Wednesday 19 June 2013

Ripples and Roses

 All the roses are opening here....each day brings new blooms to enjoy and new scents to breathe in........the bees and butterflies love them too................
.............i finished the ripple blanket when we were away in the cotswolds.......i rather liked the way the top and bottom edges were wavy instead of straight, so i finished it off with a bobble trim......
 .............i bought  big roll of pink bobble trim on ebay a while ago and i knew it would be useful......i sewed it on with yarn to match the last ripple stripe............i like this idea and will probably use it again :)..........the ripple blanket is pretty and colourful to use out in the garden and for summer picnics..............

 ..............i have picked some roses this week to have in the house for the first time this summer.....
 ...............and made another jar label using the rose rubber stamp from the secret garden set.....i made a label for my daughter rosie's present with this stamp too :)
 ..........as soon as i'd finished the ripple blanket i wanted to begin something else.......just as i don't like being 'between books' and always have to start another, now i don't like being 'between crochet projects' either................so i made some granny squares for an in between project...............
 ..............i took lots of yarn away with me and also a tin of sewing things and patchwork..........
                                  .................i joined the granny squares to make this...............
 ............a little blanket for the doll's bed............the small bed from ikea which featured in my *simple sewn gifts* book has been played with so much since my little grandchildren were born........i think daisy plays with it every time she visits our house............when she saw the new little blanket spread out on the bed she fetched a bunny and a doll to tuck underneath it..................
............last weekend we went to manchester to meet up with rosie and her boyfriend and had a lovely wander around the *northern quarter* with its quirky shops and cafes..........we went to the *manchester craft and design centre* and to quite a few art and craft shops too............i bought lots of materials, including this twine.............
                                      ..........and these buttons............(from fred aldous)............
............before i go today i must mention that this month's cross stitcher magazine is featuring my little coastal inspired sampler, and they are also offering a materials pack for it......see more at the making spot here..............
 ..........lovely to be at the beginning of summer again, with the seaside to look forward to...............
                                               ...........and all the flowers to enjoy.............
......i am very busy at the moment though working on autumn and christmas design commissions in my studio :)..........but i'm also making a very summery looking applique quilt, and have begun a summery crochet project too............and i am mad on strawberries again :).......the sun is out and the sky is blue, with just a few tiny fluffy clouds..........thank you for visiting me here and for your sweet comments..............wishing you a happy crafty week......back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

53 comments:

KC'sCourt! said...

Beautiful just beautiful.
My Granddaughter has a little dolly's bed like that one at my house. I picked it up at a boot fair last year.
Julie xxxxxx

Jenn M said...

Very pretty Helen; I love the colours of everything. visiting you blog always makes me want to visit a yarn or fabric store and buy something new!

Jenn

Anonymous said...

Oh, the colors are simply beautiful! Love the pom pom trim there, it adds so much personality. Your roses are beautiful, so is the container. You are such an inspiration to me, deciding now what I'll make next from your book.

Mary

20 North Ora said...

LOVE the ball fringe trim on your crocheted piece! How darling! We have that little bed also and all of the kids have played and played with it. I don't think it'll ever wear out.

Love all of your bright and cheery things. Roses are beautiful.

Judy

Christine B. said...

Both the little doll blanket and the ripple blanket are beautiful and I love your wonderful flower arrangements. I'm currently waiting for peonies to bloom so that I can bring some into the house... won't be long!

greenrabbitdesigns said...

What pretty roses Helen. :)
I love your crochet blanket and a brilliant idea to use the bobble term, it looks great!
I not surprised your little bed is well-played with, I would love to play with it myself!
V xxx

scrappyjacky said...

I love the cross stitch sampler....perfect for me as I live by the sea....noted it as soon as I opened Cross Stitcher!!
All our roses are coming into bloom now....they do make me happy.

Ladybird Diaries said...

Just adore your ripple blanket, the bobble trim finishes it off so nicely and looks so pretty.
M x

Unknown said...

Helen just adorable as always, you put me to shame with your energy and creativity. I just love your work, it is so colourful and uplifting, the blanket is gorgeous. I am still struggling along with my granny squares but hoping to do a bag over the summer, hopefully..........You are an inspiration Helen, thank you
Lots of love
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

serendipity said...

