Tuesday 8 October 2013

A Bear and Some Blocks

I have a little bear to show you today.......he was made recently and is really a prototype needing a few tweaks to the pattern...........but we rather like him.....
...........we're calling him bertie...........he has jointed arms and legs, rosy cheeks, a couple of patches sewn on here and there, a cute little snout (which may well require a bit of extra stuffing in the next version).............and a big rusty bell at his neck, tied on with a lovely red gingham bow............
 ................i think the ribbon was saved from a previous parcel from my lovely blog friend fee.......
 ...........and it was fee who made me this gorgeous set of rupert bear blocks recently...........
...........i think they are adorable.........i have quite a few rupert  annuals found in thrift shops and i thought the little square illustrations would make lovely blocks, so i asked fee from chipper nelly if she had time to make me some and luckily she had :)...............not only do i love the blocks themselves.....
 ................but i always love the way they are packaged, and how fee always creates some beautiful little touches with ribbons and buttons that relate to the design of the blocks.................
 .............some more of my fabric autumn pumpkins........... thank you to everyone who asked about the fabric pumpkins in my previous post.....i made lots of these a few years ago from a magazine pattern (it might have been a martha stewart pattern) but you can find similar patterns online by googling fabric pumpkins......... they are so easy to make and i just changed them a bit by adding the rolled felt stems.........now i'm making a few more in newer fabrics to add to the autumn decorating collection............(and i designed the smaller, flatter pumpkins that i showed you last month for crafts beautiful)........
 ...............there are some more blocks to show you today besides the lovely chipper nelly ones.....this time some patchwork fabric ones................
                            ............another sixteen patch and a new big dipper patch too.................
 .........i'm planning to make lots of these big dipper blocks using lights, whites and brights for a fresh looking airy quilt........the plain fabric is from my kona jelly roll, and i put in a bit of pretty pam kitty morning and lecien fabric too........this was one of my favourite blocks when i made the farmer's wife quilt..........
................meanwhile, little bertie is sitting here in my sewing room and keeping me company as i enjoy making things......for fun, for work, for books, for magazines, for gifts,................. and just because i love making things.......and i know many of you do too :)..........thank you for visiting me here today, lovely readers, and for your very sweet comments.............wishing you a wonderful week, sunny days and time to enjoy making things too.........back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxooooooooooxxxxx 

46 comments:

  1. Look at that bear ... so cute! And I love Fee's blocks too. A beary nice post Helen ;)

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  2. Little bertie is adorable!! He is just perfect!! Love your blocks too!!

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  3. OLÁ HELEN,SUAS IMAGENS E PROJETOS SER LINDOS E PERFEITO,MAS A FALTA DE UM TRADUTOR É GRANDE TAMBÉM.(SORRIR).BOA SEMANA.VALÉRIA.(BRASIL).

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  4. Hello my sweet Helen, If this isn't the lovliest blog! Bertie is so adorable and I imagine the perfect companion. Love the patch square and the buttons. I think you enjoy making, more then anyone I know and not only that, but you are so productive. I love the blocks from chipper nelly, I have tried to purchase some, but she doesn't ship over the pond, just too costly I think. So I enjoy all of yours! Loving your new patchwork using lights, whites and brights!
    Enjoy my friend, xoRobin

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  5. Aah Helen Bertie is just adorable, I love him, he is a real cuddly little bear, who wouldn't fall in love with him. As always Helen you posts are full of amazing beautful things which are so inspiring. I do love the pumpkins they are perfect and so pretty and the blocks - well I would love some of these for Christmas. Your patchwork is heavenly - Helen you are so hardworking and energetic, you are inspiring. I always look forward to your posts as I come away brimming with enthusiasm, thank you so much. Big hugs
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  6. Βertie, I love you! I want you!Oh,Helen, you create such lovely and adorable things, you always amaze us...It's so great to have the possibility to work using your talent and creativity and to entertain us with your beautiful blog!

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  7. Your little bear is so cute, with his patches and bow! I really like those blocks too. I'm working on a hand pieced quilt, but now I want to do some patchwork:)

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  8. Bertie is gorgeous (with or without extra stuffing!)Love those pumpkins and blocks too!

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  9. He's lovely, what a friendly looking teddy.....those blocks are fab too, I've always loved the colours in the Rupert books, :) x

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  10. Such pretty things, I like the idea for the blocks. I love love love Bertie though! He is divine, such a shame I am barred from having any more soft toys :( Oh well, I am sure that Bertie will be very good and look after you well. xx

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  11. Dear Helen
    Thank you so much for your comment :0)
    Love your smiling Bertie and bright pumpkins as well. And yes, you're right about making things, I do love too :0)
    Have a sunny day too
    Natasha

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  12. What a sweet bear! I love his happy little face, Helen! :-)
    Carly
    x

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  13. Lovely lovely vintage bear!!!!

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  14. Bertie's a very jolly fellow! He's sure to be a lifelong friend to some lucky person.

    Fee's Rupert blocks are delightful, too. The scale of the illustrations perfectly suits the sides of the blocks.

    Of course, your pumpkins can now celebrate their annual harvest season. The colors are fabulous, as are your choices for the quilt designs.

