Sunday, October 4, 2020

Sugar and Spice.....And All Things Nice ❣


 

A lovely hello to you ❣ 'Tis Sunday morning here and I see, somewhat unbeknownst to me, the calender has sneaked over to the month of October. How oh how did this happen???? This year is hurtling along, is it not?? 'Tis early in the morning and I can hear the mellifluous birdsong filling the air and flowers are sprinkling a potpourri of fragrances everywhere. Spring is bustin' out all over. The flowers on the pendulant branches of the blossom trees are slowly unfurling....so very pretty. The magnolias are flowering and the orchid-like, silky petals of the dutch irises are  beginning to burst out from the papery spathes to stand tall. There is a sea of glorious blue hues of forget-me-nots everywhere and the bluebells are swaying in colours of blue, pink and white. Oh, I can see too, it won't be long till the lilacs explode into their purple gorgeousness; and the granny bonnets and foxgloves are about to burst onto the scene as well. Yes indeedy, the days down here at the bottom of the world are as pretty as a picture. 

As each day floats into the other, I have been stitching Lucy's wee quilt. All the hexies are now stitched together. To even the edges along the top, bottom and sides, I will stitch triangles to them, and then I will add a border of white and pink polka dot fabric. As with my Sweet Sunday quilt, I like the thought of  small hexies skipping around the border.....but I will see.



I have unearthed a fabric from one of my armoires for the backing of Lucy's quilt. I have been saving this sweet fabric for an occasion such as this. Several years ago I happened upon a curtain in a thrift shop with sweet Sarah Kay girls featured all over. When I was a young teenager, Vivian Kubbos', Sarah Kay; and Denise Holly Ulinskas', Holly Hobbie designs were seen everywhere. The charming artwork of little girls dressed in floral prints and calico, with sweet bonnets atop their heads, were imprinted on many, many things. I remember I would save up my pocket money and collect greeting cards, plates, dishes, hurricane lamps, calendars et cetera et cetera. Why, I sent many a Sarah Kay greeting card to my friends for their birthday or a special hello note. I will never tire of these sweet  illustrations  and the sense of bygone days each sweet design captured. Days of a long ago time, evoking a feeling of a simpler and gentler way of life; of quiet pleasures, of a homespun spirit. The good old days, a time which I have been reminiscing and reflecting upon of late. Funnily enough my friend, whose granddaughter this quilt is for, and I, would exchange Holly Hobbie gifts with each other, so I consider it fitting that I use this sweet vintage fabric for Lucy's quilt. I remember a favourite Holly Hobbie quote of both my friend and I was "The road to a friend's house is never long" or even "When a good friend shares a day with you rainy days seem brighter, too". So, so many other delightful quotes  which added a touch of whimsy to another's day. Thankfully, I have a length of this fabric left over, so one day I may well fashion a quilt for me....just for old time's sake, just to indulge in the memories of the good old days.







I wonder, do you lovelies of a certain age remember those days of old where young girls found joy in the charming artwork of Sarah Kay and Holly Hobbie?? I know I do and those sweet reminisces make my heart smile As I have stitched these sweet fabrics and gazed upon the Sarah Kay fabric this week, I have felt myself in a little cocoon of sugar and spice and all things nice......despite the horrendous drama of the world stage. We have to grab with both hands the precious little things in the everyday, don't we. Sometimes difficult given the times we live in, but for me I want to be mindful to delight in those fleeting moments which bless my day. I want to be joyful for the miracle of the flowers I pick, the warm sun kissing my cheek, a hug from a friend, a smile from a passer-by, the wide, blue sky of God's open-air cathedral; oh, so, so many things can brighten my day, regardless of what is happening in this world. In these times I want to gather a bouquet of happiness in the everyday little things, as each day passes by. I want to be thankful to God for each day He gifts me and all those little and unexpected, precious blessings❣

 




Thank you for popping by my little spring place and catching glimpses of Lucy's sweet quilt. I hope in some small way I have sprinkled a little charm to your day. Throughout today, here in my blossoming, little spring world, I am going to join that little band of lovelies all around the world, pick up my needle and thread, and delight in a little Slow Sunday Stitching, on sweet Lucy's quilt. Take care lovely lovelies. May God bless and sprinkle you with smiles  as you gather a bouquet of  sweet contentment throughout your day❣


Until the next time..............


