January Slow

Last week I bought two £1 bunches of tightly closed daffies from the supermarket, the first of the season. I plopped one bunch into a small jug to have on the table at home, and the other bunch came with me to the studio to brighten up my days spent there. I've been looking forward to my first bunch of daffodils since before Christmas, it's one of my January rituals that makes me feel just a little bit closer to spring time.

Waiting impatiently for the buds to open, ooooo, the anticipation is real!

As it turned out, it didn't take long at all for the flowers to fully open their petals, my studio is beautifully warm and cosy and all that glorious golden yellow was shining out in no time.

At home I've also got some little pots of narcissus growing happily away on the mantel, another January tradition of mine (just been reminded of this post from 2009). These have been steadily growing away during the past few weeks, shoots becoming taller each day and finally a few days ago, the first bright little flower. I love them so much!

I faffed my mantel a few days ago as it was still looking very bare after the post Christmas de-clutter. I ventured into the Cupboard of Doom to find my bag of winter-themed decorations which mainly consists of some pretty seasonal cards and the simple winter garland I made two years ago.

I went out into the back yard to snip some fresh greenery and bare hazel twigs to go in my newly acquired vase. The vase was a spontaneous purchase, I saw it a little while ago in the window of a charity shop and decided that I would very much like to re-home it. It cost £2.99 which I thought was a bargain, it's just the sort of colour which makes me think of the English sea.

Did you notice the little red and white stitched hoop hanging on my wall up there? I was thrilled to be invited to design one of the projects for the Winter 2019 Craftpod, and this sweet little cross stitch was the result. Jo gave me a very specific brief, asking me to come up with a woodland house with snow and trees, red stitching on white fabric to evoke a Scandi winter feel.

Incidentally, the beautiful little greetings card that sits on my mantel is by the very talented collage and mixed media artist Clover Robin. I've been a huge fan of Clovers work for several years, and couldn't believe it when Jo told me that the Winter Craftpod would contain a paper collage project designed by her. I might have squealed a bit, just a teensy little yelp of delight.

I absolutely LOVE creating cross stitch designs and find it insanely satisfying to work within the confines of a simple grid. I can't tell you why I love it so much as it has certainly been a surprise to me, but cross stitch (both designing and stitching) really, really, really floats my boat. In essence it's a very easy craft to master, and yet somehow the simple business of making teensy crosses onto holey fabric results in something so wonderfully pleasing to look at. I also love that you can't hurry cross stitch, and this greatly adds to the appeal for me. It's a sloooooow, steady, one-speed activity as you can't really go fast or slow with it, it's a pretty perfect winter hobby I'd say.

I've been enjoying the quarterly seasonal Craftpod boxes ever since I first became a fan and a customer back in the Autumn of 2017. The above photo shows you the contents of the current Winter box - you can see my little cross stitch hoop, and the papers to make Clovers' beautiful winter collage. I think there may still be a few boxes available if you fancy a little bit of seasonal creativity yourself - you can buy the Winter pod as a one-off box, or treat yourself to an annual subscription. All details ((here))

January has gotten off to a slow plodding start for me this year, and really that's quite alright. This is our third week of back-to-school routine and I've been trying to ease myself gently back into the swing of things. My laptop broke just before Christmas, not in any dramatic way (I didn't lose any files or photos) but the screen simply stopped working. I was so cross and stressed out about it at the time, but looking back on it, I think it all happened for a reason. Not having a functioning laptop forced me to take a bit of a break away from my desk over Christmas which I most definitely needed.  I've got a replacement now which I was lucky to get in the January sales, and I am more than ready to get back to using it.

Spending time in the studio this month has been therapeutic and I've been writing lists and making plans for the year ahead. I am still in big love with my planner (it's from the Swedish company Personal Planner) and I also got me some new coloured pens, oh happy days! They are unbelievably cute little mini things, perfect to tuck in my bag with my planner - find them on Amazon UK.

I'm still working on my Dahlia blankets behind the scenes, slowly at the moment because I'm having some pain in my hands which has forced me to rest way more than I'm used to. I'm beginning to work on the final design for the blanket border - this part of the pattern will be released in the final week which is 21st February. 

