Tuesday 11 March 2014

Makes for March

The sun is shining here and the birds are singing.......we had a lovely sunny weekend too and got a lot of our pond making done.....i will take some pictures of it soon...........but today is all about stitchy makes................
 ...........first is the kitty quilt, which i finished last week, adding the binding one lunch time and handsewing it in the evening watching a movie........so glad it is finished and ready for picnics :)........
 ..............the kitty quilt is of course made with pam kitty picnic fabrics available here and here......
.............the quilt pattern evolved on my cutting table as i made blocks and tried them together......i have more blocks made from this gorgeous collection which are for a sampler quilt and will be showing those soon too...........
 ............i love the bold contrast of the navy blue fabrics............and i love the pale blue wreaths and roses print, one of my favourites....lots more future projects will be created with this one ........
 ...................when i studied textile design as a student i gradually learnt that the overall effect of a textile pattern seen from a distance is as important - or maybe more important - than just the close up design...............i love to see fabrics draped and crumpled like the pictures above and below........
 ...........i really like the effect of the backing with the kitties and balloons print on cream..................
                                      ................perfect for the children to love too.............
 .............as well as making things for work, for fun and for others........someone has made something for me too..............the very kind and generous dorothy of the lovely crafty blog dorothy's room held a giveaway recently and i was one of the lucky winners..............dorothy created this lovely sewing wallet, beautifully embellished with so many sweet touches...............
 ...............inside there are lots of useful sewing pockets which dorothy had filled with treats like fabric, a crochet hook, glittery thread, ribbons and chocolate............such a lovely gift to receive, and i will be showing this again i am sure as i will be using it a lot.............thank you so much, dorothy :)
 .........the next make is a new bunny for spring who has hopped into the new issue of crafts beautiful magazine, out now and full of spring ideas..............i made this little bunny especially for the spring issue (she has a lovely lecien flower sugar dress and a little crochet sweater).....find out more online here................
 .............now i am busy working on other design commissions, as well as making my hexies and fitting in a few crochet stripes on my ripple blanket too.....i still work on that sometimes and am hoping to finish it soon so it will be another 'make for march' rather than another wip ;)...........
............thank you so much for visiting me here, lovely readers and for your kind comments, such a pleasure to read..............i wish you all a happy spring week with sunshine and crafty times...........back soon (with a giveaway)...............xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooxxxxxxxx

59 comments:

Unknown said...

Cute blanket)

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Oh I am in love with your picnic quilt Helen, can I come on picnics with you just so I can sit on it. It looks wonderful straight, crumpled, front and back and anyway you wish to display it! Beautiful!!
Gorgeous giveaway win too!
I thought that was one of your bunnies on the front of the magazine, so cute!
Happy Tuesday,
V xxx

Pat said...

The quilting bug is nibbling at me, tempting me to get my sewing machine out, google all the " how to's " ..... so keen am I ... Love your picnic quilt :)

Lillie and Moss said...

This post just screams...."Happy Spring"
your quilt would fit perfect for a picnic and your bunny is so perfectly made. Would love to see your crochet ripple blanket when finished, one I have never made but would love to try. Congrats to your lovely win from Dorothy!
Hugs, Shari!

Simone said...

You are so busy and productive Helen and you find time to blog too! Lovely makes as usual. Congratulations on winning a giveaway - you deserve it! x

Elena said...

I love this post! Quilts are stunning and this rabbit so cute...
Besos
Elena

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Your pamkitty quilt is adorable! I agree, the contrast is perfect. Also, your new little bunny is so cute too! Looking forward to spring here, I think it is coming soon!

Jenn M said...

Very nice Helen! The quilt colours are so bright and fresh. They are making me think of summer afternoons:)

Jenn

justpootling said...

Hello Helen
Wow, your quilt is so stunning, such a work of art, you are so talented.
And your little bunny is a perfect Spring make.
Have a good week,
Kate x

Jane said...

Your kitty quilt has turned out beautifully Helen, I agree the blue really makes it pop. Great to see your sweet bunny as a cover bunny, how proud you must feel. Enjoy this lovely early sunshine and the rest of the week x

Cally said...

Your quilt is beautiful, seen from a distance or close up ;0)What a lovely giveaway from Dorothy. It is so nice to receive things through the post.
Hugs

Annerose said...

Hallo Helen,
das ist ein wunderschöner Quilt geworden und mir gefällt deine Farbkombination sehr gut. Ich finde auch das Blau macht den Quilt ganz besonders freundlich. Dein neues Häschen ist auch sehr süß geworden. Ich bin zur Zeit auch gerade dabei wieder eines zu nähen, es macht einfach soooo viel Spaß.
Sonnige Grüße aus Deutschland
Annerose

Unknown said...

