Helen Philipps: Red Flowers Quilt

At last I've finished the Red Flowers Quilt - I've been sewing it so sloooowly over the winter time, glad of it's warmth while I worked on it. I made it from lots of scraps which really needed to be used up, and a piece of gorgeous red floral CK fabric which I used for the flowers and the outer border.

When I was deciding on a backing fabric for this little quilt I wanted something with both red and aqua in it - and I remembered that somewhere I had saved a set of Laura Ashley curtains that I was specially fond of, from our old house. After a bit of poking about on the top floor where we store things, I found it! I did still love the design, so after wahing and ironing I used it to back the quilt. It's a firmer cotton than the usual quilting cotton which made the hand quilting a little more difficult - which is why it probably took me so long...

But last week the last stitches were put into it as I finished the blue binding, and it was put in the washing machine and then hung up on the aga to dry...and now it's in use, for keeping us cosy, for babies to roll on and toddlers to hide under or snuggle under for stories... I love quilts they are so homely!

And we've got some more red flowers in the kitchen too - these beautiful bright tulips are the flowers this week - so cheerful and when the sun catches them they gleam and glow in the light....

Thank you to everyone who has entered the draw for my Sweet Hearts Giveaway on my last post! I'm so thrilled so many of you left a comment, and if you haven't yet but would still like to, the giveaway is open until next Sunday. I hope you are all having a lovely week, wishing you sunshine, flowers and springtime. xxx

30 comments:

Crafts @ Home said...: Absolutely beautiful, very envious.... Love the splash of colour, and the tulips.; 10 February 2011 at 10:43
gillyflower said...: Helen, the quilt is so pretty, such lovely colours.
Tulips are so cheery arent they?
Gill; 10 February 2011 at 11:18
Pipany said...: Lovely things agin Helen. I love the tulips and the quilt is so gorgeous. Cheers up this most dismal of days x; 10 February 2011 at 11:20
greenrabbitdesigns said...: What a beautiful quilt and so lovely that it's going to be used for nice things too! :)
Love your tulips, this past two weeks I've bought daffodils for the house but tomorrow I think it's time for some tulips!
Happy Thursday!
Vivienne x; 10 February 2011 at 11:20
Simone said...: The quilt is beautiful! You have a unique style Helen and I think I would recognise your work anywhere!!! Once again a lovely cheery post to get me through this rather damp and dismal day!!! x; 10 February 2011 at 11:26
mynestofyarnandbuttons said...: Oh Helen, I love the baby quilt. The colors, fabric, and appliqued flowers are so pretty. Tulips are out to buy here too, and so uplifting this time of year, with a promise of Springtime on it's way. I think you are ahead of us but I can dream. Enjoy the rest of your week. xoRobin❤; 10 February 2011 at 12:12
Anonymous said...: What a gorgeous quilt it's beautiful:o) A patchwork quilt is on my list of makes for 2011 - it will be my first attempt, eek! Hannah x; 10 February 2011 at 14:01
debbie @ happy little cottage said...: Hi Helen!

The quilt is oh so adorable! CK and Laura Ashley on the same quilt is yummy! Loving the red tulips. I might have to pick up a bunch at the store later. Have a wonderful day!; 10 February 2011 at 14:22
Pink Milk said...: Helen, your quilt is simply lovely. Such a pretty combination of colours. You are clever.

My attempt at patchworking is underway albeit veeeery slowly. I do love choosing the fabrics but the measuring and cutting is a bit of a faff!! :-)

Hx; 10 February 2011 at 14:43
susanhal said...: I agree with Simone above, you have such a distinctive and recognisable style Helen. That is such a great little quilt, I love the red flowers and the way you mix all those patterned fabrics, no plains and yet it doesn't look fussy at all.
I would love a ' how to' post on that if you ever felt like sharing the secret!
And the applique ! did you turn under the edges of all those flowers? how did you do that !!??
In admiration Susan x; 10 February 2011 at 15:55
Used-to-Bees said...: Your quilt is just beautiful. I love the colour and fabric combinations and those flowers are so sweet, drawing it all together. I think it would always be sunny with that quilt nearby!; 10 February 2011 at 16:34
...Nina Nixon... said...: That is so beautiful Helen - I adore red and aqua together and your quilt has turned out wonderfully.

The little applique flowers sets it off perfectly.