For those of you like me who use planners, I wanted to let you know that Dahlia planner stickers are still available from EllieBethDesigns. Remember that Rachel has very kindly set up a permanent discount code for Attic24 readers - you can receive 10% off any EllieBethDesigns order, not just right now but each and every time you need a sticker fix in the future. All you need to do is apply the code ATTIC24LOVE  at the checkout.

A big part of my planning process during these slow days of January has involved looking back over 2019 and taking stock. Last year was not the best for me on a personal level and I have been trying to accept that this is actually OK and not to beat myself up over it. So one of the things I'd really like to focus on as we go forward into a brand new year is to firstly catch up and finish off some projects that slipped through my net in 2019.

The first of these will be my Festive Garland - I've already taken all the photos for the tutorial and am annoyed at myself for not getting this out to you last month. I think these bauble decorations are super sweet and they are fun to make using up scraps left over from other projects - hmmm, maybe a Dahlia-coloured garland would look rather fabulous? Either way, I will be hoping to share this with you very soon.

The other project I want to work on is my Granny Bag - do you remember this from last Spring? I started making these whilst in France last year and would really, really  like to see them come together into a bag shape instead of sitting in an abandoned pile.

Speaking of France, that was one of the other things that was never given it's moment here on my blog in 2019. You might remember that I went away twice last year with Stitchtopia to teach two crochet retreats in France? It was an amazing experience and I loved it, every single last bit of it. I took masses of photos while I was away, but somehow when I got back after the second trip in May I never got around to sharing them. I really regret that to be honest, but on reflection I've been thinking that maybe it's not too late to make amends and that perhaps you would still enjoy hearing all about it? Let me know what you think?

So that's where I'm up to at the moment, slowly emerging into this new year, a brand new decade. I'm hopeful for some renewed energy as the weeks move along as I've been seriously lacking in the energy department for quite some time now. Gently does it though, slow and steady feels like the right kind of pace for January.

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Comments

[Angela-Southern USA]

Yes, do share with us your France trip and projects. Speaking of better late than never, just today I put the finishing touches to a embroidery project from two years ago, it didn't need much really to be finish, just one of those things. It feels so good to have it done though. Love the little red house, well done! Cross stitch has recaptured my attention of late. Have a lovely day! xxxxxxx

[Pearline Storer]

I love reading your blog and would love to hear about your French trip. Thanks for sharing your crafts with us all.

[Jenni]

I love my Planner, Lucy! Thank you for pointing me in the direction of ordering one. I think it has already made my year better. And of course thank you for your inspirational and cheerful designs that are fun to crochet and beautiful to have in the house. My husband loves his Woodland Ripple Blanket.

[Lindsey]

Tell us about the little felted house on your mantel. I’m intrigued.
Not every year will go as hoped. As we age we hope for shorter and shorter good times. I’ve already disappointed myself with January, so I’ve moved my January plans to February. Now I have an an entire week to finish what I’m doing and get ready. I find that attitude adaptation is most important.

[Jeanette Renting-Reuvekamp]

I would love to hear about France.

[Helen]

Your photos/ideas are always inspiring. If nothing else separate project posts of the photos from projects that 'didn't get the love' last year? But what ever works for you. And I'm loving my afghan, the colors are so rich.

[Monica]

Love to hear about your time in France, Lucy. Also look forward to seeing those squares being made into a bag. I've made your other bags and love them.

[Annette Ostrowska]

Thank you Lucy for another beautiful and inspirational blog. Please do share your memories from last year’s trip.
I was lucky enough to receive a craft pod from my daughter and really enjoyed your cross stitch thank you.
I hope your hands feel better soon and really looking forward to seeing all your wonderful work this year XXX

[Estelle de Bruyn]

My word but I love following your blog - the first time I discovered you, was a bag that you had posted, one of my first projects about 5 years ago. Since, I have made neat wave blanket, neat ripple blanket and one of your buntings - Love crochet and all the other little things you do about your house. Looking forward to making your sweetpea blanket at some point

[Sandra]

I thought this might cheer you up - a rather lovely and positive spin on one of your least favourite colours. Very cosy and very Susan Branch.
https://www.susanbranch.com/2020/01/20/brown-things/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SusanBranchBlog+%28Susan+Branch+Blog%29

[Charlotte]

Your blog is like a breath of fresh air. Please share whatever you want and know that we will love it. I too have problems with my hands and have learned that if I limit time to 30-45 minutes and stop and next time knit instead of crochet. Hands just need a rest. Visited France a few years ago and loved it. Looking forward to whatever you wish to share. Think Spring!!

