Well hello there my lovely Attic visitors, it's so good to see you again! Thank you very much for stopping by after I've been away from this space for a silly amount of time, my break was totally unplanned but it seems life had other ideas for me these past few weeks. October has been a bit up and down, a real mixed blend of feels and my main aim has been to take one day at a time and try to look after my physical and mental well being.
I find Autumn such a strange season to get to grips with as regardless of how visually beautiful it is, I really struggle with the reduced light levels and the underlying feelings of melancholy. It's an odd thing for me as I am generally such an upbeat person and am passionate about celebrating the changing seasons, but this time of year just feels tricky to navigate.
October has been extremely wet for the most part, so the days when the sun has come out to play have felt like the greatest gift. I've been pretty unwell for the past few weeks and have spent a lot of time at home, but short walks into town during dry spells have felt really good. I've had to go slow as my energy levels have been extremely low, but I've appreciated the cool fresh air and the chance to very gently stretch my legs.
Today I woke up feeling very much better (thank heavens!) and have spent some time in my studio which was so good. I do miss my blog when I've been away for a while, it's become such an important part of my life during the past decade. So as it's been a few weeks since I opened my Attic window, I thought it would be nice to have a grand ol' catch up and share a little of what I've been up to, both at home and away.
Just after Yarndale, J and I had the opportunity to escape for a very short break away just the two of us. It was such a blessing, a quick jaunt up into Wensleydale to stay in one of our favourite villages {the very picturesque and atmospheric Askrigg} and walk a couple of our favourite trails in the Yorkshire Dales.
It was very lush but incredibly wet, light rain falling almost non-stop and the ground completely waterlogged. Can you see in the above photo what looks like a small stream flowing at the bottom? Well that was actually the footpath! We had to wade through that little lot which was a very wet and soggy business - thank goodness for my hand knit socks which kept my feet reasonably warm even though my boots were absolutely sodden.
Whole fields had become picturesque lakes, but we managed to navigate the paths and enjoy the peacefulness of the landscape with very few people about. It was such a tonic, and arriving at our cosy bed and breakfast after miles of wet wandering was pure bliss. We had a delicious dinner and a few beers beside the open fire in one of our favourite pubs (The Kings Arms) followed by an early night in one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in.
We returned home the following afternoon, so it really was a short break (30 hours in total) but it was enough to recharge my batteries after the whirlwind that was Yarndale. I think short breaks away from home are bloomin' marvelous things, and J and I are very fortunate to have his wonderful parents close by to take care of the Little People for us from time to time. I appreciate it very much I have to say.
A few days after Wensleydale and I was preparing for another trip away, this time on my own. This is something that has become a fixture in my calendar in recent years, my annual trip to London to visit the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. I traveled down by train, meeting up with my fab friend Christine before heading to the show in the late afternoon.
We never seem to time it right and always end up rushing around trying to see as much as possible before it closes - it's a giant show with a huge number of exhibitors and displays and of course there is always a lot of socialising to be done! I stopped to chat to my good friends at Stylecraft Yarns, said hello to other lovely yarny folks I know and introduced myself to new folks too. I had a very brief but exciting little meeting with the two gorgeous ladies who run this company.....
...this is the Historial Sampler Company who design the most beautiful cross stitch and tapestry kits. I'm excited to be doing some design work with them next year - during the past year or two I've been love love loving cross stitch and designing in this medium is super-exciting I have to say. I'll keep you posted!
The other reason for my annual trip to the Knit and Stitching show is down to a little something known as the British Knitting and Crochet Awards. This was my fourth year to attend, and I absolutely love that I now know many of the other lovely nominees and award winners. From designers and authors, to bloggers, yarn producers and shop owners, this is a super group of passionate and talented ladies and gents who I am madly happy to call friends. In the above photo you can see me in the middle (looking pretty smiley and contented!), Christine on the right (who won a highly commended award for her book "More Super Socks") and my lovely friend Fiona on the left who owns an amazing local yarn shop in Harrogate called "Yarn Etc". Fiona's shop won a highly commended award for the North of England region, such a well deserved win for all the hard work she pours into her shop and local yarn community. We had a fun time catching up and celebrating, then out for a meal afterwards with other shop owners and retailers who have become friends over the years, gosh I can't remember the last time I was out after eleven o'clock, it felt very grown up!
