Wednesday 12 October 2011

Autumn Days

Sewing and making is the theme today.....more toadstools - or mushrooms - are appearing around our house, some decorated, some not.....all dotty whether they are large or small....
...i am really enjoying exploring this idea and have lots more mushrooms that i want to make yet......
 .....i made some simple card templates to create the top of the toadstool and the stalk which can then be used to draw round and make lots of others quite quickly.......
 .......so far for decoration i have made some felt flowers, but have some other ideas percolating too....
 .....as i'm working on spring themes in my studio this week, it's fun to also make something with an autumn feel in my spare moments.....it feels just right to be making these just as they might be appearing in the woods nearby or even in the garden almost hidden amongst the leaves.....
 ......i had a wonderful surprise this week when a parcel arrived for me...the next picture shown below is of the gorgeous bag that i won in Karen's wonderful giveaway over on her blog Karen's Crafts here....i was thrilled to receive this lovely gift as you may imagine, and even more so when i discovered.....
                                 ......lots of other treats and surprises hiding in the pockets....
 ....an adorable pincushion, a pretty tissue cover, and  lovely crochet jam jar cover so beautifully made by Karen, and a sweet little strawberry pink candle, too. Thank you so much Karen for these generous gifts....do go and visit her lovely blog it's lively and inspired and full of crafty things....
 .....my autumn days wouldn't be complete without a quilt or two on the sofa, and that thought this week inspired me to tidy up my quilt cupboard, which i have mentioned and shown before and is in the sitting room, handily next to my sofa where i spend many happy hours stitching away. Sometimes i keep fabrics in the cupboard too but at the moment i have taken them all out for a grand fabric sort out...so there are just quilts in there which seemed like a good time to take a photo....
 .....while they are tidy and folded neatly.....the fabrics are now in the dining room also known as the sewing room in a huge pile and i am going to organise them ready for a big project that is about to begin....
.....so much sewing and quilting and mushroom making this week.....i love it! Other things i'm loving are: berries, crunchy leaves, cosy evenings by the fire, candle light, apple and blackberry crumble and custard, home made bread {in a breadmaker so didn't take me long ;-)}, reading a Persephone book, piecing a quilt, watching the grandbabies laughing and playing together, hearing the front door when Mr P arrives home from work...so many simple things to enjoy and make the most of......i hope you are having happy times this week too. Thanks so much for dropping in to see me and for the lovely comments. I'm off to do some crafting again now....but i'll be back soon. xxxxx

37 comments:

Crafts @ Home said...

I really love your mushrooms, and the way they are sprouting up everywhere, as they do in the wild.... Your quilt cupboard looks lovely too.... and what a lovely giveaway you have won, so many nice things, as always packed into your post, have a happy week :)
Sue Xxx

Jenny said...

So lovely Helen, I am envious as always of your quilt cupboard, they look so gorgeous all neatly piled up like that! I like the toadstools peeking out of your plants too - I can so imagine them clustered around the base of a tree in a patch of woodland... Have a nice rest of your crafty afternoon, sounds like bliss xx

Susan Freeman said...

Cute mushrooms and I love the folded quilts in that darling cabinet. I envy your delightful schedule too!

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

KC'sCourt! said...

I love those mushrooms they are great.
Your cabinet full of fabric is wonderful
Julie xxxxxxxx

KC'sCourt! said...

I love those mushrooms they are great.
Your cabinet full of fabric is wonderful
Julie xxxxxxxx

millefeuilles said...

What a beautiful giveaway which has arrived in the most wonderful of homes.... now full of delightful magic mushrooms ;-)

Such a homely, comforting post, Helen. Thank you.

Coco Rose Diaries said...

Oh how lovely Helen.........I really enjoy popping over here. Your blog is such a colour delight and really brightens up my day, so thank you for sharing such gorgeousness!

Much love

Vanessa xxxxxxxxxxxx

cathleen said...

Your quilt cupboard looks beautiful...so cozy and inviting, Helen. Enjoy sorting and playing with your fabrics!

Pomona said...

Nothing like a good toadstool - especially when accompanied by a Persephone!

Pomona x

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Helen! You quilts are so beautiful and sweet coloured!
Love your mushroom project - lovely theme for decoration!
Congratualtions for winning that lovely bag with those goodies!
xxx Teje

Kentish Keg-Meg said...

Those mushrooms look great fun. What a great gift to win with so much inside. Agree with you about enjoying sitting by a fire for a cosy evening.

cupcakejojo said...

Ooooh what a lovely feast for the eyes :) love your toadstools!

Jo x

Madelief said...

Dear Helen,

You have been very busy! I always enjoy opening up your blog, because the things you make look so cheerful. Love your toadstools.

You received some beautiful gifts too. Lucky you!!

