Monday 23 December 2013

Merry Christmas

 We are all ready here for christmas.....tomorrow it will begin properly and i am looking forward to it.....my lists are ticked off.....hope i haven't forgotten anything ;)..............i made this little red bird when i should really have been doing other jobs, but it didn't take long to sew.......
 ..........i bought the little holly heart at our local flower shop and thought a birdie in it would be perfect..........this birdie pattern is the same as the long string of birds i made ealier this year.....i had many enquiries about the pattern and now i am glad to say it is available, in the new (january) issue of crafts beautiful, as part of a cross stitch and fabric birdie project............after i made the string of birds, inspired by an old one i had years ago, i decided to stitch a beaded cross stitch string of birds.......
 .............you can find crafts beautiful online here, and download patterns and charts........
 ...........my daughter sarah brought us some delicious homemade mince pies with starry tops and a white starry dish to put them in :)............i gave her some of my peppermint bark...........i made some little book page wrapped tree presents, embellished with decoupage flowers, rubber stamped tags and red and white baker's twine..............
 ................the festive little deer pillow is on the sofa now, the pattern is in here............
 ...........so is the little deer hanging ornament...........i finished my alpine scarf just in time......
..............i added a picot edge which i think finishes it off nicely........my small blanket made for a present is now done too (quite a task) and wrapped up under the tree, pictures after christmas :).... now i am trying to find a moment or several to begin a new ripple blanket.....but i need to concentrate on that all important first row so this may not be the best time to begin........
 ..........i have been sewing just a little with my beautiful pam kitty picnic fabrics.......beginning a picnic blanket :)..........here are the first two blocks for it..........below is the next one ready to assemble....i am english paper piecing these which means i can be sewing them over christmas.....just a bit of snipping and lots of quiet hand sewing..........perfect............
 .............the good news this week is that the pam kitty picnic fabrics are now available online in the uk from sew and quilt here :D.............the birdie below was the first thing i made with this collection.......i love the happy colours and the mix of patterns like recipe prints, gorgeous florals, dots and spots, stripes and novelty prints which all work so well together...........more soon.......
...............i am looking forward to the family gathering beginning tomorrow, and am about to start some cooking...........outside it is wild, wet and windy, but indoors it is warm and calm and bright.....
.............thank you for visiting me here in my bit of blogland, lovely readers, both now and throughout  the year, and thank you to those of you who leave such sweet comments too .........i send you all my warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.............back soon xxxxooooooxxx

64 comments:

Things and Thoughts said...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Ηelen!I would like to thank you for all your sweet words on my blog, it was such a pleasure for me to visit yours!Hope our friendship will continue in 2014!
A big warm HUG and enjoy!
Olympia

Ladybird Diaries said...

Your home is looking so pretty, cosy and festive. I really like the alpine scarf too...such pretty colours. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Marianne xx

Annerose said...

Auch ich wünsche Dir und Deinen Lieben ein wunderschönes Weihnachtsfest. Sehr süß dein Weihnachtsvogel mit Herzchen.
Liebe Grüße Annerose

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas, dear Helen, thanks for sharing all your beautiful sewing, crocheting, and patterns with us throughout the year. I love each post and enjoy reading about what you are doing. Hope you have a wonderful time with your family over the holidays.

Much love, Mary

sew said...

Dear Helen - your home looks a joy to behold for Christmas.
With all good wishes and many thanks for the inspiration and all that you share with us. ♥

scrappyjacky said...

A very Merry Christmas to you.

Country Rabbit said...

merry christmas loving your festive pics and wonderful makes x

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Merry Christmas Helen!! Your sweet decorations are just so cute and perfect for bringing a wonderful Christmas feeling. Enjoy your family get together!! I am so looking forward to mine with Jennie, her husband and their three little ones!!

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

Happy Christmas Helen!! Your house looks oozy and cheerful! I love your PKM makes, and have a stack arriving in the mail soon for some post holiday sewing :)
xoxo

Cindy said...

Everything looks so bright and pretty! I really like your cross stitched birds. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Jane said...

Hi Dear Helen,you look all ready at yours. Your alpine scarf is just gorgeous. You have so many sweet things around you..enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas with your family. Let's hope the weather improves, it is just wild here at the moment! xx

Unknown said...

Happy Christmas!!!
Lovely creations!
Lots of love,
Danielle

Deborah said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thank-you so much for the joy your blog brings me throughout the year.

justpootling said...

