Monday 20 June 2011

Handmade

 Handmade - I love that word so much, and I love making things by hand and always have...the tactile feel of fabrics and threads, the pleasure of combining textures and colours, the sewing of stitches and beads and buttons, smoothing down and stitching  ribbons in place...something that has always given me such enjoyment and made me forever grateful that I chose to go to art college and become a designer and maker all those years ago...I would have made things anyhow but I know I'm extremely lucky to be able to call it work too..
 Whilst looking for something in my studio the other day I found these applique projects that I made quite a while ago. I'm about to work on some applique pictures for a commission so it was useful to have these to hand again rather then nestling at the bottom of a big basket with lots of other projects....
 I love the immediacy of hand embroidery, how everyone does it slightly differently, and the special individual pieces are often quirky...hand stitched pieces by children are very sweet and it's a good way for them to begin sewing....I always use fusible web to iron on my shapes and then stitch round them with different coloured embroidery threads, sometimes in blanket stitch, sometimes running stitch....
 If I make a little picture I back it with wadding and cotton fabric and bind it with colourful binding, then add a few quilt stitches or French knots here and there....it's such a free and easy way to work...
 I also found this little unfinished embroidery which I'd forgotten about, probably abandoned when more pressing projects took over, and this week I'm hoping to find time to finish it off and make it into something..
 The red plastic embroidery hoop came free with a magazine ....I don't always use them and never do for cross stitch, but sometimes embroidery is easier with the fabric stretched tight...
Flowers in pots are on my mind at the moment, nurturing the ones in my garden each day...we haven't had nearly as much rain here as everyone else in the country seems to have had...though we did get caught in a huge downpour visiting a garden on Saturday...such heavy rain everything was soaked in a moment. Thank you for popping in here to see me, I love your visits and your sweet comments. Have a happy sunny week and enjoy your handmade moments. Back soon. xxxxx
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41 comments:

  1. my4lilgirls20 June 2011 at 10:05

    I love your applique, so sweet & pretty, The colors & fabrics are right up my street absolutely beautiful
    Karen :)

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  2. Marigold Jam20 June 2011 at 10:13

    Those pretty little applique things are lovely - so "you"! How do you cut such beautifully neat circles?! I love that little daisy in its pot and the red hoop makes a lovely frame for it too.

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  3. Thedarkerside7320 June 2011 at 10:39

    I love doing applique and have dabbled a little in embroidery although so basic you could hardly call it that! lol.

    Love your pictures they are so pretty and colourful. Look forward to seeing what you make with the one in the red hoop.

    Hope you have a lovely creative week.


    MBB x

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  4. Crafts @ Home20 June 2011 at 10:48

    There beautiful, it's given me an idea for my daughter to try as well, to practice her embroidery skills :) thank you
    Sue Xxx

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  5. Happy in red20 June 2011 at 10:52

    Wow, this is too cute!! You must have had a ton of patience! Esther.

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  6. somewhere on the avenue20 June 2011 at 10:53

    Your work is beautiful. I can embroider but my sewing needs much improvement! xx Glad I found your blog!

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  7. Rubyred20 June 2011 at 11:03

    Beautiful work Helen, it always puts a smile on my face when I visit here!Such a colourful and pretty place!
    Have a great week!
    Rachel x

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  8. salty pebble20 June 2011 at 11:28

    home made is defo better than anything else- just lovely to make things to spend the time and love on something ;0) your applique is really beautiful ;0)x

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  9. Jenny20 June 2011 at 11:53

    Am feeling super stressed with things today but have just enjoyed a calming few minutes reading your post :) beautiful as always, your applique projects are so lovely! Wishing you a sunny week Helen xxx

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  10. sylviesgarden20 June 2011 at 12:26

    I love your appliques. Making me wish I could sew.
    x

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  11. Scented Sweetpeas20 June 2011 at 13:27

    oh my lordy, I am in love with your little bird appliquet, it is soooo sweet and the colours are perfect! I have always love creating things too, I find it cleansing for my soul somehow, just pure joy as you see something taking shape even when you are not what what it is going to be :-)

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  12. trish20 June 2011 at 13:33

    Your stitching is precious. :o)
    I too love the look and feel of hand stitching. :o) I just finished a little mug rug that I will post in a day or two, that is a thank you gift. :o) I hand stitched it too.
    Have a lovely week.
    Sincerely, Trish

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  13. DearHelenHartman20 June 2011 at 13:34

    Brilliant. The mix of applique and button and embroidery - oh my! You are so talented and am glad to have found your blog so I can follow and see what more you get up to.

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  14. millefeuilles20 June 2011 at 13:55

    Dear Helen, I love your work. I too love applqué, cross stitch, and sewing in general. However, with my third child in the toddler stage I find myself knitting more; it just seems easier to pick up my knitting needles to do a row of three than a more complex embroidery pattern.

    I am about to make one of your hearts for my best friend's birthday!

    Have a fab, crafty week.

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  15. mynestofyarnandbuttons20 June 2011 at 13:59

    hi Heken, Such a beautiful post. Love the pots of flower appliques and of course the birdie one! Thanks for the little teachable moments in your post too!!! You truly do fabulous work. Have a great week. xoRobin❤

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  16. greenrabbitdesigns20 June 2011 at 14:13

    Beautiful little applique flower pots Helen and I really love the pretty little bird.
    The embroidered flower is very sweet and looks really well with it's red hoop frame.
    Always something bright and refreshing on your blog Helen. :)
    Have a good week,
    Vivienne x

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  17. Frances20 June 2011 at 14:15

    Thank you, Helen, for the embroidery/applique tips. Fusible web...I must remember that!

