Wednesday 22 May 2013

Petunias, Bluebells and a Tulip Quilt

I bought two trays of pink petunias last week, one for me and one for my mum.......and the flowers reminded me that now might be a good time to show the second and third sugar bunnies, (bluebell and petunia)........above is petunia with the postcard box filled with some of her namesake flowers..........more about the bunnies later in this post, as next i would like to show you the finished tulip quilt............
 ..........i have been showing bits of this quilt as a wip for a little while now...............
 .............i used lots of fabrics from my stash, in soft pinky shades and lots of grey too.............
..........i added applique birds, hearts and of course those tulips with lots of red quilted tulips too.....
 ............and i used a red gingham for the binding............ i thought it looked nice next to the patchwork.....................
                                         .............worked well with the red applique hearts................
 ..............and i especially liked it next to the grey and white checked backing, a pam kitty love fabric that i bought from the wonderful sew and quilt here..............

 ..............someone asked me recently if i labelled my quilts....well, i do now ;)....though for years i didn't, so am working my way backwards :).............i designed a cross stitch label for the tulip quilt as you can see here, and added some lace around it.............
 ...............we still have some beautiful apple blossom on the trees here and i wanted to capture it before it's over.............the garden looks so pretty at the moment, with the fresh green leaves, the pale pink and white blossom..............
.................and lots and lots of bluebells................here is *bluebell* the last sugar bunny too......
 ..............the sugar bunnies are from my latest book *pretty patchwork gifts*...... and one of the nicest things recently has been seeing so many versions of these bunnies being made....each person's is unique and special, and i have seen so many lovely pictures, so thank you to those who have sent me photos of their own sugar bunnies, and thank you to those who have shown them on their blogs as well.....since i began blogging i have been amazed at all the creative and talented folk out there :)...
 .............some of our garden bluebells growing under the old ash tree, along with solomon's seal, a few dandelions and a lot of ground elder :0..............lovely to pick a big bunch of bluebells and enjoy the wonderful spring scent in the house too......................
...............i have so enjoyed making these bunnies........and now i am designing some different toys which i hope to show you soon............i am also planning on sewing some new kitchen items, a home sweet home applique wall hanging and i have an idea for a new quilt....but will have to wait to start that as i will be away next week on a little holiday............we are going to the cotswolds to stay in a thatched cottage and visit some beautiful gardens......i am so looking forward to it..........i have packed my garden journal, the national trust book, some art materials, some embroidery things, and will of course be taking my ripple blanket which i might even finish while we are away..................my post next week will be a couple of days late because of being away but i will take lots of pictures to share when i get back......................thank you so much for visiting me here and for your sweet comments......it's so great to share a creative connection with so many others around the world........wishing you a wonderful week, with happy, sunny, crafty times...............back soon xxxxxx

67 comments:

Teresa Kasner said...

Helen, your quilt is beyond amazing and beautiful! I love it - you have an eye for color that is very special. Have a wonderful time on vacation, I can't wait to see your travel photos! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Christine B said...

I love your finished Tulip Quilt. I have enjoyed watching it progress over the weeks. I am also enjoying your new book. I have just purchased it and am looking forward to having time to make something from it over the Summer months.

Kay said...

Such a pretty quilt. Thank you for sharing your work with us, it is so inspiring.

jan said...

Your Tulip quilt is sew very adorable! I just received my copy of Pretty Patchwork Gifts and if I ever stop staring at it, I would love to make a sugar bunny and a merry mouse!! I love love your books. Do you have a flickr group set up? I would love to see what everyone is making from your books.
Cheers,
Jan

Unknown said...

Your finished quilt is gorgeous and Petunia and Bluebell are such cuties xx

Crafted by Carly said...

Helen, I love the new bunnies - and that quilt is just amazing! You must be so proud of it. The little label is so sweet - what a brilliant idea for a special piece like that! :-)
Carly
x

Ali said...

Just Beautiful Helen!!! Love everything - you have exquisite taste - my felt arrived to finish my bunnies dungarees - just need to get my finger out now and get them finished :-) xxx

thriftwood said...