    What a busy lady you are! xo

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  15. Lovely is the bear!
    Greetings, Sonnja

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  16. Ein sehr schönes Bärchen, ich mag ihn und er lächelt so schön. Auch die Blöcke werden ganz toll, wie immer sehr schöne Stoffe, du hast jedes mal so tolle Kombinationen.
    Ganz liebe Grüße Annerose

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  17. Bertie has lots of positive personality. Very nice. I like the buttons at the shoulders. The rust color bell pulls my senses to wanting a painted bell.

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  18. Bertie is super cute! He shares his name with my mums new kitten. Love the rupert blocks too very sweet. The patch working is beautiful as always x

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  19. Hi Helen! I love Bertie! I think he is the most cute bear with his rosy cheeks! He would make everyone happy just by sitting there for a company! Your lovely posts make me always want to jump just right now to my sewing room and start something new - but I have to continue what I'm already sewing. Have a lovely time! x Teje

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  20. Now that's a happy little fellow to keep you company while you sew! Love him, and all of your blocks, the wood and the fabric! Chrissie x

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  21. Oh Helen! Bertie is simply adorable. He's got the loveliest, gentle face. I'm very taken with his jaunty bow too!

    Heather x

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  22. Love the little bear and the blocks. They go together perfectly.

    Judy

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  23. Little bertie bear is simply adorable! Loving l your new patchwrok blocks too, such lovely fabrics.
    Have a happy week Helen
    Gill xx

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  24. Oh Helen, Bertie is such a cutie, I love him....and your pumpkins look so nice...Thanks for you everlasting inspiration..
    Hugs
    Erna x

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  25. Welcome Bertie, what a handsome chap you are. Helen he is adorable, I have a small collection of bears and he would feel very at home here ;0) Love your alternative colour pumpkins they look great with Bertie. Fee's blocks are terrific and yes Rupert is a favourite here too. Keep warm, there is a cold blast on it's way x

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  26. Thanks for sharing wonderful Bertie Bear and your latest colorful projects with us, Helen! I am not familiar with Rupert, but love the blocks that Chipper Nelly made with illustrations of him. [I will have to Google his name :] I got out the pumpkins and squash I crocheted last year to display to celebrate the season, and love seeing the cheery pumpkins you have made :)
    Blessings,
    Gracie xx

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  27. I love Bertie and his jointed appendages.. and his ribbon and bell.. just all around adorable... and my sister's nickname is Bertie, too. I also love the pumpkins and the crocheted blanket beneath them. Good job on all of it! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  28. That little bear is gorgeous....he looks positively delighted to be sitting there.

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  29. I love little Bertie, he is so adorable! And Fee's blocks are gorgeous as always :)
    Love Caroline xx

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  30. I looooooooooooooooove it.... all... all.... LOOOOOOVE.....
    Congrats, kisses and a big hug from Catalonia!

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  31. I love Berti's sweet smile :)
    Smiles, DianeM

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  32. Hi Helen,
    Bertie is so sweet. I just love him.
    Hugs
    donna

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  33. Bertie's a darling, I love his gingham ribbon & bell, so sweet
    Karen x

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  34. Bertie looks like a bear who loves to cuddle. So sweet. I really like those Rupert blocks - such a great idea!

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  35. Hi Helen,
    Bertie is so adorable and sweet! Love the cute patch on him! The bear blocks are just as sweet! Your 16-patch is so pretty! I need to work on some for my quilt. ;) I love making things, too! Wishing you a crafty and beautiful week! xo Heather

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  36. Love Bertie, He is so sweet and happy. The dipper should turn out wonderful with your color choices. I love all the new bright fabric choice there are.

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  37. Sweet Bertie...he's just gorgeous and looks very content indeed spending his time with you in the sewing room!
    I do love his button joints, rosy cheeks and patches too...a gorgeous post as always Helen!
    Hope you're having a happy, crafty week,
    Susan x

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  38. Hi Helen, I love that little whimsical smile and dreamy look that your little bear has. He is actually a little bit Rupert-ish in my mind, just like those Chipper Nellie blocks. He looks as though he gave you lots of fun making him. The weather is hotting up over here and we are off swimming this afternoon to cool down. It is only ten in the morning but already quite warm outside. I hope your week is wonderful!

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  39. Hello Bertie, you are indeed a lovely chap! Sarah xo

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  40. Oh Bertie I love you! Everything you make is always so beautiful. Lovely, lovely, lovely.

    If you don't mind me asking what kind of fabric is Bertie made from? I imagine it's a linen but are there different weights and things to linen. Just for the future if I ever get time!

    Thank you!

    Helen xx

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  41. Hello Helen,

    I think it's his patches....yes quite sure it's his patches and perhaps the button joints too.....just a min....perhaps it's just all of him....and perhaps he's just adorable LOL!
    Rupert bear... I just loved Rupert Bear books and Fee's blocks are gorgeous.

    Confirmation dear Helen Bertie is scrumptious!!!

    keep well

    Amanda :-)

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  42. Awe I'm in love with Bertie Bear........he's beautiful Helen...so cute! Fee's blocks are as always brilliant!
    I think I'm going to have to make myself some fabric pumpkins! :)
    V xxx

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  43. Perhaps Bertie will have as many adventures and friends as Pooh.

    An enjoyable read, needless to say, Helen.

    Happy Thanksgiving from Canada.

    -Karen

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  44. Bertie Bear is so lovely! Quite perfect, in fact!
    M x

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  45. Bertie is so sweet! I love his sweet face and hope you'll make more..he needs friends! Enjoy your week and thanks for always inspiring me! Hugs!

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Thank you for your lovely words...I so enjoy your comments and read them all.