Wednesday 1 May 2013

Tulip Patch

 As you can probably tell by the title of today's post we are having a flowery theme this time.......
 .......... and mainly a tulip theme, as after the long cold winter and long cold spring at last the tulip cutting patch i planted last autumn is flowering...............I am soooo excited about this, you would think I had never planted a bulb before in my life ;)................
 ................i have allowed myself to cut a few of the gorgeous flowers now, as that is why i planted the tulip patch..........here are a few shots of them in the sunny potting shed, in  a big glass jar before i took them into the house..............
.............i planted a few rows of each kind (about eight different sorts)........i carefully wrote the name of each on a white seed marker and stuck it in the soil at the end of the row so i would know which was which when they flowered.......somehow all the markers have now disappeared........i've no idea where or how....strong gales? grandbabies taking them to play with?....who knows.......but i don't really need to be scientific about it..............i just love tulips and i love all these :)...............

 ..............and it must have been the influence of my tulip mania this last week or two that led me to pull out lots of sweet little prints from my stash and begin chopping rectangles of pinks, white and grey prints and sewing them together in long strips to begin a new quilt................
 .....with red dotty tulips appliqued onto it..........there are birds and hearts as well.......a real folk art style quilt which i am so enjoying sewing.............i'm  still loving crocheting the ripple blanket  too, and doing some sweet autumn designs for magazine projects.....in fact i'm loving them all and know i'm so lucky to have my job :)......
 ...........making big rectangles has used up a lot of my stash too.......always a good thing to do....
 .............here is my project for this month's crafts beautiful issue...............a sweet vintage rose cushion and little paper crafted tag to match............the cushion has a cross stitch rose on one of the patches........
 ................this is the project in the magazine.........I love how they styled it............you can download lots of charts and projects from the crafts beautiful website here..................
 ..............a week or two ago a beautiful package arrived here, decorated with sweet pink florals and silky pink ribbons...........it was a complete surprise and I was so delighted when I opened it to find....
...............these two sweeties, beautifully hand made by the lovely paula and sent all the way from across the pond specially for me....look at the sweet embroidery and the adorable little shoes ......many of you already know paula and her pretty blog sugar sweet and pink.......and if you do you will know just how kind she is ............i have already been in touch but just wanted to say thank you again, dear paula, they are sitting in my sewing room right now and i love them :).................
.............there is so much pleasure to be had from hand making and crafting and more and more people are discovering that which i think is a wonderful thing............i am off to do some hand quilting on the tulip patch quilt right now and hope to show you the finished project very soon....thank you for dropping into my little bit of blog land today..........it's always a delight to see you and to hear from you too :) ......wishing you a wonderful week with sunshine and flowers and lots of happy times.......back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

56 comments:

thriftwood said...

I've just seen Paula mentioned on Sew Sweet Violet's blog too, she has been busy! Love the little doll and rabbit and your home looks so pretty, Helen ...

Enjoy your evening

Love Claire xx

thriftwood said...

Sorry, forgot to say I love tulips too, and yours are just gorgeous xxx

Cindy said...

What a good idea to have a tulip cutting patch. They are so beautiful. And so is your quilt:)

KC'sCourt! said...

Love that quilt. I love tulips, I must get some bulbs and plant some in the autumn now my garden is sorted!
Julie xxxxxxx

Ladybird Diaries said...

I love all your gorgeous beautiful tulips! The quilt is lovely too.
M x

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

Hi Helen!! Your tulips are lovely!! Oh how I wish they would bloom all summer! Can't wait to see your finished quilt...so pretty!! xoxo

Anonymous said...

Helen, I'm always hapy to see that there is a post from you in my reader! You have always lots of beautiful photos and something sweet to show! I love your tulipa quilt and tulips are my favourites! Sunny wishes! x Teje

Unknown said...

Tulips are my favourite flower, had them in my wedding bouquet, and my heart sings when they bloom each spring! Beautiful garden, Helen, and how clever of you to make an 'eternal spring' quilt! Can't wait to see the finished product... Chrissie x

greenrabbitdesigns said...

I really, really love your little appliqués tulips Helen, so pretty. Love the real tulips too, you have so many varieties. :)
What a lovely package to open and it's always good when there is a rabbit! ;)
Enjoy the rest of the week,
V xxx

jan said...

Hi Helen,
Ok now you have definitely made the decision for me! I am telling that farmer husband of mine to save room between his corn patch and his hay fields - I am going to have a tulip cutting patch!! In the meantime I will be drooling over your lovely red polka dotted tulips! How fun!!
Jan

forgetmenotsblue said...

Wonderful tulips and beautiful quilt :)

Anonymous said...

a lovely tulipy post. I love the quilt and hearts and tulips photographed, the real tulips are wonderful too. Patx

Annie Cholewa said...