What beautiful crochet. The bobble trim is perfect and the little blanket is so pretty. All lovely candy colours. xx

Kay said...

Love the pom pom trim on the blanket, such an easy but effective idea.

Madelief said...

Your ripple blanket looks lovely Helen! I still want to crochet one as well, but I don't seem to find the time.

Your doll's blanket made me smile. I don't have any granddaughters yet, but when I do a blanket like yours will be one of the first things I make :-)

Enjoy the sun!

Madelief x

busybusybeejay said...

I love the pom pom trim to the blanket.What a great idea.Fancy Fred Aldous still going.What a lovely post,so full of colours and creativity.

Jane said...

Hi Helen, I am home from my hols. How wonderful your ripple blanket turned out, the bobble edge is perfect. I have twine envy for those fab colours you found ;0) It has been so hot today here and the flowers are all growning so well.Your roses look so pretty in their pot. Jane x

ColourMeCrochet said...

I love your ripple blanket,the pom pom trim seems just right for such a pretty blanket.
Sally x

thriftwood said...

Oh Helen, the bobble trim looks perfect on the ripple blanket ... You've inspired me!

The dolly blanket and bed is just adorable!

Love Claire xx

Teresa Kasner said...

Hello dear Helen, how clever of you to add a bobble fringe on your gorgeous neat ripple blankie! I love your blog as it just shines with eye pleasing colors, you sure have a color blending talent! Now I want to do something in pink and green! I'm enjoying roses here, but my bushes don't come near to being as full as yours. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Vintage Tea Time said...

Gorgeous ripple blanket - love the trim! - and love the dolly blanket! 'Christmas commissions' - aaargh! - poor you, having to think of holly and robins! X

claire said...

Lovely to see a slice of Helens world - always cheers me up :) i taught myself to ripple last week and spent ages beginning but used a variety of different wools and so hammed it up because of all the variety of tensions.Do you stick to just one type?

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

I love your ripple, I'm not sure I will ever get to the ripple stage! Cute little cot blanket too! :) x

gilly said...

Ooh, I love that bobble trim! I'm just finishing the border on a ripple blankie, but now that I've seen yours, I want a bobble trim too... it's just gorgeous :-)
Beautiful roses too.
Enjoy the rest of the week,
xx

forgetmenotsblue said...

Hi Helen.
Stunning work as always. I love the ripple blanket, the pom pom trim is so cute and ties in perfectly x

Unknown said...

You never cease to amaze, Helen! The bobble trim is downright genius! And the granny squares...the roses...I could go on and on...thank you! Cx

Chrysalis said...

Ooh, everything here is just scrummy, Helen. Enjoy!! x

homemade@myplace said...

love everything here, as usual!!!!!
xxxxx Ale

Gracie Saylor said...

So enjoyed seeing your projects, Helen! Your beautiful ripple remained me of beach huts, happily, and I am wishing I could sew your seaside sampler! At the moment I am knitting another dishcloth and untangling a dreadful tange. F
In a crochet project.
Xx,
Gracie

Unknown said...

Hi Helen,Love the bauble finish on your ripple blanket!!!I have tried my hand for the first at ripple and it's not going to well but I am determined to get it right!!!First an order to finish and then I'll give it a go again!!!Love your work!!!Hope you have a bright and happy weekend!!!!
Love
AMarie

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Helen! Sweet and beautiful as always! I love to see your roses and 'rose-coloured' projects! My rosies look really bad this time, there is some pink colour on my sewing table, but can't decide if I should continue paper piecing or to do something 'between'. I wish you lovely summer days! x Teje

Simone said...

I like the use of the bobble trim on the blanket - a nice touch! I wish I could have seen your grandaughter's face when she noticed the crochet blanket on the dolls bed! I would have loved that as a little girl too! x

Denise SA said...

I love to visit your blog it so brightens my day. Thank you for all of the nice photos

cristina said...

A lovely ripple blanket! Beautiful roses! A lovely mini granny squares blanket! As always in your blog!
Kisses!

Hannapat said...

Hello lovely Helen, I simply love your ripple and the colours you chose. I am just starting mine and I am intrigued to know what pattern you used as there are a few and some create a little line vertically down (if you know what I mean?!). Anyway, thanks for all the info on Manchester, I live fairly nearby and have never been to the Manchester craft and design centre, it sounds wonderful, but also the kinda place where I am likely to spend a fortune. Do they have a good selection of fabrics? I love your little dolls blankie you made, its so gorgeous. Your work is so lovely!! xoxo

Rose Garden Romantic said...

