Here in England, the fine spring weather just goes on and on … it’s simply wonderful after the cold and miserable winter, and the late arrival of spring means that everywhere has burst into bloom at once. So we have hedgerows studded with primroses, daffodils everywhere, the magnolias are wonderful and I even saw some very early bluebells today. The swallows have returned too – last year a pair built a nest in our woodstore and I’m very much hoping they’ll return to raise another brood.
I had to recover the cushions this year – the yellow stripey fabric came from a local charity shop and cost me all of 50p (less than a dollar). I stapled the Cath Kidston oilcloth table cover to the underside of the table – last year the summer was so wet and windy the tablecloth kept blowing away and was ruined. Not taking any chances in 2010! I was very pleased with my Union Jack too, it’s a very cheap modern one, but it was easy to take the newness off it by soaking with a teabag for a while.
The project I was photographing is a storage cube – made from a variety of fabrics and stiffened with a canvas lining. I was very pleased with the embroidery on the front – I took a vintage embroidery pattern and recreated it using applique.
I think it worked really well and if you’d like the pattern, then please just click here for the free download.
All that’s missing from my gazebo is some flags to add some summer jollity. I think I’ll make some fabric ones as they’ll have to live outside all summer, but for Townie Husband’s birthday party I’ll add extra ones in the form of the paper bunting I sell at DevonBear Designs
I’ve been redesigning the packaging and am rather pleased with the results – what do you think?
And because I’m so pleased with my new packaging, I’d like to give some away! If you’d like the chance to win two packs of my paper bunting (design of your choice) then please leave a comment below.
The draw will close at midnight (British Summer Time) on Saturday 24 April. You’ll find more details and pictures of the bunting at DevonBear Designs if you’d like to learn more.
The gazebo looks fun, I love the applique birdie too!
Love
Lyn
xxx
I love the applique it is very pretty. Could you please enter me into your draw?
Julie xxxx
That embroidery is great. I will download it and machine embroider it I think. It will look lovely in my summerhouse. Love the bunting too.
I love the embrodery and that is it I need a small table and some oilcloth as a potting table!
I love all your work. I also love the cute little bag it's adorable. I would love to be entered into the draw.
Thanks
Rachael
"Oh to be in England, now that April's there…"
I haven't experienced an English spring since I was 7 years old and we moved to Canada, but your description made me so homesick.
I think I need a tea-soaked Union Jack for my front porch. Great idea! Your gazebo looks so welcoming.
Love the new embroidery pattern. Very sweet!
Isn't it a blessing to be able to get outside? I so love to be out and comfortable. I adore the applique!
i love it
so sweet like always!
thanks!
I adore the fabrics you've used in the storage cube, they really set off the embroidery…I'm making my fist bunting at the moment, such a quick satisfying project. would love to go in to the draw.
thanks, florrie x
EEEKKK – love it all – great idea with teabag and new flag – off to do that one – please please can I be included in giveaway. Lovely Blog!!!!
Fleur
x
I love your gazebo! It's the perfect "photo
box!"
Everything you design and touch is adorable. Thank you for the chance to win.
It is a dark and rainy day here in Texas, USA. Looking at your sweet applique and lovely gazebo just made the day a wee bit brighter! Thank you!
everything looks so lovely..you've been busy!!
i'd like to be entered into your giveaway please xx
Hello,
Your outdoor space is so pretty, let's hope the lovely weather continues, so you can enjoy many happy hours out there.
Bertie x
Love the porch and the bluebird….simply lovely!
Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [19 Apr 02:00pm GMT]. Thanks, Maria
Adorable! Thanks for the chance to win.
Big hug, Deborah
http://www.deborahmarie.etsy.com
Yet another lovely bag. I love the combination of fabrics. Lynne
The storage cube is adorable – I love the winsomeness of the embroidering bird…
Have only recently found you, but have been so inspired by the beautiful things you make. I've even attempted a little sewing of my own!!! Would also appreciate being entered into your draw 🙂 Thanks!
If you ask me Spring is the best time of the year. I just love your work. Thank you for a chance to win.
Hello Ellie, just love the oudoor area you have got there. So glad the sun is shining for you. I love what you have done with the flag in getting it to look aged and your new packing is lovely. Have fun in the sun.
Bev.xoxo
A beautiful bag, love the applique on it. My son arrived in Brisbane last week from London, for his sister's wedding. It's rained everyday since he arrived, said it reminds him of England, he might have to head back to get some of that beautiful spring you're having over there.
I just love your blog…. and all your STUFF. I have downloaded that embroidery pattern with the bird….. I download it all. ha! Pick me, please!
gorgeous gazebo! and isnt this weather wonderful, it's so good to have blue skies – and all my seedlings are sprouting
enjoy!
Love this and I just found your blog! I am a new follower and will enjoy following your blog! I would love to have you visit me too! http://sewnso.blogspot.com
HELLO, I FOUND YOUR BLOG THE OTHER DAY AND HAVE BECOME A FOLLOWER. I JUST LOVE ALL YOUR SWEET DESIGNS AND COLOR COMBOS. YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME TO TRY TO MIX FABRICS AND DO SOME APPLIQUE EMBROIDERY.
CHEERS, JUDY
Beautiful applique!Thank you very much for sharing!It would be great on my veranda with
my sewings in it.Love the bunting!!!
Oh oh oh that bunting would look fantastic in my new kitchen!!!! Love it xx