Wednesday 2 January 2013

Crafty New Year

                                                   *********HaPpY NeW YeAr *********

......i have begun my crafty new year by filling the sewing room with flowering hyacinths.........so heavenly to have the delicious fragrance and see those lovely flowers while i sew..........i have some happy new year crafty makes to show you today............first of all is this little mouse.............called mousie........
..........i bought the tiny bed in york over a year ago and planned to make a little toy to go in it........it was such a small bed i decided it had to be for a mouse, and a very tiny one at that.........and i needed to make a teeny patchwork coverlet for the tiny bed too.............
............i finished sewing this over christmas, i loved adding little stitches and embellishments like applique and buttons and a teeny bow.......i didn't use wadding in this mini-iest of mini quilts, just backed it with a soft cotton fabric and sewed through the two layers...........
.........the little mouse has a flowery nightie to wear and a tiny pillow to sleep on.........i have always loved doll's beds and now i have my little daisy often visiting here i have a good reason to provide tiny beds for playing with....daisy just loves to tuck up her toys tenderly and i often find them 'put to bed' around the house........this little bed must be meant for a princess i think as it has a little crown decoration cut out of the frame.............
 ........... there is something else brightening up my wintry sewing room ..... a new sewing basket....a lovely surprise present............and even brighter..........some colourful new crochet daisy granny squares have been hooked up during the chatting and movie watching times we've had lately...............
                              ............i love the idea of a whole blanket made from daisies...........
 ...............i am trying out some different ways of combining them and joining them before i decide on the actual blanket itself..............lots of inspiration from many of you clever crochet bloggers out there :)....
 .............this is for a cushion...........i like it but think the extra colour round the white daisy petals makes it look more like a normal granny square and less like a daisy if you know what i mean :)..........so i will try it again and see if i can make it work another way..............
..........this is my project in january's crafts beautiful magazine......some of the patterns can be downloaded from the website............there are lots of fresh and inspiring new year makes inside...............
...........and i am just choosing fabrics to begin a new quilt.......i am still quilting the farmer's wife quilt but it will soon be done, and last year i really enjoyed making the blocks for it one by one when i had time between work commissions and other wip's.........so i've decided to start a new collection of quilt blocks and i'll be showing them to you sooooon!!..................thank you for popping in here......wishing the happiest of happy new years to all my lovely readers.........back soon xxxxxooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxx

60 comments:

Siobhán said...

Oh my gosh, Helen! Your posts are always a feast for the eyes. The crochet squares are adorable, but the little mouse and her doll/mouse blanket--that takes the cake! SO cute!! Really adorable. I can't wait to see both your FW quilt and the new blocks that you decide to work on. I know they'll be fantastic and look forward to seeing them as you progress.

Wishing you and yours a very blessed 2013!

mags said...

What a lovely sunny blog to start the new year Helen despite the grey rainy weather here! Loved all the bright spring colours and your little mouse is gorgeous. Can't wait to see your farmer's wife quit! Happy new year.

Henry's Shed said...

What a sweet little mouse! And gorgeous teeny-tiny quilt! Looking forward to seeing your new quilt blocks :)
Karen x

Crafts @ Home said...

Happy New Year Helen :) I love your little mouse, in the bed, my daughter has been wanting to make something similar for sometime now. Maybe when she sees yours she will be inspired...
Sue Xxx

sky-blu-pink said...

Dear little mousie! Do you have a pattern for the daisy granny squares? That a novice crocheter like myself could tackle? Gxxx

princess said...

Happy New Year Helen!!!!!! Your mousie is amazing!

Kristyne said...

Helen, you make me wish I could crochet ... so cute! xo k

Brenda Pruitt said...

I love everything you make! Love the mouse.
Brenda

Nora said...

Gorgeous mousie and quilt!

Thinking on your daisy blanket...have you seen this from Jacqui....

http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/daisy-granny-square-pattern.html

thought it might help the thought process!

xx

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Helen, a wonderful way to start the New Year! Your little mousie is adorable in her little dress and blankie all tucked in bed. Learning to crochet is on the top of my list of to do's for this year!! Yours is always so pretty and the daisies are the cutest!! Thank you for sharing your very inspiring makes with us all!!

