A Week of Taking it Slow

So this has been the sloooooooow week following on from the rollercoaster week, and to be completely honest I am very glad it's over. There has been underlying stress to our days as J took the week off work to recover, which in itself has felt rather strange. He is very rarely unwell and the concept of time off work with enforced rest and recovery didn't especially come naturally to him. Luckily I was able to gently help him ease through the days as he took some necessary time out, and I think we managed pretty well all things considered.  

One of the things we did last week was make sure that we took a walk every day - nothing too strenuous, just some gentle strolling around our neighbourhood. We would drop Little B at school, then off we would go to stretch our legs and breathe in the Autumn air.

I know I talk often about the woods in our town as it's one of our favourite go-to places when we don't want to take the car out. It's absolutely wonderful to have this place so close by as you can literally access it just a minute or two from the high street, gosh I do so appreciate it!

The Woodland Trust do a great job maintaining it and creating some wonderful additions too (I love this beautiful carved poem bench which is fairly new). Just recently a couple of amazing willow sculptures have arrived, created by a North Yorkshire willow artist. This one is right by the main entrance and is called "Willow Hunter". It's a crazy-beautiful thing, so much energy, movement and feeling created by a collection of twigs. 

It's been cold and dry this week, and so we've had the pleasure of kicking through the fallen leaves as we've walked. No, you are never too old for this activity, not ever!

The colours in the woodland are really reminding me of my Woodland blanket, and I think that this week I might take it out on location for a little bit of a photo shoot. I get a bit nervous about doing this sort of thing, but I need to not care what anyone else thinks because, well......it'll be worth it, right? I think I'd very much like to see my Woodland stripes in situ, so I'll muster up some braveness and make it happen.

I went up to the allotment this week to have a poke around, it's all looking a bit forlorn and in need of an end of season tidy up. I keep thinking that the sweet peas are over as the plants themselves are looking rather bedraggled and my bamboo and string trellis collapsed in the last storm that whipped through here a few weeks ago. But when I was there this week, miraculously there were indeed more flowers to be picked, which made me insanely happy.

The colours are so beautiful - I don't edit my photos at all (too lazy for that), so the brightness and contrast in the above image is naturally how these flowers are in real life. Ah, I LOVE them!!! So much!!!

I've had the pleasure of this teensy little posy on my table all week, making my happiness levels rise with every sniff of those petals. The scent isn't quite as strong as it was with flowers picked in the height of summer, but nevertheless it is still blooming lovely.

As you can see in the above photo, I've been inspired by these sweet floral colours, and I've been sampling up some colours ready for my next CAL (Crochet-A-Long) blanket. YES!!! Consider this a sneak-peek!!!!!

Yarn packs will be available at the beginning of December and the CAL will begin on Friday 4th January 2019, and run for 8 weeks in total.
I've designed a new stitch/stripe which is perfect for beginners, or for people like me who need some therapeutic, soothing rows of colour to start the New Year off beautifully. Just to reassure you, the sneak peek in the above photo is part of my colour sequence sampling and NOT the actual blanket pattern. The pattern for the Sweet Pea blanket is new, and will be worked with two rows per stripe, as is usual for my blanket designs. I'll be able to show you a little more of the pattern closer to the time. I am very (very very very) excited about this blanket, it makes me want to squeal just a little.

On the days when we didn't walk in the woods, we walked along the canal, through the park and up to the farm shop instead. The bonus of walking that way is that it involves not just a nice walk but the possibility of some refreshment too, which does hold a certain appeal I have to admit.

We walked up one afternoon after J had been at the hospital to see a consultant and we both instinctively needed to be out in the sunshine to take the edge off.

Rather than sit in the farm shop cafe, we picked up a couple of take out lattés and some chocolate, then came back into the park to sit a while on a wooden bench. It was so nice to feel the sun on my face, I really love it when you close your eyes to the sun, and it's all pinky-orange inside your eyelids. That glowing warmth is so comforting somehow.

I picked up the above leaf for no reason other than the colours called to me, aren't they beautiful? Autumn right there in my fingertips.

The drop in temperature this week has drawn us to light the fire in the late afternoon, as much for the comfort factor as the warmth. This will be our eleventh autumn/winter with an open fire (there was a horrid electric fire shoved into the brick fireplace when we first moved in), and I wouldn't trade it for anything. We have central heating radiators so our house is generally very warm and cosy in winter, but the open fire adds such a lot of feel good - it's warmth for the heart and soul. 

