Thursday 8 September 2011

Sweet September

 September is a special month for me for lots of reasons...it's the month when my twin baby sisters were born, and it's the month when my own first daughter was born too ...on the day after my sisters' birthday though many years apart ;) ...and although it means the end of summer there are often still warm and sunny days to be had in September...lots of plans to make as schools and colleges go back and we look to settling down to  new projects again after the summer holidays...I feel the most nostalgia in September for schooldays and starting college terms...I picked the sweetpeas above this week, we still have plenty flowering but I know they won't be around much longer, especially as the wigwam of canes almost blew over in the blustery rainstorm one day this week....
 ...this is a sweetpea scented candle in a vintage cup, bought from a lovely lady at a craft fair in Devon...I put the candle in my studio but at first the scent was so overpowering it made me sneeze and I had to move it out until it diminished a bit...it's fine now, and I'll look forward to lighting it a little later in the season when the real sweetpeas are over....
 ...sweet treats...the chocolate vintage buttons from Hotel Chocolat I got for my birthday, shared with special friends and made to last...almost too pretty to be eaten really which is why they've lasted so long...
 ...a little last taste of summer...lavender cakes...I just make my usual simple all in one sponge recipe by Delia, but add some lavender flowers to the icing...put them in a tin overnight and the cakes are infused with the lavender oil next day...they smell and taste delicious....
 ...still flowering and bright....the pots outside the back door....this year I mean to bring the geraniums inside to protect them for next year...sometimes I forget to do this until the first frost and then it's too late....
 ...we have been picking loads of beans which we luckily love to eat...I like finding them amongst the leaves...simple pleasures...and picking some of the mass of herbs to dry or freeze for winter use....
 ...crafty wise I found some sweet fabric to use for the binding of my quilt...this green flower sugar is a new one...yes, another flower sugar fabric I've just discovered...here it is on the ironing board about to be ironed and cut into binding strips...the quilt is almost finished and I hope to bind it over the weekend...
 ...and although I haven't mentioned my new crochet love for a post or two I have still been doing some hooky playing around and when my quilt is finished it will be a big hooky project next...
Thank you for dropping by, I love your visits...wishing you a wonderful weekend of peaceful, happy, sunny, cosy, crafty times....back soon xxxxx

37 comments:

Annie said...

Oh I do like that candle. I'd have needed to light it here already ... the sweet peas we grow in hanging baskets are all over now. As are most things in our courtyard garden :(

Pink Milk said...

Oh Helen, your blog is like chicken soup for the soul. Has anyone ever told you that?!

I have three lovely brothers but, to be honest, for the first time in (ahem) 39 years, I think I should really like a sister or two.

I adore that green spriggy fabric - is it Lecien? I have finally found a dressmaker who will make me a dress in the fabric I provide and I've been looking for a green floral design. I have the ideas you see, but not the ability!!

Enjoy your special month my friend.

Hx

driftwood said...

my sweet peas keep blowing over too. enjoy your september, it sounds very special x

Marigold Jam said...

I pulled up the sweet peas this week as they'd finished flowering - sad but they had provided a posy every other day for weeks. Now I miss the delicate perfume. Lovely little cakes - must try adding lavender to mine - I did once make lavender and peach jam which was delicious.

moonstruckcreations said...

Love sweet peas they usually start to flower around my youngest two's birthdays so bring back a lot of sweet and happy memories!

Loving the fabric and the crochet as well. I know what you mean about some candles, I had a rose scented one once which ended up giving me a bit of a headache! But having said that am totally addicted to candles of all kinds!


Helenxx

Scented Sweetpeas said...

oh how i miss my sweetpeas, they died back a couple of weeks back :-( loving the idea of lavender cakes, may have to try that soon. xxx

Thedarkerside73 said...

Ooo I do love your bright, cheery colourful posts, I really do. So lovely.

Those sweetpeas are gorgeous, have been enjoying some from my own garden this year but they have all died away now. *sniff*.

Love that teacup and a lovely scented candle. I love scented candles. We mainly buy the yankee candles as they seem to have the best long lasting scent. Clean linen type ones are my favourite, along with spiced apple for the winter and apple anytime. My DH fav one is the lavender and vanilla one. Yum.

Hope you enjoy your special month and it brings you much happiness.


MBB x

Mad about Craft said...

A lovely post - thank you!

greenrabbitdesigns said...

September is special in this house too as it's my birthday and our wedding anniversary as well!
My sweetpea are still blooming, they have been brilliant this year although the wind this week has blown them about a bit!
I love that green floral fabric ~ very pretty. :)
Have a lovely weekend Helen.
Vivienne x

Kentish Keg-Meg said...

Love sweet peas and the wish I had a sweet pea scented candle. Will be looking out for one. Those lavender cakes look delish.

Naturally Carol said...

Hi Helen..don't those frosts just creep up and bite? I used to be in a bit of denial when we lived in a very cold climate..I would pretend winter just wasn't coming and then one day the frost would just be there and summer was gone!

K @ Aurora Blythe said...

