Monday 14 September 2015

Home Sweet Home

 Now that summer is almost over and autumn days are here it's time for a tidy up around the house....
 ............besides getting out the quilts and crochet blankets ready for cooler times as the nights draw in i also have a lot of fabric to sort and fold and lots of art and design materials to reorganise from working on my new book.............
 .........i actually love this time of year....well, i love all the seasons in turn and the pleasures each one brings......but i love these autumn times when it can be perfect cosy crafting weather..........
 ................here are some pictures of my latest crochet project....mini granny squares using tiny leftover balls of yarn.............i am joining them together with the join as you go method.......

 ............they are so relaxing to make and i did some while chatting to the family this weekend....
 ...............i love the sight of bright red berries against a bright blue sky (almost as much as i love blossom against blue sky in the spring time)................
 ...........and i love all the home grown apples to be used for crumble and pies..........
............as well as crochet and quilting and patchwork being on my crafty agenda this season i have also started knitting myself a sweater............(below is my crochet knitting project bag :) )...........
 ...............i am using this new rowan yarn and the colour is called chalk........the pattern is a very simple one which i know fits me well and i am knitting it in moss stitch........hope to show you some of it soon :)...............
 ..............thank you so much for all your kind comments on my previous post, especially about my new book :)............for those lovely readers from the usa who asked, the book will be available on amazon usa early in november, i am told...............and *modern vintage gifts* is available for pre order at all good book stores and on amazon uk now and also here..............the publication date is october 30 and i will be having a giveaway nearer the time..................
 ................for now i am enjoying tidying up and organising my home as well as my autumn crafting.....and below is a little peek at my elder daughter sarah's new home sweet home......she and her hb and charlie and daisy moved house last week and have been busily home making...... sarah has been painting things in various shades of white and it is all looking lovely, surrounded by a garden full of flowers, and with a tree full of apples and a pond full of fish too :).............
...............off to do a bit more fabric folding now and then start a new design commission..........thank you so much for visiting me here dear readers...............wishing you all a wonderful week with happy homely crafty times..........................back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxx
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41 comments:

  1. KC'sCourt!14 September 2015 at 10:55

    Summer certainly is over! It is raining where I live. Gorgeous quilts, they are so pretty. I love your crochet, I haven't crafted in such a long time I must find something to do, I just haven't felt like it, your blog is really inspiring me to go and find something to do.
    Julie xxxxx

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  2. Carole Williamson14 September 2015 at 10:56

    Lovely post Helen as always. I'm looking forward to seeing knitting soon & I love the colour, it's will be a useful as it will go with most things.

    Love Carole from Rossendale, Lancashire

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  3. Jo@awholeplotoflove14 September 2015 at 11:32

    I love this time of year too, all wood smoke, hot chocolate & snuggly blankets. I'm looking forward to your new book coming out x

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  4. Mylittlepieceofengland14 September 2015 at 11:39

    I love Autumn too, feeling very cosy. So excited about your new book, definitely on my Christmas wish list xx

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  5. Jane14 September 2015 at 11:46

    2 home sweet homes then Helen, your daughter must be thrilled. Welcome to her new home. I also adore the seasons...even though I love the sunshine I could not live somewhere which does not have the wonderful seasons we enjoy here in the UK. Your new work looks perfect for the late summer. Have a very happy week, I have the day off work today so it's a great start for me ;0) xx

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  6. Unknown14 September 2015 at 14:17

    Meravigliose immagini!!

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  7. cristina14 September 2015 at 14:49

    Good luck with your book, Helen! I also like the autumn. And your blanket and your hand bag .... everything you do is inspiring!
    Thanks for sharing your world dear Helen..
    have a nice day and a big hug from Catalonia!.

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  8. Unknown14 September 2015 at 14:49

    I don't like to think that Summer is over just quite yet even though its dark and wet here today I hold onto it as long as I can until the end of Sept anyway. Loving your crochet the colours are so sweet. Congratulations on your new book. dee x

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  9. Ingrid Orens14 September 2015 at 15:19

    This year I'm not in autumn mood yet, for some strange reason - I usually love autumn. Maybe it is because the weather is changing early this year, past years september still was very "summery".
    But I will not complain - like you say, autumn is perfect for cosy crafting evenings !

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  10. Teje14 September 2015 at 15:28

    Hi Helen! I love autumn and your lovely post with sense of autumn! Your photos are so inspiring ... I need to crochet at least few squares! x Teje

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  11. Ali14 September 2015 at 15:42

    Just lovely!! as always xxx

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  12. Art and Sand14 September 2015 at 17:15

    My favorite pic is #3 with the quilts. Your color palette of pink/green/aqua is lovely, but those quilts in my primary color palette speak to me.

