Helen Philipps: Happy Making

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Happy Making

It's been a busy week since i last wrote in my little blog space.....lots of things to do, places to go...people to see...deadlines to meet......and a lovely day spent looking after the grandbabies during half term...we painted, walked by the sea, went to the park, made things and had a lot of fun.......

.......this week i have been making things from scraps......such a satisfying thing when you are using up little bits of scrap fabric and making sure nothing is wasted..........it also means that you eke out the last bits of your most favourite fabrics to enjoy for as long as possible.............i made this quilted pincushion with a few tiny little pieces of some favourite prints..........

..........i love how each scrappy patchwork has a different look depending on the combinations that happen almost by serendipity..........

............this is the beginning of a new scrappy patchwork quilt top.......i decided i need to work with simple squares again after the complexities of the wonderful farmer's wife quilt......i do love squares and the way they show off the fabrics.............

...........as in my winter flowers bag, made for a magazine commission, i have left some plain white squares which i may embroider on later...we shall see how it all turns out :)..............

...........there are piles of toppling fabric in the sewing room........and now that i have used up some scraps it is time to buy some new fabric to replenish the stocks ;)............

...........below is some gorgeous new fabric that arrived today........some pam kitty love from sew and quilt here...........i love the colours and the sweet flower prints so much..............

......besides a bit of tidying of the sewing room i have decided to sort out the kitchen too....

..........time to find all the pretty spring china ready for easter decorating...............

...........i have two new greengate tea towels (one is shown above on the left)....but am not sure if i can bring myself to use them for drying dishes.....i might just have to make something with them as the farbic is so pretty...............

............the sun has come out at last again here today after a week of freezing temperatures.......so glad to see it :)...........thank you for popping in to see me here in my little space, it's always a pleasure to have your visit..........wishing you a wonderful week with sunshine and lots of happy making times.....back soon xxxxxxxxxooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

51 comments:

Maria Glazacheva said...: Oh quelles jolie coussins!! :0) J`adore aussi la couverture c`est très jolie ! Sur tous la couleur!! ;0)

Merci de votre doux commentaire chez moi!

Bonne semaine!!

xxx Maria xxx; 27 February 2013 at 17:03
Pomona said...: My last two posts have been about scrap projects as well - they are very satisfying, I agree!

And I really like the Pam Kitty Love fabric - I bought lots of Pam Kitty Morning last year.

Pomona x; 27 February 2013 at 17:09
Anonymous said...: Such pretty fabrics and sweet pincushions.; 27 February 2013 at 17:53
Christine said...: What a lovely little pin cushion. I keep all my scarps but haven't been good at making things from them yet. I just love all of your fabric choices for everything. And I always love a one patch quilt.; 27 February 2013 at 18:08
Vintage Sheet Addict said...: It's ALWAYs Spring here! I love you little scrappy quilt! :) x; 27 February 2013 at 18:09
Gerda said...: Lovely use of scraps. And I totally agree with Ada, it's always spring here. It lifts my spirit! Groetjes, Gerda; 27 February 2013 at 18:14
20 North Ora said...: Am having so much fun making projects out of your new book!! Your pincushion is so cute. Love it!!

Judy; 27 February 2013 at 18:18
Ali said...: Gorgeous makes xx; 27 February 2013 at 19:15
Anonymous said...: Dear Helen, as said, it's always spring here! Your new pincushion is the sweetest and all the fabrics so beautiful! I love also the simple square pattern for a quilt! It seems to be spring in your kitchen as well!
Sunny wishes! x Teje; 27 February 2013 at 19:32
Jane said...: I'm glad you had fun with your grandbabies Helen. It is so satisfying using up scraps isn't it. Your pincushion is just lovely. Enjoy playing with those lovely new fabrics too, looking forward to seeing what you make with them. The sun shone for a few hours here this afternoon, long may it last x; 27 February 2013 at 19:43
Pink Milk said...: I always get inspired to play with fabrics when I see your beautiful makes - not, I hasten to add, that I could possibly magic up anything quite so exquisite.

Funnily enough, I received a Greengate tea towel as a Christmas gift and still haven't been able to bring myself to use it for it's original purpose. Far too pretty. It's the backdrop to a crochet pattern I'm writing!!!

Have a lovely week.

Heather x; 27 February 2013 at 19:55
sweetpea family said...: I'm so glad you had fun with your grandbabies they are so precious I love spending time with mine. I feel the need to make something from fabric scraps but alas my scraps are all small balls of yarn - your work is beautiful x; 27 February 2013 at 20:27
primrosesattic said...: Would not believe it is made out of scraps, So beautiful.
I have got two new tea towels which are so pretty I do not want to use!
Rosezeeta; 27 February 2013 at 20:32
greenrabbitdesigns said...: Love your sweet little pincushion and your new fabrics are beautiful and so distinctively you, Helen ! :)
I had to smile when you said about taking out your spring china, I 'd be lucky to find any china at the moment in this house! ;)
Enjoy the rest of your week,
V xxx; 27 February 2013 at 20:41
Paula said...: Hello sweet Helen! My darling and beautiful Miss Hyacinth arrived today and I LOVE HER!!! I am so excited! Thank you so much dear friend! I am so blessed to have her in my home. She is made beautifully and is so sweet! I am going to send you an email!