I am really, really happy to tell you that I won first place in the "Favourite Crochet Designer" category, and gained a highly commended in the "Favourite Crochet Blog" category. I would continue to do what I do here on my blog regardless of any votes being cast my way, simply because it makes me unbelievably happy to share my creativity and inspire others. But recognition is still a truly wonderful thing, and I am so so grateful for the community that surrounds me and the friendships that continue to grow from it. Thank you very, very much if you took the trouble to vote for me, I appreciate it very much.
After a night on the town in London, followed by a yummy hotel breakfast and an extended morning coffee/pastry/chatter session with Christine, I left the city behind and headed home.............
................not home to the Attic, but a journey South-West to my childhood home town in Dorset.
Hooray for spontaneous decisions and trains that take you where your heart desires!
I'd decided to spend the weekend in Dorset as it just so happened to be my Birthday, and my annual pull to be beside the sea was as strong as ever.
My Birthday fell on a Saturday this year and there was only one place I wanted to go - my new favourite cafe by the sea at West Bay for a spot of brunch. Yeah, I'm still firmly on my brunch kick, I am quite addicted to this leisurely weekendish meal and take advantage of it as often as possible. So I was without J and the Little Peeps which felt a bit odd, but I trundled down to the sea with my Dad and Lady B to settle cosily into Rise cafe. Gosh, I do so love this place! Brunch was awesome and although the weather was very disappointing (it did not stop raining the whole weekend I was there, honestly, non-stop wet stuff falling from the clouds), I was still able to sit and swoon over the seaside views.
My birthday passed in a blur of sea air, good food, good company, a trip to the local pub followed by cake, prosecco and cosy crochet sofa time, which was pretty perfect.
On the Sunday morning I had the pleasure of returning to West Bay to meet up with a group of local crocheters. This lovely group of Dorset ladies meets up a few times a year as a result of knowing each other online via the "Hooked on Attic24" facebook group. Isn't that just the loveliest thing? The get together was organised by Sandra who writes her blog Daffodil Wild, and it just so happened that the Autumn meet coincided with my own short jaunt down to Dorset. How could I stay away?! It was a fabulous few hours, loads of excited chatter, coffee, cake and crochet and lots and lots of blanket squishing. Thank you lovely Dorset ladies for making me feel so welcome, it really was a wonderful way for me to round off my time in Dorset before I had to whizz back up North again.
I arrived back late on Sunday night, exhausted but glad to be home after four days away. I had kind of forgotten it had been my birthday whilst I was gone and enjoyed opening some surprise cards and gifts from the Little People. I'm happy to report that chocolate featured heavily in the gift giving this year, how lucky am I? And in case you were curious - I've managed fifty one glorious years pootling around on planet earth. Pretty happy about that!
When I woke up on the morning after coming back from London/Dorset, I did not feel at all well. I knew straight away that it wasn't just tiredness from travelling, but something much yuckier taking over my body. Nothing serious you understand, just a cold, but my goodness what a beastly virus it turned out to be.
Last week I really felt pretty unwell, that cold really did a number on my energy levels and I've barely felt like doing anything, just the absolute bare essentials. I've been sleeping badly at night, then falling asleep on the sofa at odd times during the day, trying to keep up with Mum stuff, the shopping, cooking, laundry, school run, homework type of stuff which still needs to happen regardless of how bad the body feels.
This week I've been feeling a little better, and J and I managed a short walk at Bolton Abbey on a day when it actually stopped raining and the sun came out.
Real, actual sunshine!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glorious, it really was.
We spotted a heron soaking up the rays on the opposite side of the river.....
....and the woodland was looking super-pretty wearing it's early Autumn colours.
I enjoyed the walk enormously, although I was pretty much dragging by the end of it and so glad of the café where good coffee was inhaled for essential revival purposes.
We walked in our local woods at the weekend with Little B in tow - actually it was his idea to take a walk on Saturday morning, with the promise of a stop off in town afterwards for hot chocolate. It was a tad muddy, but delightful all the same, and for the umpteenth time I gave thanks for this beautiful patch of tree-filled land which is there for us to enjoy right on our doorstep.
So........that's about all that's been going on here this month - a couple trips away, some serious germs to contend with and a few short local walks. Autumn has well and truly arrived.
I've still got some Yarndale things to share with you all, I've not forgotten about that and was part way through creating the blog post just before I became unwell. I'll try and get that finished off and published very soon - it's half term next week which I absolutely can't wait for, I really am longing for some slow days of family time.
