Helen Philipps: Colour Me Happy

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Colour Me Happy

Come rain or shine it's been a colourful week here at my house as you can see....I found the cheapie little brightly coloured plastic baskets in the local hardware store, always worth a look around as they often have things I didn't know I wanted till I saw them...and the wool stash is growing daily ready for the start of...

....my very own granny blanket....I can't believe that I can (hopefully) actually make one myself now after admiring them on so many blogs for so long and wishing I could crochet too...I'm looking forward to beginning this project and taking as long as it needs, enjoying the new making experience....

I spent quite a while just admiring the wool I have so far accumulated, some from the baskets and drawers where my left over knitting wool is stashed, and some freshly purchased...new and beautiful and so far untouched...and then I spent a while playing with the colour combinations and just marvelling at the joy that colour can bring to the creative soul....

This picture shows my sewing box, featured in this month's Sew Magazine which is in the shops right now, packed with ideas and projects ... .and I finished the little applique flower pot I showed you on the previous post by adding butterflies and a little more stitching....I liked it with the red hoop surrounding it so decided to applique it like a badge onto this little red flowery bag....

...a little blanket stitch round the edge, sitting in the sunny sewing room...we still seem to be having more sunshine than anywhere else in the country and I'm not complaining...and I expect we'll pay for it soon...

...a little closer...I love butterflies at the moment and find I am adding them to all sorts of projects...

a last shot of colour and yarn-y loveliness before I pop off and do some work...or maybe just play with some wool...or maybe even start my granny blanket?? Thank you so much for dropping in to visit me and my little blog world, and for your sweet comments ...I hope you have enjoyed the colours today especially if it's grey or rainy where you are...wishing you a happy (nearly) weekend and sending blue skies and sunshine your way. Back soon. xxxxx

42 comments:

Mandy said...: Your posts are like a breath of fresh air - so pleasant and refreshing. Good for the soul!
Good luck with the blanket!; 23 June 2011 at 15:18
debbie @ happy little cottage said...: Enjoy working on your granny squares! The colors are luscious!; 23 June 2011 at 15:24
millefeuilles said...: Oh Helen, your baskets of colours are so joyful! I am having my second crochet class early July and I too am aiming dreamily for my first granny square blanket. Perhaps we will be able to check up on each other's progress. Are you aiming to use DK weight yarn for this project?; 23 June 2011 at 15:32
...Nina Nixon... said...: So pretty - I really do love coming over here for an injection of colour.

I love the baskets by the way - I'm like that with the pound shop.

Nina xxxx; 23 June 2011 at 15:36
Jenny said...: Oh I do love a trip around a hardware store... haha, my mum thinks I am crazy but they do quite often have some good bits and bobs!

Love your wool colours too - so sunny - can't wait to see your blanket start to take shape, it will be gorgeous! Mines going slowly at the mo, just not enough time :(

Also adore your sewing box, is so lovely with the little cotton reels and buttons, well done to be published in Sew too! I think I may try and do a cross stitch project sometime (along with my endless lists of other new projects to start/finish!) you've inspired me!

Have a lovely weekend, enjoy that sun while you can! xxx; 23 June 2011 at 15:50
Jane said...: Hi Helen, it is a rare day at home for me so I am have enjoyed catching up on my blogs. I have crochet on my "to do" list, one day I will get there but for the moment I will just admire yours. Good luck with the granny blanket. It's been a lovely sunny day here and I have finally got all the holiday washing out of the way in time for the weekend. It looks like it will be a scorcher..enjoy!
Jane x; 23 June 2011 at 15:56
Hazel said...: Look forward to seeing your blanket progress. x; 23 June 2011 at 15:58
SARITHA@RAINBOWBUNTING said...: Lovely applique work!!And those baskets are so very pretty!!Good find.; 23 June 2011 at 16:05
Deborah said...: The wool is so gorgeous and looks great in the baskets! I love your sewing box, so pretty :)

