talking of Yarndale, as I mentioned at the start of this post, issue 60 of Simply crochet magazine also contains a really great article all about the joys of yarnbombing. I was interviewed for this write up (with my Yarndale hat on) and it's really interesting to read about the inspiration and motivation behind some other amazing community yarn bomb projects.

I also contributed to a beautifully written article all about choosing colours for crochet projects which you can find in Simply Crochet magazine issue 59. Again, I did this interview months ago now, and it had slipped my mind until recently. 

I don't know - sometimes I confess I feel a little bit uneasy about sharing these things, as I don't want it to seem like I am shouting out about myself or trying to sell or promote anything, does that make sense? I enjoy writing and designing very much, and although mostly I keep things contained here in the Attic, occasionally it feels rather good to see my words and images out there in print. 

Oh, what do we have here then? Something else crocheted in a pretty palette of summery cottons! I designed these little heart key rings as my contribution to this year's Yarndale brochure (you might remember the owls from last year?). I used five shades of Classique Cotton > Sunflower : Shrimp : Fondant : Sky Blue : Soft Lime (aren't the colours pretty?!)

These are quick and easy to hook up - I made two hearts then crocheted them together around the edge in a contrasting colour, adding a small hanging loop at the top. The little flower is crocheted separately and stitched on.

I love designing and making small decorative things as I think it's always great to have a stash of patterns that you can pull out when you need to whip up a last minute little crochet gift. If you are coming to Yarndale, the pattern for these hearts will be in the brochure which is given to all visitors. 

And finally before I leave you in peace, a quick shout out for the British Knitting & Crochet Awards. As per usual I'm very late in putting this on my blog as the voting closes today (30th August)....typical me! These awards are a great recognition within the industry, and to be nominated is considered an honour. This year I have 4 nominations (yes, four!) which I am so happy about!

★ Favourite Crochet Blog
★ Favourite crochet Designer
★ Best Website (for WoolWarehouse/Attic24)
★ Best ready-to-use kits (for WoolWarehouse/Attic24)

also Yarndale has been nominated in 
★ Best Knitting Show Event

Votes are open to both UK and Worldwide peeps this year (although only UK residents will be eligible for the yarny part of the prize draw). It's worth mentioning that you don't have to vote in all the categories (especially regional ones which may well mean nothing to you) - only categories with an asterisk* require an imput. So if you'd like to give it a go, I'd be very grateful - click on the image above, or go {here}. Closes midnight 30th August.

As ever, I am so thankful for you all, for your ongoing visits to the Attic and for the kind words you write to me. I appreciate it very very much xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Laura Gabriela Martin Del Campo Sescosse]

So sad I just read your blog.... I would have voted for you! I just LOVE reading your blog and it is because of you that I knit blankets and bake bread!❤️

[Dot]

Oh boy...it seems like some people expect your blog to be the way they want it to be.They seem to forget it's YOUR blog and you should write it the way YOU want it to be ( which is how most people - including myself - like it best! ) If you want to shout it from the rooftops just how great you are then go ahead do it ( because you are ) and if you want to keep quiet about it ( or simply forget ) then that's fine.life makes blogs,not the other way round! Your blog is lovely and your work is wonderful! When I started crochet it was your blog that kept me inspired. I'm always happy to find a new pattern and I'm amazed at the amount you create! I would totally buy your book and i absolutely understand that there are patterns you create exclusively for magazines or yarndale. Not too bad an office yours is ;)
I do hope you don't get upset by nasty comments,it's the bloody internet giving everyone the right to say whatever they think,without having to face up to an actual person.
Right...just had to say this.
I'm gonna spend a lovely weekend on the moors via your lovely moorland blanket,since it's finally cooled down enough to handle heavy blankets again in my part of the world. I can't wait to get lost in those beautiful colors and that soothing pattern! Thank you so much for sharing!
Love
Dot

[Eleonora from Coastal Crochet]

Thankyou Lucy for this great blog post...as an aspiring designer myself, I find this very inspiring! 😊❤❤

[Darlene]

People who follow you and love your patterns would love to know how they can find more of your work. You shouldn't be afraid to announce it on your blog. In fact, I would prefer it because I don't normally buy magazines but would like the chance to get the ones that your work appears in.

Blossom was rude. You DEFINITELY deserve to be paid for your work. If you can make a living by blogging and designing patterns then you should, and not feel that you're doing anything wrong.

Don't let people like that get you down. They are in the minority, and they are WRONG to expect you to spend so much of your own time and money and get nothing in return so that they can have something for free. I'm sure if it came to supporting your family, and maintaining a blog with a bunch of free stuff for strangers then we all would know that the blog would go away.

Blossom, if you don't want to buy the things or read about them, then you don't have to, but for those of us who DO want to buy them we are happy to support designers.