A very Merry Christmas to you and all your family Helen,
Kate x

busybusybeejay said...

Gosh.How lovely.You are one very talented lady.Have a lovely Xmas with your family.

moonstruckcreations said...

So festive and bright!

Have a lovely Christmas Helen, hope you have fun!

Helenxx

Ali said...

Gorgeous as always - I'm looking forward to christmas am finally getting your patchwork book - squeel!!!

Plain Jane said...

Have a wonderful warm Christmas x Jane

Amy at love made my home said...

Happy Christmas to you and yours Helen and best wishes for a great 2014. Thank you for your comments over at mine as well. xx

paula said...

Have a very Merry..or Happy Christmas Helen. I just love you sweet, simple designs. Thanks for sharing your creative talents with us.

greenrabbitdesigns said...

I love the new Pam Kitty picnic fabrics, your picnic quilt is going to be beautiful and ready for warner less stormy days!
Beautiful crochet and stitching as always. Thanks for all your wonderful posts Helen, I think this little space is one of the most inspirational places in blogland!
Wishing you and yours the most wonderful, magical Christmastime!
Happy Christmas Helen,
V xxx

Simone said...

Happy Christmas Helen! Don't forget to relax over Christmas too as well as doing all your lovely projects. I look forward to visiting throughout 2014. Your blog is my calm in a storm!!! x

Teresa Kasner said...

Hello my friend Helen.. I would love to visit in your home, it seems brimming with good cheer and pretty things. LOVE the colors in your crochet scarf! You have a magic eye for color.

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Teje Karjalainen said...

Merry Christmas and Happy NEW Year, Helen! Thank you for all your beautiful posts and making this year more sweet to us! Again you have made so lovely pillow and ornament and your new hand sewing Project looks adorable - wonderful Fabrics! I wish you wonderful holidays! Hugs! x Teje

Vintage Tea Time said...

Happy Christmas to you. Everything looks so lovely! Abby x

Erna said...

My dear Helen, hope you will have a wonderful and lovely Christmas.
Thanks for sharing all thesse festive photos..
Hugs from a stormy Amsterdam
Erna x

Madelief said...

Dear Helen,

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and all the best for a Happy & Healthy and Creative New Year!

Love the colour of your granny squares and the little red bird in the heart!

Madelief x

primrosesattic said...

Merry Christmas Helen.Love reading your blog. Looking forward to next year.
Rosezeeta.

Diane Kelsey said...

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and creative New Year x

Unknown said...

Lovely Helen as always a feast for the eyes. I hope you have the most perfect Christmas with lots of laughter, love and happiness. I have loved your blog this year and am so glad that I found it. Looking forward to next year and the many more fabulous posts and inspiration you will be giving to us all. Special Christmas hugs to you Helen.
Dorothy :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Annie Cholewa said...

So many Christmas pretties here, and your needles, of every kind, have clearly been steaming.

Hoping you and yours have a wonderful Christmas Helen x

Caroline said...

Such a beautiful post ~ wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas time!
Lots of love,
Caroline x x x

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Your blog always puts a smile on my face. It's so HAPPY!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Warmly,
deb

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Merry Christmas Helen!
It is always a treat to read your beautiful blog each time. I am drawn to everything you do and make. You inspire me always along the way. Love your new picnic fabric and the little birdie! May your Christmas be Merry and your New Year be Blessed!
xoRobin

The warm fireplace said...

Wishing you and your nfan=mily a very merry christmas and a happy new year, thank you for all your inspirational posts.
Sue

20 North Ora said...

Looks like you have been a busy little bee! Love all of your décor - especially the little bird in the wreath and the sweet little deer!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Judy

homemade@myplace said...

Dear Helen,
I wish you a Buon Natale and Felice 2014!!!!!!
Enjoy your family and some restful days at home!!!!
xxxxxx ale

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

You manage to keep creating such beautiful things all the time. I seem to have lost my crafting mojo for the moment. Attempted a couple of new crochet projects but sometimes the patterns just really don't make sense to me. So then I wonder, is it me, or is it the pattern writer? :) Love all your sweet makes. Have a wonderful holiday with your family. Blessings, Tammy

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

Have a super Christmas Helen! :) x

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your Christmas Helen, which I hope will be full of festive cheer and possibly a little stitching!! Sarah xo

driftwood said...

wishing you a truly wonderful Christmas Helen, your decorations look wonderful x

Kay said...

