Early September

Early September is here and as much as I don't want to admit it, I can most definitely feel the slip-slide of summer as it gently  begins to make way for Autumn. This past week we've had the most wonderous warm sunny weather though, a real gift for souls like me who hang onto the summer till the very last moment. I'm still picking sweet peas even though the plants themselves are looking rather dead, I know, how lucky am I? Every time I think it'll be the last bunch, somehow more magically appear and it feels like some sort of summer miracle. The flowers are just so beautifully painterly, like little watercolour studies on each petal. I love them so bloomin' much.

Last weekend when the weather was joyous, we took off across the fields for a walk and made the most of the wide open views. Little B did an awful lot of moaning about the temperature (he's a winter lover and really dislikes any kind of warm weather), but I'm learning how to tune him out when he goes off on an extended negative rant. I loved the sunshine, of course I did, it was hot and wonderful, and the little fluffy clouds and lush green fields made me stupidly happy.

I live for these beautiful sunshiny days in September (well all year round to be honest), and my gratitude was sky high. Leafy tree tops and dappled sunshine - yes please, always and forever.

A few mornings this past week we've started the day under a blanket of grey mist - a little reminder that the seasons will be changing very soon. The above photo was taken just after 9am on Thursday which was the day that Little Lady and Little B were both back in school. I'm still adjusting to this new season of school routines, in particular the fact that I no longer need to leave the house to deliver or collect a child. After 15 years spent walking back and forth with primary school children it still feels very surreal watching Little B set off down the road without me. 

As I'm dressed and ready to start my day when the Little Peeps head out to school, I've found myself also desperately wanting to leave the house at the same time. The routine is so deeply ingrained that it feels wrong not to be out and about by 9am and so I've just allowed myself to do what feels right. Instead of walking to school I walk to the bakery, or to the supermarket, and as soon as I set off I feel my sense of equilibrium settling in place.

The afternoon school run however, oh, I am absolutely thrilled not to be doing that one any more. I am greatly appreciating the luxury of waiting for the offspring to walk in the door by themselves without any physical exertion from me. 

Little B had three whole days of secondary school last week and so far so good. Every day he brought home new exercise books and delivered a verdict on the subjects he'd studied. It's been interesting to hear him chat about his new experiences, and I hope his enthusiasm continues as we trundle through the next six weeks of this half term.

Little Lady is in her final year of school and says she's enjoying being back into a routine and getting organised for what is going to be a busy year of study and decision making. September is always such an important month when you have school age children, it's like breathing out a huge sigh of relief when you didn't even realise you were holding your breath.

Yesterday morning J and I went into town as we usually do every Saturday, to visit the local shops and the street market. During the past year this routine of ours has very firmly set itself in place and I absolutely love it. 

I really enjoy being able to walk into the centre of our little town, taking in the picturesque canal and old buildings and feeling that sense of belonging. Once we've gathered in all the produce and groceries we head to the café to have breakfast, and every week without fail it feels like the biggest treat. I am so grateful for our gentle lifestyle and simple pleasures, for the easy routines that keep us grounded and the happiness that it brings. I consider myself very, very lucky.

Sunday is often a day when we go for a walk if the weather is dry, and this morning I'm delighted to say that we walked as a family of four which hasn't happened in a while. 

We didn't drive far, just a few miles to a neighbouring village to do a circular walk which involved climbing to the top of that craggy hill in the photo above. We do this walk a few times a year and it's not for the faint hearted - the climb is rocky and steep....

....but the view from the top is well worth the physical effort. It feels so good when you reach the top and get to sit down and rest, a mixture of exhilaration and deep relief. We each had flasks with us (hot chocolate for Little B, milky coffee for the rest of us) and some chocolate for revival purposes. Morning coffee with a view, it was mighty fine I have to say.

I've been feeling a bit under the weather this past week, and I admit I found the climb quite challenging as my fitness levels have dropped off over the summer months.

I've made a promise to myself that as from tomorrow (Monday) I'm going to start doing my morning workouts again - they only take 7-10 minutes so really there is absolutely no excuse not to do them. Although it's been pretty nice to skip them over the summer holidays and give my body a rest, I like the way they make me feel and September seems like a grand month to reinstate some healthy routines. It's a reset kind of a month I think.

Tall, tall summer grasses are everywhere in the countryside at this time of year, wafting in the breeze and bringing with them an unmistakable end-of-season vibe. Autumn is around the corner - it's not here yet mind you, so hold onto your pumpkins for a while longer! As you probably know, I like to follow the astronomical seasons which means I celebrate the solstices and equinoxes rather than the first of the month dates set by the weather people. Autumn equinox falls on the 22nd September this year, so still another nine days left to appreciate late summer.

