Tuesday 25 February 2014

A Quilt and a Give Away

 Last week i began quilting my new pam kitty picnic quilt and here are a few sneak peeks............i love the new collection, it has some bold new navy blue prints, some of which i'm featuring in this quilt...........i decided to repeat some of the blocks, so i made four navy floral stars and five economy blocks, each with a kitty from the kitties and ballons print in the centre...............
                              ............i am enjoying doing lots of hand quilting this week............
     ........here is the centre panel before i added the borders..........i will show you the whole quilt soon....it was tricky taking pictures of it this week and i only managed close ups.........
 .............and here is a bit of the backing fabric....it had to be the kitty print featured in the economy blocks, a lovely lively design inspired by vintage children's books...........daisy and charlie just love this quilt already and will be snuggling under it and taking it on picnics this summer.......they are already calling it their kitty quilt :) .................btw you can find pam kitty picnic fabrics here and here
..........i didn't have much time to quilt last week, with half term and visitors and lots going on here...
 .............here is ruby who came out to play with the children, wearing her winter sweater and pantaloons...........we had all the toys out for half term week.............
 ..........and books, and games........we even spent a few hours gardening on a sunny afternoon and the children picked up sticks, did some digging with trowels in the border, played football, ran about a lot and had a great time in the fresh air..........and we had our first al fresco snack this year, chocolate crispy cakes and juice/tea in the sunshine at the garden table..............
 .............the flowers this week are this pretty mixture..........i love hyacinths used as cut flowers....the delicious colours are so pretty mixed in with other spring flowers.......

 .............today i have a surprise spring give away ...........i have been given two tickets for the country living spring fair to be held 19-23 march at the business design centre, london.......two tickets, that is, to give away to one of my lovely readers................
 ..........i love the country living fairs, you really can see the pages of the magazine come to life....there are so many inspiring ideas for your homes and gardens, treats to buy and sample from specially chosen makers, small producers and crafts people from across the country.......
 ..........there is a beautiful spring garden feature, lots of crafting workshops and demonstrations.......
 .............to win the tickets to the spring fair all you have to do is mention you'd like to win them in your comment on this post and i will enter those names in the draw and announce the winner next week.......and if you don't win but would still like to visit the fair i also have a special code for all my readers..... when you book just enter the code Blog06 and save :)...... you can book by calling 0844 848 0150 or online here.......
..........thank you for popping in here to visit me, lovely readers and for all your sweet comments, you know how much i love to hear from you.......i will be holding my crafty spring giveaway as usual soon too so look out for that in a week or two.............wishing you a wonderful week ahead with lots of happy crafty times, spring flowers and sunshine..............back soon xxxxxxxooooxxxxxxxxxxxxx

63 comments:

Cindy said...

I always enjoy your lovely posts. They make me feel springy even though we are still in winter here. Don't put me in the giveaway - I don't think I could come to London any time soon!

Rhona said...

Love the fabrics you're working with, the colours are wonderful. I'm so envious of your flowers, we still have about a foot of snow but it is slowly melting. Please don't add my name to your giveaway, there's no way (unfortunately) that I could make it there, but it's a great prize for someone!

greenrabbitdesigns said...

I love the 'kitty' quilt Helen, aren't the little pussy cat images just so cute!! It's going to be so pretty. :)
I'm sure Daisy and Charlie have a fantastic time when they come to visit!!!!
Beautiful flowers as always!
Have a good week,
V xxx
P.S. As much as it would be brilliant to visit the Country Living Fair, I'm just a little too far away, so unfortunately I'll have to pass on the giveaway this time.

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hello lovely Helen, Oh do I love your new kitty picnic quilt and I can definitely see why the "littles" would love it so. Much happening at your home, visits, children, books, Ruby, toys out and gardening. All sounds so delightful and happy times. So happy you had some good weather with the children. It's so nice to get outside and have fresh air with the little ones.
I wish I could enter your giveaway but I don't think I will be in "the area". I can imagine a stunning event.
Take care my friend, xoRobin

Karen said...