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Happy new year to you too Helen! :)
You have got off to a crafty start, I love little Mousie and her pretty bed and quilt. I could happily play with her too, tucking her in.
Your daisy crochet is beautiful too, I especially like the square with green around the daisy, it makes it look like its growing in the grass.
Vivienne xxx

trish said...

Happy New Year Helen! Your little mouse is adorable nestled in her new bed. :0)
Your crochet is as beautiful as ever. I love seeing what you are creating! :0)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely New Year sunny welcome your post is Helen, so bright and a cute wee newcomer such an inspiring start to 2013. Thank you. Pat x

driftwood said...

wishing you a happy and crafy new year Helen. oh how I love that mouse bed!

Erna said...

Happy New Year Helen, reading your blog always make me happy..
Hugs
Erna x

All things nice... said...

Wow, what beautiful colours to make us all happy. I am taking down all the Christmas decorations and longing for the Spring sunshine... your blog post has really cheered me up. The crochet iss beautiful. Best wishes for 2013

All things nice...

KC'sCourt! said...

The mouse and bed are so cute
Julie xxxxxxx

Rubyred said...

Such a gorgeous colourful post for the New Year! I love little Mousie and her adorable bed!
Love the colours you have chosen for your crochet too,so pretty and bright!
Happy New Year Helen

Rachel x

Teje Karjalainen said...

Dear Helen, what a sweet beginning for the New Year! I love your new mouse, her princess bed and the little quilt! Lucky you to have Daisy to make lovely things! Your crochet looks also so beautiful but you have it right - before the light blue, they look more daisies, but both ways wonderful! New quilt - great news, I'm waiting to see what kind of blocks you'll make. x Teje

l.wilks11 said...

What a pleasure it is to look at you blog! such amazing craft work.....xx

Christine said...

I love all of your photographs. And I especially love the little mouse and quilt. I think I want to start collecting little beds now.

gilly said...

Oh such loveliness - your posts really are always so cheery and bright, I love reading them. That little mouse is just too cute! I've got some hyacinths that are almost about to open - any day now :-)
Have a happy week,
xx

cristina said...

Happy New Year, Helen!I looooove your granny square for a cushion!!! Kisses!

My Little Home and Garden said...

The mouse is a darling girl, the hyacinths are gorgeous, and the projects have such joyous colours. I love visiting your blog.

Here's wishing you a very Happy New Year, Helen!

-Karen

Elf Designs said...

wow! Helen, thank you so much for a gorgeous post. I bet those flowers smell amazing, one of my favourites. Your mouse is so cute, my little one got a silver cross pram for Christmas and I love the idea of you mini quilts she would love that, your mouse is so cute. Oh how I would love to be able to crochet. Happy new year. Em x

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Your little mouse and quilt are adorable! I'm a new follower and when I come to visit your blog, I can't help but smile. :)

Handmade and off-centered said...

Oh how this little mouse and all the accessories are just too adorable. I love your colors, they are so cheerful!

Glad to have found your blog.

Best regards,
Birgitta, Iceland

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

Happy New Year Helen! I love popping in to see what colorful and cute projects you are working on! I am going to look for some hyacinths for my sewins space....such a wonderful idea :-) xoxo

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hello Helen in 2013! Oh, how I love your little mouse and bed and the adorable comforter! Such fun to look at and I bet it was lots of fun to make too. Love all your colors in fabric and yarn! I can see we will have lots to see this year. All my best to you, xoRobin❤

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! Helen, a sweet little mouse all cosy in such a beautiful quilt..so pretty
I just love the sent of Hyacinth..I have a pot of pink ones on my kitchen windowsill so uplifting..happy sewing days
Thea x

Frances said...

Helen, your Daisy must truly love the little quilt and Mousie that has now the possibility of sweet dreams in that vintage bed. Your photos took me back in time, remembering the miniature furniture that my father made for my dolls and me many, many decades ago.

