Monday 11 May 2015

Strawberry Stars

 Here is a little peek at my strawberry stars quilt, started on a whim because i fancied making the star quilt again but in pink and white for a light, vintage summery feel.....i am using my original star quilt pattern, shown below........
 .....................lots of readers have kindly asked about this design and i am pleased now to say that the pattern (including all instructions and full-size templates for it) is in my new book....................  'modern vintage gifts'............i don't have a picture of the cover to show you yet, but the book will be out in october and is available for pre-order on amazon already............
 ..............making the english paper pieced diamonds is something i really love to do........
...........it involves lots of stash busting too, of the pink fabrics filling my cupboard............
 .............and i LoVe the pam kitty garden floral on white, it is so pretty, and is the perfect fabric to use to make the big hexagons for joining the stars...........
 .................i like how portable the project is....i can take a few epp pieces with me on an outing and stitch up a star in no time....... sometimes i cut out lots of pieces at once with a rotary cutter, or one at a time with a pair of scissors....very adaptable crafting.......and of course lovely to sew while watching movies or chatting to the family..............
 ...............besides sewing i have been out in the garden too this past week.............
 ................here is our newly painted front door, and newly planted pot next to it............
 ................and below is a quick picture of the potting shed, so bright and sunny now and filled with pots and plants and garden tools all being put to good use again............
 ...............the beans and sweet peas are all planted in the garden now and seem to be doing well, despite strong winds at the weekend............the heavy rain seemed to make them quite happy......
 .............i always plant some beans as seeds and some as plug plants, just to be on the safe side.....
 ...............some pretty nemesia, ready for filling up the pots...............
 ..................another newly painted door.......this is the door to the little shed which is outside the kitchen........it was probably the wash house in victorian times............it has never looked so smart, with its new coat of shiny paint............
................thank you for dropping in here, dear readers, it is always a real pleasure to see you and to hear from you too..........wishing you all a wonderful week filled with happy times, sunny days and crafty inspirations..................back soon xxxxxxxxxxooooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

52 comments:

Simone said...

I love your new quilt! I am a big fan of stars - my favourite shape - and I love strawberries too! Gorgeous eye candy in this post Helen. Have a lovely week. x

Unknown said...

I am so excited your new book is coming soon - I've pre-ordered at Amazon! Thanks for the heads up. Love your beautiful stars, your choice of fabrics is, as always, so lovely.

Mary

Anonymous said...

Love that your rotary cutter matches the stars in your new quilt!

Sally

Elderberry-Rob said...

Everthing looks almost edible in your post today! good luck with the new book, I am sure it will be hugely popular. I love your front door pictures, so fresh and Springy. Betty

sunny said...

I love the pink stars! I'll be on the lookout for your new book. Thanks for all the other eye candy, too. I love anything pink!!

Connie said...

Helen I am totally in love with this quilt and want to make one. Where can I purchase your book?
Connie :)

Frances said...

What a perfect name strawberry stars is for your gorgeous new quilt! I can see why diamond paper piecing would be difficult to stop!

I've actually recently acquired some paper hexagon templates in several sizes...and have been given some of my own fabric collections a good look, to see what mixes reveal themselves. I'll keep you posted.

Also have several knitting projects on the go, and an embroidery/applique project. Need more time...I am very inspired and motivated, but also need a certain amount of sleep each night. xo

Lorrie said...

What a pretty quilt with the pink and white fabrics. Congratulations on your new book!

Things and Thoughts said...

Dearest Helen, so exciting news! You are publishing a new book with all your gorgeous stuff and inspiring ideas!I'm in awe of your amazing creations, you are so very talented!Pink is such a tender colour, it adds a touch of sweetness to everything.
May you are always surrounded by beauty!
Olympia

Sharon Izzard said...

Such a lovely, bright and cheerful post! I love the summery feel to your new quilt. Enjoy your beautiful garden :-)

Jane said...

Your new quilt has such a summery feel Helen. How great to have a new book coming out. Your pots are looking gorgeous, I must get a move on in the garden. I need to start emptying out my bulbs and get some summer planting in....time is racing on. Enjoy the sunshine xx

lilac and old roses said...

What a lovely cheery post! It's given me such a boost, thank you x

J9sHappiness said...

I love the pink star quilt - it's going to be a beauty! I really like portable crafts - it's fab to make use of those minutes waiting for something or snatching a few minutes in between things. I also LOVE your painted doors. So pretty. My lovely family bought me the same pot as you have by your front door excepting mine is a very pale blue - they're sooo nice! Your house must have definite curb appeal now ;o) J9 x

Jennifer Hays said...

I'm so happy to hear about your new book! That's wonderful. I love this quilt design, the shapes are so crisp and fresh. Your flowers are looking lovely. Your home seems like something out of a magazine! I'm sure it's all gorgeous. I hope you have a good week, Helen.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful star quilt Helen. I'm sure your new book will be on many Christmas wish lists! The garden is looking gorgeous too-hope you're having a lovely week xx

Kate said...

Strawberry Stars is such a pretty name for your pretty quilt. I know I need to get your book so I can learn how to do these. ^^ I always enjoy your flowers.

Amy at love made my home said...

Your quilt is so lovely!!! Very pretty indeed. I love your newly painted doors and the pots and decorations, so lovely too! Can't wait to see/hear more about your new book too, very exciting indeed! xx

Ali said...

