Tuesday 1 October 2013

Sweet Autumn

 We have just come back from a wonderful trip to the lake district where all was mellow, bright and sunny..........the indian summer had arrived and we went walking each day to make the most of it......
                         ..........we stayed in a little stone cottage that was built in 1850.................
 ............all the windows had beautiful views, like the one below................
 .............on our walks i gathered bits and pieces from nature, as i have always done, to draw and paint and photograph and put in my scrapbooky sketchpad..............
 ...........we went to see beatrix potter's garden and here is the front door at hilltop.............
 ..............there were lots of autumn flowers and berries growing in beatrix potter's garden and a pumpkin patch too :)...............the golden sunlight made everywhere look amazing, and the lit up hills looked almost unreal...........there were no lambs in the field at hilltop this time, but we did see some bunnies hopping about, in fact there were lots of bunnies hopping about in grasmere too, and nibbling the grass in st oswald's churchyard.................
 ............we came home feeling refreshed after our break and rather surprised and lucky that we didn't need the waterproofs this time.............my autumn decorating is now underway and i have put some more fabric pumpkins around the house.............
 ..........a bright granny square join-as-you-go blanket was my crochet project of choice this week to work on in the evenings when we lit the log fire..........once the sun went down and the evenings drew in it felt very autumnal and cosy..............
 ..............when we arrived back i found a very sweet parcel waiting for me.............
 ............it was from the lovely heather at vintage grey, and contained the adorable embroidered potholder that i won recently in heather's giveaway........and also a set of gorgeous maple leaf coasters which i love.........thank you heather for such generous gifts :)..........the little pom poms and pretty handmade tags on all heather's packaging make her gifts extra special.......you can find heather's gorgeous makes in the vintage grey shoppe here..................
 .............finally today here is a quick picture of my hexie quilt now pinned together and being hand quilted....it is a real pleasure to sew and i hope to have it finished very soon.............
...........thank you for visiting here today lovely readers, and for your sweet comments and emails too.......it's always a joy to hear from you and if i haven't replied to some of your emails i will very soon.................we had no internet connection in the lakes, so i am looking forward to catching up now with everyone's blogs :).................wishing you a sweet autumn week and a very happy october............back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

58 comments:

Unknown said...

I love your pumpkins, Helen! I bought the Crafts Beautiful issue for the pattern...oh to visit Beatrix Potter's home! We are big fans in our house, we'll get there one day. And lucky you to receive such a beautiful parcel...Chrissie x

thriftwood said...

Love your fabric pumpkins Helen! I'm ashamed to say that although I live very close to the Lake district, I've never been to Beatrix Potter's home ... next on my to do list ... I love the film Miss Potter, one of my favourites! Glad you had a good time

Love Claire xxx

Coco Rose Diaries said...

Oh I would love to visit the Lake District. And i've always wanted to visit Beatrix Potter's house. It looks lovely.

Your pumpkins are delightful and I love the brightness of your crochet. Very uplifting on a dull day!

It's lovely to back in blogging land and catch up with all your wonderful posts Helen. They really do brighten up my day no end!

Take care and have a super rest of a day

Vanessa xxx

Amy at love made my home said...

I love the Lake District, we have been so many times, it is wonderful isn't it. The place you stayed in looks delightful. Glad that you like Hilltop, it is charming too. The pumkins are so cute, and will look great with the leaves that you were sent!

Crafted by Carly said...

Lovely, lovely and more lovely! :-)
Carly
x

Hannapat said...

Hello Helen. Your visit to the Lakes looked wonderful, and the cottage you stayed in looked perfect. We so love visiting the Lakes, but sadly havent been for over four years. I am really looking forward to going back. I love all your pumpkins and I have seen a tutorial I am going to try to make some on Heather's blog, so it is on the to-do-list. Your pretty hexie quilt is so pretty and I am sure it must be wonderful to handquilt this beauty. I can't wait to see the end result. Love all your bits from Heather, very jealous!! Happy October and enjoy your week xoxo

Christine B said...

What a lovely time you have had! The lake district really is a wonderful place to visit and I love the stone cottages. Love your fabric pumpkins too... so cute! :)

Cindy said...

I would love to go on that vacation you just did - sounds like heaven to me! Your pumpkins are very cute , as is the hexie quilt. Love those colors. Congrats on winning the cute things from Vintage Grey.
Take care, Cindy

Sigrun said...

Thank you Helen. Nice Cottage, it looks at if it is for me!

Sigrun

homemade@myplace said...

You had a nice break and the sun has been so kind with you!!!!!
Love your fabric pumpkins : so bright!!!!
.....ven the blanket is not bad!!!!! ;oD
xxxxxx Ale

Joan said...

Beautiful pumpkins and such a lovely cottage! Congratulations on winning the pretty potholders.

Anonymous said...

Love your beautiful pumpkins, may have to try this. The cottage you stayed in looks delightful with wonderful views. And Beatrix Potter! Glad you had a wonderful vacation. Your hexie quilt is going to be so beautiful.

Hugs ~ Mary

Ali said...