Nina xxx; 10 February 2011 at 16:39
Mia said...: The most adorable quilt, Helen, I love it! And with your pretty tulips, oh what a lovely color-therapy again! Thank you so much for sharing!

Happy weekend!

Yours,
Mia; 10 February 2011 at 17:18
do you mind if i knit said...: Your quilt is GORGEOUS Helen! I love the flowers on it too, just love the colours and the border, a very special quilt this one. Love Vanessa xxx; 10 February 2011 at 17:43
Julia said...: Hello Helen

Oh my, that quilt is just beautiful! Ive just been gazing at all the pretty patterned fabric you have used, and the colours work so well together! It's a wish of mine to make a quilt one day, I'd love something that looks like yours - very inspiring!

Sending love to you
Julia x x x

ps - thanks for visiting my blog today, just wanted to let you know the little print is now in the print part of the gallery on my website. J x; 10 February 2011 at 19:39
Jenny said...: What a gorgeous quilt Helen, it's so very pretty! I think I may have been inspired by your post to make one this year too:) I've got loads of pretty fabric scraps and endless patience, I'm sure that's got to be a good combination... well we will see! Enjoy snuggling under your quilt, jenny x; 10 February 2011 at 20:07
sylviesgarden said...: Helen, that is stunning! The colours, the size of the squares, everything, beautiful.
x; 10 February 2011 at 20:22
clare said...: OMG..Your quilt is totaly gorgeous..love the colours and the fabrics!
Those tulips are so lovely...im going to wait and see if hubby gets me flowers on Valentines day...fingers crossed!!!

Hugs Clare@weekend crafter xx; 10 February 2011 at 20:26
Michelle said...: Helen your quilt is truelly devine. Gorgous. You hand stitched it all? My machine skills are not too good and have been putting off attempting a quilt but if some like above can be produced by hand it gives me hope.

Thaak you for sharing, I'm envious of your skill.. and your finished quilt; 10 February 2011 at 20:27
Unknown said...: Absolutely beautiful quilt. You have such patience, but my is the end product worth all the hard work. I love the choice of colours and patterns. Real inspiration. x; 10 February 2011 at 21:08
sew said...: I bought some pink tulips today but, sadly, I only have washing drying on my Aga - not a gorgeous quilt!! I do so love Spring flowers.; 10 February 2011 at 22:22
Naturally Carol said...: 'Cheerful' is definitely the word I will pick for your lovely quilt. I think it will bring cheerful thoughts to your mind every time you use it! How could your mood be dull wrapped up in those colours? Delightful..could be another word.; 11 February 2011 at 01:03
littlecottonbluebirds said...: Helen, Your color choices are so deliciously beautiful, inspirational, and down right joyous.

Hugs,Dani; 11 February 2011 at 05:03
littlecottonbluebirds said...: Helen, Your color choices are so deliciously beautiful, inspirational, and down right joyous.

Hugs,Dani; 11 February 2011 at 05:03
Attic24 said...: Such beauty!!!! WOW! Your quilt is absolutely a joy to look at and I love how it totally matches the colourn of your tulips with it's pretty reds and pinks.
Very inspiring as ever xxxxxx; 11 February 2011 at 11:41
harmony and rosie said...: Absolutely stunning, it is truly a feast for the eyes.

Kate x; 11 February 2011 at 14:18
Jane said...: Hi Helen, all that hard work has been so worthwhile, your finished quilt is beautiful. How lovely for your grandchilden to have something handmade to play on too. Enjoy the tulips and have a great weekend,
Jane x; 11 February 2011 at 16:25
Teje said...: Dear Helen! I was trying to find the right word...Delicious is quite close what I feel with your new most beautiful quilt! It has so sweet and warm feeling! I have ralized that I love mostly quilts with tiny patches! And with so lovely colours - just adorable!
Thank you for a lovely moment and beautiful weekend flowers!!!
xxx Teje; 11 February 2011 at 17:35
Barbara said...: I love your quilt Helen, but especially I love that phrase "I put it up on the Aga to dry" ...; 12 February 2011 at 02:35
Scented Sweetpeas said...: So wonderful Helen, I love your new make! Would you mind if I e-mailed you as I want your book 'Simple Sewn Gifts: Stitch 25 Fast and Easy Gifts' but can't seem to get hold of it, it must be very popular! My e-mail is on my blog. Cheers. x; 12 February 2011 at 18:02