Bee happy x
Have a delicious day!; 23 June 2011 at 16:07
greenrabbitdesigns said...: Ooooh such lovely yarny gorgeousness!!!
I love your new stash baskets, they make the yarn look even prettier, if that's possible! I can't wait to see your blanket.
Love what you did with the little embroidery and the sewing box is beautiful.
Have a wonderful weekend. :)
Vivienne x; 23 June 2011 at 16:11
greenrabbitdesigns said...: Ooooh such lovely yarny gorgeousness!!!
I love your new stash baskets, they make the yarn look even prettier, if that's possible! I can't wait to see your blanket.
Love what you did with the little embroidery and the sewing box is beautiful.
Have a wonderful weekend. :)
Vivienne x; 23 June 2011 at 16:11
♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...: How lovely Helen...your very own granny blanket...I will watch on with crochet envy!...although I did take the 'Happy Hooker' out in the car with me today for a read...so things are progressing here!
Love your sewing box and the little flower applique is so pretty...I need more hours in the day for all this inspiration!....
Susan x; 23 June 2011 at 16:24
Pink Milk said...: What gorgeous colours! Love your sewing box and that pretty applique Helen.

I'm always looking for ideas to store yarn as my stash grows and grows. To think I wouldn't have looked twice at yarn just over a year ago!!!

Happy hooking!

Hx; 23 June 2011 at 16:27
Thedarkerside73 said...: Oh I do enjoy all that colour!

So so pretty. Love the little bag with the gorgeous applique.

A real feast for the eyes!

MBB x; 23 June 2011 at 16:44
sew said...: Crochet Fever seems to be rife at the moment and is certainly very infectious! I caught it last weekend(after many years of avoidance) and have a very bad dose of it - main symptoms include addiction! Good luck!
Sue.; 23 June 2011 at 17:02
Dawn said...: Lovely colours - like sugared almonds. Look forward to seeing your blanket grow!; 23 June 2011 at 17:05
Crafts @ Home said...: I love the sewing box, I must go and purchase that magazine :) I have a love of butterflies as well, particularly at this time of year....
Sue Xxx; 23 June 2011 at 17:23
Madelief said...: Hi Helen,

You chose such beautiful colours for your granny square blanket. If have started on a blanket a little while ago and I have to warn you, it's very addictive :-)!

Your needlework looks lovely and so does your sewing box!

Happy evening!

Madelief; 23 June 2011 at 17:36
Happy in red said...: Ooooh, yarn makes me happy!
Esther.; 23 June 2011 at 18:02
KC'sCourt! said...: Beautiful! just Beautiful!
Julie xxxxxx; 23 June 2011 at 18:23
Teresa Kasner said...: Dear Helen.. oh yes, the baskets are a great idea for keeping your yarn colors sorted! I can't wait to see what you come up with on your granny, as I can bet it will be special as you have SUCH a great eye for color!!
((hugs)), Teresa :-); 23 June 2011 at 18:51
Ali said...: Oh another fab and cheery post - I love your wools and your latest makes how fab is the sewing tin oh no not another magazine to buy - lol xx; 23 June 2011 at 19:56
mynestofyarnandbuttons said...: Helen, such bright, colorful shades of yarn! Love ALL the colors can't way to see your color combinations! Love the round badge on the bag, so sweet and cheery. Do hope you have a great sunny and creative weekend!
xoRobin❤; 23 June 2011 at 23:16
Mia said...: You colored me happy for sure, Helen! Thank you for sharing and happiest crocheting in Midsummer weekend!

Yours,
Mia; 24 June 2011 at 07:14
Naturally Carol said...: Your baskets are certainly overflowing with colour there...you will use it fast though making a blanket..I started last winter with a huge basketful and had used very nearly all of it on a blanket and cushion to match by the end of winter!; 24 June 2011 at 07:26
moonstruckcreations said...: I love hardward shops - I used to go with my mum to a super one near where I used to live. It always smelled of polish - happy days!

These colours are so cheerful, really love them!

Sue from crafts@home saw your applique post earlier this week, which then inspired her to set our 2 daughters the task of having a go. They are absolutely loving it, with some good progress made already! Will post the final result.

so thank you for inspiring the next generation of crafters!