Back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Congratulations on the two prizes. They are well deserved. To me your blog is an inspiration; not only because of the crochet, but also because of your writings and stories from your daily life.
Well done!
Posted by: Ida | October 27, 2019 at 01:04 AM
Welcome back to blogland, Lucy! So glad you are on the mend. I know how viruses can lay us low. Your awards are well earned, Love. Your gorgeous photography puts me right there in soggy, beautiful England and I can smell the wet forest, feel the soft air, and sympathize with your drenched boots. Take care and keep on keeping on. You may be 51 but you look 30!
Posted by: Libby Parker | October 26, 2019 at 05:49 PM
Many congratulations on your awards, Lucy and a belated happy birthday to you! Sorry you succumbed to the cold bugs doing their rounds, but glad you are feeling so much better. Your autumnal photos are lovely, the colours are stunning. A lot of our trees are still quite green down her, can’t wait for them all to turn!
Posted by: Ann | October 26, 2019 at 05:34 PM
CONGRATULATIONS on the awards Lucy - absolutely deserved. Enjoy half term week with the family - a time to chill & relax. Annette
Posted by: Annette | October 26, 2019 at 01:53 PM
Glad you are beginning to feel better and congrats on the awards! Here's hoping November is full of energy! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Angela-Southern USA | October 26, 2019 at 12:58 PM
It was lovely to meet you too Lucy and Joanne and I are super excited to work with you next year.
Im not a fan of the winter and dark days either - I totally understand your low mood. On a positive note, its lovely to snuggle up with a gorgeous crafty project like crochet or cross stitch.
Im visiting Harrogate next weekend and will definitely visit the Wool shop you mention in your blog - sounds lovely. I really enjoy visiting Harrogate and all the gorgeous towns and villages in the area - you are super lucky to live in such a pretty area.
Much love to you and your family
Suzanne and Joanne
Historical Sampler Company
Posted by: Suzanne Bullman | October 26, 2019 at 11:27 AM
Hi Lucy , i've missed your posts ,im sorry you havent beenn feeling well , i love the autumn pictures , wish i was there, here in Georgia , leaves are falling as well, but is still to warm for this season, we still running the airconditioning here , cant wait for colder weather , and beeing able to open up the windows for some FRESH AIR,
CONGRATULATION ON YOUR AWARD
Posted by: Andrea | October 26, 2019 at 11:15 AM
What a whirlwind your life has been lately. Sorry you got ill but you must have been run-down from doing so much. Time for you to take a break and relax.
*C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*!* on the awards and...
*H*A*P*P*Y* * *B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y*!*!*!* to you!!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | October 26, 2019 at 12:46 AM
Congratulations on your awards. Well done. You bring joy to so many people around the world. You met my mum at Yarndale this year and she said she told you all about how taking up crochet this year has saved my sanity. I live in Australia.
Feel better soon. Sara
Posted by: Sara | October 25, 2019 at 11:33 PM
Glad to hear you are feeling more like yourself again. Your few days away sounded delightful, even though you travelled home with a "germy" friend. Ah, the walk at Bolton Abbey, which reminds me, I must do some posts on our UK holiday, as I took plenty of snaps around there too. I'd so wanted to walk in the Castle woods and see those willow sculptures, but maybe next time. I'm on catchup with blog reading and my own posts due to a few technical issues, but have done 1 post & will do another this weekend. Have a lovely weekend, take care 7 huggles.
Posted by: Susan | October 25, 2019 at 10:10 PM
Congratulations, dear Lucy... You are wonderful. A big hug from southern Spain
Posted by: Esther | October 25, 2019 at 09:47 PM
Congratulations on your awards, much deserved. Enjoyed reading your blog, and love the photo's. Have a healthy, happy restful half term.
