Monday 30 November 2015

Evening Stars

 Here i am, feeling a bit festive today, and with a finished quilt to show you :).......it was just over a year ago that i began making evening star blocks for this quilt....some of you may even remember them........
 ...............here are the first few i made, using the english paper piecing technique.....
 ...............and a new sewline glue pen which i had been trying out........
 ............slowly the collection of evening star blocks grew until there were enough for a quilt and then i joined them all together and added a plain white border round the outside...........
 ...............some close ups of the quilt............
 ............i do love a crumpled quilt picture where the colours mingle and blend :)......
 ...........the quilt matches lots of other things around here so it will fit in very well............
 ............the red starry backing seemed just right and the pretty blue fabric with red roses for the binding was exactly what i had in mind.............i sent off the quilt to a long arm quilter to be machine quilted in a simple grid pattern......
 ..........we always have to have a folded quilt shot now don't we?...........
 ...............some lovely red and pink roses to enjoy this week, with a bit of a festive feel.....
 ....the new quilt will be nice to use over christmas.......and as tomorrow is the first of december i will be getting the decorations out this week........
 ...............a couple of months ago we went to the city (manchester) to buy new sofas for our sitting room and i took these pictures which i wanted to include here...........
..............beautiful reflections at salford quays, near the lowry...........
 ............we spent some time sitting on various sofas and choosing fabric and measuring (mustn't forget the measuring in case they don't fit!!)...........and this week the new sofas were delivered :)...
 .........above is a little peek at one of them......subtle grey with ticking cushions.......might just have to start a new crochet blanket to match.......something (or someone) else was delivered here last week too......merry mouse has come home (from her book promoting at the publishers) after a long time away and it was so nice to see her again just in time for the festive season........(the pattern for merry mouse is in my book *pretty patchwork gifts* available on amazon or over on stitch craft create here)................
................thank you so much for dropping in to my little blog space to visit me dear readers, and thank you for all the lovely comments which are such a pleasure to read............wishing you all a very happy start to december and a warm, cosy (or cool if you are in warmer places!) crafty week ahead........back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

40 comments:

Jacky H said...

Hi Helen i love reading your blog especially on a miserable windy grey monday afternoon while I'm at work. It's a real tonic the quilt is beautiful and I love the mouse. I bet she's pleased to be home for Christmas.

driftwood said...

oh you know how I love a star quilt xxx

Teje said...

Hi Helen! This was perfect timing. I had just made coffee and picked my red mug to match to your quilt! Congratulations for your new sofas, what a joy to have them for the Christmas! I love your new quilt as you can guess! You help me love red which I haven't used much. I'm starting a new baby quilt with these same stars. Thank you for making me realize that I need to make half of the blocks with white background and half of them with blue. I wish you wonderful December! x Teje

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Gosh, I can't believe it's gonna be December tomorrow. Your quilt is so very pretty and the grid quilting is perfect. Don't know that I've seen it done that way before. Just right for your pattern. Happy Holidays!

Mickie said...

Helen,
Once again you have created a lovely quilt, and I love the big granny square blanket you posted last week. You have such a talent for choosing just the perfect color combinations and patterns.
Thank you for sharing.
Mickie, Indiana USA

Heldasland said...

Oh Helen,
Your work makes me feel that wonderful feeling when you fall in love for the first time. Stunning, stunning quilt. I adore your plum crochet blanket. Your colour combos for everything is so fantastic. Please can I move in?? I wont be in the way I'll be sat in the corner underneath all your fab quilts and blankets.

Jane said...

Your new quilt fits in perfectly with your new furniture Helen. I can't believe that December arrives ttomorrow. Enjoy getting out those Dec's. .. it's my favourite time of the year. We're just driving home from Centre Parcs after our wonderful family weekend away. Hugs xx

Kate said...

Helen, your Evening Stars quilt is beautiful! I like your new sofa, too. :) The flowers are gorgeous. I am enjoying making star blocks just now but mine are pieced - EPP seems like a lot more work. :D

Susan said...

What a lovely quilt. I love the blend of colors. And as always, I enjoy seeing EPP quilts because that's my favorite means of piecing. Congrats on the new sofas. And I'm glad Merry Mouse is home in time for the holidays. Have a great week, Helen. :)

Evelyne said...

Hi Helen, great reading your colourful blog. It raining and grey so the colours are so welcome.I love that quilt and the quilting.
Not the red nose reindeer, but the mouse is coming home for Christmas(lol)

Hugs,
Evelyne

Jo said...

It is a wonderful quilt. Do you like using the glue pen? It is my best purchase over the last 5 years - I mean the speed is unbelievable. Just happy sewing rather than tacking. Jo x

Jessie Fincham said...

It's beautiful Helen!! Gosh you've done a fantastic job, so so lovely. I wonder if it would be possible to share the post on my Sew and Quilt shop Facebook page so other EPP fans can see? :-) x

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Your quilt is stunning Helen and looks wonderful draped over your new sofa!!
How lovely that little Merry Mouse has arrived home in time for December, she's looking very festive!
Happy December,
V x

Jennifer Hays said...

Helen, your quilt is stunning! You are just so talented. I never leave here without a ton of inspiration for my own crafting. Your blog is pure eye candy, I just love it here. By the way, I am enjoying your new book so much. I want to try everything in it. Thank you again for your generosity. I hope you have a good week.

Christine B said...

