Well, Life Happens

Sometimes life happens at top speed and all you can do is hang on for the ride and hope that at some point the pace will slow and become a little more manageable. That's where I'm at in this month of September, and yeah....I'm hanging on in there.

I'm squeeeeezing this blog post into the tiniest of time gaps - digging out a niche so that I can touch base with you before I leave for the train station in ooooo, about 45 minutes. 

It was the autumn equinox on Saturday and to celebrate, I bought myself some sunflowers. Four glorious stems for £4, and yes, they made me very happy indeed.

The crochet bag in the photo above is called the "Island Bag" and is the project I designed to teach on my recent two crochet retreats in Madeira. Such a joyful bag which now carries so many beautiful memories of time, place, and gorgeous people.

I cut some eucalyptus to pop in with my sunflowers, and it still blows my mind to think that I have an actual eucalyptus tree growing in a big pot in my yarden. I haven't killed it, and it's thriving and reaching for the skies, and it's my very own tree. I adore it.

So yes, I was in Madeira for the second time earlier this month, a lush week spent crocheting and jaunting around the island with the loveliest ladies. It was such a treat, the tropical warmth and light really does suit me down to the ground.

I came home last week (yes, only a week ago, I can hardly believe it) and hit the ground running. I finished off the final few rounds of my Starbright blanket border just in time to spend some gruelling hours/days glued to my laptop while I worked on writing out the pattern. It's the part of making crochet blankets that doesn't hold much joy for me, but the end result is always worth it a million times over. It means I get to share my designs with you, and have the privilege of seeing you enjoy making your own blankets. It's worth the pain of a lengthy Word document.

STARBRIGHT - this is the name of my latest creation, and there is a long story to go with this blanket. I don't have time to tattle it out to you just now, but I'm looking forward to sharing it with you next week. It's a delicious colour palette which has helped save my sanity as I've had such a trying few months dealing with my Dad's health.

The past few days I started work on a striped blanket using the same fifteen colours and ohmygosh it is absolutely beautiful. You can see in the above photo I'm working my sampler, but I started on an actual blanket yesterday because, well, I need the therapy quite honestly.

Starbright yarn kits with printed pattern included will be in my shop at Wool Warehouse next week - six more sleeps.....eeeeep! I'm the usual bundle of nerves and excitement. This blanket represents a lot of emotion for me, it's like my heart is laid out there in those squares.

Tuesday 3rd October, 8am I think. I do really love a good all singing, all dancing ta-dah moment.

Off I go again in a very short while, back on the rails for yet another jaunt down to Dorset. My goodness, it's a lot. My Dad's health has deteriorated a lot in the past few months and here I am trying to make the hardest decisions for his wellbeing. Dementia is totally rubbish, in every way.

I'm going for a short trip this time, just a few days to sort out some emergency stuff, so I'll be home at the weekend ready to work on the Starbright tutorial and get everything ready for next Tuesday.

Sorry this is so rushed.....I'll chat to you more next week

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ps it's the first of October on Sunday and I'm going to be here each day to give you a colourful dose of Atticness - Blogtober of course......that's good news I'd say? x

pps I really gotta dash, my train leaves in half an hour and I need to eat something first. Byeeeeee xxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

Comments

[Lynne Wilcox]

My friend’s husband has just been diagnosed with dementia. He is just 65 years old.

[Danielle]

I sat here to read your blog. The tears flowing down my cheeks. I too am living the life with my 91 y/o Mom. She had a mini stroke in 2015. Since then life has been cruel to her. My Dad passed away unexpected ly April 2022. I've now put my world on hold to move in and care for my Mom 24/7.She has the trifecta of Alzheimer's, dementia, & Parkinson's. My husband is holding the fort down at our house. Luckily I'm 2 blocks away from my home. It's hard to pick up the yarn and hook to concentrate on counting stitches. There are good days and really bad days. I have learned to let those bad days roll away and hold tight onto the good days. So much love and support coming your way. Hugs and breathe deep.

[EULALIA PALOMEQUE]

Hola Lucy.
Q hermosa manta , tus tejidos son hermosos y coloridos.

Soy tu seguidora en tu blog, me encantan tus rutinas diarias, y como las ,compartes.
Las fotos tan calidas.
Deseo ,tu papa este soportando con valor su situacion que sera molesta.
MIs buenos deseos para ti y tu familia , a la distancia te acompañamos .
aabrazos.

[Ruth]

You have lots of support from your followers. There are many of us who have experienced the dementia journey with family and friends.It is a horrid disease! Take time to be kind to yourself at this difficult time!

[Judeth]

how do I read the responses to the questions asked?

