Episode 17

Episode 17 Show Notes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzL_A7N1XkI

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

Cow 'Matilda Moo' made with Sirdar Snuggly Baby Cotton DK
Cow 'Hugh Moo' made with Lithuanian wool, fingering weight, by Yarn Stories on etsy, shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/YarnStories
Pattern available from my ravelry store, linked here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/matilda-moo

'Mirkwood' Superwash Merino Nylon with Gold Stellina by 'Viking Yarns', their etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VikingYarns
'Zitouni' by 'The Uncommon Thread' check online for your nearest stockist
'Black Hole' by 'Dye For Yarn' aka 'Dye For Wool' etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DyeForWool

Bee Hive / Basket of Bees
Yarn used is 'Too Hard Butter Cookie' in Dye For Yarn's fingering weight merino silk, shop linked above
Cotton used for bees is DMC Petra No.3

Project Bag 'Farmyard' theme is by Jane of Yarn Magpie on etsy, her shop linked here:www.etsy.com/shop/YarnMagpie

Meet The Moomins, blog post here: http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/blog/meet-the-moomins/
Pattern by Irene Strange and available in Issue 66 of Inside Crochet, linked here:
Yarn used is Sirdar Snuggly Baby Cotton DK

Planner / Travelers Notebook by Sanati Factory, etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sanatifactory

'Hotel Of Bees' Shawl, designed by Christina Hadderingh, aka A Spoonful Of Yarn.
Yarns I am using are all Sport weight merino from Dye For Yarn, in colour ways 'Too Hard \Butter Cookie', 'Boiling Cacao', 'Burnt Cinnamon Roll' and 'Camel Gone Wild'

'Ultimate Sacrifice' Shawl, yarn used is a custom gradient of 300g turquoise to black by Wollelfe, shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/Wollelfe
Pattern coming soon!

'Sjo' Shawl by Katia Loffler

Nako 'Vals' Yarn

'Soak' for woollens

Episode 16

Episode 16 Show Notes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HI2qCF8m9c

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

Current Knitting WIP:
In vintage floral bag made by Leigh of Shop Lou Leigh on etsy, shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Shoplouleigh?ref=ss_profile
Leigh also has a podcast, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoT66l2uMJ1Sc6GmWyhchWQ
Sport Weight Merino in 'Dried Brown Algae', 'Dozing By The Pond' and 'Dead Marshes'
by Dye For Wool, etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DyeForWool

Michelle & Leslie - hosts of the 'Knotty Knit Wits' podcast on youtube, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_eGkFowYXXmGCl9qHedggQ
Candace - host of the 'Pinfeathers & Purls' podcast on youtube, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXfaKH_705XkVbTlKWSlVGw
Dani - host of the 'Little Bobbins Knits' podcast on youtube, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF4l3ITRsJq9xKLmXn1s3-A
Eva - host of 'The Charm Of It' podcast on youtube, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZJXOCyN9wFz1mGaCMXpgWw
Ali - host of the 'Little Drops Of Wonderful' podcast on youtube, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXWQfl7WmeumzOYfKZwhT0g
 She is also on Instagram as @starryeyesali

Simple Stretchy Bind Off Tutorial by 'Very Pink Knits' on youtube, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbzeEg6XMwM&t=189s

Amber - host of the 'Yarn Junkie' podcast on youtube, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-VC3r0eQFglzOkMCEYtvUA
 She is also on Instagram as @ _yarnjunkie

'Mirkwood' Superwash Merino Nylon with Gold Stellina by 'Viking Yarns', their etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VikingYarns
'Zitouni' by 'The Uncommon Thread' check online for your nearest stockist
'Black Hole' by 'Dye For Yarn' aka 'Dye For Wool' etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DyeForWool

'Flight Of The Fabled Romance', pattern available in my ravelry store, link here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flight-of-the-fabled-romance
'Ultimate Sacrifice' Shawl, yarn used is a custom gradient of 300g turquoise to black by Wollelfe, shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/Wollelfe
Pattern coming soon!