Words can't convey how much I love your quilt ... And the label is so sweet!

'Ve said it before and I'll say it again, I wish I could sew!

Love Claire xxx

carina said...

What a nice blog do you have i adore the colors you used!

forgetmenotsblue said...

Gorgeous quilt would look wonderful in my daughters room. The bunnies are so cute :)

Susan said...

Even your labels are fabric works of art! Those bunnies are gorgeous! I'm going to be looking for your book here in Australia!

cristina said...

Oh, Helen! A beautiful quilt too! The bunnies are very nice... all very nice... a lovely post, Helen... I looooove the tulips!
Kisses from Catalonia!

Vintage Tea Time said...

Fabulous tulip quilt - so lovely! And love the bunnies. Enjoy your holiday! X

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Helen, My goodness have you been a busy bunny!
Petunia and Bluebell are so dear and match their namesakes so well! Now that tulip quilt is just precious, all the appliqués, buttons and fabric are so well coordinated and chosen. I think the label you designed is so perfect for this quilt, flower button, colors and tulips. Who's the lucky recipient?!?
I wish you a fun filled holiday, it sounds wonderful!
Enjoy, xoRobin

AngelRoseLite said...

I love your blog! I hope to learn how to sew well enough to make my own quilts and beauties. Back in September of last year you posted a picture of your flower garden crochet blanket. Did you post pictures of your finished blanket? It was promising to be another beauty :)

Unknown said...

Helen another gorgeous blog as always. My dream is to make a lovely bunny from your book, hopefully, one day......have a wonderful holiday Helen.
Lots of love
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxx

Jane said...

The finished quilt is beautiful Helen and that red gingham is the perfect edge for it. Your little label makes them even more special, real heirlooms in the making. Enjoy your holiday, I will look forward to seeing your photos.
Jane x

Frances said...

Helen, all that you've shown us in this post is lovely!

I very much also like your good wishes to folks who have found ways to adapt your bunny designs in other creative ways. Still...yours are the originals and have that unique charm.

Have a fine time away, with some relaxing times, good visits to gardens, and lots of inspiring sights.

xo

homemade@myplace said...

as usual, everything is so beautiful around here!!!!
enjoy your trip, xxxx Ale

trish said...

Your quilt is so sweet. :0) I especially adore your cross stitch label. :0) Your sweet little bunnie are so cute! Have a lovely vacation. It sounds like a dream to go where you are headed. Trish xo

Cindy said...

Your quilt turned out so pretty, as are the cute little bunnies. I'm always amazed at your creativity and all the bright springy colors make me happy to visit here. Have a great trip and take some pictures to show us!

Things and Thoughts said...

You create amazing things to admire Helen!You are a very talented woman, what can I say?
Enjoy your stay!
Love, Olympia

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for sharing your creative gifts...Helen. You are a great encouragement to me, and I once more am smiling at you as I type :-)
Gracie xx

vintage grey said...

Hi Helen,
Your quilt is so pretty and I just love the pink and grey together!! You are so talented and even your label us so pretty and sweet!! Darling bunnies!! Wishing you a lovely day and weekend! xo Heather

margaret said...

a wonderful quilt, the colours are mouth watering, bunnies look very much at home. Good to see the bluebells, went to the woods monday for photos I am sure the flowers were a paler blue than previous years a little disappointing.

gilly said...

I do so love visiting your blog, it is always awash with gorgeous pretty things, and always inspires me. Those bunnies are so adorable and your tulip quilt is just beautiful.
Have a fab holiday, it sounds idyllic. Enjoy, and am looking forward to seeing your new creations & pics.
Love Gilly xx

KC'sCourt! said...

The quilt is beautiful, and I love the label. I cross stitch mine and usually just fray the edge, never thought of putting lace round and decorating it. Love the bunny
Julie xxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Your quilt is stunning Helen I so love your use of fabric's and the little flowers and hearts are such a sweet addition. Loving your rabbits to. Have a lovely break I am off on my honeymoon next week and I cant wait :-) Best wishes, dee x

Anonymous said...