Happy Making indeed! Your posts are always so cheerful and full of the sweetest colors! It sounds like you had a happy week sweetie! I love your little quilted pincushion. The fabrics are lovely and it is a very good way to use those scraps! Your scrappy patchwork is gorgeous and I love the idea of embroidering the white blocks! You always inspire me! I am happy your new fabric arrived, such sweetness! I love Pam Kitty! Your china is all so pretty and cheerful! Easter is my favorite holiday and spring my favorite season! I look forward to seeing your decorating sweetie!

Enjoy the sun! I wish you a wonderful week with sunshine, and lots of happy making times too! Love you lots! Paula xoxo; 27 February 2013 at 21:25
Teresa Kasner said...: Hi Helen! You sound fabulously busy, that's how I like to be. I bet it was fun to spend time with the sweeties. We went to visit our 4 grandsons on Sunday. Busy little bees. ((hugs)), Teresa :-); 27 February 2013 at 21:36
Oooh Betty said...: Beautiful, colourful post. Really lovely.
I am desperate to get patch working and your pics have made me even more keen.
Emma. X; 27 February 2013 at 22:48
linny j creations said...: Hi Helen. Just wanted to tell you how much joy your blog posts and book have brought into my home. I love the gorgeous combinations of fabrics and colours that you use in your projects. You are a very inspiring person. Thanks all the way from Melbourne, Australia.; 28 February 2013 at 00:43
homemade@myplace said...: In your post you can smell Spring is coming!!!
Have a good week, xxx Ale; 28 February 2013 at 01:04
Cindy said...: I also love to make simple square patchwork. I've been doing that a lot lately. I love your selection of fabrics and need to get to a fabric store soon:); 28 February 2013 at 03:31
Naturally Carol said...: Hi Helen, February is racing away isn't it? When does the colder weather give way to warmer days in your neck of the woods? I can sense it must be soon with your spring mugs coming out of the cupboards and a few spring bulbs making an appearance. I have been busy over the past couple of weeks too, I'm hoping there will be some creative days ahead soon though. Have a lovely week!; 28 February 2013 at 04:57
KC'sCourt! said...: Its always spring like on your blog. The colours are so beautiful, and the photos are always bright and lovely, I wish I could take photos like that!
Lovely pincushion.
Julie xxxxxxx; 28 February 2013 at 08:53
Arzu said...: Lovely coclours!; 28 February 2013 at 08:54
Vintage Tea Time said...: Such a cute little pincushion - your ideas are always so simple, but so lovely / beautifully done! That quilt's going to be gorgeous. Bought a mag yesterday - Homemade with Love - such nice ideas in it - I expect you know it - http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/launch_homemade_with_love.aspx ('Targeted at women aged 25-45' - but I bought it anyway!!)
We have our littlies tomorrow :) X; 28 February 2013 at 11:21
Erna said...: Dear Helen, once again a very sunny post..thanks
Hugs
Erna x; 28 February 2013 at 12:50
Jane said...: Hi Helen! I'm started a interntionel snailmail activity in my blog. This activity only for blogger of blogspot. Are you want to join? If you want join, ıt' here;

http://delikitap.blogspot.com/2013/02/postcard-kardesligi-etkinligi.html

Love from İstanbul in Turkey!!! ;); 28 February 2013 at 13:51
Unknown said...: Hello Helen
I have just discovered your blog, and I am really enjoying looking at your beautiful designs. I'm not a great fan of patchwork, although I do sew. I also knit, crochet, paint, do paper craft and have just started by first art journal.
Have a look at my work on http://creativegran.blogspot.com.
Happy crafting!
Helen Stevens; 28 February 2013 at 13:56
Frances said...: Helen, although it's still February over here, it looks as if spring has already arrived where you are! Your cheery patch working really sings of springtime.

I do like the idea of including a few "plain" squares in the grid, so that embroidery or other embellishments might be added later on to the mix.

Best wishes, xo; 28 February 2013 at 14:51
Unknown said...: "Happy making" ...What a nice expression!
I firmly believe that "MAKE" something change my energy and makes me happy! Thank you for remainding me..
Warmest Regards from Italy
Barbara Mug; 28 February 2013 at 15:29
Mia said...: Oh my, a few earlier commented just my thoughts: It is always spring in here! Your pictures are just so beautiful,Helen, and the light in them...wow! Lovely makes too, and the best of all: some fabric shopping needed :)

Happy March soon!

Yours,
Mia; 28 February 2013 at 16:47
My Little Home and Garden said...: Hello,Helen

Everything is so utterly lovely. I think I'm learning though osmosis; my knitting has been picked up and after I clear my table of books, I'll be able to set up the sewing machine and see if I remember how to make it "go". You would think I could rustle up a very simple pincushion! Your pretty projects are inspiring.

