Wednesday 10 April 2013

Happy Sewing

 Today's post is full of happy sewing.......i loved making this happy scrappy quilt, inspired by the patchwork bag i made a while ago for crafts beautiful magazine..........i used many of the same fabrics for the quilt and included the same kind of mix of bright florals, text printed fabrics, checks and stripes.....
........and some dots of course........i also added  some haberdashery applique patches..........and a bit of cross stitch, embroidery and some buttons so it had a true 'sewing' feel................

 ...............i used some of my favourite pink and white candy stripe for the binding...........
 .....................................and this delicious pam kitty love fabric for the backing...............
 .............it's a very cheery little quilt and i know we'll enjoy using it as much i loved sewing it....
 .......i actually finished the quilt a little while ago and funnily enough over the last couple of weeks i haven't been doing as much sewing as usual because of things like doing some (grand)childcare over the holiday, working on non sewing design projects, having a business trip and having a big crochet craze :)..........more of that in another post........
 ...........i did find some great sewing books over the easter break at a local thrift shop.......
 ............when i bought them the lady took my name and number so she can call me if any other sewing book treasures arrive there..............i don't do actual dressmaking (apart from for bunnies and mice) but i love books on the subject, especially the illustrations...............
 ..............a new little pile of fabrics here waiting for my next project which is about to begin.............
 ..........and here is a special gift which was sewn just for me by fellow cross stitch designer gail bussi........many of you will know gail for her beautiful sampler designs....she lives in south africa but is internationally renowned for her stunning embroidery.......we have often worked for the same magazines and i was thrilled when gail said she was making me a little mouse....and even more thrilled when the package arrived........this is camomile and her colours were chosen to match my blog :).......gail sells these adorable mice, she has a catalogue and takes commissions.......you can find *the mice of rosebud lane* here.................
...............one more sweet gift came my way this week.........a thank you for the (grand)childcare posy.....aren't they pretty? ..............and i'd like to say thank you to everyone who has left lovely comments on my previous post for my book giveaway....(it is still open if you would like to add your name)..............your comments are a joy and make me smile............wishing you a wonderful week.....some sunshine and flowers and lots of happy crafty times............back soon xxxxxxxxx

60 comments:

Unknown said...

What a happy post and what cheery colours - I actually wouldn't mind the eternal winter we're having here in the UK if I had that beautiful quilt to snuggle under! - Chrissie x

20 North Ora said...

What a lovely quilt! Your post always brightens my day!

Judy

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Beautiful, beautiful quilt Helen, your quilts are so inspiring, one day I WILL make a quilt! :)
I'm in love with your little mouse, so cute.
I'm afraid my dressmaking skills only go as far as bunnies too! ;)
Enjoy the rest of the week,
V xxx

Vintage Tea Time said...

Gorgeous - really gorgeous! - happy scrappy quilt. Oh, isn't Camomile Mouse lovely - I bet you were thrilled when she arrived. Beautiful flowers too.It's lovely looking after the little ones, isn't it, but tiring!! Abby x

Rubyred said...

I love your cheery quilt Helen, beautiful choice of fabrics!
That little mouse is adorable!
Rachel x

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

Your new quilt is so cute!!! I also love the spool wreath, how adorable for a sewing/craft room!! Enjoy your flowers....xoxo

Jane said...

What a lovely happy spring quilt Helen. I love vintage craft books and magazines, the illustrations are fab and often cause a chuckle too. Your little mouse is just so sweet and she must have pride of place in your home. I am sure that despite the joys of grandchild care you will be glad to get back to your crafting now that the Easter holiday is coming to an end ;0)
Jane x

The Faerie Factory said...

What bright and cheery colours ...such beautiful work.
Sarah

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

What a beautiful post of all of your wonderful things that you make! I love your little quilt and your drawstring bag is adorable too!!

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

Lovely little quilt, and that mouse, so cute! :) x

Ali said...

Just beautiful xx

sweetpea family said...

another beautiful post x

Gracie Saylor said...