Dear Helen, this is over whelming sweet post! I love Petunia and her blue friend! Your quilt is so adorable! You really made a label - wow that's on it's own piece of art! Thank you for all these beautiful, sweet photos - having them in my mind, it will be lovely day! I hope yours is too! x Teje

Anonymous said...

Wow! Everything in your post is overflowing with such breathtaking beauty and craftwomanship.I love it all. You truly are an inspiring artist. Thank you Helen. Wishing you a smashing time on your holiday to the Cotswolds. Love Patx

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

Love your quilt have a super holiday! :) x

Ladybird Diaries said...

Such a gorgeous gorgeous quilt, such beautiful colours, I love the soft greys and pinks. I really like the pretty cross stitch label you added too, such a nice touch.
M x

claire said...

A beautiful quilt Helen - the label itself is a work of art :)
I too am plagued by ground elder this year - -do you leave yours?

my4lilgirls said...

A delicious post, oh my the quilt is so very adorable, it really is beautiful & the bunnies are just the cutest make ever
Have a lovely weekend
Karen x

Annerose said...

Hallo Helen, das ist ein wunderschöner Quilt geworden. Die Stoffe, die Farben und das Applizierte, einfach toll. Auch die Häschen sind wunderschön, du hast immer so tolle Stoffe. Ich mag das Buch von dir und schaue es immer wieder an.
Liebe GrĂĽĂźe Annerose
Viel SpaĂź im Urlaub

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

It amazes me how each quilt is so unique. well especially yours which you design yourself. The fabrics are gorgeous and I would have never thought of gray and yet is it just lovely and goes so well with the other colors and patterns in your fabrics. I absolutely adore the red gingham border. I've always had a special fondness for gingham. Your quilt is a true vision of Springtime! Next Spring you could do your famous bluebells! Wouldn't that be a pretty one too?
I finally realized something also. U.K. colors and design are uniquely U.K. and I love them. When I look for fabric here in the U.S. it's different in shade and hue and patterns too. Oh, I can dig around and find English florals and of course polka dots and such but there is something about English designs and colors that I am drawn too and have been for many years without realizing. My first decorating books were all Laura Ashley which I still have and when I am attracted to a blog or a handmade item from a blogger it ends up being someone from "across the pond". The blogging is what finally made me realize....I am an Anglophile! LOL!
I love the fabric shop. Do they sell to the U.S.? I only saw pounds for prices but I'll check more later. It is Memorial Day weekend coming up here so it's a holiday and I wish I could go to the Cotswolds! It's like you're a modern day Beatrix Potter with fabric bunnies instead of real ones. I did get some Pam Kitty fabric for making pillow cases with crocheted edging but I'm mostly busy gardening and trying to get house ready to sell. Have a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to see your pictures! I'm so tickled whenever I visit your blog and of course there's always the archives too! LOL!

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Enjoy your time away! Your quilt is so beautiful like every thing that you make, pink and grey so perfect together!! I love the fresh flowers and your little bunnies are adorable!!

Annie Cholewa said...

Wow Helen, that quilt is splendid, awesome, superb ... I'm running out of superlatives here!

I just love what you do with colour :)

Paula said...

Hello sweet Helen, Your photos are gorgeous and so cheerful! The pink petunias are lovely! Pink is my favorite color and I love petunias. Your quilt is gorgeous! I love all of the pretty colors you used. It is so sweet! The gingham is a perfect binding! I love your beautiful cross stitch label! The apple blossoms are so pretty and Petunia and Bluebell the bunny are so beautiful and sweet! I enjoy my sweet Hyacinth so very much! She keeps me company while I sew! I have your book and love it! I need to make Hyacinth a friend! I love the bluebells in your garden and the photo of your two bunnies together! I look forward to seeing your new designs and all the wonderful, inspiring things you are creating! I hope you and your dear ones enjoy a beautiful holiday in the Cotswolds! It sounds fabulous!!! Wishing you a wonderful, happy, sunny week and a very safe, fun and restful holiday! Much love, Paula xo

Simone said...