Hello Helen! I have just found your gorgeous blog today through Pinterest and I am so very happy about it! I adore your quilts and all your charming creations! The colors and fabrics you use make my heart happy!
Michelle xoxo

DianaGMeyers said...

very cute and colorful happy blanket! The pom poms make me smile. The roses fit along in all the goodness . I really was glad to find your blog, Helen. Thanks for sharing your ideas and work.

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Such a beautiful post as always Helen!...Your crochet blanket is so pretty (It has made me smile too because by coincidence yesterday I took a similar pic of my quilt on a very similar white chair in the garden! ...It was too damp outside to lay it down anywhere so I ended up taking the chair outside from my workroom)
The colours in your crochet are gorgeous and I can just imagine the fun you have when little Daisy visits. I love your nautical sampler (would love one on my wall!) and your pretty jar labels too...
Happy Weekend to you Helen and fingers crossed for some sunshine for those beautiful flowers in your garden...
Susan x
P.S Ashley loves the Northern Quarter too!

Anonymous said...

Hi Helen,Your ripple blanket with pompom trim is so pretty,I ve yet to try ripple,maybe my next project :)
Love that your grandchildren play with the little cot and love the pretty blanket.
Happy sunny weekend,love juliexxx

Rhona said...

As always, another fantastic post! I love your ripple blanket and what a great way to finish it off with those little bobbles...too cute!

Pats patch and post said...

Your ripples and roses are gorgeous. And summery rose and turquoise colours in your dear little cot quilt are lovely. I will look out for your sea side cross stitch sampler. There is so much to wonder at, and admire. Thank you. Pat x

sweetpea family said...

I love your ripple blanket and the edging is perfect I am going to keep that in mind for my next blanket. We are so lucky to have special grandchildren my granddaughter Daisy would love that little bed and granny square blanket .
Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Sue x

paula said...

I love the fringe on your crochet. Very clever and super cute. Doll bed afghan-darling!

Cindy said...

The colors are so pretty in you little afgan as well as the large one. I always get inspired looking at your blog:)

Mia said...

Hello dear Helen,

That ripple blanket is so pretty and summery, and I think that pom-pom-trim finises it off perfectly! I just found same one in green from my stash...hmmm :)

Happy Christmas-creating (!!) and lovely and sunny Midsummer-weekend!

Yours,
Mia

Ali said...

Such fabulous photos as always Wow!! That bobble trim finishes of your ripple blanket perfectly!!!

moonstruckcreations said...

Such lovely summer colours, lets hope that the weather this weekend will be kind!

Helenxx

Lori ann said...

where do you find the time dear helen? i love everything here as always! the ripple is SO pretty and how charming it looks the way you attached the ball fringe. i LOVE the colors of the doll blanket and still want to make granny squares, inspired by you. LOVE the cross stitch summer scene, and all your flowers. so much beauty really. have fun working on your commissions, i'm looking forward to seeing the wonders you'll produce next!
xxxxxx lori

Anne said...

Hello Helen, I am enjoying looking at your lovely work whilst in SW France. The Broom and Oleander are in bloom here and the scenery is spectacular but, looking at your gorgeous roses, makes me nostalgic for our beautiful English gardens. xxxxx

Annie Cholewa said...

The edging on that ripple blanket is inspired! Oh how I wish my crochet skills were up to a similar project.

Is it difficult Helen to be thinking about Christmas when it's summer? I think if it were me I'd prefer to work a whole year in advance!

HollyRidgeCreations said...

Your blog is lovely...I am looking forward to seeing more!!

Judy

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Still loving your granny squares and your ripple blanket is so pretty with the pom pons, such a special touch!!

bluettine said...

So pretty these colours !

Martha said...

Oh my word - those granny squares of yours are gorgeous - I absolutely love the choice of the colours.

heartstitch said...

I am loving the tiny dolls blanket! The colours are amazing! Do you mind sharing which yarn you used please?! Thank you :)

Unknown said...

Helen, I so enjoyed looking at your page. I love your color scemes, so feminin. I love the ripple blanket, and the granny square blanket. Thank you for sharing. :)