Happy Christmas. Thank you for another year of a wonderful blog.

Hannapat said...

A beautiful post Helen and I hope you all have a wonderf Christmas filled with joy and laughter. Best wishes gor a happy and healthy new year xxxx

thriftwood said...

Ooh just gorgeous, Helen ... am nibbling a piece of peppermint bark while I'm catching up on my blogs! You have been busy, ticking things off the list, think I've ticked all mine now ... Just waiting for Jacob to get here from Leeds, and then I can relax! Have a fabulous time, and looking forward t haring all about it soon.

Love claire xxx

Frances said...

Helen, I can easily see how that spritely fabric inspired you to make the little bird...the holly heart wreath suits it perfectly, too!

You truly have a unique eye for knowing how to make something extra special. These views of Christmas around your home are full of beautiful celebration of a wonderful season.

Thank you for your inspiration all throughout the year. I am so glad to have been able to trade comments with you.

A very Happy Christmas to you and yours! xo

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing so much beauty this year! Warm hugs from Florida, Diane

julie said...

I love your little bird in the holly heart and Angelica the Christmas angel is adorable! Looking forward to more of your creative ideas in 2014, until then here's wishing you a wonderful Christmas Helen x

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Merry Christmas dear Helen...everything is looking so gorgeously festive...It's always such a treat to visit you and read all about your latest beautiful makes (I do love your little Christmas Angel too!)
Wishing you lots of fun with Charlie and Daisy (ooh, they must be so excited!)
See you in 2014!
Susan x

Unknown said...

Happy Christmas, Helen. Have enjoyed your wonderful photos and projects throughout 2013.
Thanks for recommending Cashel linens for cross stitch.
Sending warm wishes from America to you and yours…..
Anne and all
PlumCreek22

Ella and Nesta said...

Thank you so much for your beautiful work. It's a joy to my eyes!
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas.

Crafty in the Med said...

As always your blog is a delight to visit!

Merry Merry Christmas Helen and wishing you a wonderful time with your family :-)


Amanda x

sky-blu-pink said...

Lovely things as always, a treat to look upon! I am inspired by the cross stitch birds, and will treat myself to Crafts Beautiful soon! Happy Christmas to you!

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas my dear friend
Bless
Nina***

Mia said...

Dear Helen,

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Enjoy these wonderful days and time with loved ones (and some chocolate too)... Now is the time!

Warmest wishes from Mia

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your year round , makes and photos - felt I have had presents all year reading your blog. Merry Christmas Helen.

Love Pat x

My Little Home and Garden said...

Wishes for a very Merry Christmas season are sent your way, Helen. The birdie projects, and others, are delightful.

-Karen

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

What a sweet little bird inside a holly heart wreath! Only you could think up something so delightful. I hope you are all safe and warm this holiday as I heard the U.K. was getting battered with a terrible storm and high winds.
Your alpine blanket is just that! The colors definitely evoke the feeling of cool and blue ice and white snow...almost a Nordic feel to it. I seem to be able to recognize creative genius I just can't come up with any on my own! LOL!
Your tree and ornaments look lovely and what a great idea to have a cross stitch version of your birds on a string. I love little deer; they always remind me of Christmas....it's probably the reindeer relatives connection. Mincemeat....oh, how I love mincemeat. I've never had true mince meat...only the kind from the jar that has no meat in it whatsoever but I still love it. It seems I am the only one though so for New Years I am making some mince meat tarts for little old me! Ha! Ha! With fresh whipped cream on top and a hot cup of tea.
The merriest of Christmas's to you and yours and a most blessed New Year.

Maria Glazacheva said...

We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year…
Sorry i`m late …

Best wishes

Maria

flowers on my table said...

Dear Helen, wishing you and your family a rather belated Happy Christmas and very best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year, with much love, Linda x

koralee said...

Oh sweet friend...your little red bird is so delightful! I hope your Christmas was merry and bright...sending you oodles of love for a wonderful and blessed New Year...thank you for your friendship. xoxo

forgetmenotsblue said...

Aw stunning Christmas photos everything looks amazing. All the best to you and your family for the new year xx

PamKittyMorning said...

I hope your Christmas was great. I love all your pretty pictures and your PKP project. Happy New Year Helen! Xo

Crafty in the Med said...

Beautiful and beautiful Helen! I agree with everything everyone has commented here ,,,,what more can be said!


Happy Happy New Year Helen!

Amanda x

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