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  13. Kate14 September 2015 at 17:24

    Delightful post as always, Helen! Love that 'chalk' yarn.

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  14. flowers on my table14 September 2015 at 17:49

    It is getting a bit chilly here too Helen. Love the red and white quilt. I will be very interested to see your sweater as I love moss stitch. I hope your daughter and family will be very happy in their new home, it sounds idyllic, and I am sure she has learned a lot about home-making from you. It all sounds very busy in your corner, but you are beautifully organised as ever. Have a lovely week, love Linda xx

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  15. Janet14 September 2015 at 18:28

    There's nothing more pleasant as Autumn arrives than to start a new knitting project. Looking forward to seeing your knitting as you progress.

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  16. Madelief14 September 2015 at 18:52

    Dear Helen,

    Congratulations on your daughters new home. As far as I can see your daughter has the same light interior as her mother. Very pretty!

    I am more of a spring person myself, but autumn is growing on me :-)

    Wishing you a lovely new week and thank you for your kind comment on my latest post!

    Madelief x

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  17. ~Lavender Dreamer~14 September 2015 at 19:00

    I'm excited about your new book! What an accomplishment and something for us all to look forward to. We just got to our condo in the mountains so I'm doing a little tidying and making it cozy. Sweet hugs, Diane

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  18. Miss 14 September 2015 at 19:53

    Today the weather has changed even if we will have a sunny week!! leaves are turning into yellow!! and soon in red!!
    That will be the time to enjoy our crocheted and knitted works.
    Love all the patchwork blankets!!! I ordered fabrics to make one!!

    Well,As we had a busy week ( due to school return)people gets busy!!! But you had the time to write comment on my blog and so!! you are the Winner of the Nordic infinity scarf!!! so If you want to receive the PDF Pattern, Please, send me an email via COntact Me on the right on my blog with your email, and I will send you the pdf asap.
    Congratulation Helen!!
    Miss, xx

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  19. Unknown14 September 2015 at 19:58

    I'm eagerly waiting for my book! And I want to make a quilt just like the first picture - love that red and white! And I love this time of year, too, just perfect weather in every way.

    Mary

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  20. Jenn M14 September 2015 at 20:47

    I love summer, but nothing beats nesting and fluffing in preparation of cooler temperatures ahead. We had a cool week last week to get us in the mood; thankfully this week will be warmer so we can quickly finish those overdue outdoor projects!
    Happy Days!
    Jenn

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  21. Jill at emeraldcottage14 September 2015 at 20:49

    Ooooo I love you daughter's bench seat, she obviously takes after her Mum in terms of taste and style :)
    Jillxo

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  22. Jennifer Hays14 September 2015 at 21:35

    Hi Helen, it's so nice to see how people get ready for the change of seasons in their homes. I really enjoyed your post today. Your stack of quilts is just beautiful. That red and white one is perfect, so fresh and crisp. I really love it. I hope you have a great week.

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  23. Pat's Patch14 September 2015 at 21:36

    Lovely warm patchwork quilts and pretty muted autumn shades in your crochet. Love your crochet knitting bag. Beautiful photo of berries and blue sky. Your daughters new family home is looking really good already. Xxx

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  24. angelasweby14 September 2015 at 22:38

    It definitely feels as if the weather is changing. There is plenty of colour still in the garden as your Sarah has discovered in her beautiful new garden. We have lots of lovely second bloom roses and bright berries. My son and his fiancee moved into their first pretty house about three weeks ago and have been enjoying their own garden for the first time. Excited talks of growing herbs (and brewing beer in the shed) have been bubbling out of them. If their house ends up anything like yours full of colourful quilts and granny squares, pretty cushions and dainty china, I know I will be pleased :-)

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  25. Sam I Am......14 September 2015 at 23:07

    You have been busy! I can't even get my house clean all at one time and here you are making a sweater and publishing a book! LOL! But I am older than you if that counts. I have to remember all the lovely items you posted so I can comment. It reminds me of that memory game we used to play at showers. Ok, so...I love your Rowan yarn and can't wait to see your sweater in progress. You are so talented. Also, the mini granny squares...what a great idea and aren't they just precious! I can't wait to get your new book...I am a vintage gall through and through....literally! LOL! Congratulations on the new house in the family. New homes are so exciting! Did you line your granny square project bag? I can't remember? Otherwise does stuff go through the holes? I want to make one. I've been making solid granny squares. I have yet to graduate to the different colored ones. I'm so slow. I adore the picture of the apples and the blue sky. You should come out with your own line of note cards with your beautiful photos of your travels, scenery and projects. I just think where you live is idyllic. Happy Fall! Hugs.....Sam