It's been cloudy but mild today and I spent a while sat out in the back yard this afternoon, very aware that my al fresco days are numbered now. The yarden is looking wild and a smidge unkempt I have to say, but I am always so overjoyed to be able to sit surrounded by flowers and greenery that I can easily overlook the straggliness.

I brought in my blankets from outdoor storage today, the ones that have been well used in my back yard and on picnics and outings all summer. They need a wash and a freshen up, so that's on my to-do list this week.

Did I tell you I finished my Yuletide blanket? I think last time I was here chatting I was almost finished but not quite, well, tis done and dusted now and I couldn't be happier. It's such a wonderful blanket, different to anything I've ever made before with it's own unique colour palette and slightly vintage retro feel.

Even thought the blanket is finished, I haven't finished with the colours just yet - I made some little stars to use for photographs....

.....and also the beginnings of a Yuletide Garland for my fireplace. I've wanted to make a winter garland for a while now, and this seemed like a good time to get creative with ideas whilst my head is still so full of these colours. I've been working on some new little designs this weekend - an ivy leaf, orange slices and the beginnings of some eucalyptus leaves (they still need more work). I've LOVED the creativity that has flowed in abundance this past week, I've felt really inspired in lots of different ways.

I've been working on a tutorial for the Yuletide blanket which is my usual full-on photo heavy affair, and I'm confident that I can help newbie crocheters feel like they can tackle this design. I also created an 8 page colour pattern which will be included in the Yuletide yarn pack, so yeah, I've been quietly busy here in the Attic doing my hooky thing.

My friends at Wool Warehouse have also been busy and we are all set for the Yuletide blanket kit to be ready on Tuesday 14th. I'm writing a Ta-dah blog post to share the finished blanket with you, so all links for the pattern and the yarn pack will be included in that post. I think the aim is for everything to be online at 8am on Tuesday - of course I'm ridiculously excited, and nervous and elated and apprehensive, the usual mixed pot of emotions. I really hope you like it as much as I do.

And on that note, I shall bid you farewell, and I'll be back on Tuesday morning with lots of blankety photos to share with you. Thanks as ever for visiting, I appreciate you muchly xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[sonia]

I love the blanket design and the beginnings of the garland. Looking forward to seeing that finished too as Ive just moved house and all is very freshly painted white (cant stand magnolia anymore after years of renting places with that default colour). The blanket looks so cosy and the garland would cheer my place up now end. Keep up the good work as its much appreciated xx

[Amy]

This is where my family knows I go for a relaxing visit. When you take a break, I just read previous posts for that same “just for me” getaway. Coffee or tea in hand. Your patterns are always wonderful. Thanks for all your hard work sharing the best times and the normal times in life!

[Charlotte Pountney]

Another super post, thank you Lucy. It really cheers me up to see your fabulous photos of your lovely little town, and the beautiful surrounding countryside. I haven't been able to get away this year, but when I do, I'll come and buy you a coffee, and we'll walk up 'your' hill together!

[julie Lewis]

I am so excited for tomorrow, alarm set!!

[Kate Buckley]

Lucy, I'm so glad you're back and I hope you're feeling better.

[Elsie Hughes in the USA]

At last, the Yuletide blanket is here. I am setting my clock to get up at 3am so I can order . It looks so lovely Good work!

[Patty]

Lovely to see a post from you, I so enjoy the photos of your walks and the yarny pics of course. I shall try to be patient for tomorrow and the release of the Yuletide pattern and yarn pack. Hugs from Ohio!

[Margaret Creek]

Really made me happy to hear that Little B enjoyed his first week in secondary school. Long may it continue! Also an important year for Little Lady; I hope she continues to thrive and blossom. You are lucky to have your lovely family. x

[Doris]

Dear Lucy,

just want to say a huge thank you for your blog. You were the one that introduced me into crochet in the first place, your blog was linked in some forum about 8-9 years ago. Over the years it has become such a nice haven in worldwide blogland, and I appreciate the peaks into your colourful world and work so much. And, like I said before, you are a true embassador for England - the photos from your village are just stunning. So pretty.

At the moment I'm working on a Dahlia blanket for my niece and a Coastal blanket for my nephew to give them for christmas - can't wait to see their faces :) They are such a pleasure to make.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you, tell you how much I appreciate your work and let you know about the impact you have. :) Enjoy these last summer days, I hope you feel well.

