British Knitting and Crochet Awards 2017

Helloooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First off, before I launch into tales of the Big City and all sorts of exciting awardy type things, I'd like to say a massive big squishy thank you for all your Birthday wishes after my last post - {{ t h a n k ~y o u }} so much, you really are a beautifully kind bunch. 

So yeah....last Thursday it was indeed my birthday and instead of staying put at home and lolling about doing Birthday-ish things, I hopped on a train and journeyed three hours south to London. I wasn't alone (although I do rather enjoy traveling solo), as I had my friend Emma with me who is part of the Yarndale team. We arrived in London at lunch time, meeting up with the lovely Christine (Winwick Mum), and another fab friend Fiona who owns the most gorgeous yarn shop in Harrogate (Yarn Etc). Are you beginning to realise that there is a very definite yarn connection going on??

Our destination was the historic Alexandra Palace which sits high on a hill to the north of the City. It is such a beautiful and very grand building and I wish I had taken more photographs to share with you. But really I was waaaaay too excited to do much with my camera as we were visiting the famous Knitting and Stitching Show.

It was so much fun for me to be there as a foot-loose-and-fancy-free visitor, with no hidden agenda and nothing to do except ooh and ahh and take it all in. It was really lovely to see so many people we knew and to have time to chat and catch up (the Stylecraft stand looked exceptionally inspiring, you can see a video of it here). The event feels so very different to Yarndale (there is carpet!) and it's all very sleek and rather well pulled together, but I somehow felt it didn't have nearly as much friendly character.

I did very badly on the photo front, I'm so sorry! Truthfully, we arrived quite late in the afternoon and I spent most of my time chatting and not really pointing my camera about the place. Ho-hum......I can show you a photo of one of my favourite exhibitors though......

This gorgeous collection of handmade yarny goodness is the work of Prilly Lewis - this is the first time I've seen her work and I  completely fell in love with it. Prilly uses British lambswool, combining knitting and crochet which is then felted to create a stunning range of accessories. You can see lots more of her work on Instagram. I especially loved the mittens - the bobbly crochet parts were soooooo tactile! 

You may have guessed from the title of this post (which is pretty non-cryptic) that we weren't just gadding about at Ally Pally chatting and stroking all manner of yarny things. We were there in fact for a very good reason as we'd been invited to attend the award ceremony for the annual British Knitting and Crochet Awards. You might remember I wrote about the awards last year? It's a wonderful feeling to attend something that feels really rather grand and so far removed from one's every day life. Again, I wish I had taken photos to show you - the room is quite posh (think high ceilings, huge windows, painted murals, round tables set with white cloths, waiters circulating with trays of fizz), and the atmosphere is buzzing! The best thing about the award ceremony is getting to mingle (and by mingle, I mean chat and lark about) with so many other talented, dedicated yarny folk. My friends from Wool Warehouse and Stylecraft were there, as well as lots of other bloggers, designers, yarn shop owners and yarn makers from right across the industry. 

The voting for these awards is a big affair and is all down to the support of the general knitty/hooky public. This year the votes were opened out Worldwide for the first time, with around 15,000 votes in total, which was a fantastic result. Let’s Knit editor, Sarah Neal, said  “These awards are an opportunity for the nation’s knitters and crocheters to honour their favourite brands, and they’ve done so in their thousands. That’s such a fantastic accolade for all the winners and runners-up and true recognition for all their hard work.” 

So I wonder if some of you may have voted back in the summer? I'd like to say a massive big THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to vote for me, I appreciate it so very much.

I am really chuffed to tell you that I won first place in three categories (Favourite Crochet Blog, Favourite Crochet Designer and Best Ready-to-Make kits), came 2nd place in a fourth category (Best Website for my shop with WoolWarehouse), and Yarndale also won first place for Best Knitting Event......................................................................w o w!

Gosh, I confess I may have conducted a little bit of private happy dancing when those results came in just before Yarndale. As an added surprise, I also got presented with a bottle of champagne for being one of four nominees to win three 1st place awards, it was almost too much to take in. I had pink cheeks! I did air-kisses with Stuart Hillard who was the guest speaker and presenter!! Ahh.....such a whirl of over excitement and feel good :)

You can see  the results of all the categories by clicking here >> 2017 Award results.

