A Hint of Summer …. Dandelion Bunny

Looking back over my last few blog posts, I wonder if perhaps I am becoming a little obsessive about the weather!  But, in my defence, we have been experiencing some extreme conditions lately, with days of almost constant rain and consequent flooding in many of the towns and villages in this part of the world.  Luckily Coombe Leigh snuggles into the side of a hill, and any water quickly runs away leaving us nice and dry again – though the water level in our old well is higher than I have ever known it! 

Today however, the sun is shining and it’s hot!  Ben woke early and immediately started to bounce around with shiny eyes and waggy tail – eagerly anticipating a much better walk than he’s had to put up with over the last few soggy days.  So once breakfast was cleared away, and the washing hung out on the line to dry in the sunshine we set off over the fields to the Farm Shop…..

Stokenham Church in the Distance

 The path runs through a field of oats, and there’s an old drinking trough fed by a clear stream in the hedge.  Can you spot a large black bum sticking out from the undergrowth as its owner investigates the sound of running water?  That’s Stokenham Church in the distance, our Parish Church.  It was really hot in the sunshine, and quite a long walk so we were pleased to return home to the cool shade of the slate-floored hall where Ben flopped tiredly (but happily) with his long pink tongue hanging out.  And while he slept, I thought I’d take some photos of the projects I’ve been working on whilst trapped indoors by the rain ….

Dandelion Bunny Embroidery (3)

 I’ve been busy!  There’s a patchwork crib quilt, all in pinks and greens, Betsy the bunny in her stripey stockings and little green dress, as well as the Dandelion Bunny cushion – a combination of hand embroidery, patchwork, applique and quilting techniques… 

Dandelion Bunny Embroidery (2)

 Inspired by a vintage illustration, this little bunny is very easy to stitch, combining just three stitches – straight stitch, back stitch and stem stitch – and I also stitched the first verse of a poem by Edith King … 

Dandelion Bunny Embroidery(1)

in a spiral, with green variations floss from DMC.  I haven’t decided yet whether to list him now as an individual pattern or to wait and include him in the August issue of the Bustle & Sew ezine.  I’m on a bit of a roll at the moment, with lots of ideas, and while the rain continues, plenty of time to stitch them as I can’t be in the garden or on the beach.  Will let you know soonest! 

18 Comments

Adorable projects Helen. You certainly are on a roll. Long may it continue although I do hope the weather improves.

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We were going to come your way today but decided to cancel, wished we hadn’t now – never mind next time!
Beautiful cushion.
Julie xxxxxxxx

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I love the bunny cushion he’s really cute and I would love to stitch himsohope he’s in the next magazine
Jackie x

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Oh I just love that sooooo much! I want to make that bunny!

We had January weather for so long, I was trying to NOT talk about it – who wants to hear about cold and grey, wet skies? But now we have sun, and I’m not on my computer – so I can’t talk about it! LOL!

You sure live in a very beautiful place

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Hi Helen, Cute projects! In my opinion, you are not sounding obsessive about the weather at all… I think we have all been talking weather this year; it being extreme everywhere. Here in Oregon we also get a lot of rain, although we seem to be entering summer now. Happy to hear your weather is starting to change! After much heat we are always glad to see the rain again. 🙂 Laura

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Such beautiful projects, Helen, and I love the bunny pillow with poem. Glad your weather has improved…
X Linda

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Absolutely adore the bunny. It would be perfect for the baby quilt I’m making. Hope it is in your wonderful magazine!

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Oooh, love them all and hope very much they are all included in your magazine. As for your weather in the UK, we have been watching it on the tv news here in Australia so it must be pretty bad! So I think you’re entitled to have a little whinge or two 🙂

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The dandelion bunny is a lovely design and the spiral text adds the best touch to the whole design. I enjoy seeing your creations and wish you continued success. Best wishes from the States.

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Your projects are all so beautiful! Have only recently found your page and signed up to your newsletter and I’m so pleased I have! You’ve really inspired me to get sewing again, just need to decide what to start with!
Love the fabric in the cot quilt, gorgeous colours. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂 x

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Hi Helen!
Please keep the weather posts coming! I really love reading your descriptions; they remind me of my favorite books (which are English). Also, howcute are these new projects?! I LoVe your color palette… Blessings and take care!

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Bev Roddis

Hi Helen.
I think we are all becoming obsessed with the weather. Love what you have made especially the little bunny.
Its still raining here in Cambridgeshire!
Hugs
Bev. xx

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Brenda J. Moore

Being part”Newfie” myself, there is nothing better than seeing one that actually looks good on a beach. I dont. :)) ( my double chin there).
Your photos are lovely and I get such a giggle out of your dog. I have only one now…a Golden that I took off abusive neighbors. Cant understand that.

I adore all your handiwork. Just dont stop, O.K ?

Cheers from Oshawa Ontario,
Brenda

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I just love your work. The scenery is to die for. But my favorite is your fur baby with your houses. I couldn’t stop laughing. Very nice. God has truly blessed you.
Voni

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This is so so beautiful. You’ve inspired to tackle something like this which I admit i’m slightly nervous of. I can’t wait to start!

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