Monday 20 April 2015

Over the Garden Fence

 There is a finished quilt to show you here today...........i am so happy that my garden fence quilt made with pam kitty garden fabrics (and sunrise studio fence borders) is finished ........quilted in a daisy pattern and bound in red spotty fabric also from the collection............. (all fabrics are from lakehouse dry goods).....
 .............it was a lovely quilt to make as the four patch squares are so easy to piece together and a good way to play with the different fabrics..............i was wondering if the borders would be hard to do.....(i am not much of a large scale fabric wrangler) but thanks to the printed lines on the border design it is easy to cut and sew them to your quilt and i do love the effects..........
.....i chose my favourite print from the collection for the backing which has a garden catalogue text background and gorgeous florals strewn across it........years ago when we made quilts we used to just put anything on the backs, using up unpopular fabrics from our stashes perhaps.... but eventually i realised that choosing the backing was a chance to use a big piece of fabric that you really love and can keep on enjoying whenever the quilt is used...........
 .........the applique flowers were added using bondaweb and sewn round the edges with blanket stitch and matching embroidery thread...........i added a few to the borders, as i love how flowers in real gardens often grow through fences and twirl out onto the other side............
 .............some close ups of the quilting which was done professionally for me on a longarm quilting machine............
 ............i added some butterflies too, inspired by the ones in our spring garden.............
 ...............as you can see i took a lot of pictures of the new quilt :).............
.............i love all the colours in this line, which you can find here and here.............
 ..............last week i also finished another quilt but will save that one for another time......i have been working on magazine commissions this week, and working with a lot of disruption too as we have painters here painting the outside of the house.............even though they are very nice, it is always hard for me to work and relax in my house when 'the men' are working here.........and being an old house we seem to have more than the normal share of work to be done.......
 .........i decided not to include pictures of the scaffolding, and the painters at my studio window, or at my sewing room window ;(........i would rather focus on the quilts and flowers, which is mainly what i have been doing :)......the sunshine and warmth of the past week has brought out so many flowers and blossoms it is so uplifting to see what is emerging each day both in the garden and the countryside around..............
 .............and lots of trips to the garden centre have been needed for things like potting compost, new gardening gloves and colourful geraniums to fill up the pots and planters.........
 ...........this is one of my favourite times of the year..........at the weekend i began weeding the garden and really enjoyed it.......though this might wear off soon.............
...............if you were to peep over my garden fence you would see primroses, blossom, tulips, catkins, bluebells in bud, marsh marigolds in the pond, daffodils, jonquils, daisies, pulmonaria, forget me nots, hellebores.......a small white fluffy dog............ and lots of scaffolding and paint pots...........as soon as 'the men' have gone i shall take some garden pictures and spend lots of time out there enjoying the season............thank you for visiting me here, dear readers and sharing the creative connection........it is always such a treat to hear from you too.............wishing you a wonderful week with sunny spring days, beautiful flowers and plenty of crafty inspiration................back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooxxxxxx

65 comments:

Michelle said...

gorgous as usual helen xx

Simone said...

Beautiful quilt Helen. I would love to see you over the garden fence and pop over to see your lovely garden too! x

Susan said...

What a lovely and cheerful quilt. I like how the border frames it so well too and carries the garden theme. I've never tried that type of border. I have to admit that the Pam Kitty Garden is my favorite fabric this year and I've stitched up a pillow using it. I think it's a colorful and happy collection.

Susan said...

Oh, congratulations to the giveaway winners. I was so hoping to win, but I'm sure the winners are delighted. :)

sweetbriardreams said...

This is such a beautiful quilt Helen, and in my favourite colours. Just perfect for the spring weather and the freshness of bright colours that this time of year brings. Gorgeous! Chel x

Christine B said...

Hello Helen! What an absolutely beautiful quilt! I really love the fabrics, the design and the quilting just add the final touch! Stunning! Isn't it nice to be able to get out in the garden? I did some weeding at the weekend too... although there is still quite a lot to do! Have a wonderful week! :) x

busybusybeejay said...

what a beautiful quilt.You must be so proud of it.I am in total awe!

Jane said...

I think this is my favourite of all the quilts you have made Helen. The bright garden themed colours and that amazing Daisy stitching blends perfectly together. It really is a stunner and you should feel so proud of it. Enjoy the garden once the men have gone...it's funny how we all need our own space isn't it xx

Unknown said...

I love your new quilt, it's delightful - love the fence, love the prints in the blocks, love the backing, love the binding. Just perfect! I'm excited to have color happening in my neighborhood as the various spring flowers bloom - such a happy time of year.

Mary

Sharon Izzard said...

Such a beautiful quilt, it just looks like summer. So much hard work but well worth it! The quilting is really good too. Hope you have a great week, even with the builders disturbing the peace! Sharon x

Evelyne said...

What a lovely quilt Helen! I love the bright colour and the quilting is marvellous!
I wish you lots of sunshine!
Evelyne X

Gill - That British Woman said...

beautiful. What is the finished size of it? I just posted a finished quilt top on my blog today.

