Monday 16 February 2015

Patchwork and Primroses

 This week my crafty interests are mainly centred around patchwork.........making four patch blocks for a quilt i have planned with the new pam kitty garden fabrics.............
............and i made the chrysanthemum paper pieced flower into a block for another quilt....this one will be a sampler quilt featuring applique and patchwork with lots of variety.........
 ..........my evening star quilt top is coming along well, i have been piecing blocks for it most evenings (rather appropriately)...........i make them in threes and join them together before making another three.....
 ...........spreading out the next two groups on the coffee table, making sure miss molly doesn't seize one and run off with it....she has calmed down a lot now and mostly plays with her own doggie toys and chews, but you can't be too careful with quilt blocks, balls of wool, and (this week especially) pom poms.......
 .........i like it when the quilt top becomes big enough to drape on the back of a chair and begins looking quilt like......
 ...........work wise this week i have been hand finishing a small quilt to go in my new book, and reading lots of quilt books....... gorgeous old quilts always inspire me........i have a great new novel to read too which you can see in the pile on the chair in my studio.......the wonderful writer anne tyler has a new book out called 'a spool of blue thread'........
                        ............some of my own 'old' quilts from the quilt cupboard.............
 ................and below is a brand new evening star cushion made for the latest crafts beautiful issue....
 ...............the bright spotty fabrics create a fresh modern patchwork.......
.............here it is on the table with some pretty pink tulips and a set of new cookie cutters....... flower shaped ones for baking with my grand daughter daisy.............
 ............besides enjoying the sight of this bunch of tulips all week, i have treated myself to two trays of beautiful primroses in shades of pink..............i have also been very lucky and received some gorgeous valentine flowers and a big pot of daffodil bulbs.....pictures of those in a later post ......
 ...............we had a happy valentine weekend, with our sweet new grandbaby rhys and his mummy and daddy staying here, and a family gathering on sunday when my lovely mother and sisters shared the baby bliss :)............i always love to see my parents with their great grandchildren, it is so special......and everyone here loves a baby to cuddle.............
 ...........lots of primroses to plant in the garden now, and at last it feels slightly warmer and a little bit more spring like...........some of the primroses will go at the edge of the cutting garden to provide some more early colour.............
 ............and some will stay indoors to look pretty in my studio while i finish my book (nearly there!).......the cath kidston mugs in the picture below are all cracked so that they can no longer be used to hold drinks, but they are perfect to hold primrose plants for a little while........
 .............this week is half term here and i will be looking after charlie and daisy for part of the time......so am getting the toys out and thinking up activities for us to do......weather permitting we might go on a nature walk and create a nature table when we get home.......
...............thank you for dropping into my little blog world dear readers, it is wonderful to see you and always such a treat to read your kind comments.........wishing you a happy week with sunshine and flowers and crafty times too..................back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxx

51 comments:

Evelyne said...

It look Summer with the lovely flowers en bright quilts!

Evelyne

scrappyjacky said...

I love your spotty cushion.

Frances said...

Helen, your happy colors and beautiful sewing and cheery primroses have really brought a promise of spring to me here in icy New York. I very much like the use of the dotty fabrics in your quilting and wonder why such fabric seems so surprising. Maybe it's the assymetric placing of the dots? Don't know, but do know those dots look wonderful.

Many thanks! xo

handmade by amalia said...

The spotty pillow, the darling primroses, the quilting, so beautiful!
Amalia
xo

KC'sCourt! said...

Love the Patchwork and Primroses
Julie xxxxxx

Elderberry-Rob said...

Your cheerful post, bright colours and delicious quilts have cheered me up on this grey gloomy day.

Carla said...

You have THE prettiest pictures. Your 'old' quilts look beautiful

Kate said...

Everything is so beautiful - I love all of it including the primroses!
Your evening star pillow is divine. :)

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

Such a cheerful & lovely post. I love all the colours, it's brightened up a nearly grey day. I hope you have a great week x

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Oh I do love your pretty primroses Helen, it's great when they start to appear in the shops!
Your quilts are as always gorgeous, I especially love the Evening Star quilt!
Have fun with your grandchildren this week,
V x

Jane said...