Whilst I faff with my sweet pea colours and ponder on the stripes for my next blanket, I have needed a crochet project to keep my creative self occupied. As is often the case for me when I'm in between blankets, I find that mandala therapy delivers just the right amount of creative satisfaction. I found a lovely free pattern called the "Bougainvillea Doily" by Zelna Olivier, it's a beauty! I was working on the first version at the cafe and went a bit wrong in the light blue rounds (I didn't read the pattern properly and mis-counted the clusters), so I ended up having to wing it a bit after that. I'm hoping that my second attempt will work out better as it's such a beautiful design - please note that the pattern is written in US crochet terms, so UK hooksters will need to translate. I'm planning on crocheting these to metal hoops to add to my collection - I might crochet some additional rounds and make them bigger, I haven't decided just yet.

This weekend I've deliberately tried to take some care to relax and fully recharge my batteries after a rather draining week. I took myself back to bed yesterday morning following an early start, and ended up sleeping until 10am - I guess I must have needed those extra hours more than I realised.

Yesterday I unearthed a small pile of magazines that had remained unopened since Yarndale took over my life - this is the September issue of Country Living UK which has some beautiful floral inspiration in it's pages. Ahh, beautiful hydrangeas, still not my most favourite flowers, but I do so love the blanket that they inspired.

I've spent a fair few hours nesting on the sofa this weekend, sometimes on my own, sometimes with Little B snuggled up....

....and sometimes with the kitty. She likes to flollop down on my legs in a big long, heavy heap, which I'm not complaining about as she is super cosy and warm when she sleeps like that. She's like a living hot water bottle. 

 

I lit my jar candles earlier on today, and thought to myself that I'd like to crochet some more jar covers in Autumn colours, perhaps decorated with an acorn and oak leaf or two.

Tomorrow.......tomorrow yes I think I will conduct some seasonal mantel faffery. I'll dig out my pumpkins and hang my garland from last year. And yes, maybe I'll pick up my hook and crochet some lacy lime, orange and gold and bring a little bit more Autumn colour into my home.

The Little People are off school now as it's our half term break - it's a week later than it usually is, so I've had three rather tired and grumpy offspring to deal with this past week. We've absolutely no plans whatsoever  - we shall drift through the days as the mood takes us, perhaps going out locally, perhaps just staying close to home. I predict that we shall spend rather a lot of time enjoying fireside treats and really that is absolutely fine by me. 

Have a good week, whether you are venturing out or staying close to home. I hope your days are full of slow, cosy, happy.

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Comments

[Anne Shaw]

Lucy as soon as I saw your Sweetpea colours I knew I would be doing your crochet along this time. I love your idea of two separate colourways for the Sweetpea as it does give a different look. Either way, your eye for colour is AMAZING and is why I buy your kits and follow your rug patterns.

Thank you for all you do for the world crocheting community

Anne
Australia

[Kate]

Hi Lucy,
I love all of your blankets! You've inspired me to learn so I can do the cosy stripe blanket. I do hope that you will one day publish a gorgeous coffee table book with all your projects with your colour inspirations and the ta-dah moments. You'd be a must have author for all your like minded followers.
I'm glad J is getting better.
Kate xxx

[Charlotte.]

Enforced rest is always difficult, so glad that J is doing better.

[Meg]

Sweet peas are my most favourite flower. How gorgeous that little bunch is! I forgot to plant some this year and it's too warm here now for them. Meg:)

[H Worwood]

Squeeee! We did that walk around the castle on the Sunday of Yarndale after a bacon butty at Coopers. It was a lovely bracing day and the Willow huntress was beautiful - so unexpected -but perfect in her setting.

hope that J is recuperating well wrapped in crochet hugs and taking medicinal chocolate.

[Winwick Mum]

It was half term for us last week and I was so glad of the time off the usual routine. We were lucky with the weather for the most part, too - hope the same holds true for you this week! xx

[Kathy]

Such a delightful post!

[Lee]

So glad your husband is on the mend. Your posts always add a bright note to my week and I thank you for sharing it with us.

[Jacqui]

I definitely want this blanket kit oh and the colours of the sweet peas how glorious.
I hope J is ok and you are both having a restful time.

Oh how I miss having the kids home lolloping about in the school holidays. I do have 2 cats and 2 dogs that lollop quit well but its not the same ha ha ha

Your post as ever is lovely x

[Sue Floyd]

Hi Lucy! Reading your blog is like visiting an old friend! I Enjoy every morsel & smile the whole time. Thanks for doing what you do so well and with all your heart in it! Glad J is better and can't wait for the CAL!
Sue

[Angela- Southern USA]

Love the huntress! Your sweet peas are glorious! I shall sorely miss the flowers this winter outside my windows. I look forward to seeing your new blanket design! The autumn inspired tea light covers sound lovely. Here's what I've adding to the décor for Halloween this year.
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/angela8626/halloween-bunting