Warm wishes for happy days to you,
Karen; 28 February 2013 at 17:15
Henry's Shed said...: Your new quilt is looking very lovely! And pin cushions really are great for using up scraps :)I keep every tiny little bit of fabric so I can use them in teeny-tiny projects! x; 28 February 2013 at 17:29
gillyflower said...: We're still having a freezing cold and grey week here so its so nice to see such lovely springlike fabrics and pretty flowers.
Glad you had a lovely time with your grandchildren, and thanks for sharing such pretty and uplifting photos Helen!
Gill xx; 28 February 2013 at 17:58
Rous said...: Hi, Helen, Thank you very much for your post, your lovely pin cushion and for your gorgeaus craft. I love it.
Spring is coming in your blog and in "your live", Good for it!!.
Muchos Besos desde España.

Rocio.; 28 February 2013 at 18:53
Lori ann said...: oh so many pretty things, it is making me wish for spring wildflowers here, i love the season so. and i love your sweet sewings, the pincusion is precious using every last bit. and the quilt of squares, my very favorite. i think even if i were the worlds best quilter i would love the simple patchwork squares. it's the same with knitting, out of all patterns and lace i love the humble garter stitch the most.
hugs to you helen, have a wonderful weekend dear.
xox lori; 28 February 2013 at 21:40
cristina said...: As always... lovely! Helen, lovely cushion...; 28 February 2013 at 22:02
Simone said...: The patchwork quilt looks delicious! Squares are the way to go! x; 1 March 2013 at 10:37
Clara {Clover and Violet} said...: So many pretty things to look at, I love your little scrappy pincushion! Your new quilt is so pretty, I think I am going to start a quilt using squares like yours, and the embroidery squares, I love too! Pretty china ready for Spring! Lovely stack of fabric too! But, nothing is better or more fun than spending time with grandchildren!!; 1 March 2013 at 15:01
Deborah said...: Simple square quilts can be the loveliest of all....especially made with one's favorite fabrics. Adorable pincushion...love the center square. I get to see my grandchildren next week! I can hardly wait!; 2 March 2013 at 03:04
Things and Thoughts said...: What a colorful blog and nice crafts !I love it !; 2 March 2013 at 10:44
mynestofyarnandbuttons said...: Hi Helen, Almost missed this delightful post! Fabrics, oh how they send shots of happiness through my heart. I love all of your little bits and pieces of goodness transformed into little masterpieces. AND squares they are the best, you really get to enjoy the fabric and all it's patterns and colors. I'm definitely a fan of them.
So great you got to spend time with your babies, it does the body good!
Have a great weekend, xoRobin❤; 2 March 2013 at 14:12
Jessie Fincham said...: So pretty Helen, as always :) thank you for the mention! xoxo; 3 March 2013 at 12:19
Solange Honorato said...: Helen, I am delighted whenever I come here!Beijos!; 3 March 2013 at 12:53
♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...: Good afternoon Helen....Gorgeously pretty fabrics...I love them all and your spring china too. It's very funny about Greengate tea towels...I wonder if anyone actually uses them?...Mine are decorating my kitchen but just seem too pretty to use!
Hope you have a lovely week,
Susan x; 3 March 2013 at 16:29
flowers on my table said...: Hi Helen, many thanks for your visit and kind comments. I love the words tussie mussie as well. I was introduced to them many years ago at the American Museum in Bath, and have loved them ever since.
Thanks for the fabric link on your post, I checked it out and everything is lovely. Much love to you, Linda x; 3 March 2013 at 19:45
Annie Cholewa said...: Hello Helen.

I couldn't agree more about the squares, large or small they show the fabrics off so well :)

Happy sewing!; 3 March 2013 at 21:46
Kristyne said...: Helen, I just want to live in your pictures ... sharing a pot of tea with you and being surrounded by all your pretty things! :)

xo k; 4 March 2013 at 16:24
Rubyred said...: Beautiful post Helen! Always so colourful and inspiring!I love using up pretty scraps and you do it so well!
Rachel x; 5 March 2013 at 13:23
Sam I Am...... said...: How did I miss this post? Silly me! I too love the squares of fabric in a plain and simple quilt as it is the fabric I am most interested in. Your birds are absolutely delightful! Where do you get your inspiration...I guess from the birds arriving for Spring? I love them with the pretty beads in between. I could look at birds all day and never come up with that cute idea. Maybe I should go outside and look with the idea of trying to replicate nature into some type of fiber medium. I'll try that! LOL! But no matter what I might come up with I know I could never like it as much as your creations!
Love the new fabrics too....I am quite tired of yarn right now! LOL! Enjoy! Happy Spring!; 7 March 2013 at 01:30
Barbara said...: Hello Helen
Loving your new quilt made of squares - it will be gorgeous! plus the new fabrics and tea towels - sooo pretty ...
Barbara x; 12 March 2013 at 19:43
Wanderer said...: Your quilting is lovely. I found you from pinterest. Since you are a phenomenal quilter I wanted to pass on this new and free quilting design website. patternjam.com It's such an amazing tool for quilters! Also, if you get five of your friends to sign up (all free) they send you 3 yards of gorgeous fabric for free as a thank you. Check it out!; 1 October 2015 at 03:05