Gill

greenrabbitdesigns said...

I would love to peep over your garden fence Helen, I imagine it is all very beautiful!
Your quilt is absolutely stunning, if and when I make a quilt it will be down to all the inspiration I find on your lovely blog! I love how it has been quilted with the little flowers.
You have my sympathy with 'the men' hopefully they willbe finished soon!
Have a good week,
V x
P.S. My lovely birds are now hanging up in my craft room, thank you so much!

Ali said...

Soooo pretty!!! I love this xx

Mickie said...

Helen,
A wonderful post as always, lovely pictures of a beautiful quilt. I think the fabric you have chosen for the back is just perfect, and I love the daisy design in the quilting.
Thank you for sharing.
Mickie, Indiana, USA

Amy DeCesare said...

Your post is a breath of fresh spring air!

Cindy said...

Such a pretty quilt! And I really like the backing fabric. I am one who uses plain muslin for the backs, but I really should splurge on a print. Thanks for sharing your work.

20 North Ora said...

Beautiful quilt! Love the "fence border". So cute. Also love the fabric you put on back. Gorgeous photos of Spring items.

Judy

Cream Linen said...

Beautiful quilt and fantastic colours.
Your garden must be very pretty .
Have a lovely , sunny week
Tina

Elderberry-Rob said...

What a beautiful quilt with such lovely colours and the glimpses of the garden very pretty too. I hope the scaffolding disappears quickly and you can enjoy your garden to the full. Betty

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Helen, I'm with Jane I think this may be my favorite of all your quilts also! I would love to have one professionally quilted too, I just machine quilted a small quilt which I can't show until after the wedding.....shhhhh it's a secret for Amy! and Andy. I love hearing all about your lovely gardens and can't wait to see all the many flowers in your yard. I'm with you and work men, I can never really settle myself to be very relaxed or productive.
xoRobin

Ella and Nesta said...

Your quilt is so pretty and does remind you of a wonderful garden in Spring. Your photos always bring joy...

Unknown said...

I love the quilt. You do such beautiful work.

Kate said...

Helen, your quilt is so beautiful and so are your flowers!

Gracie Saylor said...

It is interesting and instructive to read about some of your design choices in making your lovely new quilt, Helen. I got so lost in my overall appreciation of it that I failed to note the details that contribute to why I like it so much :) I can relate to your house painting challenges. We had our house painted several years ago and are still appreciating how much better it looks...but all the taping of windows and up and down of ladders here and there were a distraction. Your garden sounds like a true British cottage garden. Is that the style you aim for. Your shades of pink geraniums are especially lovely. The most curious thing happened to the geraniums I successfully wintered in the house. I thought I had both white and red ones, but they are profusely blooming white outside now...no sign of red petals anywhere! xx

Marilyn McLeod @ Pink Paper Cottage said...

Oh Helen, I love all of your quilts and this one is no exception! just love those Pam Kitty fabrics... and the backing is just delish. That 4 patch pattern looks especially spiffy with the little appliqued flowers.. and that polka dot binding just sets it all off perfectly! I wish I could peek over your garden fence if your gardens are as pretty as your quilt.... and I'm sure they are!

Mia said...

Hello Helen,

What a beautiful quilt, that green gives it extra springly touch, and those flowers are so so sweet. Just beautiful! And all those flowers blooming - love the pink greaniums!

Happy April-days!

Yours,
Mia

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Helen! This is the most sweet quilt! I always love your flower Fabrics and photos. Lovely patchwork to show the Special Fabrics and the fence fabric is perfect for the borders like the Red binding, too. Nice, small Red add in the corner of your photo - I'm happy you still like the basket. x Teje

Sigrun said...

A very pretty quilt, Helen! Like Summer!

Sigrun

Ingrid Orens said...

Hi Helen !
It is a lovely quilt !!! I really like how it is quilted in that daffodil-pattern - I didn't realize that could be done ! (I'm not a quilter, so I really am stupid when it comes to the "technical issues" of quilting..)
And the fencing around the quilt as a border, so cute !

Things and Thoughts said...

This is a piece of art Helen! A hand made quilt which brings spring inside, home and soul.

Country Maison (Eva Martin) said...

Dear Helen,
Love, love, love the quilt you made. . .
Love the flowers you show us and and old house might have extra share of work to be done but I'm sure it is beautiful and it will be worth it !
Please keep inspiring us the way you do,
xEva

Janet said...

So beautiful. Your quilt looks absolutely stunning.

Winwick Mum said...

I love the way that the flowers and leaves are echoed in the quilting, almost like shadow flowers. It's a beautiful quilt and it sounds like you have a beautiful garden too! xx

Thimbleanna said...

Your quilt is just beautiful Helen. I love Lakehouse fabrics -- they're just so pretty and happy (like PKM and Holly LOL!) And I can't wait to see photos of your garden -- it sounds wonderful!

Annerose said...

Traumhaft schöne Quilts, ich bin begeistert. Und deine Blumen sind auch sehr schön. Danke für die schönen Fotos.Liebe Grüße Annerose

my4lilgirls said...