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  26. Teresa Kasner15 September 2015 at 04:44

    Hello dear Helen! Your daughter's new home sounds wonderful.. I do hope it's not far from you. Your new little granny squares are precious, you color choices always inspire me. Like pastel frosted cupcakes! I look forward to when your book is ready to buy. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  27. Simone15 September 2015 at 09:45

    Happy Autumn Helen! I love those teeny crochet squares! x

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  28. Jane15 September 2015 at 11:43

    I love all your quilts Helen, especially the red and white one. Love the little crochet squares too, such a good way to use up odds and ends. Have a lovely week. Jane xx

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  29. Frances15 September 2015 at 14:55

    Helen, thank you for the update on your new book ... glad that it will be available over here in November.

    This transitional time of the year is very pleasant...nice to have a choice of freshly picked peaches and apples at the same time, and to feel the warmth of the sun, while beginning to long for a new sweater. Your new yarn is a very subtle color, and will surely show the textured stitch to good effect.

    Congrats to your daughter's family on their new home. Again...another change at this time of the year. The bench by the window looks a grand place to sit.

    xo

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  30. Unknown15 September 2015 at 18:52

    I agree Helen-Autumn is a wonderful time to reflect on the beauty of our surroundings and especially to get going on all those lovely crafts! I have not been on here for a while but was recently browsing craft books when one caught my eye...I was hooked by the gorgeous projects, just exactly what I wanted...suddenly I looked at the author and of course it is you! Modern Vintage Projects is absolutely divine-it is at the top of my Christmas list. Enjoy all the beauty of Autumn,
    .
    Best wishes
    Alison xx

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  31. Ladybird Diaries15 September 2015 at 20:58

    Gorgeous post Helen. Your new crochet project looks so pretty.
    Marianne x

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  32. Unknown16 September 2015 at 10:34

    Oh I can't wait to get your new book. I have so enjoyed your last 2 books. I have made and gifted lots of sweet projects.

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  33. Cream Linen16 September 2015 at 20:10

    Happy Fall Helen!
    I love your project bag and this inspired me to make something similar.
    Thank you for sharing all these colourful, beautiful snaps of your projects .
    Tina xxx

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  34. Gracie Saylor17 September 2015 at 03:38

    Welcome Home to your daughter and her family! Your last photo in this post is a beautiful example of her wonderful use of shades of white. I am glad to know your new book should be available through Amazon USA in November! Wishing you joy as you craft your new sweater, fold fabric, and design your new commission, Helen :) xx

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  35. Thimbleanna17 September 2015 at 04:08

    Ahhhh, you're just like a ray of sunshine Sweet Helen! Your blog is a feast for the eyes -- such beautiful pictures. Congratulations on your new book! How very exciting and well deserved. I love the sweet little granny squares too -- soooooo pretty!

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  36. handmade by amalia17 September 2015 at 09:28

    I'm with you! Autumn does feel like a new beginning after a long hot summer, making me want to do more around the house and take on new projects. It is the best of seasons.
    Amalia
    xo

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  37. Winkel's Crazy Ideas17 September 2015 at 09:53

    Oh what a lot of crafty goodness and lovely inspiration!! Pam in Norway

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  38. Unknown17 September 2015 at 12:13

    Hello from Spain: great proposals. I just discovered your blog and I like the variety of topics that you write. Fashion and decoration are my hobbies with my Barbie doll collection. Right now I have a blog dedicated to those dolls that I invite you to visit: http://all4barbie.blogspot.com.es/ If you want we keep in touch. I already made me a follower of your blog.

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  39. flowers on my table17 September 2015 at 16:40

    Hi Helen. thank you for your visit and lovely words. Yes I do enjoy a bit of a natter with friends too, and sometimes it's just more relaxing at home. Have a wonderful weekend, love Linda xx

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  40. Tammy@T's Daily Treasures18 September 2015 at 06:23

    Making little grannies is a great thing. I shall start some now for bunting in the secret garden. Congrats to your daughter and her family on their new home. Best wishes, Tammy

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  41. ♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM21 September 2015 at 11:24

    Autumn is my favourite season Helen and I agree that it's the perfect time for crafting x Your little crochet squares are looking so pretty too... Ooooh not long now until your new book is published!!!
    Best wishes to your daughter and her family in their new home...it's looking beautiful x
    Have a lovely new week!
    Susan x

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Thank you for your lovely words...I so enjoy your comments and read them all.