Helen Philipps: In and Out of the Garden

Hello! I hope you've had a very happy Easter weekend! We've been enjoying the sunshine and the garden, as I hoped...though on Saturday it turned grey and chilly so we thought our Easter tea party scheduled for Sunday might end up being indoors....but no, it was sunny again next day! We had lots of the family here, all different ages, and lovely to see everyone.....

We put the gazebo up so there was shade for those who needed it, and if they felt chilly they could move into the sun...We had tea and cake, with especially lovely cupcakes made by Sarah, she learnt early how make her cupcakes rise in their cases just the right amount, unlike my more unpredictable ones which can be anything from just to the top of the case to a pointy witch's hat.... I took the picture below before the cakes arrived with Sarah, Gareth and family (Daisy wearing bunny ears, Charlie wearing bunny mask), so the cake stand is ready and waiting...

During the afternoon everyone had to walk down the bluebell path to see the newly painted potting shed..

It's a real little hideaway, and somehow feels very peaceful even though it's not really far from the house....

The flowery bunting was still up to celebrate the spring and Easter weekend (next weekend it will have to be the Union Jack bunting, I think)....

....and today I did a bit of sewing....this is the very beginning of the quilt I'm making for Daisy's first birthday at the end of May...daisy flowers appliqued to the central panel, to be surrounded by patchwork....

I love the idea of making a quilt for a child's first birthday because by then they have 'become themselves' - their little personality has begun to show and you can make something to suit them...Daisy already loves flowers, and had to be stopped from eating daisies on the lawn yesterday....

I hope you are still enjoying lovely weather, spring flowers and Easter eggs... Thanks for popping in here - have a lovely week! xxxxx

25 comments:

KC'sCourt! said...: Looks like you had a lovely weekend too
Julie xxxxxxxxxx; 25 April 2011 at 20:08
Crafts @ Home said...: I think Daisys a very lucky girl, the quilt looks just right, I hope you finish it on time. It's lovely to have the family together at Easter, and a real bonus to be able to make the most of this glorious weather outside :)
Sue Xx; 25 April 2011 at 20:11
greenrabbitdesigns said...: Your garden is so beautiful Helen, I'm sure your tea party was wonderful and how gorgeous is that bluebell path!
Daisy's quilt is so pretty, it's lovely that she'll receive something for her first birthday that she'll be able to use year after year.
Vivienne x; 25 April 2011 at 20:17
Mia said...: Looks wonderful Helen, both your garden and Daisy's birthday quilt! We have had sunny and bright Easter-weekend, and I wish next week will be equally wonderful!

Happy new week!

Yours,
Mia; 25 April 2011 at 21:19
Jenny said...: How pretty is Daisy's quilt, especially as you are hand stitching the applique, that's such a lovely touch! She will be able to use it for so many years to come, it's gorgeous! Your garden party looks lovely too, those bluebells are just stunning, such a beautiful colour. Glad the sun stayed for you, let's hope it stays this week too :) xx; 25 April 2011 at 21:28
Unknown said...: Your garden and party look beautiful. And so does your little summer house how lovely to have that in the garden. And Daisy's quilt looks so sweet and pretty enjoy it. have a lovely week, dee x; 25 April 2011 at 21:31
driftwood said...: just beautiful; 25 April 2011 at 22:19
mynestofyarnandbuttons said...: Lovely post Helen. Everything looks so pretty at your home. The bluebells are so beautiful and make a nice path border. I love the flower quilt for your Daisy. It's a wonderful idea for 1st birthdays when the babies become little people! it's such fun to watch them develop, everything is so new, fresh and exciting to them. Hope your week is great. xoRobin❤; 26 April 2011 at 02:44
Teresa Kasner said...: Helen, you are really something, your garden is so pretty and so was your table, seems your life is pastel in color! :-)

Love your flower border!

Teresa in Oregon; 26 April 2011 at 03:47
Naturally Carol said...: I have found so much prettiness to love in your post today..flower sugar bunting, daisies and bluebells and your new flower quilt! Is the Union Jack bunting for the Royal Wedding on Friday? Are you going to celebrate at all? Just wondering!; 26 April 2011 at 04:01
Simone said...: An inspiring and uplifting blog post! Thank you for sharing a little bit of your World with us. x; 26 April 2011 at 08:40
Jane said...: Your photos look so cheerful Helen, it was the most glorious weather for a change for our Easter holidays. That lovely daisy quilt for Daisy looks beautiful, what a lucky girl to have such a talented Nan. Enjoy the royal celebrations this week!
Jane x; 26 April 2011 at 08:44
gillyflower said...: Sounds like you had a lovely time, and the photos of your garden are lovely! I wonder what the beautiful pink flowers are in your first photo - they look like pink margeurites? - they are so pretty!
The quilt you are making for Daisy looks beautiful, what a lovely idea - she will love it!
Enjoy the celebrations at the end of the week!
Gill xx; 26 April 2011 at 10:22
sylviesgarden said...: I love the pink daisies in the first pic, so pretty.
x; 26 April 2011 at 10:44
Teje Karjalainen said...: Hi Helen! I'm happy to hear that you had wonderful time with your family in the sunshine! Your garden looks so lovely! That baby quilt is going to be the most beautiful and perfect for Daisy!
Have a lovely time! xxx Teje; 26 April 2011 at 12:57
susan hall said...: I love the daisies for a Daisy !
When I made the christening cake for my grand daughter Holly, I smothered it in holly and red berries and it made a great talking point.
Your garden is looking springtime splendid and weren't we lucky to have the weather to enjoy being outdoors,lets hope it's as nice for the wedding on friday.; 26 April 2011 at 15:36
Little Nell said...: Hand-stitched applique; you can't beat it. It's worth all the extra effort. The quilt looks lovely. I've never made one myself, but I have a friend who is a patchwork specialist, and I can appreciate the creativity and hard work that goes into each one.; 26 April 2011 at 16:23
Poppy said...: I would love to have walk around your garden and not forgetting the potting shed.
Beautiful post!

Lou xxx; 26 April 2011 at 18:25
Anonymous said...: Lovely to hear about your Easter and to see the beginnings of the quilt.; 26 April 2011 at 20:14
Anonymous said...: Beautiful photos, I so enjoyed seeing your garden and simply perfect outdoor Easter party decorations.
Daffodil bunny in the post below is just too cute for words.
Best wishes.; 26 April 2011 at 21:40
Madelief said...: Hi Helen,

Your party sounds lovely! I enjoyed looking at the photo's of your garden and pretty table. Love the Cath Kidston china. It's so colourful.

Have fun on friday! Wish I could join all the festivities.

Lieve groet, Madelief; 27 April 2011 at 20:07
Pomona said...: That is a very beautiful quilt - the one I just made for a baby pales in comparison! I rather like your little hideaway - it looks very pretty.

Pomona x; 28 April 2011 at 15:27
*❀* said...: your garden is sublime, as is your lovely applique.; 1 May 2011 at 12:52
GardenOfDaisies said...: This quilt is going to be so pretty!! Perfect for a little girl named Daisy!!; 4 May 2011 at 13:36
Diane Fay (littlealma) said...: A beautiful blog, and lots of beautiful crafts!!! I was hoping to find out how you made the pretty bunting here..... might you have directions on how you made yours anywhere else?

Thanks, from Michigan,

Diane; 20 March 2015 at 01:17