Stylecraft 'Cabaret' DK in 'Autumn Dazzle'

Planner / Travelers Notebook by Sanati Factory, etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sanatifactory

Kate Fensom - Artist, website inked here: https://www.katefensom.com/

Cow 'Matilda Moo' made with Sirdar Snuggly Baby Cotton DK
Cow 'Hugh Moo' made with Lithuanian wool, fingering weight, by Yarn Stories on etsy, shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/YarnStories
Both patterns available soon

Lilli - host of the 'Nordic Stitches' podcast on you tube, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5xdmIVCC0SIW0TerwT8ckQ

Anna of dunkelgrun ('dark green' in German) podcast is a scientist who talks about the chemistry about dyeing yarn as well as her own spun yarn! What's not to love?! Her YouTube Channel linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxOWVPj1k3e4eXUjWpEwkUw

Leather Travellers Notebook
by LeHip on etsy,shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeHip

Episode 15

Episode 15 Show Notes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWIMHSQgJu8

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

New Podcaster! Anna of dunkelgrun ('dark green' in German) podcast is a scientist who talks about the chemistry about dyeing yarn as well as her own spun yarn! What's not to love?! Her YouTube Channel linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxOWVPj1k3e4eXUjWpEwkUw

Current Knitting WIP:
The 'Find Your Fade' Shawl designed by Andrea Mowry of Drea Renee Knits (for the love)
Link to pattern via ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/find-your-fade
Yarns:
Dark green is called 'Forest' by Blueberry Barn Designs, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/BlueberryBarnDesigns
'Attention Seeker' by Hand Dyed By Kate, website linked here: http://www.handdyedbykate.com/
'Perfume' by Life In The Long Grass, search online for your nearest stockist, I purchased mine from YAK store in Brighton, England
'Sweet Treat' by Artist Palette Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistsPaletteYarns

Nature-themed blue print project bag by Nellie Wellie, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/NellieWellie

Cow 'Matilda Moo' made with Sirdar Snuggly Baby Cotton DK
Cow 'Hugh Moo' made with Lithuanian wool, fingering weight, by Yarn Stories on etsy, shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/YarnStories
If you'd like to test the pattern for me (when I've written it) please let me know, :-)

Quiz: What Kind Of Yarn Crafter Are You? on my blog, linked here: http://lorrainepughdesigns.blogspot.com.cy/2017/03/creative-contentment-quiz-what-kind-of.html

'The Code' recommended TV program about maths in nature

New Yarn!
Sport Weight Merino in 'Dried Brown Algae', 'Burnt Terracotta', 'Camel Gone Wild', 'Dozing By The Pond', 'Dead Marshes'.
DK Weight Chainette Merino/Alpaca/YAK in 'Grandpa's Worn Trousers', 'Completely Rotten Olive' and 'Fresh Scar'.
All by Dye For Wool, etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DyeForWool

First crochet design, 'Flight Of The Fabled Romance', pattern available in my ravelry store, link here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flight-of-the-fabled-romance
Current Design-In-Progress
'Ultimate Sacrifice' Shawl, yarn used is a custom gradient of 300g turquoise to black by Wollelfe, shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/Wollelfe
Pattern coming soon!

Other Podcasters Mentioned:

Ali of Little Drops of Wonderful podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXWQfl7WmeumzOYfKZwhT0g
She is also on Instagram as @starryeyesali

Amber of The Yarn Junkie Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/user/crochetjunkie6
She is also on Instagram as @ _yarnjunkie
Sir Ken Robinson's Ted Talk entitled 'Do Schools Kill Creativity?' available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY

Creative Contentment - Quiz: What Kind Of Yarn Crafter Are You?

Hello you lovely lot!

Following on from my earlier post, ‘Creative Contentment – When Making Resolutions’, I am sharing with you all my journey of becoming the happiest, most fulfilled version of my creative self, in the hopes that you will join me and we can make this journey together.
I’m calling it ‘Creative Contentment’ and would love for you to get in touch and share your experiences and ideas with me:

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns

(for a bit of fun, let’s use the hashtag #creativecontentment)

Ravelry ID: lorrainepugh

There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:

http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns

And a Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/

Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

So, on to my latest thoughts… in one of my early videos, I think it was Episode 2, I shared my experience of taking an online personality quiz, initially for fun, however it resulted in me learning a lot about myself (for example why I always used to drink alcohol at social gatherings – see more in my previous post ‘Prosperity Is Within Us’). After seeing said video, a lovely friend I met over on Instagram decided to take the test, and she too, found incredible insight into her inner workings as well.