The quilt is so striking with its bold blue hues against the brighter colours - and I agree with the crumpled fabric - it just looks so much more tactile and inviting, I could just see me snuggling under the quilt with my girls! :-) I simply have to get a copy of that magazine, the bunny is wonderful, with her little jumper! Have a lovely week, Chrissie x

KC'sCourt! said...

I love that quilt - as usual you are inspiring me now I have 'fingers faster than brain syndrome'.
Julie xxxxxxx

gillyflower said...

Love the new quilt Helen, so bright and breezy!
So many lovely things here, and it sounds like you have lots more projects in the pipeline too, so enjoy your sewing and crocheting!
Gill xx

sweetpea family said...

Such lovely stitching I love your quilt x

Cindy said...

The quilt is so pretty - love those fabrics! I am planning on making another of your bunnies this spring. This time for me, as the last one was for my grandson. I'm so looking forward to working in the garden. I'd love to see your garden and pond!

Jennifer Hays said...

Your quilt is so beautiful, Helen. I love everything about it. I enjoyed reading your commentary about patterns too. I remember when I first started working with fabric and quilt designs, someone told me that you know your chosen fabrics work well together when they seem to "dance" before your eyes. That stuck with me and I always look for it now.

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Lovely Helen, The Pam Kitty Picnic quilt turned out amazing! It will definitely make picnics even more enjoyable : ) The colors are great and the dark contrast is popping! That is quite the sewing wallet, I love all the embellishments, I can see you will really be about to enjoy this great gift. Sweet bunny and it's yours.....how fabulous!
Glad to hear you have good weather, we don't and I'm not looking forward to the coming snow storm, 6-12 inches of new snow : ( Maybe they will be wrong.
Take care, xoRobin

Things and Thoughts said...

Your new quilt is perfect Helen, I love its shades and style.Your posts and photos are always so inspirational and cheerful!Thanks for sharing, you give me such a joy!

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Lovely Helen, The Pam Kitty Picnic quilt turned out amazing! It will definitely make picnics even more enjoyable : ) The colors are great and the dark contrast is popping! That is quite the sewing wallet, I love all the embellishments, I can see you will really be about to enjoy this great gift. Sweet bunny and it's yours.....how fabulous!
Glad to hear you have good weather, we don't and I'm not looking forward to the coming snow storm, 6-12 inches of new snow : ( Maybe they will be wrong.
Take care, xoRobin

Vintage Tea Time said...

Love the quilt - it turned out really well. Gorgeous Spring bunny too :). Abby x

Amy at love made my home said...

Your quilt is very pretty Helen! Of course all of your other things are too!! Hope that you enjoy all your March makes! xx

Unknown said...

Helen what a fabulous post as always and thank you so much for putting such lovely pics of the wallet - you made it look fabulous. As always Helen your wonderful blog is so full of colour and wonderment, no wonder I look forward to your posts. Have a fabulous week and weekend Helen. Big hugs
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxx

PamKittyMorning said...

Oh Helen, it turned out so spectacular! Love all the photos! Also that little bunny is so sweet!

Teresa Kasner said...

Hi Helen! What a gorgeous quilt! You're very talented. Congrats on being published in such a neat magazine. You're a rock star!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Joy said...

What a wonderful post - I seriously love that quilt - and that sweet rabbit!l Congrats on winning Dorothy's giveaway - a beautiful prize! Joy x

thriftwood said...

A beautiful quilt Helen, so summery and full of anticipation for the glorious picnics ahead! I'm sure it will become one of many treasured family heirlooms.

I've fallen in love with the little dog on wheels too ...

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Love Claire xx

scrappyjacky said...

It looks gorgeous.....and will improve picnics no end.Love the little rabbit as well.

Pat said...

Hello Hellen. Such a pretty quilt and some lovely photos as ever. I do like what you said about a quilt looking good from a distance - the patterns and colours in yours do just that, and I do love the kittens and balloons on the back. Love Pat x

Country Maison (Eva Martin) said...

What a gorgeous quilt !! Lovely colours in pictures !!
As always your blog is a feast to my eyes !!

xEva

A little happy place said...

The new quilt is gorgeous, full of so many pretty fabrics and perfectly put together... a feast for the eyes! Sarah xo

Rhona said...

You always amaze me Helen with the amount you get done every week! Your quilt is gorgeous and the colour combinations are wonderful! I'm sure your spring bunny will be a big hit with the Crafts Beautiful readers.

Annas Nadelbuch said...

Dear Helen !
I've just discovered your wonderful blog! What a nice quilt! I also love the cute little spring-bunny.
I wish you a nice sunny week.

