I've made some good progress on my Winter Garland today, finishing off the hellebores and finalising the snowdrop design which I have to say I'm s-u-p-e-r happy with. When I'm working on this sort of project with lots of little bits I always work at the dining table, just because it's easier to be able to lay things out and see where I'm at. It's different when I'm crocheting blankets because that usually requires a relaxing sofa/fireside/bed location. There is something very productive and satisfying about sitting at a table to make things, it makes me feel a teeny tiny bit more like I'm "working" somehow, although trust me when I say that this kind of gentle creativity never really feels like work to me. Sometimes when I'm photographing my step-by-step pictures for tutorials or sitting with a word document and hard core pattern writing then it can feel quite workish. But stitching stamens into a crochet hellebore, or crocheting little yarny snowdrops? It's pure pleasure, and my heart has felt full of gratitude today.
As well as sitting at the dining table, I also have a white piece of wood (the top of an old Ikea childs desk) which I balance on the arms of the big chair to take photographs. We get good light here in the mornings at the front of the house where the large bay window is, so that's where I tend to do all my laid-out type of photography, either for flat lays or if I'm making a tutorial.
This morning I photographed a little bit of the making process for my hellebores - I've already got a how-to tutorial ((here)) but when I write up my Ta-dah post for the Winter Garland I want to have a series of photos all with a white background. I took the above photo to share on Instagram but thought you might like to see it here too.
I've got fresh daffodils on my table this week, popped into a bright and cheery rainbow jug which is making me smile every time I clap eyes on it (which is often, because I've been sat right next to them all day). You can see a little bit more of our downstairs living space in the photo too, it's all one room with our sitting area and open fire at the front, and the dining table where I work at the back. The open plan layout is great in many ways, it's a lovely light, bright room with two fireplaces and two windows, but there are times when it can be a bit of a tricky thing. For example, the television. I find that when I'm working it can be very distracting to have to listen to it when I'm sharing this one room with the whole family. J also works in this room in the winter months so I'm often listening in to his conference calls and we have to juggle where we both sit - one room living with a family of five is a challenge at times, especially with two of us working from home.
I've found myself just lately feeling frustrated with the situation, missing my studio space massively and wishing I had a room of my own to retreat to where I can spread out and have breathing space to work and think. It's a bit of a negative spiral that I don't really want to get sucked into, because at this point in time there is nothing I can do about it. I'm here at home, sharing the space with J and the Little People and just have to make the best of it.
So today I gave myself a talking to, and made a concerted effort to practice gratitude for my working situation. I love my home, and it's a happy, relaxed place to spend time, so really there is much to be grateful for. Plus, I get to have the kitty for company too :)
I mean, it's not a bad working environment.....
....and I do get to take breaks whenever I like because the boss is very lenient when it comes to time keeping and scheduling my working hours. I can pop out to the shops in the mornings if I need to, a quick jaunt to get some fresh air....
.....and admire the flowers growing in the front garden while I'm at it.
All in all, I know I can't really complain, in fact I am very, very lucky. I think maybe I just needed to reset my mind and remind myself how bloomin' lovely it is here at number 24.
Right now as I sit and chat to you, I am still sat here at the dining table, tap tap tapping away on my laptop. It's just coming up to 9pm and it suddenly feels like it's been a long day. I finished crocheting at 4.30pm, packing everything away so that the table could be used for dinner time. I usually sit down to start blogging in the evenings after dinner, around 7pm, and it takes roughly two hours to put a blog post like this together. I really love it though, it's such a nice thing to be chatting to you and sharing my thoughts and photos from my ordinary days.
Thank you for visiting with me in the Attic, and an especially big thank you to all of you who take the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it very much, it's a little bit of magic and kindness in this crazy ol' world.
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Gorgeous Lucy I have been following your blog for many years and luuuv it sooo much! (But I hardly ever comment) could you convert the attic for a home studio? Or part of it?
Posted by: Helen Fischer | April 10, 2022 at 01:04 AM
I've been reading your blog for years now, Lucy. I normally don't comment, but felt I needed to express MY appreciation for you taking the time and trouble to create and post as often as you do. I've also enjoyed your beautiful photographs through the years. The area in which you live is beautiful and I envy the lovely places you get to walk. Know that this reader from southeastern Wisconsin will check in on your blog for as long as you want to post.
Posted by: Kay | March 15, 2022 at 01:22 AM
Thanks to you for your beautiful images, I have been your blog for years, since France. Your universe brings me good humor.
Posted by: Cathy | March 14, 2022 at 09:05 PM
Ah, Lucy. Your working inviornment is certainly lovely. We are delightedly watching the new series of All Creatures Great and Small on our PBS station and the photographs of the Yorkshire countryside are so, so lovely! I assume they are in the Dales. On my one trip to England years ago I was constantly delighted with the countryside views we got from the bus. Our locations were all in southern England but there was plenty of beauty to enjoy there. Thank you for sharing your days with us.
Posted by: Carol in Texas | March 14, 2022 at 02:53 PM
That rainbow jug...It's just gorgeous. Once again (I keep saying this) thanks for sharing all the colour joys in your life.