Lovely fabrics, the quilt is going to look fantastic! I would love to win the tickets; it is my birthday on the 15th March so I could call it a belated birthday treat? It is so hard to justify a day out just for your own pleasures isn't it?

crazydazy said...

love the quilt and the backing fabric is gorgeous. Please don't count me on the giveaway....unfortunately a bit too far away for me to go.

By Neymes said...

SUAS COSTURAS SÃO MUITO BONITAS.BOA SEMANA.BEIJO.VALÉRIA.

ALISON said...

I am quilting at the moment....love to see what you are making...I am also xstitching the little rose pin cushion from your book.....I love to see all the lovely material you use in your quilts....I would love to win 2 tickets and take my sister .....ciao Alison

Clareio said...

I love your photographs, everything is always so colourful and cheery!

My birthday is 22nd March... you've given me an idea of something to do (winning the tickets would make it that bit cheaper too!)

KC'sCourt! said...

Your quilt and bunny are gorgeous and the sweet little mouse in the crib.
I have been in our garden too, spring is definitely showing itself at last.
Please do not enter me into the drawer thank you
Julie xxxxxxxxx

Pauline G said...

Love the quilt and would love to win the tickets !

Elisabete said...

Your blog is always a pleasure to read. All lovely things.
Please enter me for a chance to win a ticket to the country living fair. Many thanks for the chance. Elisabete

Jacqui Wise said...

Such a pretty, bright quilt and I love your flower photo with the pretty teacup and saucer. Please enter me in your giveaway. If I win I shall treat my daughter or sister to a day out. I think I might go even if I don't win!

Ana Love Craft said...

There is always Spring in your lovely posts, I love them!The flowers, the colors, the fabrics, your talent everything is so awesome! Please don't count me on the giveaway because on 22nd March it's my dear mom's birthday.
Have a fabulous week!
Hugs from Portugal,

Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

Frances said...

Helen, your new quilt has an excellent mingling of colors, prints and solids, and geometry, too! The navy blue fabric adds just the right amount of punch!

How I wish I could attend that CL fair. I think that the first one I attended was long ago, back when Francine Lawrence was the magazine's editor. I remember meeting all sorts of talented folks like Sasha Kagan, Susan Duckworth, Cressida Bell, and even trading comments with Terrence Conran...not sure he was a Sir then.

I am guessing that you have participated in these fairs? Wishing that I will eventually have the opportunity to meet you! xo

sweetpea family said...

Hi Helen your quilt is coming along beautifully. I would love to be enters into your prize draw - what a lovely day out that would be x

Vintage Tea Time said...

Your new quilt is going to be lovely! Pretty flowers - I just love Spring flowers. But most of all I'd love to win your tickets! I've always wanted to go to the CL fair. Ooh, fingers crossed! Xx

Unknown said...

Your latest quilt sure looks striking with its bold navy fabric, and I always love seeing your toys, I bet you had a wonderful time with the children! Please enter me in the competition, I'll keep my fingers crossed! Chrissie x

Jennifer Hays said...

Please do not enter me, as I can't come to London. But I did want to say that your Pam Kitty quilt is absolutely beautiful. I adore her fabrics and I think you've done a wonderful job with the colors and design.

My Little Home and Garden said...

It must be gratifying to hear your grandchildren excitedly talking about the "kitty quilt", Helen. I hope you have plenty of picnics to enjoy.

Ruby is looking splendid in her attractive outfit; I should be dressed so well!

Good Luck to those on your side of the pond who are able to enter your draw.

Karen

Unknown said...

I would love to win the tickets - your lovely blog makes me feel very 'Springy' - let's hope that it's not far away and that we'll have a lovely warm one. I love the quilt too - sigh.

http://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk/

Brenda Pruitt said...

I wouldn't be able to go. But WHERE do you get those lovely magazines? The Country Living ones here are kind of dull...
Brenda

Unknown said...

Your colours inspire me. I would love to win those tickets. Thank you!

Elif

Egg's bits and bobbins said...

I would love to win these tickets, thank you so much for the chance, I adore country living. You quilt is looking beautiful. Eggs xx

Jane said...