Your daisy crochet squares look fine to me. If you do want to emphasize the white daisy petals, you might want to to surround each white round with a variation of a green hue (leaves) and then use another color (perhaps a blue/green) to join the squares.

I cannot believe all the wonderful projects that you have on the go. I keep on with my knitting, still trying to assemble enough stock to perhaps start up an etsy shop this year.

xo

Natalia Glazacheva said...

Happy and crafty year to you too, dear Helen!
So sweet vintage bad and simply perfect Mousie you've got there :0) It's just a joy for your Daisy to play with all your gorgeous makes and came to you in your beautiful home :0) And I do love your crochet as well, I agree with Frances too, but I'm sure you'll make it like always truly nice. Love the color of the hyacinths.
Many hugs and kisses
Natasha & Fam

Deborah said...

I don't even know where to begin with my ohs! and ahs! Mousie's pink checkered ears absolutely warm my heart. How wonderful for Mousie to have a little visitor to play with! Looking forward to seeing your quilt blocks and the progress with your lovely crochet.

Miss Holly said...

Your site is pure inspiration...you could have your own magazine!!! I just adore your work!! Thank you!!!

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

Happy 2013 to you too Helen, and thank you for all the lovely things you share with us! :) x

Teresa Kasner said...

Dear Helen, your post brings Spring and Summer into a cold Winter day. My eyes popped out of my head with the bright colorful daisy crochet! I did a similar motif with Christmas colors, but now I want to do a Spring-y one! I love your little mouse! I have 2 hyacinths that are coming up, can't wait until they are in bloom!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Naturally Carol said...

Happy New Year Helen! I wonder if it is ever winter at your house as your projects would be at home here in the middle of summer! Miss Mousie is so sweetly tucked up in her bed there and your new sewing box looks right at home too.

Jo said...

The little mouse is just beautiful, as is her bed...

Happy New Year to you!
Jo x

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Such a beautiful and heart warming post to begin the New Year Helen!...Ah, little Mousie looks so sweet and cosy tucked up in her new bed and your hyacinths and crochet daisies are beautiful..Everything has the happiness factor!
Hope you have a wonderful and creative weekend,
Susan x
P.S Love your pretty new sewing box too!

gillyflower said...

Just adore little mousie and her bed!So so sweet!
Looks and sounds like you are in for a very busy and creative year ahead - Happy New Year Helen, and thank you so much for all your lovely comments on mine during 2012, and for sharing your lovely makes and cheerful photos on your blog - its always a feast for the eyes here!
Gill xx

serendipity said...

Happy new year. Your mouse is adorable and the crochet is lovely and cheerful. Look forward to seeing your new quilt. xx

YarnRoundHook said...

Happy New Year Helen! The tiny quilt is just perfect.
Victoria x

Paula said...

Hello sweet Helen! Happy, Crafty New Year to you my friend! What a wonderful beginning to your year! I have been crafting too, and it sure makes the year off to a good start! I have made a doll, a brooch, a heart and some more granny squares. I also finished a sweet vintage doggie embroidery! Your hyacinths are beautiful and I can imagine their fragrance! Oh my! Mousie is so SWEET!!! I love her!!! The bed is darling, what a great find, and the quilt is perfect and so sweet too! Just amazing my friend! Your posts and makes always brighten my day, inspire me and bring me joy! I shared your book in my previous post and can hardly wait to make some pretties from it! I love the nightgown you made Mousie as well! Pure sweetness! Daisy sounds like a sweetheart! I know she will enjoy playing with this lovely set! Your new sewing basket is gorgeous! I have never seen one so pretty and brightly colored! I can image your delight over this lovely gift! the granny squares are beautiful and bright too! I love your project for the magazine! The heart is so pretty! Thank you for sharing the link and all of your beautiful, happy photos! I always enjoy my visits with you! I love the beautiful fabrics for your new quilt. I look forward to seeing your blocks. Happiest of New Years to you and Mousie! Much love, Paula xoxo

Jane said...

Happy New Year dear Helen. I think I can smell your wonderful bulbs from here...mmmm. Your mouse is just the sweetest, that red nose and patterned ears are perfect and as for her little bed, I am oohing and ahhing here!.
Jane x

Madelief said...