Lorrie said...

Lovely makes that are full of the freshness of spring.

Lori ann said...

dear helen,
i just love your quilt, the dark blue really sets it off, so beautiful! and all your lovely stitching, makes me always want to pick up a needle and thread too (and hope my things would look half as pretty!).
have a wonderful day!
xoxo lori

oh! congratulations to the winner!

Cathy Daniel said...

Helen, your quilt is sooo pretty! Such vibrant fresh colours - you must be so pleased with it. I see you are doing hexies too at the moment - I love working with hexies! xCathy

Madelief said...

Dear Helen,

The bunny you made for the spring issue of the Craft magazine looks beautiful!

Love your quilt too. Hope the weather is good in the UK as well and you will be able to spend some time in the garden!

Have a lovely evening!

Madelief x

Susan Freeman said...

Charming as always!

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Pati from London said...

Ohh I love the back fabric of your quilt, Helen!
It's soooo... cute! Another great make!
Patients x

vintage grey said...

Hello Sweet Helen,
Your kitty quilt is so adorable and sweet!! I love these prints from Pam Kitty! I always love the quilts you make! And, you hexies are so pretty! Have a wonderful week! xo Heather

sky-blu-pink said...

Fantastic quilt, and great to see it all finished! Your little gift from Dorothy is lovely too.

Gracie Saylor said...

A beautiful quilt, a beguiling new bunny, a bountiful gift and an interesting looking book all make for another inspiring post, Helen! Thank you!

Our daffodils are blooming!!! Happy almost officially Spring :) xx

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Hi Helen...your quilt looks gorgeous (can I join the picnic too with Vivienne? :-) )...I love the strong and bold navy fabric too.
Your spring bunny looks gorgeous in the magazine...her little gingham pinafore is so pretty!
Congratulations on winning Dorothy's Giveaway...such a lovely prize...x
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Susan x

sew said...

I think there should be a National Helen Philipps Picnic Day in honour of your quilt!I do love that fabric on the back and think some may have to come my way!

GardenOfDaisies said...

I just love coming over to your blog and seeing all the beautiful things you have made! A true feast for the eyes. :-) Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

GardenOfDaisies said...

I just love coming over to your blog and seeing all the beautiful things you have made! A true feast for the eyes. :-) Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Hannapat said...

Hello lovely Helen, it is always such a pleasure to visit here. I love your pretty picnic quilt and I am sure you are going to enjoy many a happy moment savouring all those stitches you so lovingly made. Congrats also for winning the lovely giveaway by Dorothy, it looks like it is a proper treat. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and get a little more time to spend creating your pond, looking forward to seeing all the pics of your pond. Much love xoxo

My Little Home and Garden said...

Your newest quilt is a beauty and I hope that many happy picnics are enjoyed this year, Helen.

You always seem to accomplish so much. If you ever decide to write about your creative "routine", I'd love to read about it. (Perhaps you have already?)

Have a lovely weekend.

Karen

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

The quilt turned so sweet and I love those adorable kittens. Your Spring bunny is too cute and only you would do the darling detail of a crocheted sweater for that "chill in the air" that accompanies Spring.
The sewing kit is so cute and what a lovely gift to receive. I love her material with the writing on it.
Ah, hexies...and a ripple...what's not to love about those? Your blog is always a feast for the eyes AND the soul! Happy Springtime to you dear friend.

Mia said...

Lovely, lovely quilt, Helen!

And that light in those pictures...oh my, your March seems so beautiful!

Happy and sunny days!

Yours,
Mia

Annie Cholewa said...

You have such a way with colour Helen, brights and pastels ... your unique style is instantly recognisable.

CrisCraft said...

I love all your creation, but this one is absolutely marvellous !

flowers on my table said...

Helen, I love the freshness of your quilt, and the backing fabric is so cute and retro looking. Love your little bunny too. Hoping all is well with you and your loved ones, Linda x

Jana said...

Helen, I love the colours you use in your work. I have also just seen the white bobble trim on your pastel coloured ripple and will definately have to try this on my crochet blanket. Thank you for the inspiration. Jana

Jana said...

Helen, I love the colours you use in your work. I have also just seen the white bobble trim on your pastel coloured ripple and will definately have to try this on my crochet blanket. Thank you for the inspiration. Jana

Swallow Barn said...

your quilt is just beautiful

Claire said...

Hi Helen, I am new to your blog and I would like to tell you that I think your craft work is beautiful. Thanks
Claire

Unknown said...

I love this post! Quilts are stunning and this rabbit so cute.
happy wheels
super mario bros
pacman
agario