Hi Helen, I bet Daisy and Charlie loved their time with you. I can't wait until my Daisy Jane is bigger and can come and stay with Nana...I have so many crafts to share with her...! I just love the little bed with the quilt and your kitty quilt is looking fab. Please count me in your draw for tickets, that would be a wonderful day out ;0) Have a lovely week xx

Katie said...

Your blanket looks gorgeous helen. Ive missed reading your blog. The last year has been a bit of a whirl wind, but i now have a lovely little baby girl, sadie, to show for it. Please enter me in your giveaway, what a treat that would be. Lots of love xx

moonstruckcreations said...

The quilt is beautiful Helen. And the bunny is just too cute for words!

Please may my name be put into the hat for the giveaway?

Helenxx

Teresa Kasner said...

Hello Helen! I will pass on this giveaway as it's a bit far from Oregon, USA.. but if I lived near enough I'd jump on this! I love all your cute little fabric animals and the quilts and flowers. I just love visiting your blog! It always makes me happy. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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

You have all those Spring flowers blooming already? Aren't you blessed! They're gorgeous. Still waiting for a picture of those chocolate crispies. LOL! They sound yummy.
I love the quilt and I have a soft spot for navy blue. I adore the old vintage illustrations from children's books. What wonderful fabric to work with.
Is Country Living different from the one we get in the U.S.? It seems like it might be. We do have the fairs here too but I've not been to one but I do get their magazine and have for years.
It sounds like you had a great time with the children and so glad the weather cooperated.

Adele said...

I do enjoy your posts - particularly the colour combinations. Do enter me in the giveaway. Thanks.

Swallow Barn said...

oh Helen that is about the most beautiful quilt ever - the kitty fabric is so cute and you've done an amazing job.

while I'd love to go I wouldn't be able to on those dates so I'm not entering, just had to comment on your quilt.

Gilly Tee said...

The new quilt is looking wonderful and I would love to be entered for the tickets please.
Gillx

sky-blu-pink said...

Love the way your quilts and flowers match, always a pleasure to read your blog, and many gorgeous things to behold!

Gracie Saylor said...

While I don't want to be entered in the draw, I wanted you to know that I join Daisy and Charlie in their enthusiasm for their kitty quilt, Helen! I think it would be delightful to play at your your house for half term, too :-) xx

Unknown said...

Oh my, I am a new fan, having just found your blog. I adore everything I've seen and will be on the lookout for your books. I'm hoping I can find them here in the US. I'm in Texas. Thanks so much for sharing all your sweet beautiful things. You are so very talented. I look forward to your future posts, and to finding your books, and keeping up with you on the blog.

Unknown said...

Great post and lovely quilt. I would love to enter your giveaway. I will keep my fingers crossed as i have always wanted to go to a CL fair!

vintage grey said...

Hi Helen,
Such a pretty and sweet quilt! I love the how the navy floral just pops so beautifully!! Wishing you lovely and crafty week! xo Heather

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Helen! Your quilt is gorgeus! So beautiful Fabrics and the pattern is great! Your bunnies make me always smile and you have picked Super sweet flowers!
Don't count me as I'm too far away - unfortunately. x Teje

gilly said...

Your quilt is simply gorgeous, Helen. Looking forward to seeing it all finished too and I know it will be treasured for many a picnic :-)
I do love the CL fairs, but unfortunately I'll be away on holiday this time around. But I hope to see a full report and lots of pics on your blog afterwards!
Love Gilly xx

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Your new quilt is looking beautiful Helen and I do love the navy blue print...it looks so striking!
Ooh, The Country Living Fair looks such a wonderful day out! Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to go Helen but good luck to everyone who enters as it's a fabulous prize..a real treat for the lucky winner!
How pretty Ruby looks today too and your mix of flowers look gorgeous as always!
Susan x

lucy said...

Love the kitty quilt, so colourful and happy, I would really love to enter your ticket giveaway please, it looks like it would became inspiring day out .
Lucy

Simone said...

I love the kitty quilt! I bet the grandchildren have a wonderful time at your house Helen and not just during half term. I would be so happy to be surrounded with all the lovely things you make. Could you please add me to the giveaway for the Country Living Fair tickets? I haven't been there for years (tickets a bit pricey!) and would love the chance to go again. x

thesnailgarden said...