Now, I’m no expert on personalities, but I have done a little research and I’ve put together this short, simple (and hopefully fun!) test. I have designed it specifically with us yarn-loving folk in mind and please remember it’s not to be taken too seriously. There are 16 different outcomes, which will give you an idea of what comes most naturally for you, however after reading your result, you might find it interesting to have a read of the other 15 outcomes. You might find you can relate to some of the descriptions within them, after all, we’re all unique in our own way. I’m also a big believer in stepping outside of our comfort zones and obtaining an understanding of other people, this is what makes us more rounded, well-balanced and compassionate people, in my opinion.
I could go on, but I’ll leave those thoughts for the next blog post!
So grab a pen and paper and without further ado, I give you…

Episode 14

Episode 14 Show Notes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aVN0b0DOTw

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/


Cow 'Matilda Moo' made with Sirdar Snuggly Baby Cotton DK
Cow 'Hugh Moo' made with Lithuanian wool, fingering weight, by Yarn Stories on etsy, shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/YarnStories
If you'd like to test the pattern for me (when I've written it) please let me know, :-)

First crochet design, 'Flight Of The Fabled Romance', pattern available in my ravelry store, link here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flight-of-the-fabled-romance
Current Design-In-Progress
'Ultimate Sacrifice' Shawl, yarn used is a custom gradient of 300g turquoise to black by Wollelfe, shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/Wollelfe
Pattern coming soon!

Nature-themed blue print project bag by Nellie Wellie, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/NellieWellie

Current Knitting WIP:
The 'Find Your Fade' Shawl designed by Andrea Mowry of Drea Renee Knits (for the love)
Link to pattern via ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/find-your-fade
Yarns:
Dark green is called 'Forest' by Blueberry Barn Designs, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/BlueberryBarnDesigns
'Attention Seeker' by Hand Dyed By Kate, website linked here: http://www.handdyedbykate.com/
'Perfume' by Life In The Long Grass, search online for your nearest stockist, I purchased mine from YAK store in Brighton, England
'Sweet Treat' by Artist Palette Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistsPaletteYarns

Other Yarns shown, matching the galaxy birthday card:
'Swirling Flock' on yak by Lamington Lass Yarns
'Sugar Plum' on MCN base, by Stranded Dyeworks
'Blackberry' gold stellina sock by lanitium ex machina
all above have etsy shops
then Fiberspates Vivacious 4ply in 'Peacock'

Episode 13

Episode 13 Show Notes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNP3TJ7l8og

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/


Current Knitting WIP:
The 'Find Your Fade' Shawl designed by Andrea Mowry of Drea Renee Knits (for the love)
Link to pattern via ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/find-your-fade
Yarns:
Dark green is called 'Forest' by Blueberry Barn Designs, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/BlueberryBarnDesigns
'Attention Seeker' by Hand Dyed By Kate, website linked here: http://www.handdyedbykate.com/
'Perfume' by Life In The Long Grass, search online for your nearest stockist, I purchased mine from YAK store in Brighton, England
'Sweet Treat' by Artist Palette Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistsPaletteYarns

Cow 'Matilda Moo' made with Sirdar Snuggly Baby Cotton DK
Cow 'Hugh Moo' made with Lithuanian wool, fingering weight, by Yarn Stories on etsy, shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/YarnStories
If you'd like to test the pattern for me (when I've written it) please let me know, :-)

Planner is a Travellers Notebook from Sanati Factory, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/sanatifactory

Nature-themed blue print project bag by Nellie Wellie, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/NellieWellie

Single Ply yarns in green and mustard, and the cotton pink and ivory yarn all from Tiger store

Kristin from the yarngasm podcast, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/user/YarnGasmPodcast
Dani from Little Bobbins Knits podcast, linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF4l3ITRsJq9xKLmXn1s3-A

Episode 12

Episode 12 Show Notes

Hi guys! Today I have a not-so-funny, funny FO, my Find your Fade WIP, a design-in-progress, some gorgeous new yarns, and I show you my project journal, as well as the lovely Christmas gifts I received from the lovely Ali of the Little Drops Of Wonderful podcast!

https://youtu.be/NGMiaDUv78Y

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

FO
Take a guess... what is it?!
Yarn used is Sirdar Cotton Rich Recycled Aran
Check online for your local stockist