Helenxx; 24 June 2011 at 08:30
Unknown said...: Oh I love all the colors....big smiles on this side of the computer!!! Love your sewing box and I am so in love with your sweet appliques!!!
Have a great weekend!
Chris :o); 24 June 2011 at 09:07
Anonymous said...: Oooh I feel all pepped up after seeing all that lovely colour! I think Granny Squares are an adult version of the fun we had as children just colouring in with a huge tin of pencils. You can choose loads of colour combo's and just crochet. I must say though, that I never expected to have finished mine and to be utterly put off sewing all the squares together because it is so boring! Have a lovely weekend.; 24 June 2011 at 09:23
Julia said...: Hello Helen!

What a gorgeous shot of colour your post is!! Lovely wool and lovely tubs to match, I bet you can't wait to begin your blanket, I've been thinking about starting a new one myself but still deciding what wool to use (will have to be a cheapy one this time, a nice soft acrylic as blankets can work out ridiculously expensive when using the luxury yarns).
Love your sewing box too, it's a really nice design and I liked how you embellished it with real buttons!

Lovely post again, always a pleasure to visit your little corner of blogworld!

Love Julia x; 24 June 2011 at 09:53
Mary Poppins said...: Oh My!!!! I ADORE this post with it's pretty colours, thank you so much for sharing, I feel like having a little skip and a dance around the house, and feel an outing to my local hardwear store too ;0)

Have a lovely weekend Helen.

Love, M xx; 24 June 2011 at 10:28
sylviesgarden said...: Gorgeous colours! Can't wait to see what you make.
x; 24 June 2011 at 11:06
Unknown said...: What a gorgeous collection you have! I must sort out my wool. Organize it a little better than it currently is!

Im glad I found your blog ^_^

Claire

http://www.hearthandmade.co.uk; 24 June 2011 at 19:48
Poppy said...: How exciting. I can't wait to see more pictures! That post was just what I needed on a dark miserable looking morning.

Have a lovely weekend....

Lou xxx; 25 June 2011 at 08:56
Stocki said...: Oh my goodness that blanket is going to be beautiful...what a lovely choice of colours! Be sure to post the first granny as soon as it is done :)x; 25 June 2011 at 15:07
Teje Karjalainen said...: Dear Helen, thank you for a lovely colourful post! All the yarn look so sweet - I wish had all that waiting to crochet! You'll enjoy making the blanket and you will see that it's finished sooner than you expect. When you start with grannies you can't stop!
I love to see your beautiful sewing and gross stitched items!
xxx Teje; 25 June 2011 at 18:16
Pomona said...: I love the flowerpot and butterfly - looks so good on the bag, too. The sight of all that wool is fantastic - so full of potential!

Pomona x; 25 June 2011 at 18:19
Patty Marker said...: I could just stare at those gorgeous yarns forever. I think why I don't get much done in my craft room...to much time staring and not enough time doing! Beautiful pictures, love the little applique.; 25 June 2011 at 19:34
Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...: It's like a rainbow sherbert of colors. Beautiful! Good luck with the blanket. I seem to have such a hard time with the granny square. It is the increasing that throws me off. I tried a dishcloth in the rounds the other night and it took me an hour before I could figure it out and then keep up with where I was with each round. It didn't quite come out as a square but at least I finished it. I'm gonna practice the granny square until I get it right! Have a fabulous day. Tammy; 26 June 2011 at 06:55
Gill Smith said...: Hi Helen Have just found your blog and its wonderful!!
Have been stitching your cross stitch patterns for years, and I'm looking up at your ELIZABETHAN SAMPLER as I speak to you.What a lovely breath of fresh air you are.; 26 June 2011 at 10:09
Rubyred said...: I can always find a gorgeous pop of colour in your happy blog! Thank you for your congratulations on my daughter's news!You will definitely master crochet Helen, I only learned to do it at Christmas, but I warn you it's very addictive!
Good luck with your granny blanket! I know it will be gorgeous!
Rachel x; 27 June 2011 at 11:57
sweetmyrtle said...: how wonderfully cheery and yes 'Happy' too. wishing you a wonderful week Helen,
ginny xx; 27 June 2011 at 15:47
flowers on my table said...: Loving the colours Helen, so cheerful. Can't wait to see your squares. I love your sewing box, will look out for 'Sew' magazine. The badge on the little red bag is really lovely too. Thankyou for letting us have a peek, love Linda x; 27 June 2011 at 23:57