Tuesday 12 May 2020

Red, White and Blue

 Hello dear readers.....here are some pictures from our week here in lockdown....we had some celebrations as you can see.....some bunting and some flags were put up in the kitchen to celebrate VE Day.............
 ............although we couldn't have a party this time (we normally have street parties to celebrate these momentous occasions) we celebrated in a quiet way with tea and cake in the garden......
 ..........and flags....i love the decorative effect of flags and was very happy to find this brand new cath kidston flag tea towel amongst my stash as well as my (bought) flag bunting, just in time......
 ...........which leads me on to the newly finished nautical checkerboard quilt......
 .............i loved sewing this quilt and love all the fabrics in it....a big mix of different fabric lines in red, white and blue with white kona cotton solid fabric to show them off......the pattern is very simple but i have written it up anyway and it's in my etsy shop (link in sidebar) in case anyone would like it.....
 ..........i hand quilted this design using diagonal lines in the white squares and crosses in the coloured ones, then straight lines in the border........the binding is a mix of two patterns and i was very pleased with how it turned out...(star backing fabric is by minick and simpson).....
 ...............shown here with little fishes on a greengate plate......(fish pattern also in my etsy shop).....
 .............and here is a pretty susie watson boat mug looking at home on my new quilt.....
 ..................little fishes are re appearing in my décor now.....i love making these in different nautical colour combinations and they are so easy to sew yet effective.....
 ............cute fish with a greengate star cup and little lantern..........and below is one more make that has now appeared in my etsy shop.....the union jack cross stitch pincushion........loved making this in pastel shades but am going to make one in strong red and blue too, maybe this week.....
 ..............so life is continuing in a quietly busy, creative way for me.....reading, sewing, gardening, cooking, designing, making and planning, writing and drawing and creating.....much as usual but with fewer interruptions to my days and weeks......hubby is working in his study or the garden and we stop and have tea and coffee breaks....i chat on the phone to my girls and friends....our shopping is delivered and we go for walks with the dog each day.......lucky to be able to do this and always thinking of those who are working at the front line to save lives and keep us safe.......i'll leave you with a picture of the cottage garden just about to burst into bloom......i decided to fill this bird bath with pansies this year as it was getting rusty and also bees used to keep falling in it because it was among the flowers......the birds have two other bird baths and a pond so i'm sure they won't mind :).....
...............thank you for visiting me here in my little blog space dear readers.......it's always lovely to hear from you and i hope you are enjoying these strange days as much as possible and keeping safe....sending lots of love to you all........take care....back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

11 comments:

greenrabbitdesigns said...

I love all your VE Day decorations Helen and all your pretty red, white and blue makes! It is a shame that the celebrations weren't what they should have been but it was good to commemorate as best we could!
Your little garden is looking wonderful and I love what you've done with your bird bath .... we've got to look after those little bees.
Enjoy your week lovely,
V x

Jacky H said...

Your decoration look lovely. We had a street party it was nice to see all our neighbours celebrating with us, shame we all had to keep our distance never the less there was a real sense of community.
For us as yourselves we've jumped off the hamster wheel.
Things are a lot calmer we choose what to do.
Life just seem simpler when we are out of these uncertain time I'm going to try and not get back on that wheel.
Have a lovely week Helen.

Linda said...

Helen, thank you for another lovely post. They always brighten my day. :-) Your quilt is beautiful. I love the colors.

Marilyn McLeod @ Pink Paper Cottage said...

The patriotic colors and flags and quilts are so so pretty! I love everything you make and your photo "sets" are just darling. I'm so in love with the fishies.. I bought your pattern and have yet to make them. It reminded me that I have twin great nephews coming soon, and their bedroom theme is "under the sea". I think fishies would be perfect don't you??? I'd better get busy.. am crocheting two baby quilts for them now, but almost done! Your garden looks so pretty and ready to burst at the seams! Marilyn

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh how I love the nautical quilt! I've loved boats and sailing things for a very long time. I think it's great how you decorated for and celebrated VE day, even during this challenging time. Aren't you glad that you have crafting skills to keep you occupied and a garden of your own to grow things in. You and I are lucky in those things. Stay well and be happy. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

butterfly said...

Another wonderful post .
We had a tea party in the front garden everyone in our road came out at distance but it was just wonderful , One man sang two songs for us .
Love all your work , do you hand stitch any of your quilts or Machine .
Love the colors you always use .
Have a wonderful week , hugs.

Little Quiltsong said...

Love your little fish and your cute checkerboard quilt. Enjoy your walks - our trails might open soon, which will make walking so much nicer. Your union jack cross-stitch pincushion is super cute, Helen!

Rhona said...

Your nautical checkerboard quilt is gorgeous Helen, and the mug matches it perfectly!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

The nautical theme is perfect for a summer quilt.
Reading your lovely post, out of the blue I hear my thoughts pondering, maybe it is time to consider looking towards marriage again. Now I'm laughing, thinking there should be a vaccine for thoughts like that.
There is so much beauty and comfort reading blogs, it is amazing how many directions inspiration can take.

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

How did I miss that lovely quilt? Actually, I missed the whole post!
That quilt is precious and I have been wanting more red white and blue items for the patriotic holidays. I wouldn't mind cross stitching that Union Jack either. I love the binging and the star backing. Your little fish are TOO cute!!! You constantly amaze me with your talent and your creativity. We're so lucky to have people like you in the world. My spirit is always so joy-filled after visiting your blog.

Edwina said...

Only just discovered your blog and so glad I did... inspirational crafts and a pretty, romantic garden. What's not to like?

Edwina blogging on simplyambling.blogspot.com