Saturday 6 April 2013

Oh So Pretty......

 

 
For Mother's Day this year I received this lovely book, Pretty Patchwork Gifts, by the very talented Helen Philipps.
 
 
Most of you will know Helen's work, if you haven't come across her beautiful creations before, check out her blog.....
 
 
Her blog is always a great place to visit, it's ALWAYS Summer there!
 

 
The book has 25 little project in it, I would say it's a the beginner/improver level....get for me! I really want to make one of these......
 
 
I just love their ears! But then again, this ones fab too....
 
 
A little Christmas mouse!
 
 
Love these little boxes too, made from selvedge edges or ribbons, or vintage sheet scraps!
 

 
The instructions are well written and clear, a must for me!
 

 
I'm very happy with my purchase, there's nothing worse than buying a book and being disappointed with it! My only gripe, which I have with lots of craft books, is that the patterns always need enlarging! I know it's to cut costs for publishes but it's just a pain! Wish I had a photocopier that enlarges!
 
I would definitely recommend this, especially for those wanting to improve their skills, or need quick and easy gifts to make. Thanks Helen, keep the inspiration going!!!
 
Talking inspiration.........
 
 
My head is cooking up plans.....
 
 
Bedroom plans, it's a long time since I decorated our bedroom... long overdue! I have turquoise, sea blues, pistachio greens....hot pinks, all floating around my head!
 
 
I love Homespun Style by Selina Lake, I'm flicking through, I'm cooking up my plans! (Unfortunately my body is having none of it, I think I had such a great time last weekend, my body is yelling at me to rest! So rest I must, because I know what will happen if I don't- Grrrrr!) But hopefully over the next few weeks my plans will become real.
 
Undercoat has been brought for my new dining chairs, fingers crossed I can start on them this weekend!
 
It's Spring here today! I've just been chatting with my neighbour, over the garden fence, like you do, and I WASN'T COLD! Hooray!
 
Have a lovely weekend Everyone!
 
 
Ada :) x
 
 
 
 

48 comments:

  1. I would love a copy of this too. I know what you mean about enlarging, it drives me nuts when I can't simply start on a project.

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    1. Thanks for visiting Kay, yes it's very frustrating! :) x

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  2. This book is such a find, those makes are all so cute. They'd be perfect gifts throughout the year :) x

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  3. Dearest sweet Ada
    Thanks for sharing some of this book, I have been rather desperate to make one of those bunnies too. My birthday is coming up so its going on my loooong list :o)
    Love that vintage sheet blue vibe, my goodness...with hot pink. Swoon. Have fun up cycling your chairs and I know that you'll be brilliant at it, do take care and pace those activities. I know easier said than done, but worth it in the long run xxx Penny

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    1. Hi penny, thanks I am pacing myself, doing a little, then resting a little! :) x

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  4. Not sure if you've seen my post about this book but believe me - if I can make one of those lovely little scamps anyone can x Jane

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  5. Know what you mean about craft books. I try to get them from the library as have been caught out by buying them only to find one or two projects I wanted to make. Photocopying annoys me too, there are many projects I want to do but need to enlarge the pattern for so I haven't bothered. At least with magazines like Mollie Makes, their online patterns are enlarged so you can just print them off. X

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    1. I didn't know that! I do find there instructions a bit confusing though! Probably just me! :) x

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  6. what a gorgeous book - that is definitely going on my wishlist!

    Nikki x

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  7. Oh I know this book is amazing...enjoy my friend. Love love those little houses. xo

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  8. What lovely inspiration ... have a fabby weekend Ada Bea. Sarah x

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  9. Spring was here today to, for a while. it makes eveything feel so different. That book looks great, cute bunnies. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, groetjes, Gerda

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  10. I so want that book Ada.....I do love Helen's makes, so very fresh and full of bright colours.. I'm waiting to see if I'm lucky in her giveaway and if not then I''l just have to get it. No more waiting. :-)
    You may have spring there but its back to winter for us here in Alicante.....cold blustery wind again!


    keep well

    Amanda :-)

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    1. I think you'll like it, I got mine from Amazon :) x

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  11. The book looks simply gorgeous. I love Helen's blog and have a few of her books also. Looking forward to seeing what you make!
    M xxx

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  12. yes listen to your body! I have to be careful in the spring as sometimes when the spring energy kicks in I can wear myself out, it hasn't quite happened yet. There's some lovely projects there for you, when the moments right, it's great to feel inspired! Heather x

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    1. I am doing thanks Heather, trouble is I've got the Spring cleaning bug!!! :) x

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  13. I am also desparate for warmth! You may need to recharge your batteries in the sun. I love the look of the book too, especially the little cot quilt, always a good excuse for more fabric- as if we needed one!