A pink post! Those tulips are perfect Helen, and such gloriously subtle colours :)

mags said...

Loving the tulips, the flowers and the quilt, one of my favourites of yours I think. It such a happy spring quilt.

moonstruckcreations said...

Beautiful! I'm just about to try my hand at patchwork, supported and encouraged by my best friend Sue from @home. Wish me luck!!

The tulip patch is a great idea!

Helenxx

Shabby Vintage Chic said...

oh wow, I want a tulip patch now, what a beautiful mix of colours.

Naturally Carol said...

Hi Helen, winter has set in here it seems as it is a cold, foggy morning but all of your pretty pink tulippy goodness has boosted me cheerfully into the morning. Have a happy day where you are too! hugs xox

primrosesattic said...

Helen I love your tulips they are so colourful. My daughter and I grow loads of flowers from seed last year and the garden looked wonderful and we had plenty for the house as well. But I have not had the time this year....
Rosezeeta.

Paula said...

Hello sweet Helen! I love your flowery theme. Your quilt is gorgeous and so are the tulips! I am so happy your tulip patch is flowering! It is very pretty! What a joy flowers bring! I love them in the glass jar and glad you brought some indoors to enjoy. Your fabrics are lovely and the rose cushion is beautiful and cheerful! Your lovely photos and creations always make me smile! They did a fabulous job styling it for the magazine. I am so happy for you! I am thrilled you like the sweeties I made. You are so very welcome! Thank you for your kind words! I can see they are very happy in your sewing room! The lovely Miss Hyacinth you made is very happy in my sewing room!

I agree, it is a wonderful thing to make things by hand! Enjoy your quilting and tulips sweetie! Wishing you the same things for your week! Much love, Paula xo

20 North Ora said...

Love your new quilt you are working on. But then, I love everything you do. Your projects are so cheerful!

Your tulips are gorgeous. Enjoy!

Judy

Jane said...

How wonderful to have a cutting patch for tulips Helen, next to my beloved daffs they are my fave spring flowers. Your tulips on your patchwork are really super too. Happy Tulip day...I mean 1st of May ;0) The spring is so welcome isn't it.
Jane x

Teresa Kasner said...

Helen, you have a colorful and lovely life.. I love all your projects! My last post has a huge bouquet of lilacs in 3 shades, did you see it? We're having lovely weather here! Yay! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

vintage grey said...

Hi Helen,
Your tulips are beautiful and I just love your quilt and patchwork pillow! So pretty! Miss Paula is the sweetest!! Happiness is Handmade! Wishing you a lovely, spring week! xo Heather

Gracie Saylor said...

So encouraging to see your latest makes and your lovely tulips as well, Helen! I have gotten as far as trying to enlarge the pattern for making your little bunnies...am having a techie challenge, but will persevere :-) Blessings to you and yours!
xx,
Gracie

Unknown said...

Hi There, Such a lovely flowery and beautiful quilt post!!!You are such a great inspiration that every time I read one of your posts, I want to rush off to my craft room and make a quilt or something!!!But first I have to finish what I am busy with!!! Darn it!!!When will it ever get done!!!
Love
AMarie

DianeM said...

Thank you so much for another lovely post...I always feel like going right to my sewing machine after I read your blog - such pretty inspiration :)
Smiles, DianeM

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

Paula has been busy! Love your tulips inspired makes today Helen! I had the same mystery with the plant markers then I saw a bird flicking them around the garden!! :) x

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

I love tulips and yours are so beautiful!! Thank you for showing your sweet tulip quilt! The gifts from Paula are adorable!!

Crafted by Carly said...

I LOVE tulips! There are lots around here at the moment - in 'pick-your-own' fields.
I love the tulip quilt - and Paula's sweet gift! :-)
Carly
x

homemade@myplace said...

love your tulips !!!!
xxxx Ale

Frances said...

Helen, you've got beautiful gardens growing outdoors with those bright tulips and indoors with your patch working, appliquéing, embroidery and delicious designing!

I've also taken a look at your link to the Crafts Beautiful site and see many crafting temptations. Better not linger there too long right now...must return to my won knitting.

As always, thank for all the inspiration. xo

sew said...

Love your tulips, Helen - both the appliqued ones and those standing to attention in your garden.

Unknown said...

No wonder your smiling your tulip's are beautiful there is so much satisfaction indeed from growing and making your own things. I have just made a patch of mixed fruit jam today as I had used my last and my boys said my cakes didn't taste the same without it ;-) Your quilt is looking gorgeous to,and what a sweet gift to receive. enjoy your week, dee xx

claire said...

Helen, I totally share your excitement about tulips!

Vintage Tea Time said...