    You are inspiring me to get out my own embroidery hoops. Where oh where will I find the time?

    xo

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  18. debbie @ happy little cottage20 June 2011 at 15:15

    The red embroidery hoop is so perfect with that design! I love all the cheerful stitching, and can't help but think you must smile the entire time you are working on them.

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  19. Mia20 June 2011 at 16:03

    Hoe beautiful pieces again, Helen! And I know just what you mean when you said it's wonderful to call it work too - when you can make something you love for living...It's just precious.

    We'll had all the rain you've missed *sigh* but now it should be getting better again. Wishing you wonderful week!

    Yours,
    Mia

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  20. KC'sCourt!20 June 2011 at 16:06

    Tha is so pretty
    Julie xxxxxx

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  21. Dawn20 June 2011 at 16:42

    Such pretty applique! I remember as a child being obsessed with learning embroidery sttches and never getting the hang of French knots.

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  22. Madelief20 June 2011 at 18:58

    Hi Helen,

    How sweet and beautifully sewn this looks. Looking at your blog always makes me wish I had more time!

    Happy new week!

    Madelief

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  23. Teresa Kasner20 June 2011 at 20:37

    Dear Helen, your post makes me want to hunt down an embroidery hoop right now! Love your work and design and your bright and pretty colors.
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  24. Ali20 June 2011 at 20:46

    Beautiful work thank you for popping your little tips into the post as well I am currently struggling sewing on linen and your post makes me want to forget that and have a go at applique xx

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  25. Catherine20 June 2011 at 21:58

    Beautiful, fresh and bright! Cx

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  26. gillyflower20 June 2011 at 22:57

    So pretty and perfect!
    Love the little flower pots!
    I know what you mean about the hand embroidery Helen - I find it the most satisfying, something so simple, pleasing and personal about it - just needle, thread, scissors, cloth and an idea.
    Thanks for sharing all this.
    Gill xx

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  27. Naturally Carol21 June 2011 at 06:32

    Hi Helen..Your little colourful appliqued pots of flowers are adorable. I really like the way you use the french knots scattered around them too. It sounds like you are having a beautiful summer..with just enough rain to keep the garden growing.

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  28. liz mortimer21 June 2011 at 07:46

    Wow, just found your blog through Jenny, love it , so many insprational ideas

    liz x

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  29. ♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM21 June 2011 at 08:39

    Beautiful work Helen...I love the mix of the applique and embroidery stitches that you have chosen and the colours are so pretty as always...
    Hope you have had a good start to your week....very dull and humid here but my fuchsias seem very happy!
    Susan x

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  30. Unknown21 June 2011 at 10:18

    That is so very pretty love the colours, you have brightened up a very wet dull day, dee x

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  31. Pipany21 June 2011 at 10:18

    Well obviously I agree with everything you say about hand embroidery Helen. I too love the way everyone's is so different, like a form of handwriting really. Gorgeous things here as ever xx

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  32. Teje Karjalainen21 June 2011 at 10:47

    Hi Helen, That sweet 'picture' is so beautiful! You had lovely idea to make flowers with simple circles!
    Thank you for inspiration!
    xxx Teje

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  33. Jane21 June 2011 at 17:05

    Hi Helen, I'm back from Tuscany and loved reading this post today. I totally agree that there is nothing like "hand made". Every piece is just unique. Your birdies are really sweet, I loved them! Happy 1st day of summer,
    Jane x

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  34. flowers on my table21 June 2011 at 19:07

    So lovely Helen, I especially love the little spotty bird. I agree with you about hand applique. Have a great week, love Linda x

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  35. Maria - A Playful Stitch22 June 2011 at 11:59

    So pretty!

    I've just found your blog and am a new follower! :o)

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  36. Unknown22 June 2011 at 12:34

    Just found your blog through cupcake castle's blog and am going to follow you. I didn't realise I also have one of your books - Simply Sew Gifts - which I love. Your applique is beautiful. Sue x

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  37. flowers on my table22 June 2011 at 23:04

    Hi Helen, thankyou for entering my giveaway, I am most flattered that you like the cosies. Thankyou for your lovely comments. Lois does seem to be very creative in many ways. She had sports day in school today and I am afraid she takes after me in that field too(total disinterest!)Oh well, you win some you lose some! Have a great weekend, love Linda x

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  38. koralee24 June 2011 at 05:22

    I Love your blog...it is always so happy and full of colour....pure joy to visit. Happy creating!

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  39. Connys Cottage26 June 2011 at 21:34

    Hello,

    very wonderful protjekt do you have.

    Goed job.
    I like your colors to.

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  40. Unknown17 July 2011 at 13:07

    Your creations look so fresh and clean cut as well as beautiful. I like the flower pots.
    with love Anita

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  41. Janice Kay Schaub15 December 2011 at 01:01

    I love this blog, I just love this bird and embroidery. SO much I would like to accomplish and this is all so inspiring. I am enjoying your blog very much
    Janice

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Thank you for your lovely words...I so enjoy your comments and read them all.