Happy evening,

Madelief x

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Your little mushrooms are like the real thing, popping up all over the place and very lovely they are too.
Your quilt cupboard and all it's contents are so beautiful. :)
Have a lovely cosy evening Helen!
Vivienne x

Jane said...

Hi Helen there are lots of lovely toadstools in your post and yes everything is feeling quite autumny now (I know that is not a real work but hey who cares!). How wonderful to have all those gorgeous quilts to choose from, I would use everyone of them!
Jane x

Teresa Kasner said...

Dear Helen, so fun to see your mushrooms sprouting all over.. cute! What a generous gift you received! I imagine how nice that would be. Have a warm cozy week in your nest. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

harmony and rosie said...

Hello Helen, I can just picture you sitting there amongst all that gorgeousness. I need to tidy up my fabrics too, it's a task that gets longer each time I do it!
Have a lovely week x

Unknown said...

Wow what an amazing quilt collection you have ;-)) Have you made them all yourself? Beautiful colours and patterns i can see. Loving the little mushrooms to there so sweet. Happy crafting and sewing.dee xx

koralee said...

Such sweetness I find over here all the time! You amaze me with your creativity...so inspiring.

Hope your week is going well...I love those mushrooms. xoxo

dutch sisters said...

That’s looking happy and gorgeous!

Ana said...

Love the mushrooms. It is a very good idea. Ana.

morikomidori said...

such pretty mushrooms! and instructions too :) if that is what is meant? i would love to make some of these with my daughter

wishing you a warm and happy week x

♥ Priddy Priddy ♥ said...

Oh I have terrible envy! I envy the cupboard dedicated to quilts, I envy the quilts, I envy your studio....shall I stop now?!
Lovely photo's the light is wonderful & refreshing
x

Mia said...

Hello Helen,

I share many things on your "I´m loving" list - and also your cutest mushrooms which seem to be appearing all over your house :) And what a beautiful give-away gift, just perfect!

Have a wonderful crafting moments - and happy weekend soon too!

Yours,
Mia

Scented Sweetpeas said...

I do love toadstools, aren't they gorgeous and your creations are so lovely. Welcome on the win, what a fab parcel! I too love the simple things in life, it is was makes life so magic isn't it. Can't wait to see what you create next. Take care Zoe x

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Helen, Toadstools galore......I love them! Popping up and multiplying everywhere, I would like one to pop up at my house. Love all your quilts and of course your lovely gift. What is it about polka dots and toadstools that is so appealing......you sure did capture it beautifully.
xoRobin❤

Anonymous said...

Helen, I am LOVING all these mushrooms. When I was in Liberty's they had a Christmas shop open (yeah, i know...) but I remembered you making a lovely decoration out of a glass jar, sugar, ornamental deer and a wooden mushroom. Well I have everything now except the mushroom!

flowers on my table said...

Hi Helen, I get such a sense of joy over in your corner of the world today, like you are really having a good time. Your lovely mushrooms look so cute in amongst the plants, and I love the one on your adorable quilt cupboard.Thankyou for your comments on the wreaths. I do think the flower pot one would look lovely in a garden. Have a really lovely weekend. Thankyou for inspiring me with your lovely ideas and colours. Love Linda x

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Hello happy mushroom maker!...Ooh..they are so pretty...I think I feel a new addiction coming on Helen..I have some Tilda red polka dot faric which would be perfect for toadstools!
Such a lovely giveaway too from Karen....how lovely to open the bag and find all those pretties..Your quilts (and cupboard!) beautiful..
Wishing you a lovely weekend,
Susan x

sew said...

Lovely Toadstool Time!
Lovely giveaway too. Blogland is full of lucky winners - I've never won anything in my life.
Wishing you a sunny weekend - keep your eye out for toadstools & mushrooms suddenly appearing!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Congrats on winning Karen's lovely giveaway. The gifts are absolutely perfect for you. Your mushrooms are so pretty and colorful and fun. Have a great weekend. Tammy

Lorraine Young Pottery said...

I like the chicken wire on your fabric stash and your bright happy mushrooms. Always your photos.

Lorraine :-}

My Little Home and Garden said...

Those mushrooms put a grin on my face. It makes the few growing in my yard seem rather nondescript! Pity Mother Nature didn't consider polka-dots...

Annie said...

Mushroom love :D I've been playing with felt and making toadstools but I had no idea what to do with them, now you've inspired me to try a garland.
Thank you for the get well wishes Helen, I'm feeling lots better now :D

Lace hearts said...

What gorgeous mushrooms, and very pretty with the flower embellishment especially. I'm so pleased I just stumbled on your blog - I haven't seen it before.

Sewmancer said...

A bread maker is on my 'wanties' list for a while (but after the serger I hope to get for Christmas!)

serendipity said...

Your quilts are beautiful and I adore the cupboard. The mushrooms on the door knobs are a great idea. You've inspired me to try something similar for my new dresser!