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  14. This book looks very inspiring:) And thanks for giving me the link to her lovely blog;)
    I am looking forward to see how your 'new' bedroom when it is finished. The colours you had in mind are so good:)

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    1. Thanks, can't wait to get it done! I think you will find her blog inspiring! :) x

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  15. Looks like a great book Ada ... love the rabbit and mouse ... have a lovely rest ... Bee xx

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  16. Thanks for the peak inside Ada. I might add that to my wishlist. We must be living parallel lives this week. First matching chairs and I'm having a bedroom ponder too. I've seen these lovely vintage curtains but they're about 3 inches too short. I'm debating every which way to make them long enough before I buy them. New windows...?
    Have a lovely Sunday.
    Ellie
    x

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    1. Yes I would consider changing the windows too....us fabric addicts, you could just put a fantastic contrasting trim on though!! :) x

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  17. Hurrah for the sunshine! Hope you manage to take it easy and pace yourself - looking forward to seeing your chairs! xx

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  18. That book looks very tempting, some gorgeous projects. Now don't overdo it, jot down your ideas and have a rest :) xx

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    1. I have books full of ideas.....really want to get something finished! I am listening to my body though :) x

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  19. I've just bought the same book : love it, too!!!!
    I'm really curious to know more about your bedroom plans......
    xxxxx Ale

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  20. are you trying to bankrupt me, another book I now feel the need to buy! Are the patterns full size or do they need enlarging, find that so expensive to do.

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    1. Sorry.....it does bump up the price somewhat! :) x

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  21. What a lovely book, will look forward to you showing us all what you make : -)

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  22. ~ An INCY WINCY~ bit warmer for us today too, Ada...So chats with neighbours over the garden fence sounds good!(earlier post) LOVED that shop....Would have spent all my pennies...The book is delightful, full of inspiration...Thanks for sharing! Sunday Blessings to YOU. Maria x

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    1. I saw a lovely counter top display cabinet, from a bakery. It would have been great for my fabric, out of my price range at £250! :) x

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    2. ~ Make a Wish **** then make them an offer! If it is meant to be....It will be yours...~ x

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  23. Hi Ada, Take it easy, Girl!!! No need to wear yourself out at the beginning of Spring!! One thing at a time!! Your bedroom makeover colors sounds calm, cool and relaxing!! Looks as though you have plenty of inspiring ideas!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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  24. I agree about the book I've just bought it and can't wait to start sewing but can't decide what to make first - a book full of loveliness x

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  25. How cute are those bunnies - they'll look super cute in a little vintage sheet dress! I'm busy planning our back room (kitchen/diner/lounge), the taste of spring has given me the energy I needed to get going - it's soooo good not to be cold
    Em x

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  26. Helen's work looks wonderful! Sorry you are suffering but hope all the time you have for planning will create a great new look in your bedroom.
    Sarah x

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  27. The book looks wonderful ... just the kind of book I'd love to have on my own shelf for inspiration! I feel the same about enlarging patterns. I do have a copier/scanner/printer that will do the job, but I have a heck of a time figuring out where to place the book on the glass to get the right bit copied (I waste SO much paper in the process!) and often I just say 'forget it' and either don't buy the book or don't make the projects :( Good luck with your makes (just take it to the copy shop and let them struggle with it!) Wendy :)

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  28. dear lovely vintage sheet addict. if u would be so kind as to email ur postal address to me at mezzcoleman@hotmail.com i would very much like to post u one of the four vintage sheets i accidently thrifted the other day.just because i love ur blog and although we've never met i just get the feeling ur a pretty awesome woman who deserves nice things in her letterbox.mezz x

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    1. I think a little swap could be arranged!!! Thank you! :) x

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  29. It is always sunny over at Helen's isn't it, even when it's raining everywhere else!

    I'm liking the sound of these bedroom plans but do get the rest you need first missus x

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  30. Isn't that wallpaper in the last picture absolutely amazing? I totally agree with the photocopying pattern gripe!

    Happy Monday to you.

    Stephanie

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  31. Looks like a fab book! Good luck with the bedroom decorating. We are in the middle of that at the moment - the builders have finally gone and it's over to us to paint (pastel aqua) - can't wait to get back in the room - our house is a tip at the moment! But I have to be patient - I struggle with chronic fatigue and have had a dreadful weekend, so rest I must. All will happen in the fullness of time....

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    1. I'm thinking pastel aqua too, mixed up with something hot....and I don't mean Mr Bea! Get some rest Zoe, look after you, or the decorating wont get done! :) x

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