I love the colorful yet peaceful posts you create. Hope your weekend is wonderful, too!

Anonymous said...

Sept is a month of birthdays for us also, my mom, my daughter Sophie & mine yeahhhhh!!
I love your post, when i browsed through it this morning it was so lifting :)
Thanks Helen......
Karen x

Jenny said...

Your sweetpeas are so pretty as ever Helen, I think I will try and grow some of my own next year! Enjoy September and all the special birthdays you have... hopefully also with lots of time to relax and get on with your exciting projects - looking forward to seeing what crochet loveliness you have up your sleeve next! Have a wonderful weekend xxx

Pipany said...

I love the idea of that pretty fabric for binding a quilt Helen. Can't wait to see it. September is a lovely month - even the name is pretty isn't it? Have a good weekend x

Marianne said...

I love sweetpeas, Helen, but I won't be able to plant them here for another couple of month. For now, I'll just have to enjoy your photos. Thanks!

Jane said...

I enjoy September too Helen, the last days of summer. I do love the sound of your lavender cakes. Lots of lovely pictures on your blog and those chocolate buttons look good enough to sew! Have a great weekend, enjoy your garden if the weather improves.
Jane x

Catherine said...

I like September too! Hubby and son both have their birthdays this month! Love the start of Autumn! Cx

bears footprints said...

its a shame that you cant smell through the computer screen, i bet the candle is divine. i must say your new book is fab, well done loving it x helen x

flowers on my table said...

Oh how lovely to see that summer is still hanging on in your corner. The sweetpeas are gorgeous and the teacup candle so sweet! I love the chocolate buttons, I bought some last Christmas from M&S (not as posh as yours) but lovely to have with a coffee and the box had a lovely big button on the top. Perhaps they will do them again this year? Thankyou so much for calling in and leaving lovely comments. I am so glad you enjoyed the cosy images. Have a wonderful weekend, love Linda x

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Helen,
Loved your positive post about September! My daughter was born in September also, I think we talked about that before, 13th! Really love the sweetpeas, one of my favorites. I need to try to grow them next year, they are so delicate and sweet. Can't wait to see your quilt and then your hooking. Please check your email if you haven't already. Thanks and have a wonderful weekend. xoRobin❤

Mia said...

Dear Helen,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about September! It's lovely it has so many beautiful occasions for you in it, I have always thought it as the "end of the summer" month, and your post really cheered me up! I also love scented candles, and will get new ones for us soon too, thank you for the inspiration!

Have a lovely weekend with happy binding, cannot wait to see the finished quilt!

Yours,
Mia

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

Hi Helen,

September is one of my favorite months. Still warm and sunshiny without the humidity.
The candle is luscious, and I think that the flower sugar fabric is going to be a future purchase.
Enjoy the birthdays!

Simone said...

Even though Autumn is creeping in, it is always Summer at your blog Helen! I hope you are having a lovely weekend. x

bibbitybob said...

Hello! I've just discovered your blog and thought I'd stop by and say 'hello'. I love the photos in this post, it looks like we both love similar things about September. That candle is lovely, the tea cup is so sweet and a gorgeous colour x

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

My cousin gave me a candle that was set in a pretty teacup and saucer with a violet design. Love the aqua shade of your pretty candle cup. The winter months are when geraniums are available here. It is the heat and dust I have to protect them from. I will have to remember to bring them indoors next year when the temp starts to heat up. We usually have Fall/Winter/Spring within a few months and the rest of the year is hot, hot, hot. Have a great day. Tammy

Shsjndkdns said...

Hi Helen,
Hope you are enjoying the weekend!
Your photos in this post are gorgeous, so flowery and pretty! I think we have very similar taste, although I cant crochet but I admire those who can!
X Gemma

Teresa Kasner said...

Dear Helen, loved your pretty images in your sweet post. I always get uplifted when I read your messages, I hope I do the same for the readers of my blog.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Teje Karjalainen said...

Dear Helen, what a great month to you! Happy Birthday to all!
Your candle is really beautiful! Best time to light some candles when the days are getting shorter.
I love to see your cute crochet and lovely fabric!
xxx Teje

Barbara said...

Hello Helen, Sweet peas are my favorite flower of all and it's great to know you've already knitted the Dolly cardigan ... imagine a kit arriving in the mail, that would be bliss ... must confess I've had help with that moss stitch flounce! (my ever-patient Mum ...)
enjoy your September days, love Barbara :)

Susan Freeman said...

I love the fabric you chose for your binding ~ so pretty! I wish I could crochet as well as you.

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Pomona said...

The lavender cakes look lovely - such a good idea!

Pomona x

Sewmancer said...

Your chocolate buttons (and lavendar buns!) look devine!

Crafts @ Home said...

I have to agree with you about September being really special, the people born in September are really sweet and kind :)
I love the candle, the chocolate buttons and the new fabric :)
Sue Xxx

cathleen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
...Nina Nixon... said...

Happy birthday for the up and coming event(s) and I love your scented tea cup - such a beautiful blue.

Nina x

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

The colors on your blog are charming. That sweet quilt makes me want to snuggle.