Yes, I love tulips too - must plant more for next year, so I can justifiably cut some! They're a good flower though, as they look fine right from the bud stage to the collapsing stage! Lovely quilt. X

sweetpea family said...

another beautiful post -I love your tulips. I have had such fun with your new book and just finished one of your little bunnies - I made it smaller by not enlarging the templates and it is so sweet as a first attempt.
Sue x

... said...

I love tulips. My favourite flower. Your quilt is just divine!!

Anonymous said...

Hello Helen ! What lovely spring flowers you have blooming. With your pretty patchwork you will have spring all year in your home.
What beautiful gifties arrived from your sweet friend Paula. Sweet friends are such a blessing.

trish said...

Your blog is the loveliest of places to visit. :o) There is always something so pretty posted here. Trish xo

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Good evening Helen...Such a lovely tulip inspired post! I love your tulip quilt and your home grown tulips are such pretty colours too. My goodness, how exciting to receive the beautiful parcel from dear Paula and how lovely to have such wonderful company in your sewing room now...it must have been such a happy surprise!
Gorgeously pretty colours in your patchwork cushion too!
Wishing you a lovely weekend ahead with lots of sunshine,
Susan x

Unknown said...

Helen this is yet fabulous post. I just adore your prints, so sunny and spring like. You put a spring in my step Helen, thank you as always.
Dorothy
:) xx

My Little Home and Garden said...

How fabulous to have tulips incorporated into a quilt, Helen! Those in my garden have yet to bloom, but the anticipation is half the fun.
-Karen

The Faerie Factory said...

What glorious tulips the colours of a bag of sherberts ... Sarah x

serendipity said...

Beautiful quilt and lovely tulips. I find the blackbirds seem to love pulling out the white markers for some reason! xx

Madelief said...

Hi Helen,

I probably said it before, but it's always a delight popping over to your blog! Your quilt, your beautiful article in the magazine. It all looks enchanting! Your tulips look really pretty too. I planted some in my garden as well, but more than half of them don't have any flowers. Such a shame.

Wishing you a lovely Sunday!

Madelief x

patchworkandlace said...

Hi Helen love tulips and patchwork , lovely makes xx

Lori ann said...

oh where to begin? as always helen there is so much to discuss and admire here! such beautiful tulips, the colors are stunning. we have many here as there are many dutch commercial growers in our town.
your magazine article looks amazing (will follow the link shortly). and i love too the handcrafting movement, thanks in part to you sharing such lovely patterns and ideas. such a pretty pretty post!

Erna said...

Lovely post in lovely colours...thanks for sharing and for the inspiration..
Hugs
Erna x

purple-roses-country-cottage said...

Dear Helen,
what a wonderful post. I love Tulips and I am looking forward to see your finished tulip patch quilt. Wish you a wonderful week with a lot of sun. Nicolexxx

Mia said...

Beautiful tulips both outside and yours, Helen! You always seem to find the prettiest color combinations in your designs, and inspiration from natures beauty. Your handmades are just delightful, and and no wonder you love your job!

Wishing you a wonderful May!

Yours,
Mia

koralee said...

Happy day to you my friend..such joy you bring to us all with your sweet tulips and your quilt...your talent never ceases to amaze me!!! Congratulations on such a lovely magazine piece..I love how you style your images...you have such an eye for pattern and colour. Hugs to you

Unknown said...

Dear Helen, Ditto what Mia said.......I loved the story about the missing garden markers.
Spring flowers come with Spring winds(maybe they blew away).

Sending sunshine from across the pond,
Anne D.T.
PlumCreek22 Studio

harmony and rosie said...

Your magazine piece looks beautiful, it's been done perfectly I think. Your tulips look lovely .. we went to see some tulip fields in Washington the other weekend, that was quite something!
Have a great week Helen x

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

Your tulip quilt is beautiful and that is exactly what I thought of when I saw your tulip applique...a folk art design. It works great with your rectangular block.
And sweet Paula is right! Those little dolls are so you! She did a beautiful job on them. So many talented people out there! Applause to both of you. I love your tulip patch (as in garden) and your patchwork one too! LOL!
The little cushion with the cross stitch is so sweet. My inspiration meter is about ready to go sky high! Thanks for sharing all your talent with us.
I'm off to search for your fabric recommendations like Pam Kitty and Lucien....shopping! TTYL!

Hannapat said...

Hi Helen what a beautiful blog!! I absolutely love your tulip quilt, it is going to be gorgeous. I have just bought my first quilting book and intend to embark on this journey soon. Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog, I really appreciate your time in reading that post. Warm wishes Hannapat xo

Anonymous said...

Helen, I ordered your patchwork book and it arrived in the mail yesterday. I just hugged it for the longest time, I'm so in love with it. I want to make so many of the projects, can't wait to get started! Thanks so much for putting this together and all the beauty!!! Mary