Also on Ravelry next to the Halloween bunting is a photo of our new living "hot water bottles."
Cozy and slow sounds perfect! xxxxxxxxx

[Jo Howes]

It's amazing how cheerful the sight of a crumpet spread with jam can make you feel. I'm off to get a packet to go with a cup of tea later xx

[Kbryer]

Good morning, Lucy. I have been thinking of you, J, and your beautiful family since your last post. It's a terrible feeling when your rock stumbles. My husband, as well, has had medical issues that have
unnerved me. Lots of tests, appointments, and lots of waiting. Praying that J is on the mend. Resting day after day is so difficult when you are used to doing so much. I love your photos and your blog. There is so much of you in them. You are an inspiration, mentally, physically, and creatively. I am looking forward to the next CAL. Best wishes to you all.

[Miss Daisy]

Love your post! Fall is my ABSOLUTE favorite season, then old man WINTER. I'm a little late getting started but will start on my fall garland - I should say yours. Have a Blessed Day !

[Ida]

Was thinking about you and your husband the other day and was glad to find that your husband is feeling better. Your blog is such an uplifting place to come to with beautiful pictures and stories about what is going on in your life. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. And Sweet Peas are also my favorites. :-)
Take care
Ida

[Rae]

My Granddad grew sweet peas and I remember all those wonderful colours with fondness.I loved the red orange flowers on his runner beans and that funny white flower that came before the broad beans. Thank you for reminding me of my Granddad Lucy x

Best Wishes to all your family and hope things go well for your husband J.

[Nadine G]

Belle semaine pour vous Lucy, sortez vos citrouilles. Des photos s'il vous plait. Oui, un feu de cheminée c'est tellement agréable. Bonnes vacances chez vous en famille. Amitiés

[Sandy Johnson]

Hi Lucy

Would love to come and explore your area, it is lovely. Very different from North Devon, although that is lovely too. So pleased to hear your hubby is on the mend

[sandra dorey]

Oh those woods do look gorgeous. So glad to hear you two are able to have some quiet time to rest a recover. Health issues are always draining on mental energy, wonderful that you have some beautiful places and a deliciously cosy home to restore you both.
I am excited about your new Cal - I can almost feel the global excitement growing too! Your sneak peeks here and on Instagram are whetting the appetite perfectly!
My grandson adores his Woodland Blanket (with the squirrels and Old Brown)
Have a lovely week.

[Maureen]

Hello Lucy, Just some random comments: I am determined to grow some sweet peas next year. I've grown to like them after seeing your photos. Very happy to hear J is taking the time to heal well. I was thinking of doing a little autumn decorating, myself. Halloween is next week and then Thanksgiving in four weeks. But, alas! The Christmas movies are already all over TV. Summer ends, Christmas begins. Really? Ah well. And, that willow statue is breathtaking! Happy October's end. Smiles from Maureen and JB (the cat)

[Simon]

Your posts, and photos, are always inspiring and spread a much needed warmth to the rest of us. Like everyone else I love the colours of your sweet peas, you really can't beat a bunch of 'em on the mantle!

And I thought I would let you know that I have finally finished my version of your Hydrangea blanket, that I started in April or May. Last year. In my defence I can't generally use yarn in the summer because my hands sweat too much, and there were times I wish I hadn't started it at all because of how long it was taking, but I am pleased with it now and it makes a wonderful difference to nighttimes!

Enjoy the halfterm break!

[Helen]

First up - I love sweetpeas. Have not been able to grow them as I would like.
Second - all your pictures are things I would take pictures of on my walks, except I never seem to have a camera (phone) with me, sigh.
The leaves - each fall by the front door I start a collection of leaves from my walks. Sometimes other natural things I find. Eventually they have to go, but I love the colors and shapes until then.
Thanks for your post!

[Ellie]

Lucy just love reading your lovely blog and have done for past few years, it's lovely to see all the beautiful crochet you do also to hear about lovely family life.
Beautiful pictures and oh those super sweet peas are still stunning.
I do hope your hubby is starting to pick up a little, it's hard for them not going to work
So onwards and upwards, enjoy half term
Hugs
Ellie x

[Green Girl Gardener]

Your sweet peas just look beautiful. The colours are amazing. I’m designing our garden atm and I think I need to make space for sweet peas. Are you finding you’re having more snuggles with your puddy cat now the weather’s turned? I am with ours two girls and I love love love it! Hope you all have a relaxing half term xx.

[Hazel]

My Dad was a Sweet Pea Grower and won lots of prizes at the big flower shows so I am sure I will be crocheting the C.A.L. in memory of my Dad and Mum.

I do hope J will be better soon and have a good time with your chikdren.

Look after your self Lucy.

Hazel c uk