[Beverley]

I haven't done any crochet for ages and your new blanket is very very tempting even for a relative newby in the craft. I have a few other December projects to work on too so always plenty of things in the creative basket.
We have also been taking advantage of the dry and sunny weather to get out and about and enjoying every minute while we can. This year has made us so much more appreciative of what we have around us I think.
Take care x

[Pam]

Love the sweet peas - they are my favourite flowers. Obviously Little B doesn’t take after you in regard to the seasons. I’m still wearing my flip flops and dread having to wear proper shoes again and I’m hating the darker mornings and evenings. It seems that this year in East Devon we haven’t had much of a summer apart from a couple of glorious weeks in July. A lot of the time it has been overcast and not overly warm. I feel cheated out of summer.

[CJ]

Sweet peas also hanging on here, although they are covered in greenfly, so I'm mostly leaving them on the plants to help out the ladybirds. Also holding on to the last days of summer and hoping it will be warm this week. It really has been glorious hasn't it. A big school year here as well, with one doing A levels and uni applications etc. and one doing GCSEs. I am bracing myself and also panicking rather. It is uncharted territory for me which makes me a bit anxious. CJ xx

[Lisa Collins]

Love the Yuletide garland makings! Am currently working on your festive garland for this Christmas 🌲🌲

[E.O.]

Thank you for this inspiring start to the week. I'm dreading another dark winter like the last one--dark in all ways. May I ask what your morning workout routine is? Maybe I too could manage 7 mins of workout...anything to get me out of bed!

[Rebecca Williams]

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[Libby Parker]

I so love your descriptions of ramblings in the countryside and the photos that accompany them. You are an artist with the hook and camera. I'm thinking it is time I ordered one of your blanket packs, and the Yuletide Blanket is perfect!

[Louise G]

I love the new blanket, it's so
Beautiful!! 💕💕

[Louise]

Does this mean over the next few months I should put up lots of Spring and Summer photos on my blog to cheer up everyone in the Northern hemisphere? I'll do my best :D
I must admit when it's winter here I really crave your beautiful flowery/ foresty/ sunny photos. It cheers me up so much!
Good luck with the launch of the Yuletide blanket! It's just scrummy and gorgeous. ! I can't wait to see the pattern :)

[Norma]

Another beautiful blanket, just wondering if I should make one for Christmas in July? We don't have much use for Yuletide blankets here (Melbourne), but I guess we could use it as a picnic rug or send it to my family in Scotland as a Christmas present!
Anyway, I love it 😍

[Linda from Boston]

I’m jumping for joy!!! Can you see me??! I’ve been waiting patiently for something new to work on. It looks beautiful. Love the colors. I can’t wait.

[Tineke]

Life changing experience is always a sign of a new period of life. My kids all have a place of their own since 2 months. Suddenly no noise, no train or traffic. An app all is well. I miss them, but the unexpected peace is lovely. Just me and the animals. You get used to it, Lucy. Love your warm colour palette of the Yule Tide. On to the garland.

[Sandra]

Spring and autumn are my favourite seasons, hopefully moderate and kindly to mind, body and soul.Summer has a tendency to be overblown, overcast and humid and/or hot and stuffy. I often find it uncomfortable rather than pretty and sunny and it seems to make people out and about rather hot and bothered, loud and fractious. Conversely it can be a washout.

Winter is fine if you can afford the heating to stay warm and wrap up to keep cosy and then the best thing is the magic of Christmas. So the promise and hope of Spring and the mellowness and sense of fulfilment of autumn and the feeling of bringing in the harvest make them favourites for sure.

Loving the crochet orange slices.

[Simon]

I'm really looking forward to the Yuletide Blanket release! It really does look different to your other blankets. It would be interesting to know which you prefer doing; rounds or stripes? I don't enjoy the heat as much as you do, but nor do I long for winter, I just wish that autumn was a longer season, imagine all those golden colours lasting for months instead of weeks!
Good luck with the launch!

[Sally Spragg]

Loved this blog.The blanket is beautiful. Also love the beginnings of a garland. Life does change when children go to high school. Changes again when they go to uni! Enjoy the peace in the day as it gets noisy when they return home!

[Dawn]

Lovely photos as always! I'm so looking forward to the Yuletide blanket. I made the Meadow blanket during the last crochet along and gifted it to a friend who loves it. She says she uses it most evenings as she really feels the cold but I think I'll be keeping the yuletide one for myself, it's gorgeous!
I have to say Autumn is my favourite time of year, sorry :)
I went for a walk myself today and found some lovely plants and trees I hadn't realised were there, including some eucalyptus, I feel a winter wreath coming on.
Wishing you and yours all the best x