Oooh the lakes looks lovely - it is only an hour away from us we really should make more of an effort to get there :-( loving your pumpkins xxx

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Helen! You must have had wonderful trip! Looks most beautiful place! What a cute presents and so sweet packet. Have a lovely October! x Teje

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

I just love those pumpkins, so sweet! Heather makes the most beautiful things! :) x

KC'sCourt! said...

I love your pumpkins they are so pretty - a sign autumn is here when pumpkins are aroound
Julie xxxxx

greenrabbitdesigns said...

A bit of a grey start to October here Helen but your post has cheered me up no end! :) Gorgeous crochet, a beautiful quilt and amazing little pumpkins!
So glad you had a lovely trip to the Lake District, I would so love to visit Miss Potters house.
V xxx

Erna said...

Ohh Helen, you lucky girl, The Lake District is one of my favourites, especially in Autumn, love your photos and your projects..
Enjoy your week.
Hugs
Erna

Hayley said...

love those pumpkins x

Amy DeCesare said...

Sounds like such a lovely vacation in the Lake District! My British friend visits there often and tells me all about it. Pictures are always fun to see, and I love the little pumpkin patch. They were clearly inspirational for you! Welcome back to the internet. :0)

Teresita said...

Hermoso descanso, y muy bonitos los trabajos!!

vintage grey said...

Hi Helen!
How beautiful it is there in the Lake District! Gorgeous! So glad you had such a relaxing and wonderful time! I just love your pumpkins!! So cute! So happy your package arrived safely for you and your are enjoying it! And, you hexie quilt is solo pretty! I need to finish working on mine! Happy sweet week to you! xo Heather

Unknown said...

Hi Helen so nice to have you back. So glad that you had a wonderful time - I love the Lake District and have been to Beatrice Potter's house many times, just love it, particularly looking out the windows and seeing the same scene from her wonderful books. Just adore your wins, how fab are those, gorgeous. Am starting to put my scraps together into a quilt if I can, never made one before but will have a go. Love your autumn projects Helen, always bright and cheerful. Have a lovely week ahead.
Lots of love
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Teresa Kasner said...

Helen, you live a story book life! What a wonderful place to visit.. and so nice that you had good weather for it. We've had summer turn right into winter and it's rainy, stormy and windy here. Love all your fabric pumpkins! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi I don't have a blog but love reading yours. A question your granny squares are you using Stylecraft yarn for it? I Ilove the colous. I am making a ripple like yours and appreciated your input on the colours that you used. glad you had a fabulous holiday.
Penny in Australia.
p.lansdowne@hotmail.com

Lynne said...

I love the slant of the sun this time of year, the air almost seems to glow. Your trip looks wonderful, I am jealous of your walks and gatherings. Beautiful pumpkins Helen. They looks so pretty sitting on the crochet blanket.

20 North Ora said...

What a wonderful place to get away to. Glad you had such a good time. Your litte pumpkins are darling.

Am mailing your giveaway gifts tomorrow (Wednesday 10/20/2013).

Have a great day!

Judy

Frances said...

Wonderful that you had such good weather in the Lakes...your photographs are lovely.

Some years ago, for some years I was an overseas member of The Beatrix Potter Society. I never got to attend any of their meetings, but truly loved to read the newsletters. I found out about the Society when attending a terrific BP exhibit at the Tate.

I also very much like your combining those pumpkin golden oranges with the pretty blues. There's much for the eye to feast upon.

Best wishes. xo

Unknown said...

Dear Hellen your work is amazing just love the Autumn leaves and everything :)
I´m making a giveaway join in and make me a visit ...
Hugs
Nina

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

So Happy the traveler is home and that you had a wonderful time Helen! Love all your photos and especially seeing your scrapbooky sketchpad. That looks fun and a treasure. Do you know Susan Branch, she does watercolors and drawing too, if you don't know her, I think you would love her style. I have her latest book and it is about the UK!!!! She loves it!
Yes, Fall is here too, or should I say Autumn : )
xoRobin

Gracie Saylor said...

After viewing this post, now I feel refreshed too, from your trip, Helen :) Thanks! You nurture the artist within me through sharing you artistic projects, the gifts and works of other artists, and the artistry of God's creation as well. I am crocheting a cocoon for my newest Grand, but I have been itching to sew more of your bunnies, and try some of your other projects as well. How do you accomplish so much?
Gracie xx

Lori ann said...

what an amazing trip helen, i adore your journals, would i love to have a peek at them. that stone cottage is exquisite and beatrix potters home! someday someday...
LOVE your pumpkins so much and your beautiful quilt!
xxxxxxxxx lori

Belmont Yarns said...

Beautiful happy blog post.

Helen xx

Anonymous said...

Hello Helen,such lovely posts,I,m catching up on.I,m so glad You had a wonderful holiday,the cottage looks perfect.I,m desperate to visit the Lake district and Beatrix Potter,s house. I just love Your Autumn pages and hve been collecting treasures Myself whilst walking the dogs. Do You have a pattern for the fabric pumpkins in any of your books?I,d loveto give them a go, Yours look so lovely. Enjoy the season,love julie XxX

Pink Milk said...