Current Knitting WIP:
The 'Find Your Fade' Shawl designed by Andrea Mowry of Drea Renee Knits (for the love)
Link to pattern via ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/find-your-fade
Yarns in order of being shown, first-last:
'Forest' by Blueberry Barn Designs, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/BlueberryBarnDesigns
'Attention Seeker' by Hand Dyed By Kate, website linked here: http://www.handdyedbykate.com/
'Perfume' by Life In The Long Grass, search online for your nearest stockist, I purchased mine from YAK store in Brighton, England
'Sweet Treat' by Artist Palette Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistsPaletteYarns
'Mazikeen' by Third Vault Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdVaultYarns
'Peat' BFL Fingering by The Uncommon Thread, search online for your nearest stockist, I purchased mine from YAK store in Brighton, England
Stitch markers from Craft Cat Knitty Bits (please note I added the faux flowers), etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyCatKnittyBits

Yarns Acquired
'Forever Autumn' by Blueberry Barn Designs, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/BlueberryBarnDesigns
'Interstellar Dust' by Artist Palette Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistsPaletteYarns
'Mirkwood' by Viking Yarn etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VikingYarns
'Mermaid Mardi Gras' by Hiraeth Yarn Company, etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HiraethYarnCompany

Cow WIP made with Sirdar Snuggly Baby Cotton DK

Ali of Little Drops of Wonderful podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXWQfl7WmeumzOYfKZwhT0g
She is also on Instagram as @starryeyesali

Lisa of Lisa's Pine Notes, she has a blog and a podcast, as well as an Instagram account - well worth the follow!
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_AGhDDT1tEJqa6uzSaVqkQ
Instagram: @lisapinenotes

Gifted to me by the lovely Ali
Mineral Yarn was by Uniques Yarns Co., etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/UniqueYarnsCo
Mini skein was Single Batch 10, by My Mama Knits, etsy shop linked here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mymamaknits

Episode 11

Episode 11 Show Notes

New beginnings in 2017

https://youtu.be/SFhJoxwrMPs

I am on Instagram @lorrainepughdesigns
You can find me on ravelry as lorrainepugh
There is also a group on ravelry, linked here:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/lorrainepughdesigns
And a Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/lorrainepughdesigns/
Plus, a Facebook Group where you can share your makes and chatter with like-minded makers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1707181802870447/

The Breathe Journal, a 52 Week Planner, available in UK in most large supermarkets and stationers

Ceramic Sheep, hand made in Wales by Sian Davies, sianee_2000@yahoo.co.uk

YAK Yarn And Knitting in Brighton
ChiaoGoo Tunisian Crochet Hooks
'Soak' yuzu yarn wash
'Zitouni' BFL Fingering by The Uncommon Thread
'Perfume' by Life In The Long Grass
'Peat' BFL Fingering by The Uncommon Thread
'Cloudy Blue' Super Chunky Crazy Sexy Wool by Wool And The Gang

Brighton Sewing Centre

Current Knitting WIP:
The 'Find Your Fade' Shawl designed by Andrea Mowry of Drea Renee Knits (for the love)
Link to pattern via ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/find-your-fade
Yarns in order of being shown, first-last:
'Forest' by Blueberry Barn Designs, etsy hop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/BlueberryBarnDesigns
'Attention Seeker' by Hand Dyed By Kate, website linked here: http://www.handdyedbykate.com/
'Perfume' by Life In The Long Grass, search online for your nearest stockist, I purchased mine from YAK store in Brighton, England
'Sweet Treat' by Artist Palette Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtistsPaletteYarns
'Mazikeen' by Third Vault Yarns, etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdVaultYarns
'Peat' BFL Fingering by The Uncommon Thread, search online for your nearest stockist, I purchased mine from YAK store in Brighton, England
Stitch markers from Craft Cat Knitty Bits (please note I added the faux flowers), etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/CraftyCatKnittyBits

Crochet WIP
'Hotel Of Bees' Crochet Shawl Pattern by Christia Hadderingh aka 'A Spoonful Of Yarn' pattern linked here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hotel-of-bees-shawl
Yarns purchased for this project are Dye For Wool's Merino Sport Weight in the following colour ways:
'Too Hard Butter Cookie', 'Burnt Cinnamon Roll' and 'Boiling Cacao Beans', etsy shop linked here: www.etsy.com/shop/Dyeforwool

Ali of Little Drops of Wonderful podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXWQfl7WmeumzOYfKZwhT0g
She is also on Instagram as @starryeyesali