Beautiful quilts - that kitten fabric is cute! I haven't been to the CL fair for years and would love to visit again. Please may I enter your giveaway? Best wishes, Pj x

Cally said...

Oh, yes please. I would love to go to the Spring Fair. Thank you for the chance to win the tickets.
The quilt is wonderful and all that hand stitching, brilliant.
Hugs x

Unknown said...

Hayhay!
Spring is in the air :-)
Lovely blanket!
Wonderful handmade!
-×- Danielle

koralee said...

Such a lovely giveaway my friends....just wish I lived closer!!! Love that magazine...I can buy it in Canada and I do all the time! Hugs to you always....happy creating and Happy almost Spring Well almost! {love those flowers of yours}

Lori ann said...

oh so cute! i love the quilt, especially the bit of navy, it looks just perfect helen. how i wish i had a magic carpet, i'd LOVE to be at the fair. good luck to the lucky winner!

Madelief said...

Dear Helen,

I wish I had the time to make all those beautiful things, like you do!

The quilt looks really special. You used just the sort of fabric that I like as well :-).

What a lovely rabbit Ruby is. Your grandchildren must be delighted to have you as their grandmother. All those projects you can work on together :)

I remember having a friend with a mother who could make the prettiest of things. I loved going there, because we would spent hours behind the sewing machine making things, while her mother helped us.

The Country Living Fair sounds like fun, but alas it's a bit too far away for me. Wishing the others who participate good luck!

Wishing you a lovely evening!

Madelief x

Bev said...

your quilt is lovely, really bright colours, is the fair up in North west? I'm in South Yorkshire x

forgetmenotsblue said...

Wow stunning quilt! I've just started my first ever quilt inspired by you. I bought your book and knew I had to make something thank you for the inspiration Helen x

Pati from London said...

As usual Helen, you've brightened up my day. I have shown your new quilt to my kids who love cats and they love it. I must say, that Pam Kitty fabric is irresistible.. Please count me in for you great giveaway.
Thanks so much for the chance to win!
Have a lovely weekend,
Pati x

gillyflower said...

Your Pam Kitty quilt is looking gorgeous!
Glad to hear you had such a busy and happy half-term with your grandchildren.
Lots of lovely Spring flowers here, and I'd love the chance to win tickets to the CL Spring Fair!
Have a great weekend Helen
Gill xx

Joy said...

Hello Helen, I've just popped over from Forgetmenots Blue place and just love your gorgeous blog; your new quilt is going to be a stunner, and your toys are also very special - I'm so glad I finally found you! Joy x

Joy said...

PS I forgot to mention that as I'm in Australia please don't include me in the draw - but how I wish I could go!!! J x

Jessie Fincham said...

Gorgeous quilt Helen!! I love all the navy, isn't it such a great line?!

Jessie, xo

Hannapat said...

Love the look of your new quilt, especially the navy, it really is looking gorgeous Helen. What a fab giveaway, such a shame I live too far away. I am sure there will be heaps of people waiting with bated breath. Sending much love xoxo

Lee said...

Hi helen,LOVE your blog,you are sooo talented.I have just bought your book Pretty Patchwork Gifts.I am new to sewing on a machine,can't wait to make the bunnies,I love them.I live in Cornwall so don't put me in the give away.

PamKittyMorning said...

Oh my gosh Helen, the quilt is simply adorable!!!! I love it!

www.patspatch.weebly.com said...

Hello Helen, I love your cheery Spring post - the quilt is fabulous. I always enjoy your makes for your little ones. Unfortunately I am also too far from London to enter your super giveaway. Love Pat x

Crafted by Carly said...

What a gorgeous post! I love all the spring flowers, and the patchwork-ing! :-)
Carly
x

Grit said...

Wow....what a great post. You do wonderful work. I love all.

Scented Sweetpeas said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Missemor said...

I am a beginner and have just finished my very first quilt! I have just discovered your lovely blog and you are so inspiring!
I do not know if it is too late to join the giveaway, but count me in if it is not too late!
Christine in Denmark