So so pretty!!! I could live in your shed!! Xx

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Oh I'm very excited about your new book Helen, maybe it will be the kick start I need to make my quilt! ;)
I love your pretty new quilt and it matches all your beautiful flowers too.
Your garden and home is all looking lovely with its shiny new paint!
Have a great week,
V x

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Dear Helen, Nothing like a new coat of paint to crisp things up and cheer up the old. Your doors look welcoming, as do all your flowers. Can't wait for your new book, very exciting! The star quilt is pinkalicious! I love both star quilts and so happy the pattern will be in your new book.
Hope your week is sunny and warm, xoRobin

Christine B said...

Hello Helen! What a beautiful quilt... I think I must pre-order your book straight away! Love all your newly painted doors and your garden looks lovely! Have a happy week! :) x

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

LOVE the strawberry star quilt so much, Helen!!! My mom's kitchen was decorated in strawberries so I'm always reminded of her when I see them. Have a lovely week, my dear. xo

20 North Ora said...

Love your stars! Beautiful. You do such gorgeous work? Really looks like Spring at your place.

Judy

Teresa Kasner said...

I also adore star anything! And your quilt is extraordinary! I also think I might have to get your book if you can help me make a quilt.. I even have a Singer Featherweight to use! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

homemade@myplace said...

such a sweet quilt!!!!!
…. love your new painted doors, too!!!!
xxxxx Ale

KC'sCourt! said...

Thank you or the kind comments you left on my blog. I love your quilt that is so pretty
Julie xxxxxxx

marmarel said...

Great quilt-work and I love your flowers!
Greetings from Marijke

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

Great news about your new book, the quilt looks adorable x

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

I cannot wait for your book! as soon as I saw your quilt I purchased the paper pieces. I have the fabric, just need your book. Off to preorder it! xx

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Hmm, I cannot find it on Amazon? Do you have a link?

Thimbleanna said...

Yay! Another book! It looks like you'be been busy sprucing things up for spring -- your doors look so warm and inviting. I love those little paper pieced stars -- I have a similar project that has been gathering dust -- but, I have a plan to get back to it later this summer -- hopefully that will happen. As always -- your photos are a breath of spring air!!!

Annerose said...

Hallo Helen das wird ja ein ganz toller Quilt mit den Sternen, wunderschön. Und de Stoffe sind genau dafür geeignet.
Liebe Grüße Annerose

susie said...

Helen, Such a lovely star quilt all dressed in pink! The book sounds so inspiring as does your garden. Beautiful post! xxx Susie

Art and Sand said...

The star quilt pattern is wonderful as and the colors you chose.

Ingrid Orens said...

I think I'm in love with that gorgeous wreath that is hanging on your door !!

Pat's Patch said...

What a lovely name .. Strawberry stars, and another very lovely quilt. I shall look forward to your new book; I love your books Helen and all your makes. Love Pat x

handmade by amalia said...

Even the shed door is magazine worthy. You are an inspiration to me, Helen.
Amalia
xo

Mia said...

Hello dear Helen,

Oh how sweet this post was, I am a pink-girl and loved it all! That strawberry-stars quilt is the sweetest! And those doors with pretty wreaths... Oh my!

Have a lovely May, full of sun&crafty moments!

Yours,
Mia

Heldasland said...

Helen,
Congratulations, I know you are used to having things published but I now this must just thrill you. I bet you cant stop smiling?? well done my love.
Your work is so inspirational that I have enrolled on a sewing course. I dream of making stuff like yours. I am terrible at cutting so even something as easy as cutting squares makes me tremble. Wish me luck.
Once again Well done

Susan said...

Congratulations on your new book. :) Your Strawberry Stars quilt is lovely in it's soft pinkness. I have to confess that I started a star quilt about two weeks ago after buying a few fat quarters. Guess what inspired me? The star quilt in your second picture! I found it from one of your previous blog entries. So to see it on this weeks blog made me laugh. Thank you for being an inspiration for many of us. Your house is gorgeous too.

vintage grey said...

Hi Helen,
Oh so beautiful your stars quilt is!! I want to make one!! ;) Just inspiring!! Have a crafty and lovely weekend! xo Heather

Kay said...

The quilt is really pretty. i am so pleased to hear that you have a new book coming out, just in time for it to be on my Christmas wish list. x

Cream Linen said...

I love the photos of the newly painted doors with the wreaths. They both look very elegant .
Good luck with the new book.
Have a nice weekend,
Tina

claire said...

Congrats on the book (and finishing it!) LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING IT X sorry about the caps!

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

I love your strawberry stars dear Helen!...So much pink and white loveliness and how pretty your white painted doors look with the decorative wreaths x
Such exciting news too about your new book...I know it will be wonderful!! ♥
Happy Sunday,
Susan x

Erna said...

Lovely , bright and cheerful, I could do with some sunshine after a dark period...
Hugs
Erna x

moonstruckcreations said...

I love your quilt Helen, I can just imagine it in different shades of blue with white, would be like the geometric patterns in the Alhambra!

Congrats on your new book, will have to look out for it in the Autumn!

Helenxx

Josie said...

As ever a truly stunning post - I want to come to all of your tea parties!

Anne said...

Sounds like you have a wonderful time! I love the apple bloom - so full of promise of yummy apples later this year :)

Take care
Anne (Crochet Between Worlds)

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

I'm not sure but your star quilt may be my vary favorite and I will definitely be getting your book as I want to make one of those and I so love epp in all it's various forms. (I would buy your book anyway because I love everything you do!)

My Little Home and Garden said...

Hello, Helen

The pillows are beautiful, both the design of them and the gorgeous fabrics. Perhaps I need to learn how to make such things!

Karen

Unknown said...

I love your new quilt! I am a big fan of stars - my favourite shape - and I love strawberries too! Gorgeous eye candy in this post Helen. Have a lovely week. x
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