Posted by: Clare | March 14, 2022 at 11:36 AM
I sooo look forward too your blog posts. Its been many years now that I’ve followed you and it is still such a joy to dip into your beautiful world of colour. So thank YOU! Take care x
Posted by: Tracey | March 13, 2022 at 06:21 PM
gracias
lucy .realmente me hace mucho bien mirar tu blog.Eres una bendicion.
Posted by: shulamit | March 13, 2022 at 10:50 AM
You thanking us is the other way around. I thank you for all the effort you put in your blog. And I'm looking forward to the new Winter Garland.
Posted by: Jeanette | March 13, 2022 at 10:16 AM
Beautiful blog again, Lucy, thank you.
Posted by: Karen Williams | March 13, 2022 at 08:58 AM
I feel like I am on a retreat when I peruse your beautiful photos and all the lovely yarn! The colors and blankets fill me with joy and I am looking forward to starting on one. Crocheting brings me peace and calm and your blog has been added now to part of all of this. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Linda | March 12, 2022 at 11:06 PM
your posts inspired me to start crocheting again after a 30 year break. thank you xxx
Posted by: chris conder | March 12, 2022 at 08:02 PM
Your home looks so cosy, thanks for all the inspiration you bring to us all and the recent peri menopause advice, I have been sleeping quite badly lately so think I need to speak to my GP as I’m nearing the age my sisters and mum started.
I love seeing Tilly, as a cat mum of 3, mine also appreciate the blankets for getting comfy on! Thanks again, from West Yorkshire 😊
Posted by: Kelly | March 12, 2022 at 02:23 PM
What a lovely joyful post Lucy - all the colours in your beautiful home really made me feel happy. The photo's hit the right spot - I felt I was 'right at home' with you. All the work that goes into your Blog is so appreciated xxx Love and Hugs across the Pennines to you xx
Posted by: Lynne Stankard | March 12, 2022 at 09:50 AM
For some reason I always feel like being home when I look at your pics. The cat, the colours, the handcraft, the little things you do or have... I love it.
Nana
Posted by: Nana | March 12, 2022 at 07:54 AM
I always thoroughly enjoy your colorful posts…..& especially when you include kitty pictures. I have 2 of my own and really appreciate so much seeing other pets being so well cared for & loved. And we all know how valuable the “paws on” supervision is during our crochet projects! Blessings from Texas!💗☕️
Posted by: Sherril | March 12, 2022 at 07:33 AM
Whenever I need to have a talking to with myself, I find myself turning to your blog and patterns. They get me out of my head and into a place that appreciates beauty and a cozy, handmade world.
Posted by: Wendi | March 12, 2022 at 02:28 AM
I love reading your blog. For me it is both a window into your creative mind and into a different part of the world. (I live in California.).
We, too, have a fairly open floor plan. Due to health issues, I spend much of the day in the living room in my recliner with my feet up. My parents, who are both hard of hearing, live with me. I’m blessed (?) to have excellent hearing.
Needless to say there are often issues with me hearing much more than I care to. I invested in a pair of noise-cancelling earphones. Now when my dad is on the speaker phone with someone and I just can’t block it out, I put on my earphones. Sometimes I watch a youtube video or listen to a library book. Other times I just wear them with the noise-cancelling turned on. I don’t use them a lot, but glad to have them when I’ve reached the end of my rope.
Posted by: Sarah | March 11, 2022 at 07:27 PM
Thanks Lucy. Loved reading about your days at number 24. I do sympathise with you in your working situation. My other half has been working at home and loving it. However with our 19 year old son also working from home, our house can seem very small and I also find myself working in the dining room. However, I do have a lovely view from the window so there’s always an up side! I look forward to seeing the finished garland-I may be inspired to make my own one in the future.
Sending you a little bit of the salty sea air your way from the north Kent coast. X
Posted by: Clare | March 11, 2022 at 07:06 PM
Hello Lucy,
I can only join in with saying what a wonderful post again. Sharing your life with a glimpse in your home and beautiful colours: the perfect purple crocus is my favourite and love: kitty 😊 and peaceful tranquillity: the candle.
Thank you so much for sharing. Have a lovely weekend.
Warm greetings from a sunnier Vulkan Eifel,
Carine
Posted by: Carine | March 11, 2022 at 06:37 PM
Thank you for all the time and effort it takes to put together your blogs. There's something special about a blog post that you just dont get from Instagram (much tho I love it) xxx
Posted by: Kate | March 11, 2022 at 05:58 PM
i just love your work. have been going to your post for many years.
Posted by: Veronica Dragon | March 11, 2022 at 05:18 PM
Another lovely post Lucy
Thank you for all your uplifting blogs during these troubled times.. Very much appreciated!
Love yourjug by the way!!
Nora xx
Posted by: Nora McGrann | March 11, 2022 at 05:17 PM
Lucy, I love reading your blogs. They brighten up the day.
Posted by: Julie Hodges | March 11, 2022 at 04:42 PM
I love this space - thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Andrea S. | March 11, 2022 at 04:28 PM
Your blog is so uplifting and a joy to read and it totally amazed me that it takes you about 2 hours to make. Thank you for the time you take to bring this to us. Sharing a small space with another person(s) can be a challenge for all of us especially the phone calls. The home we live in is very open and you can hear phone calls all over unless you go in the study and close the door. I always have to remind myself that this is a small price to pay for the rest of the house.
Posted by: Ann | March 11, 2022 at 03:44 PM