You certainly picked a super week for your holiday! Doesn't it make such a difference when the sun shines?

I just love your Autumn treasures and am completely coveting your granny blanket!

Heather x

Madelief said...

Dear Helen,

Happy to hear you enjoyed your trip to the lakes. It is still on my wish list to visit as well. So is Hilltop! The cottage you stayed in looks lovely, and that view........!!

Your granny square blanket and quilt look beautiful and very YOU! I think I would recognise them anywhere :-)

Happy week!

Madelief x

cocoquilts said...

Such sweet pumpkins! So glad you enjoyed your holiday! I love your fabrics and colour combinations for your quilts!! So fresh and cheerful!! Cheers, Colette

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

What a wonderful way to start fall! Thanks for sharing a glimpse of Beatrix Potter's house, and those cute fabric pumpkins!! xoxo

Mia said...

Hello Helen,

It seems you had lovely time at lake district, and all that inspiration you've got... That sketchpad looks fantastic!

Happy autumn-creation!

Yours,
Mia

Anonymous said...

I love the Lake District, that combined with a bit of crafting, is there anything better! Sarah xo

gillyflower said...

Loving those sweet little pumpkins, the fabric is very pretty, especially love the soft yellow paisley one!
Glad you had a good break, it all sounds lovely, especially the walks and the crochet by the log fire.
Your hexie quilt looks gorgeous!Enjoy finishing it Helen.
Gill xx

Jane said...

Hi Helen it looked like a lovely break you had. I love the photo with the gate in it..gorgeous. Your fabric pumpkins have a Helen makeover...just fab! X

By Neymes said...

CUTE,CUTE.ABÓBORA E COGUMELO,PARABÉNS HELEN.FELIZ SEXTA.BEIJO.VALÉRIA.(BRASIL).

Stacey@ Cottage Stitches said...

What a lovely cottage! Your pumpkins are so sweet, I'll have to add more to my fabric pumpkin patch soon. I also have the leaf coasters and a potholder from Vintage Grey, I love her makes!

flowers on my table said...

Hello Helen, so glad you enjoyed your trip. The cottage looks gorgeous, and Hilltop Farm is always a delight isn't it.
I love everything, as usual. Congratulations on winning the giveaway, the little coasters are beautiful, and so nicely presented.
Many thanks for your visit, and kind comments. You are right about the garden being beautifully tended, you could see that there must be a team of gardeners.
Have a lovely weekend, love Linda x

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

You definitely picked the perfect time for your trip Helen...it's so dull and wet here today!
Love your pumpkins (truly the prettiest I've ever seen!)
I love to visit Hill Top...it's such a magical place, isn't it? I bought a lovely book about Beatrix Potter's art from the little book shop there...it's a treasure.
Happy Weekend!
Susan x

flowers on my table said...

Thankyou for your visit and enthusiastic comments Helen, you made my day. Hope you have some lovely weather this weekend. Love Linda x

Anonymous said...

I love your Autumn collection of treasures from the Lakes in the sun. Your fabric pumpkins are a treat. Love Pat x

my4lilgirls said...

The pumpkins are so very cute & I adore the hexie quilt, so much patient stitching, so worth it.
Have a sweet weekend
Karen x

forgetmenotsblue said...

Oh how exciting getting ready for Autumn I love your little pumpkins.
Your holiday looked lovely such a pretty cottage and such pretty views. I would really like to see Beatrix Potter's garden. Looks like you had great weather x

Simone said...

Beautiful photos of the Lake District and pretty patterned pumpkins! It is pure delight to visit you here Helen. x

Barbara said...

I love everything Helen, especially your hexagon quilt, it is so timeless ...
happy sewing :)
Barbara x

Jo said...

That looks like a wonderful break - I love the Lakes although it's been years since we went. Lucky you! A beautiful post, as always...

Jo x

Tammy said...

Hi Helen, it is always a pleasure to drop by and see what you've been up to. Sounds like a lovely trip. I would adore a weekend with you collecting, drawing, painting, crocheting, cross-stitching. What fun that would be! Your fabric pumpkins are so sweet and your afghan/quilts are always so pretty! Heather's work is fantastic, too. The both of you are always creating something wonderful. Congrats on the win! Wishing you a wonderful week. Tammy

jan said...

Oh i just love your pumpkins! Lovely trip thank you for sharing it with us. And I love your granny square throw. I will have to look up join as you go. Maybe i would actually finish mine then.
xo jan@sewandsowfarm

My Little Home and Garden said...

Your trip sounds marvelous; the Lake District is on my list of places to visit.

Such prettiness, as always, is in this post.

Have a delightful week, Helen.

-Karen

Naturally Carol said...

I loved the movie about Beatrix Potter...did you? How wonderful to be able to see her countryside for yourself. The pumpkins are gorgeous!

My Little Home and Garden said...

Aside from all of the "pretties", the bulbs caught my eye. I spent some time planting tulips and narcissi yesterday, but have plenty more to get in the ground. I like your idea of mixing them together and think I will do that in the back garden.

Have a lovely week, Helen.

-Karen