Hi Helen
Have been delving into blogland again after a long break.......
Of course yours is one of the first I click into :)
Your quilt is absolutely beautiful, so well made & I just love it.
Hope your week is sweet
Karen x

cristina said...

Helen, her new quilt is gorgeous! and is ideal to show off during spring! I love butterflies! and your garden with many flowers must be spectacular! Do you know who has come to home today ???? The lovely birds that came flying from the UK !!!! Ooooohhh dear Helen !!!! my joy it's so great !!!!! and painted eggs ... so sweets !!! are a delight! thank you ... thank you ... thank you .... you made me immensely happy! a big hug ...

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Those colors make me swoon. This is the prettiest quilt I've ever seen! WOW! Happy Spring! Hugs, Diane

Jennifer Hays said...

Your quilt is so beautiful, Helen! It really does evoke a bright springtime garden. I loved seeing your real flowers too. I'm planning to buy some plants later this week for potting in a barrel in the backyard. Geraniums will feature heavily. Hope you're having a good week.

Lorrie said...

Your new quilt is lovely, Helen, with its clear and bright colours. I love the backing, too. I think you're like me in that you enjoy the piecing more than the quilting. Next time I make a quilt I'm sending it out to be quilted, too.
Your garden must fill you with delight - such a wonderful variety of blossoms.

Gillian said...

Beautiful flowers and I really love the new quilt. I was wondering how you managed to make such neat daisies for the quilting but then discovered it was done on a longarm quilting machine. It is very effective!

Miss said...

I love everything I see here.
the quilt and the geraniums are beautiful.
ALways talented Helen!
Miss, xx

PamKittyMorning said...

Oh I love this so much!

Pat's Patch said...

Hello Helen, I love your beautiful quilt, with a gorgeous garden design, with all your pretty fabrics. Interesting to know you how you made it in four blocks. The picket fence works so well with your signature embellishments... Thank you again for your giveaway treats which I was lucky enough to win. I love them all.. Love and happy week. Pat x

driftwood said...

how lovely your quilt is. I've just started a new one, even though I have one unfinished.....

cristina said...

Hi, Helen!

Thaaaaaanks .....

http://www.myworldofwool.com/2015/04/felic-diada-de-sant-jordi.html

Have a nice day and happy crocheting!

cindy lanahan said...

Beautiful! I am smiling looking at your pictures. A very happy quilt

Country Rabbit said...

hellooo there such a beautiful post, love your makes have enjoyed a good old catch up~ im not getting all the feeds when bloggers post so sorry ive missed you, xx

Teresa Kasner said...

Wow, Helen, that quilt is just beautiful! Bravo! Another family heirloom! I just got back from a trip to New Orleans, now we're off to the beach in our caravan tomorrow. What a busy month! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

anita said...

Helen,Helen...your blog it's like a Birthday,i keep looking!
Hope you will look at mine too, just started!
Greetings Anita

Unknown said...

Hello Helen, Very happy to see your flowers and quilt.My aunt and some cousins are quilters; will show them your blog post. What a hassle to have disruptions. Hoping the painting is done very soon!!

Happy late APril,
Anne and family xx

mozanna said...

Invite to your new blog Teddy bear and his friends!
Now you can sign up for the drawing elephant Tashi http://mozgovkina.blogspot.ru/mozgovkina.blogspot.ru/2015/04/candy.html

11jayj said...

Hi Helen, have just come across your blog via 'just Pootling', which I came across via another blog. I peep into a number of craft blogger sites and inspired by all that you do, the quilt is absolutely amazing. I love it, I have not actually done quilting but seeing this has inspired me to have a go and look into blogging further.

Happy gardening. Jackie

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Ooh, Helen...your new quilt is just beautiful!!!....I love the design and the fabrics you've chosen in such pretty colours and the longarm quilting with the flower detail is a perfect combination...a very pretty backing fabric too....lovely!!!
Wishing you a happy weekend!
Susan x

vintage grey said...

Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous and so sweet!! Always so inspiring sweetest Helen!! Have a lovely weekend! xo Heather

Zwergenwelt said...

dear Helen,
absolutely wonderful ist your quilt, so pretty the colours, the design, I admire your work!
Great choice of fabrics, so fine!!
Have a wonderful sunday and an happy new week, XO XO cornelia

pat said...

Absolutely the prettiest quilt .. lovely colours Pat x

SuperMomNoCape said...

What a beautiful, cheerful quilt! I would smile every time I used it!

susan said...

Your quilt is just beautiful, Helen. You have such a wonderful flair for design. Thanks so much for sharing.

handmade by amalia said...

The freshest, prettiest, quilt. So cool.
Amalia
xo

gillyflower said...

Oh wow!!! Such a gorgeous quilt Helen, its so beautiful!!!
Gill xx

Jane crabb said...

Aaarrrggghhh October is too long to wait for your new book!! I love your radio in the potting shed...could you tell me where it come from please x

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

Your quilt is a beauty and I so love the fence border! How unique and lovely especially with your butterflies appended to it...that really made it special.

Unknown said...

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