The tour of your quilt helped me focus on the elements you use to accomplish the overall perfect color palette
of your work that draws me to invigorating delight and joy and yet a peaceful destination of warmth and rest, Helen. I am itching to make some of your bunnies from you PPG book....I need to find some plain material for the bodies, enlarge the book pattern and then have a go :) Thanks for posting!
xx,
Gracie

Things and Thoughts said...

You must be a very talented person. Your creations are GREAT ! So inspiring!

SuperMomNoCape said...

The quilt is so pretty and feminine. And that little mouse that you were gifted is adorable!

I made some very similiar in Christmas fabrics years and years ago.

Madelief said...

Dear Helen,

Your quilt looks bright and sunny! It would make me happy too. It's perfect to have in a garden chair on a chilly summer evening.

The little mouse made by Gail looks enchanting! What a lovely gift.

Wishing you a happy evening! Looking forward to see your crochet work. I am hooked to it too :-)

Madelief x

Ally said...

It's absolutely beautiful. Such an inspiration :)

fee @ chipper nelly said...

That quilt is divine - especially loving the choice of binding and little extras (like ric rac)
I love Gail's little mouse too - so sweet.
Looking forward to seeing your crochet makes - I've still got the bug!
Sending love
fee xxx

Annie Cholewa said...

Your posts are always cheery Helen :D

And your quilt is ... well jolly is the word that comes to mind :D

jan said...

Helen,
That little quilt is so sweet and beautiful!! I just love patchwork quilts!! And I love Gails mouse!!
Enjoy your quilt! It made me smile too!
Jan

Ladybird Diaries said...

What a gorgeous post, I love the quilt, such pretty colours.
M xxx

Deborah said...

Such a lovely, lovely quilt. The backing fabric is one of my very favorites! Your little mouse is a wonderful new pet.

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Helen, Love that quilt! I'm sure it will be a treat to use for all of you! Once again your fabrics are the best and really make a cheerful piece.
That little mouse is just so sweet and detailed, I took a peek at her blog and she is so talented.
Hope your week continues to be full of surprises!
xoRobin

Henry's Shed said...

Another really pretty quilt! Such lovely fabrics all together, gorgeous! xx

Christine said...

So much beauty in one post! Your quilt is so sweet. And the mouse is so darling. What a lovely gift! Your posts always brighten my day.

cristina said...

Gorgeous quilt, Helen! I loooooooove it!!! And I loooove too the litle mouse! Lovely! Thanks for sharing! And many thanks for all your comments on my blog! Kisses!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I love all the pretty fabrics and pattern and color in your lovely little quilt. Can't wait to see what you are crocheting. Your little mouse gift is absolutely precious. Have a wonderful rest of the week. Tammy

Swallow Barn said...

what a gorgeous quilt!

Nikki x

Gerda said...

Beautiful bright quilt, and post. Lovely as always. Groetjes, Gerda

Naturally Carol said...

Hi Helen...wishing you lots of sunny days and bunches and bunches of flowers! I am crazy for knitting at the moment as you know..it's funny how these things take hold of you and just have to be explored. I can't wait to see what you've been crocheting! Your sewing is gorgeous and I love your beautiful pink and white posy.

Rhona said...

What a beautiful quilt! After seeing all your fabulous sewing, I'm really tempted to try and make one of my own...wish me luck!

flowers on my table said...

Hello again, oh silly me, the mouse and ranunculas were on this post! I love your quilt, the colours, as ever with you, are vibrant and fresh,and all the little extras you've added will make it extra tactile and special.
Many thanks for your lovely comments on my post, I am very excited about what lies ahead. I hope you have a lovely day, with love, Linda x

Anonymous said...

Helen- I just don't know where to start. Everything is so lovely. Your quilt just makes me HAPPY to look at it. Vintage sewing books are such a treasure : )

homemade@myplace said...

I would love to enter your giveaway, but few days ago I found your book in a big bookstore here in JK and....I bought it!!!!!! Even if it's not hand signed with your ink, I love it a lot!!!!
xxxx Ale

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Helen! This was a lovely beginning for the day! Happy post with so many beautiful things! That mouse is super sweet!
Have a great day! x Teje

Unknown said...