It is so nice visiting your creative space Helen. Everything you make is lovely with so much attention to detail. Have a lovely spring break.x

harmony and rosie said...

Your bunnies are beautiful Helen, as is your latest quilt. Such clean, happy Spring colours.
Have a happy week x

mags said...

A lovely flowery post, Helen. The quilt is beautiful and the little tag the icing on the cake .... what a great idea - it really adds an heirloom element. Imagine in a hundred years time someone will have that quilt and they will know you made it and when!

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Your tulip quilt is beautiful Helen..I love the appliqued flowers (and how you've added the stitched outlines of them too) and the pretty cross stitch label is a perfect finishing touch!
Gorgeous Sugar Bunnies...they are a delight and I'm so enjoying seeing bluebells everywhere at the moment!
Hope you have a lovely break in the Cotswolds,
Speak soon,
Susan x

ANNE D T said...

Dear Helen, Lovely finished quilt and label. My aunt is a quilter and will share this post with her. Enjoy the Cotswolds and your garden.

Best wishes
Anne
PlumCreek22 Studio

Madelief said...

You are just as talented as my friend is Helen! All the things you create are so pretty. Love the quilt and the sweet looking sugar bunnies. Hope your book will be a great success!

Happy weekend!

Madelief x

Lori ann said...

i've been away and missed this helen, oh my goodness, so much beauty, AGAIN!! the quilt is so amazing and the label, fantastic, i love that. i wish i could visit and see all your beautiful things in person, i always have the desire to hold everything you show here!

have a wonderful weekend dear helen!
love, lori

Lori ann said...

oh! and have a wonderful wonderful time away, safe travels!

Jeane M. said...

Lovely plush. Got my eye on that pretty shades of quilt. Got my eye on your next posts.

Kirsten said...

Your quilt looks absolutely gorgeous! And the label design fits perfectly :)

purple-roses-country-cottage said...

Dear Helen, what an amazing quilt
I love the pinky colours.
Thank you so much that you joined my give away. But sorry no luck for this time - maybe next time - I will cross my fingers.
Have a great week and take care. Nicolexxx

flowers on my table said...

Hello Helen, wow, that quilt is just gorgeous. I love the little birds on it, and the gingham edges, and of course you are always so good with your colours. The cross-stitched label is a lovely idea too.Your little bunnies are just adorable, and I am looking forward to seeing your new toys and kitchen items.
The solomon's seal with the bluebells looks so pretty in your garden.
I hope you have a lovely holiday and come home full of new inspiration. Thank you for all the sweet and lovely things you make, they are very inspiring to me.
I am glad you like my painted pots, I have been doing more this week and having great fun with them. Much love to you, Linda xx

Naturally Carol said...

Hi Helen...I hope you're having the best of holidays ensconced in that Cotswald cottage! Your new quilt is fabulous and I'm loving your summery flowers and your birdie mug in the first picture. It is always lovely to see your summery pictures when we are getting colder here.

PINTA ROXA said...

Lindo patchwork, lindos coelhos.
Adorei
Pinta

nanny d said...

I, too, love all your projects. The tulip quilt is adorable--HOWEVER, as the grandmother of 14 precious ones, I am concerned about using BUTTONS on baby quilts. Although they do look nice and add a special touch, I wouldn't want want a "little one" to be tempted to "taste" them.

Scented Sweetpeas said...

Oh Helen, your blog is just what I needed today, a nice blast of bright colour. Love your quilt and the label idea is wonderful, I may have to borrow that idea for my first quilt if you don't mind. Take care xxx

Just Sew Sue said...

I'm a bad labeller of my quilts, but you may have converted me, I love your label.

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Beautiful quilt Helen and that has to be the prettiest quilt label I have ever seen!!
Of course I adore your bunnies, so cute. :)
Wishing you a wonderful time in the Cotswolds, it sounds idyllic!
V xxx

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Your quilt looks so beautiful, I like it very much.

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