I adore your lovely star quilt Helen and the fabrics you have used are beautiful! Your new sofas look lovely too and just in time for Christmas! Have a lovely week.... we will be getting the decorations out here this week too! Christine x

sweetbriardreams said...

Your blanket is so beautifully bright and fresh, a welcome addition to a room being made cozy for Christmas! The glimpse of your sofa was enough for me to say 'good choice'! Classic and neutral, gorgeous. Your photos of the quay at Manchester are so good, it's like a mirror effect. Have a wonderful week x

cristina said...

Helen! another quilt fantastic! I do not know sewing and I think this is a great work .... so beautiful! it's so nice to have time to do these things so beautiful! hope you have a nice week! Happy December, my dear Helen!

Teresa Kasner said...

What a wonderful star quilt, Helen! I family heirloom for sure! My husband was gushing over the quilt saying, she has such an eye.. it's beautiful! We need new sofas.. badly.. our cat who passed away last year shredded our old living room set. Yours looks so classy.. I'd love to see more of it. Some special pillows to go with it would add a lot of pizzazz to it. Can't wait to see what you do.

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*H*A*P*P*Y* * *H*O*L*I*D*A*Y*S*!*!*!*
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((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Cindy said...

Wow! I love your quilt. The colors are just what I want to work with next. Did you really hand piece the whole thing??? I'm impressed! Thank you for sharing your work and brightening our day!

Lorrie said...

Your starry quilt is so pretty and bright - perfect for Christmas (and all year long). How fun to have new furniture arrive to inspire more sewing projects.

Baa. xxx said...

What a beautiful star quilt. Those colours will fit in perfectly round your house! What fun to have new sofa's to sit on. They will be well enjoyed in the coming years.

Stins said...

No wonder you feel festive, I would too with all this prettiness around me ;-)!
Your quilt is so gorgeous and snuggly....
The sofa looks comfy and stylish, good choice. Manchester is a ver surprising city
I think. We were there last february and I loved the mix of old and new.
Lots of love from Mirjam.

handmade by amalia said...

Another work of art, Helen. Lovely colors.
Happy December,
Amalia
xo

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

It looks like a perfect Christmas quilt x

Betty said...

love the evening star pattern. Now that I am getting comfortable about quilting I think next year I will make this pattern. So pretty.

Jenn M said...

So pretty Helen! You are right, it is festive looking, especially with that sweet little mouse. It will feel fresh and pretty in the summer, which goes to show those colours are a classic combination.
Have fun decorating!
Jenn

Things and Thoughts said...

Dearest Helen, how delightful are those visits on your blog!Pure bliss! The star quilt is gorgeous, in the mood of the season. Your bouquet is also lovely, the merry mouse as well!
Enjoy festive preparations and decorations!
Hugs, Olympia

Ingrid K. said...

Hi Helen! Wow, that star quilt is simply amazing!!! And they are definitely your colours, cheerful and bright!!! I love it! :)

Have a nice week!
Ingrid xx
Myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

Amy at love made my home said...

Your quilt is so pretty! Very Christmassy and very wintery too! xx

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Happy December 1st my dear Helen! This post is a starry delight, this quilt is a "star" in my book! It looks wonderful in your home and of course the folded photo is a must! Love the backing and the binding is perfect, a nice soft touch.
Welcome home merry mouse! xoxoRobin

Frances said...

Helen, it was interesting to see the completed photographs of the fully assembled and quilted Star Quilt. It's a gem! You've found such a great blend of a combination to traditional quilting shape somehow made quite contemporary via your choice of fabrices.

Bravo!

Thank you also for the views of Manchester. Somehow, I'd not before quite realized that you were near Manchester.

Must be a pleasure to have that adorable Merry Mouse returned to you in time for Christmas.

I'm shocked to find that December has begun...delighted to be getting into the Christmas mode, but wondering where to find time for all I want to do. xo

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for giving us a chance to admire your pretty new quilt, Helen. I have been using a quilt my mom made on the foot of my bed at night, and it is a cozy and loved treasure as your new quilt will be, I imagine. It is fun to see your wonderful reflection photos and Miss Merry Mouse, too :) I got to knit on a baby blanket for several hours this morning...such a joy! Happy December! xx

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh Helen , how I love your star quilt! I have tried so many ways to make that star but no matter how hard I try I always loos the tips. Your are amazing! Beautiful!!

Pat's Patch said...

Another very beautiful quilt . .love the star design and pretty fabric. Lovely to see merry mouse again. Flowers are gorgeous. Great to see Manchester looking sunny. Xxx

Simone said...

The quilt is stunning Helen! A real heirloom piece. x

Zwergenwelt said...

Oh Helen,
how wonderful is this quilt, i love red an blue and it is soo beautiful!
what a great work, so much work, but so pretty. Georgeous !
Have a wonderful time, dear Helen, best wishes, cornelia

PamKittyMorning said...

Oh my gosh, so cute! I get a little weepy seeing how lovely your projects are and that you incorporate so many Pam Kitty fabrics!

Lee said...

I know I'v said it before but I LOVE YOUR BLOG,just wish I was half as talented.Stunning pics as always.xx

Thimbleanna said...

Ohmygosh -- I love this quilt. STARS!!! And BLUE and RED -- on of my favorite color combinations. Beautiful, just BEAUTIFUL!!!

http://www.paperwriting.xyz/ said...

This quilt is so cool! I like quilts with such pattern. They always look very great not depending on the fabrics pattern or colors. This one is just perfect at all points!