Dear Helen,

Such a cheerful post with a springlike feel to it! The little mouse in its bed looks enchanting :-)!!

Wishing you and your family a Happy, Healthy and Creative New Year!

Madelief x

aLittleBlonde said...

Your little mouse and her bed are just so sweet and I always love the colours of your posts! And I totally agree, what could be better than a blanket made out of Daisys? Such as lovely spring-like idea.
Happy New Year :)

sew said...

I love Mousie in her nightie!
I have pink hyacinths in my sewing room - how I love Spring bulbs.
I've embarked on Attic24's granny stripe blanket which is going well but I may still be doing it next Christmas!! I was wary of the long foundation chain but I'm very pleased with the way it's worked out.
I look forward to seeing what inspiration your blog brings in 2013. ♥

koralee said...

You are always creating something spectacular..that little quilt for the sweet mouse is adorable! Your new quilt will be a stunner...can't wait to see what it will look like. Hugs to you my friend.

harmony and rosie said...

Happy New Year Helen, wishing you a wonderful creative one .. which I have absolutely no doubt it will be!
x

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

That little mouse is just the cutest with her sweet little bed and quilt. Adorable! Looks like you have had a lovely holiday with family and wonderful crafty time, too. Wishing you and yours and happy, healthy, productive new year, Tammy

fee @ chipper nelly said...

just popped over to officially wish you a happy new year Helen. Your post is so happy and cheerful - just what I needed this morning!
Looking forward to sharing our spring inspirations soon....fee x

Unknown said...

aahhh Helen, that is just the cutest mouse and quilt i think i have seen. Such a sweet idea for a little one. I love your use of fabrics you chose and with the little cot to simply beautiful. Happy new year to you i hope its full of magical memories, dee xx

...Nina Nixon... said...

Helen 'hello!' and Happy New Year. I always feel immensely inspired when I pop over here.

Nina x

vintage grey said...

Happy New Yea Sweet Helen! Love the adorable blanket and those daisies are so pretty!! Wishing you a wonderful year filled with blessings and sweetness! xo Heather

Gracie Saylor said...

Isn't it a joy to have little Grands around to play? I can imagine Daisy will so love Mousie. My aunt crocheted some sets of clothes for a little plastic doll and tucked the doll in an old cigar box "bed" for me over 55 years ago. I treasured it. Two years ago this same aunt sent her great great nieces little rubber dolls dressed in fine crocheted outfits. Precious!!! I got a little rubber doll at the craft store recently with the idea of crocheting more doll clothes for her, but while waiting for that wrapped her in the first 8 squares of a crocheted blanket I started. Yesterday I found the little naked doll doing a headstand on my walker after the grand girls visited which does spur me on to crochet some clothes for her : ) Thank you for visiting me and for your good wishes for my new year, Helen. I wish you and yours a Happy New Year as well! xx from Gracie

Lori ann said...

a very belated merry christmas and happy new year dear helen! i've now looked at these last two posts at least a few times and still don't know where to begin, there is SO MUCH loveliness! can i say what Paula said? i just love the little mousie in her little bed so much!
much happiness and love to you,
lori

Kerri said...

such sweet eye candy, helen! i just adore everything!!

Annette - MyRoseValley said...

Elle est tres belle le petite souris. You are amazing making these small mice. How I wish I had the patience to make something as cute as that... I see you have embarked on an Daisy Square adventure. Wonderful!!! For my first Daisy Square project I only made the three rows and then joined them with a dc stitch (UK) that made a great and just enough contrast to the daisy itself. And then I made the Daisy Square scarf with 5 or 6 rows on each square... And yes, those squares look more like a traditional granny square. I am sure you will figure out what is best. Looks springy and happy to me!
Annette
My Rose Valley

Ana Love Craft said...

Hi Helen, loved to visit your fantastic blog, new follower here!Gorgeous winter flowers!
Have a fabulous weekend!

Hugs from Portugal,

Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

hi, love your blog,have came via attic 24 and will come again. just love wee mouse in bed, so cute
gina