Those quilts look really tricky Helen, they are beautiful. I'm glad to hear that Molly is becoming a good dog for you, she must be great company. Your family celebrations sounded fab....being a great grandmother must make your Mum so proud. Enjoy the half term antics ;0) xx

marmarel said...

Your patchwork is so beautiful!!
Greetings from Marijke

Christine B said...

Hello Helen! What beautiful quilt projects you are making at the moment and I just loved seeing all those pretty pink primroses! Makes you feel more cheerful! Have a lovely week! :) xx

Annerose said...

Hallo Helen,
ein wunderschöner Quilt machst du da. Die Stoffe und Farben gefallen mir sehr gut. Und deine Blümchen (bei uns heißen sie Schlüsselblumen) haben eine tolle Farbe genau passend zu dir.
Ich schicke dir liebe Grüße und wünsche dir viel Spaß mit deinen Enkelkindern.
Annerose

claire said...

You had me at the title (of your blog post)! So lovely and cheering and inspiring. Have great week Helen x

Simone said...

You do make the most wonderful quilts Helen. The primroses you have selected look unusual and very pretty. Enjoy half term with the children. I am sure that you will have lots of fun together especially with those flower shaped cookie cutters! x

Jennifer Hays said...

Your patchwork is so beautiful. The corners are perfect, I find that hard to do sometimes. The colors are beautiful as always. I really like your primroses, they look very bright and healthy. I'm sure they'll look great both indoors and out. Enjoy your time with the children this week.

sew said...

Your bright & cheery photos have enhanced a slightly less gloomy day here in Holt where the sun appeared very briefly. Beautiful patchwork as always.

Cream Linen said...

Lovely photos and beautiful colours as always.
It is so good to have such a big and happy family.
I wish you all the best,
Tina

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Teje Karjalainen said...

Dear Helen, I enjoy so much your beautiful, sweet and cute posts! Have to go for primroses tomorrow! I'm looking for to see more about your new quilts! This star pillow is adorable! Have a happy and sunshiny week! x Teje

Unknown said...

What gorgeous colours your primroses are Helen. You have been doing so many lovely activities-your quilting is just exquisite and I love the way you are inspired by traditional quilts. What a fabulous fun filled family weekend it sounds like you had for Valentine's and I'm sure everyone loved the new baby! Hope you have a lovely half term week with the children,
Best wishes
Alison xx

cristina said...

Hi, Helen! I am amazed with your quilts! colors, shapes ... I see it very difficult to sew because I do not know ... but you know of crochet, sewing, photography, garden ... you are a complet artist of creativity! and you always glad me the day! Thank you for sharing such beautiful things! I wish you have a nice day!

Teresa Kasner said...

Hello my friend.. oh boy how much fun you'll have with the kids there with you! I can just hear the squeals of excitement and joy.. and that's just from you.. lol.. Love your Primroses - I think they are a wonderful hardy little flower that comes back over and over. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Cindy said...

Love seeing your patchwork, Helen. It is so inspiring as I love the colors that you choose. Those primroses are so pretty. I want some! But I'll have to wait another month or so:(
Could you show some of your garden this spring? I would love to see your mix of plants.(I just love seeing everyone's gardens!)

Ingrid Orens said...

I absolutely love your evening star quilt - those colours ! Red, white and blue - that is just an all time classic. It never fails to have success - it is pretty in a house with lots of colours, but could also do well in a modern, minimalistic house. Something about those coulours...
Have fun this week with the kids, and I wish you lots of success with finishing the book !!! (Here we have an expression that roughly translates in "the last loads are the heaviest", so : you go girl !! Almost there !!!)

Susan Smith said...

Such a lovely post and I love to catch up when I can to see what you've been up to, although I don't usually comment as you have plenty of followers. Enjoy the grandkids as they grow up oh so quickly. Pretty flowers too. Take care.

Amy at love made my home said...

