Monday 14 November 2016

Bright and Crafty

 As the days are growing shorter and darker all the bright and festive fabrics are being stitched here.............and the crochet colours seem to echo them too...........
 ..................some of you may remember this gorgeous pile of lecien flower sugar holiday fabrics i bought back in july...........as soon as i saw them i knew i needed them right away :)...........
 ................at first i made a small project to get over the 'cutting into the fabrics' moment....i will show you that project soon...........then i had a big half square triangle cutting crush and combined the festive fabrics with white solid kona cotton..............
 ................which i turned into a little cushion with a cheery festive feel...........
 ...............i can't wait to show you what else i've been making with this fabric but will have to wait just a bit longer till it is finished..........
 ................i began this crochet blanket in the spring, using lots of fresh green shades as well as pink, red and aqua..........
 ...............and then i realised it blended with my new fabrics rather well so i am getting it finished now by quickly crocheting a big granny stripe border round it.............
 ..............stars for my new project ;)...........and below is a picture of the craft and design centre in manchester.........we had a lovely day out to the city last weekend...........mister p and i had a nice mooch there soaking up the beginnings of the festive atmosphere............
 .............we had a gift voucher to use from our lovely youngest daughter and son in law for afternoon tea at the radisson blu edwardian hotel, shown below........originally the free trade hall, this building has been renovated but kept the historic façade............(mister p and i went to concerts there when we were students, many moons ago............)
 ..............inside the building the christmas lights were already bright..............
 ..............we were shown to a table in the window..........and treated to a delicious afternoon tea......and the cakes that were left were packaged in a traditional square white card cake box to take home :).....
 .................it is my husband's birthday this month ...a special one......so we are having lots of celebrations for it spread over the whole month...........
 ...........more of my bright and crafty makes.........loving crocheting the border for this blanket and can't wait to do the next colour :).............now is the time to make some festive gifts and tiny treats too and this fabric is inspiring me to craft some more sewing sets, pin cushions and scissor keepers as small stocking fillers.................
.................thank you for dropping by dear readers and for leaving me such lovely comments........wishing you all bright and crafty days as we move on through november........keep cosy and be happy..................back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

30 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh I am melting ... the fabrics are incredible, beautiful - love the pillow cover you made! Love the crochet, perfect colors all around in these projects, I can hardly cope lol. And the amazing place you went for tea - how warm, cozy, delicious, delightful! You always make me wish I was in England again! One visit was not enough! Let me ask you a question about The Crowd - hubby and I watched Series 1, Episode 10 last. PM Eden injected himself and seemed to pass away, of course they left us hanging. But I looked up his bio on Wiki and that's not when or how he died, right? I need to study English history, at least the 20th century, I'm seriously fascinated by it. Think I'll check out a librar book for my education in this area. Again love all your lovely colors and projects, can't wait to see what you're working on next.

Mary

Jacky H said...

Hi Helen what a lovely read with a cup of coffee, on a dark November afternoon.
I love the colours they work so well together. You and your husband must of had a lovely time all those yummy cakes Have a lovely week
Jacky

Jane said...

Thanks for all this lovely colour Helen....I turned on the lights tonight just before 4pm...eek. your afternoon tea looked fabulous. Enjoy all the celebrations for your dear Hbs special birthday. Keep snug xxx

Gracie Saylor said...

Happy Birthday greetings to your husband! Thanks for sharing the cheering colors you are enjoying in your creative work, Helen. I am glad you were able to enjoy a special tea...and already some pretty Christmas lights! xx

Susan said...

So many pretty colors. Your granny square afghan is beautiful, and I love what you are doing with the Lecien line. I am a huge fan of Lecien. Their fabric is so cheerful. I am tempted to make a pillow like yours. :)

Frances said...

Helen, it surely does look like a lot is going on in your studio. I particularly like those festive stars! Thank you also for the Manchester views and the close up of the tea time treats. xo

Ali said...

So pretty as always I love your colour combinations. I wish I could match colours/fabrics as good as you xxx Have a lovely week x

crazydazy said...

What a cheerful colourful post. The afternoon tea looks delicious.

greenrabbitdesigns said...

That fabric is just delicious Helen, your little cushion is beautiful and your blanket is a perfect match!
The afternoon tea sounded wonderful, I hope Mr P has a fabulous time celebrating his birthday.
Have a great week,
V x

Christine B said...

Such beautiful colour in your blog post today Helen! Love all your gorgeous projects! Hope Mr P has a lovely birthday! Christine x

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Happy Birthday Mister Philipps!
Beautiful stars

Mickie said...

Helen,
Oh my, what a beautiful granny square blanket, love the color choices as always. I envy the afternoon tea with all the yummy cakes you shared and what a wonderful trip to Manchester. Looking forward to more creations with that sweet pile of fabrics.
Thank you for sharing.
Mickie, Indiana USA

Lorrie said...

There are so many wonderful things in this post - pretty fabrics, a touch of the holiday spirit, tea and time with someone you love - everything is just lovely!

Teresa Kasner said...

Coming to your blog is like visiting a eye candy store! Your choices of color just sing to me. I wish I could wrap myself up in them.. lol. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your creations are lovely...they always bring a smile to my face. The colors are whimsical and charming! Your day out looks like a lot of fun...Happy Birthday to your husband!

KC'sCourt! said...

Happy birthday to your husband. Love your cushion

Julie xxxxx

Jane said...

Beautiful colours Helen, just what's needed with the gloomy weather outside. Love those fabrics - so sweet. Enjoy the rest of the week. Jane x

cristina said...

Helen, love, love, loooooove the new blanket .... and the stars!
Hope you've a great day and many thanks for sharing!
A big hug from Catalonia!

Annerose said...

Sieht gut au bei dir liebe Helen, immer so frisch und fröhlich und einladend. Eine schöne Zeit wünsche dich Dir und Deiner Familie.
Liebe Grüße Annerose

Rhona said...

What a bright and colourful post on a dreary November morning!

Art and Sand said...

I am in love with those stars.

Pat's Patch said...

I used to go the Free Trade Hall years ago too. Beautiful cheerful post. I just love those stars oxox

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Helen! Your crochet and these fabrics have the sweetest colours! x Teje

Carole Willamson said...

I love that cushion Helen and the subtle festive fabric. Gorgeous

Love fron Carole in Rossendale xxx

Summer said...

Beautiful stars ♥

Blondie's Journal said...

Your colors and the combinations truly set your work apart from the rest, Helen! This afghan is wonderful!

Happy Birthday to your husband. Have many joyous celebrations! The tea in Manchester was a beautiful start!

Jane

Blondie's Journal said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Winkel's Crazy Ideas said...

What a beautiful place to have tea, and so nicely set. I bet you both enjoyed yourselves. I absolutely love the stars you made, the cheerful fabric combinations are so nice. I always feel strangely peckish after reading a post of yours, it must be the lovely colours "sugar'n spice and all things nice" don't you think?!😊 Pam in Norway

My Little Home and Garden said...

On this blustery, grey day, your bright colours shine with cheer! I must pick up my knitting needles and some happy yarn. Enjoy the various birthday celebrations.

Karen

Irene said...

Hi Helen, I always find your Blog so cheerful and inspiring - thank you!