[Mitzi G Galus]

I just want to say thank you Lucy, for your wonderful blog, fabulous patterns and yarn packs. I've made blankets with your neat wave pattern, including a small moorland, I've done the Persian tiles pattern with your woodland yarn pack, several cushions with various patterns and colors. Your blog always inspires me to explore my creative side. I also love your pretty little town and lovely countryside. It's wonderful in these times to feel connected to people across the world, which is what your blog and Facebook page help us do. Thank you!

[Mary Lloyd Jones]

Have missed your posts recently,Lucy!what a luscious one this has been. Look forward to the next one. Thank you.

[Sharon S. Miles]

I can never get enough of anything about France. And you in the mix
? Perfect Bring it on LUCY

[Rina]

Looking forward to read about the trips to France as well as to see your creations from these 2 workshops.
It will be a great joy.

[Cheri]

Yes, please do share about your trip to France! I would love to go someday. I also love the sneak peek of your dream catcher....pattern coming soon, I hope. 😊
Love your blog...love you!❤️

[Robin]

Whatever you'd like to share is fine with me. Thoroughly enjoy your blog--every little bit of it!

[Daphne goodenough]

Just love your blogs whatever you write about Lucy, and as I have said before, you are such an inspiration, so sorry you have had to take time away from crocheting at present, but as you know, rest is the only cure. I am wondering if you have pernicious anaemia, which happens because the body cannot absorb the vitamin B12 I know you have suffered from the lack of energy in the past, I'm sure you will have had tests for this, but if not it is worth asking your gp, I myself have to have 3 monthly injections for the rest of my life, but it certainly helps.Hope you feel better soon x Daphne

[Peta-Ann Cowan]

This is a nice start to the new year. And how much cheer you are bringing with the Dahlia cal. Having your blog as a reference is important in ways you will never know. 2019 was a very difficult year for me. To soothe me in the first half of the year I made four blankets from your blogs back to back. It was a life saver. I did the Sweet pea cal, then Cosy, then Moorland then Woodland. They went to my 4 grandchildren. years are what they are, but not only are we in a new year but new decade so we can hook our way gently in. Do what we can! Thank you 🙏

[jane halvey]

So lovely to read one of you chatty posts again. If the glimpse of the crochet ring is anything to go by I would love to see more of your French trip.

[Annie]

Hope this year will be better for you <3. I had a similar experience last year and all I want for 2020 is that everyone I hold dear will be healthy.
That dream catcher looks beautiful; would love, love, love a tutorial for it <3
All the best!

[Elise Speed]

I love a new planner in January as well! Makes me so very happy. I'm so sorry your energy levels have been low this year, I can totally relate and I imagine we are about the same age. And I would love to see your photos from your second retreat in France. What an amazing experience. Seems very glamorous to this plain ole American!

[Haley]

Oh, I would so love to attend one of your crochet retreats should you return to France one day!

[Mary W]

If I had an assortment of UFO's (oh, wait, I do) I would make a brilliantly bright banner that said potential and possibilities then put it over a shelf that contained the UFO's so that it caught my eyes. Maybe that would work? Maybe UFO's represent my belief that I'll live a long life? Maybe my inner spirit is a sloth? Maybe I just like pretty piles! Your site inspires me so much with it's gorgeous colors and cool projects and ideas. Would love to see France from your workshop's point of view.

[Susan Sullivan]

Thank you, Lucy, for sharing your beautiful photos and inspiring me in many ways. I love cross stitch, too, and your lovely little cottage in the woods is perfect!