With the award ceremony being in the evening, it wasn't possible for me to travel to London and back in a day. Such a shame that I had no other choice but to camp out with Christine in a rather swish hotel for the night....oh, the sacrifice....and on my birthday too.....

The hotel staff treated me rather nicely mind you, and totally surprised me with this scrummy chocolate cake complete with birthday candle, how lovely was that? I can confirm that chocolate cake does indeed taste rather yummy washed down with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

The day after the awards, Christine and I weren't due to leave the Big City until 1 pm. So after much laughing and chatting and a lovely breakfast, we decided to set out on foot and explore a little. Our hotel was  a stones throw from Kings Cross St Pancras train station, so we decided to walk along the Regents Canal a little way to visit Camden Lock and market.

I'd last been to Camden market in my early twenties so only had vague memories of it, but I remembered it being quirky and pretty atomospheric.

I know it shouldn't, but central London always surprises me with how very, very, very busy it is at all times of the day and night. It's a loud cacophony of sights and sounds, with so many crowds of people, and endless streams of traffic. All. the. time. It's relentless, and it kind of takes it out of you after a bit.

But there is no denying the energy that buzzes around these streets.....

.....it's vibrant and youthful and really unlike anything I've ever seen anywhere else.

It is uniquely London.

Christine and I wandered about the market for a while, then found a lovely little coffee shack that made me the best latte - gosh I do so appreciate a great morning coffee, such a pleasure. We lingered by the side of the canal with our hot milky drinks, watching the comings and goings of people and boats before setting out on the return walk back.

It was interesting walking along the canal side...

...it felt kind of familiar and yet different all at once. The narrow boats looked pretty much the same as the ones I'm used to seeing here on the Leeds-Liverpool canal in Yorkshire, but the very urban surroundings made it feel very different. 

I do like the energy that buzzes in the air when you visit a large city, there is always such a huge amount of visual stimulation to absorb. But I don't quite have the stamina for city life any more, and find myself searching almost subconciously for a bit of visual peace and quiet. My eyes and brain need green space now to feel at ease, and that's pretty hard to find in the midst of the city. 

I spent exactly twenty four hours in London, and although I had a really fabulous time I was also very much looking forward to coming home again. Incidentally, I really do love the ceiling at Kings Cross train station, it's mesmerising to look at as you stand and wait for departure.

Train travel has it's pleasures too, and I enjoyed whizzing along the tracks with my hook and cool shades of yarn. This is something I'm working on as part of the Stylecraft Blog Tour this year, well it's happening now actually. The tour started yesterday and there are sixteen days of fabulous and inspiring designs, free patterns and giveaways for you to enjoy. Day one began yesterday with Emma Varnham, and today was the turn of Polly Plum - do go and pay them a visit, and you'll find out from Polly where to go on Wednesday. It'll be my turn at the start of next week (Monday I think it is, I'm a bit disorganised, no surprises there then).

Righty-o.....my bed is calling and I fear I've been waffling. Thank you for visiting with me, for reading my witterings and for casting your votes and for your lovely encouraging words always.

I so appreciate you all.

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Comments

[Annette]

VERY WELL DONE LUCY on all these awards - totally well deserved. I visit family in north London from time to time in and around the areas where you were. I love it, but like you, it is nice to get home again, away from the busyness. Many thanks for your truly inspiring blogs. Annette

[sue hayton]

I visited the Show an Thursday too and thought of you as I passed the Stylecraft Stand!!! I should have waited until you arrived to thank you for the blag!

[Dawn]

You are an absolute inspiration Lucy, and your awards are SO well-deserved, biggest congratulations!! Learning to crochet with your wonderful tutorials, so generously shared, saved my sanity and I am very grateful to you. It is so fitting that you have been recognised in this way!! And, what a great way to celebrate your birthday too!

[Karen]

Congratulations Lucy!! Well deserved! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely color sense and beautiful designs with the world. I'm most of the way through making your Moorland blanket with the cosy stripe design and it has truly been a pleasure. Looking forward to all you imagine in the future!

Karen from California USA

[Peita]

Congrats Lucy! Your awards are well and truly deserved. You have inspired and entertained me for a long time. I don't know how old LB is but I was here before he was born. I crocheted along with you and your first ripple blanket as well as subsequent ones. And yes, "There's no place like home."