Posted by: Cherie Chudyk | October 25, 2019 at 07:50 PM
Hi Lucy,
I am in Louisiana and have been following you for two years and have completed 3 of your blankets. I cannot say enough good things about the things you are doing. Love, love, love the things you create. One day I hope to make a trip to Yarndale. You have help me through a lot of bad situation with the relaxing crochet patterns you create. Take care :)
Donna xxxx
Posted by: Donna Richoux | October 25, 2019 at 06:55 PM
Dear Lucy , sorry you have been under the weather , although I have to disagree with your lack of excitement about the darker daylight hours - we love it as its a sign that Christmas is on its way. Christmas is special as our first born arrived just after midnight and has a Boxing day birthday to go along with my birthday new Years Day and my hubbys on New Years Eve - a very busy week for us
I love your blog and all your photos - as a native of Dorset I yearn to go back and have a 5 year plan so will be starting to check out some of the lovely places you talk about as My Dad used to deliver around Dorset as a lorrydriver so there are many places that mean something in my heart too. Looking forward to your next blanket - and excited for a reveal of the colour scheme to see what its going to be
Posted by: Julie Owen | October 25, 2019 at 04:42 PM
So glad you're feeling better Lucy. I thought something must be wrong when you hadn't blogged for quite some time. At least you went on some nice excursions before feeling poorly and thank you for sharing them with us. I loved Yarndale. Was there for my first time and only stayed 2 hours on the Sunday as it was pouring down and I had to travel on 2 trains back to Darlington. I'll be back next year though!
Posted by: Sue Brown | October 25, 2019 at 04:03 PM
Sorry you've been feeling unwell. You've had some good days out though, so I hope you've felt well enough to enjoy them. Wensleydale looks beautiful, and no doubt London was brilliant as well, it looks like such fun. I hope you're feeling completely better very soon. I always feel a bit of a dip in Autumn, sometimes I think just because of the change in the season. Also fighting off viruses here. Hope you have a wonderful half term. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | October 25, 2019 at 02:59 PM
Lucy! I was in London at the beginning of October, I didn't miss you by much. I saw Sean Lennon once while I was there, he walked right past us. I was thrilled but not half as much if I had recognized you!😄 You deserve every award given.
Posted by: Kay G. | October 25, 2019 at 02:33 PM
A belated but hearty HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lucy❣😍🤗
Posted by: Kristine S | October 25, 2019 at 12:16 PM
Congratulations on your awards - well deserved! I share my time with cross stitch, too. You should know that it has become a Spring and Autumn tradition to change out your blankets (DH adores them): Coast in the Spring, Cozy in the Autumn.
Posted by: Barbara Seiver | October 25, 2019 at 11:44 AM
Hi Lucy, many congratulations on your awards. Sorry to hear you have been unwell but are now improving. I have sorely missed you and your blog. Lovely blog today though, you have cheered up my Friday whilst working alone at home.
Posted by: Rosie Rogers | October 25, 2019 at 11:04 AM
Simply delightful post, heartwarming, congratulations on your award well deserved, glad you are recovering xx
Posted by: Kate T | October 25, 2019 at 10:29 AM
Hi Lucy, Welcome Back, you've been sorely missed I just don't know where to start - yes I do CONGRATULATIONS on both your well deserved awards - think I'd walk round with one under each arm!! So sorry you were laid so low by that awful virus - people on this side of the Pennines were laid low too. It seems to be everywhere.
Jealous of your Ally Pally trip - I love going there for their craft 'does' we tend to play safe travel down the day before late afternoon (cheaper train tickets) then settle in our hotel and have a nice meal somewhere. So next day, taxi to A.P. we're there nice and early, and we don't leave until they brush us out of the door! Another nice dinner and night in hotel - then a relaxing journey home midday'ish. I know it's costly but we reckon it's our well deserved trip for busy crafters!!
So pleased you managed a trip home - I love the sea down there - and even in the rain, the softer colours are so pleasing.
Thank you for the link to the Historic Sampler Co. I've been on their site and all I can do is drool - they have lovely patterns. Very excited for you.
Hope your return to good health is still ongoing and as the days go by you'll feel so much stronger. Hugs Lynne xx
Posted by: Lynne Stankard | October 25, 2019 at 09:49 AM
So pleased you are feeling btr these viruses are awful.
Beautiful pictures and post as usual thankyou. Congratulations
Posted by: Jacqui | October 25, 2019 at 09:22 AM
Loved reading this - we did have a lovely 24 hours in London - and you've got some gorgeous photos there. It's a shame about the bug, but so often that's the case when you've been very busy ... it's just there waiting for you to slow down! Here's to a healthy half term, my award-winning friend :) xx
Posted by: Winwick Mum | October 25, 2019 at 08:34 AM
Congratulations on 2 counts! Happy Birthday and well done getting awards! So sorry you have been unwell and wish you a very speedy recovery💕
Posted by: ElizabethSawyer | October 25, 2019 at 08:09 AM