Hi There, As always Helen, fabulous work!!! Love your little mouse, she is sooo cute!!! Can't wait to see what's going to happen to that little pile of fabric!!!
Love
AMarie

Country Maison (Eva Martin) said...

Hele, you quilt is just gorgeous !
I am learning to quilt and to some patchwork and I have just finished a little patchwork quilted pad for my daughter's little chair, I have enjoyed so, so much that I'm planning on making a quilt one of these days soon, just choosing the fabrics seems hard at the moment as my stash is very poor so far.

Thanks for the great inspiration you give in your blog,
xEva

Anonymous said...

I`m in love :)

Unknown said...

As always Helen your blog is a joy to read and to look at. Sitting here on a cold and rainy day and reading your blog and I am whisked away to the wonderful creative world of Helen. Thank you for the time and effort you put into your blog, it is so so enjoyed by me, one of your biggest fans.
Lots of love
Dorothy
:) xx

Cindy said...

What a pretty quilt! I love how you add all the little extras.
That mousey is just adorable. Lucky you to be gifted with it.
Have a great day! Cindy

Anna said...

Preciosas telas.
Anna

Erica at Sew So Crafty said...

Your scrappy quilt is too gorgeous and looks so pretty and feminine! You have inspired me to create my very own ... thanks!

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Such a happy, cheery post Helen...Your quilt is beautiful and will definitely be loved! (the candy stripe edging is so pretty too)
How sweet your little mouse is ...just adorable. I do love the vintage illustrations in the old sewing books too and I'm so looking forward to seeing your crochet (I finally picked a hook up over Easter and I'm currently trying not to become addicted!)
Beautiful flowers..
Happy Weekend,
Susan x

Kay said...

I do love your blog, Helen. Every time I come here it is a happy place. The mouse is adorable, I am sure you will find a special place to put her. The quilt is as beautiful as everything you make, you have the knack of putting fabrics together.

KC'sCourt! said...

Another beautiful post. You have a stunning colour pallette. They are gorgeous colours.
Julie xxxxxxxx

sew said...

Your choice of colours is stunning. I like your 3s book - I've just been given a Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing
(1978)! It looks as if it's never been opened. I wonder what is on your crochet hook? I've just crocheted a cobweb complete with spider - why? - you might ask, when you can so easily have the real thing!! It's just a fun thing for my little summerhouse.Love your flowers too.

gillyflower said...

Beautiful quilt Helen, so bright and cheerful.
Love the sweet little mouse made by Gail - so cute!
Have a lovely weekend Helen!
Gill xx

Simone said...

A feast for the eyes Helen! Wonderful colours in the patchwork and a lovely little mouse gift! I bet you were thrilled when you opened up the parcel! x

Jocelyn said...

I love your patchwork quilt! You have a wonderful knack for mixing the most beautiful fabrics! Where do you find them? That mouse is adorable too.

PamKittyMorning said...

Oh my! so cute. Each time I see you make something with Pam Kitty fabric I am so thrilled. xo

Sam I Am...... said...

Oh my word! Camomile is so precious...first rabbits, now mice...I can't get enough of these cute little creatures all dressed up.
Your quilt is so pretty. I think you get lots done....way more than me! The things I do get done are not nearly as darling either.
You are such a treasure! Your blog makes so very happy! Thank you!

Sam I Am...... said...

I forgot to mention your cute little wreath made of bobbins....too cute! I might be able to make one of those! LOL! Ans who doesn't love a good find at the thrift store.

Unknown said...

Oh my that mouse is just adorable. You have inspired me to start a patchwork quilt, I am off out today looking for material (v much not on my list of priorities, ha ha).

Nelly x x

Gem said...

Those flowers are beautiful. What wonderful gifts to brighten your days :) x x x x

homemade@myplace said...

the mini pincushion....awwww!!!
xxx Ale

Anonymous said...

So lovely your quilt. I wish I had all those fabrics at home. I'd start sewing right now...^^

I love your blog!
xxx Lucia

Bulk grommet supplier said...

Awwwee! That mouse is so cute, thank you so much for posting!

Anonymous said...

Again lovely fresh spring colours together crocheted with your signature white. I love the patchwork as well.
Love Pat

Debbie said...

Love this quilt!

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