[Elizabeth]

Hi Lucy
I won't be able to attend Yarndale, but would love it if you released the pattern for the crochet heart keyring....might that be possible please?

[Blossom]

Why do you profess to be reluctant to tell about the things you write and get paid for? You're certainly not reluctant to endlessly promote your other money making ventures!

Whatever happened to this homely blog, now it's all about buy, buy, buy.

[Martha McKinley]

I'd like to add to the requests for a book (when you get time), as I'd buy it like a shot! Also am very interested in what you have done for magazines etc, please feel free to self promote :) as you always inspire me to pick up my hook again.

[Crafty Cath]

Oh no!!! I missed the vote :( but I'm sure you'll win :) and when you get a moment(!), do please write a book.....I'll definitely buy it. I love blogs, but I like books better.

[Amy]

I missed the voting window but would definitely vote your blog best in show. :-) You've brought me hours of delight and support - your crochet projects have helped me through some hard times. THANK YOU!

[jacqui]

Please shout all your projects from the tree tops we are a (nosey) interested lot and want to share ypou wonderful achievements oh wow love those key rings have to make some mandalas oooooh

[Jacqueline Strand]

Hello;

I love this post. The mandala is gorgeous and is next on my hooks. I also love the little heart key ring and would love to make some but I live in the U.S. and am not going to Yarndale. Is it possible for anyone else to get the brochure or the pattern for these?

Thank you,
Jackie

[Angela-Southern USA]

Congrats on it all! It's lovely hearing about the other yarny adventures you get up to.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Debbie]

None of the other blogs to vote for are those I have ever heard of - its all a bit arbitrary isn't it? Where are all the well loved bloggers? I know many of them have gone now but still. Where was Cherry Heart for instance? She is a very talented designer.

They also get you to vote on all sorts of other things that I have no knowledge of (like ranges of yarn and yarn shops) and are far too nosy in general about personal information so I declined to vote for several reasons. You did post about it on instagram so I'm sure people responded there when you asked for votes.

You have not mentioned your Yarndale charity project. I think you did talk about it a while a go but perhaps a reminder would be good. Crafternoon treats mentioned the hearts for Mind on her podcast (there is a blogger well worth a mention, she is amazing with all she does). That's a good cause so perhaps that should be highlighted while there is just still time?

[Carol]

I love your little hearts but am not going to Yarndale this year. Where is the pattern please?

I love Manadalas as well and might try and make some big ones for my granddaughters.

[daria ed]

wow !-Daria
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/daria-edu-19010657
http://dariaed.com/ "

[Janette Surtees]

Dear Lucy, thank you as always for a heartfelt blog. I love your style of writing , it is refreshingly candid and humble. The hearts for Yarndale brochure are a triumph, simple, beautiful and achievable by most. I'm so sad that I can't attend this year, last year was my first trip. But it's just not possible this year. So here's to 2018! Crochet has been part of my life since I was 12 years old, and I am truly thankful for this craft. You particularly have expanded my horizons regarding crochet, almost like giving us crocheters permission and plausibility to innovate, discover and branch out in this truly wonderful creative art form. Long may you and crochet continue.

[Teresa Kasner]

I hope you win in all your categories, you deserve it, Lucy. You've inspired literally thousands and thousands of people to learn to crochet or pick the hook back up and use your miraculously brilliant colors to brighten our lives. You're already a winner in my book. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Lu]

Hi Lucy, we so love your designs as well as the magazines. A little self promotion when you're published is ok with us! All the best.

[Kathleen]

I voted. I always love to see your work. Your designs and modesty truly make you stand out as a positive model in the crafting world.

[Amber]

just voted !!

[winifred waite]

Thanks for the update. What gorgeous summer colours and abeautiful design.

[Susan Smith]

Thanks for the update & as you are so busy with yarny bits, family & Yarndale at this time of year, it's only fair that some blogging time goes by the wayside. Loved your last post & didn't get time to comment, so that is another big thank you for 'my Yorkshire' pics. Just think, I should be able to pick up a copy of Issue 60 probably next month as we are usually 2 months behind here in Oz & have a go at one of those summery bits before summer.(giggle). Thanks again & take care. PS. Wish I was coming to Yarndale again.

[Sue]

Please may I add my request to Marie S for a pattern for the wonderful owls you made last year for Yarndale.
As for wondering whether to mention what you are doing for magazines I think as it's your blog it's entirely what you feel comfortable with. There are always going to be people who find fault with your decisions, often because they envy you.
I can understand your reluctance to post on work you did months ago. It must seem stale to you.
Personally I'd much rather read your more informal blog than a blog about a magazine article.
One year I will get to Yarndale but it won't be this one! Sue

[Kimmy]

Beautiful designs and execution! I cast my votes for YOU, Lucy.

[Heleen]

Well... just in time... voted!
Luckily there is an hour time difference between the UK and the Netherlands.
Good luck Lucy, you deserve it!