[Rural TN]

Fun! Thanks for posting.

[Angela-Southern USA]

A big congrats! No surprise you won so many, way to go!xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Jill]

Congratulations, well done you! Loved the London photos but you're right, it is an exciting, exhausting city. Wish I were a train trip away instead of an overnight flight.

[Carol]

Ooooh! Is that the Lagoon stylecraft yarn pack? So pretty!

[Norma Patrick]

Happy belated birthday and congratulations on your well-deserved awards. It was wonderful to meet you at Yarndale! I feel the same as you about visiting London - my son lived on one of those canal boats for about a year and even that is hectic! Around the Camden and all of Central London areas they have to move them to a new mooring place every 2 weeks which takes some organising. We helped him to turn around in that 'basin' at Camden Lock - I have never had my photograph taken by so many folk whilst trying to negotiate a tricky manoeuvre in a long canal boat!! It's fun to visit but give me the peace and tranquillity of life in Yorkshire. xxx

[bekki]

Congratulations! I was so happy to read that you won your categories. You really deserve it. I love the look of your crochet sneak peek. I can't wait to find out what it is

[Colleen Bowers]

Wonderful, Lucy. You deserve all the awards, as you have done so much to promote and revive the art of crochet. We are all enjoying the ride. XX

[Kate]

Go you! Congratulations! You deserved every moment of glory for all the work you put in and all the pleasure we bloggy-followers get back! x!

[Karen Bond]

Happy belated birthday Lucy. Glad you enjoyed all that gadding about in London - but oh isn't it nice when you get home again... Absolutely LOVE your project bag by the way (bag envy here..) xx

[Marjorie]

Congratulations Lucy on your awards so enjoy your blog and your great patterns best out there am doing your ripple blanket kit from wool wearhouse along with knitted socks. Your designs are lovely and your blog is a delight to read thank you so much.Happy belated birthday for last Thursday glad you had a great birthday xx

[CJ]

Congratulations Lucy, that's absolutely brilliant news, and very well deserved. I'm so thrilled for you, and glad that you had a lovely couple of days in the big city too. A memorable occasion I think. Very well done you. CJ xx

[Sall]

Belated Birthday Wishes Lucy and Huge Congratulations on your well deserved awards!!!!

[Susan Smith]

Congrats, congrats, ooh, how many do I need. Anyway well done you & so rewarding for all your hard work.
I can relate to your city apprehension, as I am not a fan of large ones with crowds & always look forward to seeing sky, hills, trees & farm animals again.
The canal above has no castle, so not a bit like yours, though the narrowboats are similar. Look forward to seeing what the next year brings for you & would like to try & email with a question, but can't seem to find any sort of link. Take care.

[Denise]

Congratulations Lucy, what a wonderful thing to happen. Your work is inspiring and deserves the recognition you received. Being new to crochet I was not aware it is such a big thing. Should have expected it really as you has got me hooked!! (round 6 ready to go I'm amazed).

[Margaret]

Congratulations with your birthday and with all you awards. You deserve these awards for all you inspiring work.

I wish you a great day, Margaret

[Annamaria O'Brien]

Wow Lucy, congrats and happy belated birthday. You are such a talented, lovely lady and you deserve every single prise coming your way. Thank you for your inspiring work ....

[Anna]

Congratulations!!! You truly deserve these awards! Very happy for you and grateful that you inspired me and so many other bloggers, crafters AND MOMS to create beautiful things!!!
Love and hugs! Enjoy your days!
Anna

[Teresa Kasner]

*C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*!* Lucy! All of your wins are well-deserved and I'm proud that I've been reading your blog and following along on your rise to yarny fame. I feel you are a friend and I'm proud to know you. We're at the beach in our caravan and there are "Lucy" blankets over the back of the sofa and two chairs and pillow to match. Have a super week! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Tuula Maaria]

Congratulations on all those wins!
I have been to the Knitting & Stitching show for the last 3 years but this year missed it. And next year I hope to visit Yarndale!
So well said about the energy in London. I absolutely love central London, so happy each time to go there.

[touteclaire]

bravo Lucy, félicitations pour tous vos jolis ouvrages.