So many fabulous wonderful things - too many to talk about here! Excited to know that you are working on a quilting book though!! xx

Irina said...

wonderful colours, everything is so bright and beautiful!!)

Ladybird Diaries said...

Your patchwork is gorgeous Helen, I love all your pretty and colourful quilts.
Marianne s

flowers on my table said...

Hello Helen, it is all happening over here with babies, and quilts, cushions and plants. Wonderful....all of it. I especially love the Evening Star quilt, as I love star shapes. I have been decorating my daughters room, and she asked for it to be in various pastel shades and it's been lovely gathering up all the pretty pastel accesories to finish off with. Have a delightful week, with love, Linda xx

Anonymous said...

Your quilts are pretty and inspiring! Primroses and tulips are among my favorite spring flowers and of course pansies, yours are so pretty!! So glad you are able to spend time with your family! Enjoy!!

Joan H. said...

Love your bright , happy quilts. I came to say HI after visiting the Sew and Sow 2 year anniversary giveaway.

Ana Love Craft said...

Hello dear Helen, your quilts are amazing such a wonderful work! So colourful I love them! Your primroses are so pretty love them!
Have a fabulous week!
Hugs and love from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

I love to read your posts every week. They are like a breath of fresh air. Your pile of quilts are just beautiful. You inspire us all, thank you for sharing you love of sewing and you always beautiful flowers. Enjoy your week.

Kay said...

I love dropping by your blog, the sewing always looks so pretty and happy too. x

Pat's Patch said...

Beautiful quilts and flowers. Love all the different shades of pink. X

Rustic Vintage Country said...

I do love coming to your blog to see the glorious feast of colours you show, simply wonderful! Suzy x

Winwick Mum said...

I love your pile of quilts. My Canadian aunt is a very accomplished quilter and I always enjoy talking to her about quilting, but although I've tried it, the bug hasn't got me in quite the same way as the knitting bug has. I am tempted to try again, though, but must finish off some of my other projects first! xx

Annie Cholewa said...

The star quilt blocks are always my favourites. These are beautiful Helen.

vintage grey said...

A beautiful post filled with such pretties Helen! Love your gorgeous quilt top! Happy weekend to you! xo Heather

barbara said...

Dear Helen
such a lovely post :)
am slowly catching up on my blog reading (and publishing!) have been flat out at work
we rarely see those pale colours of primroses here ... adorable!
especially like your Evening Star quilt and all the blue fabrics in it ...
much love Barbara

driftwood said...

oh a star quilt, so lovely xxx

sweetbriardreams said...

I can't wait for your book Helen! I have attempted quilting before (but very basic). Your colours are just gorgeous! x

patchworkandlace said...

Hi Helen gorgeous pics and love the quilts and the colours you use x

My Little Home and Garden said...

The newest little addition to your family is already well loved by his extended family, the lucky little guy. I wonder what creative talents he will have down the line!

Karen

Zwergenwelt said...

Dear Helen,
such wonderful fabrics make me feel in spring, the lovely design of roses are so amazing, and the patched little pillows are so cute! Also your hearts of the last post, I love them, they are so cute done with this little roses above.
Your blog is inspiring me, after my easter exhibition i will sew some Bunnies from your book. Have a wonderful week, cornelia

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

So many lovely pictures :) I'm sure your shed is nicer than my house lol
Jillxo

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

I love your Evening Star quilt and the modern version that you made into a pillow with the dots fabric. I love primroses. I need to look them up and see if I can grow them here. It gets so hot here that most plants just wilt.
Have fun with your grandchildren and how wonderful you got to hold your new baby and the great grandparents too. That is very special.
Hugs to you my dear friend and so happy about the new little one.

Thimbleanna said...

Pretty, Pretty -- Oh So Pretty! I LOVE the little PKM stars -- especially how you've altered the blocks with some points being white so they can all sit so prettily together!

Unknown said...

The spotty pillow, the darling primroses, the quilting, so beautiful!
Amalia
happy wheels
super mario bros
pacman
agario