[Crafty Cath]

Beautiful Starbright blanket. Can't wait to do this one!! Sorry your Dad is unwell. Such a cruel disease. Big hugs xx

[Bev Farrow]

So good to hear from you again Lucy. Sending loads of love and thanks for filling our lives with colour and joy. xx

[Becki]

Hi Lucy so good to see you again, thank you for posting your wonderful photos they are always full of beautiful colour. Your crochet retreat sounds idyllic and am hoping one day to join you on one, the places you have been to look so stunning, tranquil and your crochet projects very pretty as always! I came up to Skipton last weekend and it was so lovely to be back up in that part of the country again. I’m so sorry to hear your dad’s dementia has worsened, it really is a horrible time for you all. Take care of yourself and keep doing what you’re doing, you’re doing brilliantly even if it doesn’t feel like it. With love and hugs to you. Becki xxxxx 🥰🤗

[Al Steel]

I have been very moved by your recent posts. I’m sending you the very best vibes to help you cope.
I am eternally grateful to you for showing me how to crochet. I love your ideas, blogs and colours. Now, I’m delighted to show others how to do it and refer them to Attic 24 for detailed tutorials.
More power to your crochet hook!
Thank you for all your work and for brightening up the lives of so many people.
Please take care of yourself as well as your family
Al xx

[Charlotte]

"Hanging on in for the ride" is a very good way of putting it...Pleased you have had a lovely sunny wooly break; enjoying the gorgeous colours of Starbright; glad you found time to manage a blog post, and sending love! Cx

[Linda]

I discovered Attic24 while caring for my mother. She had vascular dementia. I was surfing the internet and stopped to look at photos of the English countyside. Your photos. Then I saw the crochet. Thank you, Lucy. I rediscovered crochet. About the time B had surgery on his hand. I can't tell you how much that means to me. How much I value your work. I wish I could support you as you supported me. Take care.

[Debbi Robertson]

So many people sending you love. . .

[Gillian]

Dear Lucy.Love reading your blogs and your beautiful blankets. So sorry about your Dad.Sending lots of love and support to you and your family. Know exactly what you are going through. Look after yourself xxx

[Mary Jo Budh]

Cannot wait to get the yarn and instructions for this gorgeous nee blanket!! Your blankets brighten my days!!! Give 'em heck, kid--this crocheter is rooting for you every step of the way! Love and hugs to you and your entire family!!

[Winwick Mum]

Hang in there, lovely friend xx

[Elaine]

Lucy, so sorry for all you have to deal with regarding your father's dimentia. I'm sure you are doing the best you can and will have absolutly no regrets with your decisions. Your beautiful, cheery blanket will bring so much joy to us during the Winter months ahead. I also love your Island Bag, I wish I could attend one of your retreats. Take care and remember to "stop and smell the flowers".

[Femke]

Your new blanket looks absolutely stunning. Those colours! I love them. Sorry to hear about your Dad, sending positive thoughts your way <3

[Lena]

I've been a reader of your blog for many years now,your creations and your writing always bring joy to my day. So sorry to hear about your Dad , please take care of yourself!

[Maryna]

Dear Lucy,
Thank you for getting back to your blog in spite of all these events in your family. I would like to support you and wish you being strong, patient and loving. And your followers here, in Attic24, will be with you all the time.
Best regards from Ukraine.

[MEG PEASE]

Your bag is beautiful, the Sunflowers compliment it perfectly ♥

[Lauren]

Dear Lucy,
Sending you thanks for another blanket to brighten our days. It once again shows the power of creativity to get us through tough times. Here’s hoping that you keep strong in Dorset knowing that you’re making the wisest choices for your dad.
Lots of hugs from down under xx
PS. So happy that you’re doing blogtober again :)

[Diane]

So sorry to hear about your dad, such a hard thing to deal with. I’m glad you have your crochet to put you in a good place. Take care xx

[Mary Ann]

Dear Lucy,
So many of us have been on that horrible dementia journey...me, in 2001 with my mom. Find some special moments to help you remember the good times. Remember to breathe and take care of yourself, too!
Sending a prayer and a hug to you.
Mary Ann in New Jersey, USA

[Trish]

Hi Lucy, I have followed your blog for many years and have made many of your blankets. I'm more of an observer on your social media, and never really comment. When I make a blanket, it feels like part of me, my soul enters it. The emotions I feel at the time of making it, become a part of each stitch. I can't wait to join in the starbright journey. You really have made me feel so much joy when I crochet - the colours and patterns are glorious.
I hope your time in Dorset is rewarding and a you find a pathway forward for your Dad. Please know that you have a community of your online crochet people supporting you.

[Diane Langley]

I’m sad that you have to follow the dementia journey with your dad. I’ve travelled that road, and it is vile. It’s just coming up to ten years since the start of his final illness which hurts. There were some awful times (not of our making) but such bright precious moments too, and I will never regret doing what I did for his Best Interests. You will do the same, and then you will have no regrets. . I hope that you can make some good memories too, and the crochet/crochet community will help you too.
Take care