Lisa of Lisa's Pine Notes, she has a blog and a podcast, as well as an Instagram account - well worth the follow!
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_AGhDDT1tEJqa6uzSaVqkQ
Instagram: @lisapinenotes

Amber from the Yarn Junkie Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/user/crochetjunkie6
She is also on Instagram @_yarnjunkie

Prosperity Is Within Us

Thursday 5th January 2017   22:35

I was one of the lucky ones that actually enjoyed school. Although I was definitely a bit 'weird' or 'quirky' something that unexpectedly helped me was the fact that I had a brother 6 years older than me who would tease me, in an endearing fashion (if you could call it that), so any mockery from piers seemed to fall like water off a duck's back. I had a large group of friends and my grades were quite good. I would never have thought to call myself confident, but to be honest, I must have been because I wasn't embarrassed to be alone either. Perhaps 'independent' better describes it. I think I get that from my Dad. He and I are both the kind to go for a solitary walk purely for the sake of enjoying it. I guess I always considered a confident person to be one who would regularly strike up a conversation with a stranger, something I wouldn't choose to do. But, now I've grown a fair bit, I've learned that I am self-assured, it's just not naturally in my character to go in search of small-talk.

I 'live' a lot in my head. I always have. It's like a torrent of thoughts/ideas, so when it comes to engaging in social interactions, I can't seem to just 'switch-off' what's going on 'up there'. Thus, it can become very tiring, if not overwhelming, if I attend say, a large social gathering. In my teens, I discovered something amazing that took away all my apprehensions of small-talk, and let my buzzing mind calm down; alcohol. And that, my friends, has been my key to initiating friendships... all the way until my son was born, 3years ago. Instincts kicked in (Mother nature is a powerful thing), I mostly cut out the booze, occasionally enjoying 1 pint of shandy on a sunny afternoon, but on 1st January 2016 I cut out alcohol completely. My life changed in ways I couldn't imagine.

Looking back, during the first 6 months of sobriety, I was avoiding pubs. Unfortunately it meant I saw friends less and less, initially. But one day in the latter half of the year, I realized I would genuinely crave a cup of tea or coffee over a beer. The truth is, I never realized I had a problem, until then; I had overcome something. This initiated me asking myself many more questions. I seeked spiritual and psychological insight.

This first alcohol-free year, I was beginning to realize where my passion lied. Working with hand-dyed yarn, unique works of art, into a design of my making, through the craft of crochet. I also discovered this online community of crafters, podcasters, tutorial creators, photo sharers, all of whom fueled the fire of my creativity.

Also during this year, my Mum was becoming tired with the running of her craft business, where I also worked. I had a decision to make. Do I follow where the money is and take on a very busy shop? It would mean  constant social interaction, a struggle for me, but at least we would be financially richer. Or do I pursue a dream? Go with what naturally flows for me and opt for riches in the form of fulfillment?

Fast forward to today, Thursday 5th January 2017 and the shop's VAT is due in 1 month's time. But, it is the last. Over the last couple of months, I have been shifting boxes of unsold stock, planning workshops which I intend to run from home, while designing crochet patterns. I have also been writing my experiences and learnings in which I shall share with you all on this blog. This is a very exciting, new chapter for me, for us all perhaps? Some strong friendships are already being made, beautiful project photos being shared and encouragement and guidance being given. I think this is a good moment to share a favourite quote of mine:

"When you get the environment right, humans will do remarkable things" - Simon Sinek

Well now, my environment is lacking a fresh cup of tea, and nothing remarkable will happen unless I get the kettle on! [pictured is the very tab from my cup of tea!]
So, until next time,

Take care,
Much love,
Lorraine
Xx

Creative Contentment - When Making Resolutions

Hello All,

At a time of fresh starts and new beginnings, I'm gathering a collection of ideas to help myself maintain a sense of balance and fulfillment, particularly with regard to crafting, but also within all other areas of my life.

Last year, I discovered this beautiful, online community of creative beings and as many of you offer so much in the way of friendship and guidance, I want to give a little something back. Since many of us share so much common ground, it occured to me that one, if not some of you may also find some reassurance and/or inspiration within these little ideas of mine. So, here I am, sharing them with you, on a path I will call 'Creative Contentment'...

Here is a little idea I had a few days ago;

I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year,
With lots of love,
From me, Lorraine xXx