64 comments:

  1. What a perfect, lovely backing that will make for the Lucy quilt. I loved Holly Hobbie and used fabric and pictures to decorate my daughters' bedroom. I even found some of the fabric scraps I'd used and gave them to my oldest daughter. She remembers all those Holly Hobbie things, too; so sweet.

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  2. You do more than sprinkle a little charm. You sprinkle raindrops full of joy. I just love to read your beautiful posts. Here in Michigan USA, sadness seems to be overtaking my soul. Our summer is over and the flowers are almost gone. I certainly hope that God paints us a gorgeous fall full of color. We need it badly. Thank you again for your glimpse of springtime.

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    1. Your comment today has caused me to feel both joy and sadness. Joy, that in some way my little blog brings you joy but sadness too, because of the anguish and heartbreak and all the 'horribleness' that your country is experiencing. Every day there seems to be more sorrow and 'bizarreness' than the day before. AND....the thought that your summer has gone with most of the flowers and in a little while....winter...well that is almost too much to bear. All this while COVID still rages there. I pray that God will surround you with the glorious hues that only fall can gift. As you sit and watch the leaves turn into the beautiful colours may your soul be lifted by the beauty you see. Please take care, lovely lady❣ Kim Xx

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  3. Lucy's quilt is coming along so well, and you have the absolutely perfect fabric for the backing. How pretty the finished quilt will be. But then, you do "pretty" so very well! It's a lovely Spring day here too, and Daylight Saving time has kicked in which means longer evenings to enjoy. Have a lovely Sunday.

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  4. Hi Kim
    I do indeed remember the cards, where does time go. Love the fabric wish they would reproduce some of the older fabrics, so pretty.
    Best wishes have a wonderful week Kay xx

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    1. Hello lovely Kay, Time seems to evaporate into thin air, doesn't it. I too, think it would be fabulous if companies reproduced these older fabrics. There were so many gorgeous designs back in the day. You have a wonderful week, too, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  5. Lovely progress on your Lucy quilt and that backing fabric is just stunning! Enjoy your spring and all the beautiful flowers - I always love to see your gorgeous photography. Stay safe and well in your little bit of paradise. xx

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  6. Yes....I will confess.....I do remember Holly Hobbie design, and it is so pretty. Gives you good warm feels. In Western Australia our spring is bringing us beautiful colours in the garden and it's wonderful. I love the colours in your quilt and such a representation of love in each stitch. I always love dropping by to visit you here. xx

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  7. The little quilt is coming along lovely. I do remember Hobby Holly. In fact I embroidered a set of Holly Hobby pictures for our daughter's room. I hadn't thought of them in years, I wonder what happened to them? Happy stitching, enjoy your spring!

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  8. I remember so well Kim....Sarah Kay's sticker...Back then, all girls made collections of them...
    Lovely hexies and fabrics !!! Your pics are beautiful ! Flowers there, rain here...
    Have a shinny week !
    Hug
    Anna

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  9. I love Holly Hobbie and all this cool stuff.. a friend of mine recently purchased some vintage hobbie ribbon too! lol How timely to have seen this! I love the backing for that flimsy! Have fun friend :D Such a great visit I had enjoying all the loveliness you offered today <3 Kathi ~

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  10. Wow sweet post and lots of great eye candy!

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  11. Your approaching season is my fave! Fresh air waiting expectantly for summer's fresh growth. We (here in southeast Minnesota, USA) have quickly graduated into the glowing hot Autumn colors.....so rich that they hurt one's eyes for their brilliance. Winter's whiteness no longer touches us as we head to deep south Texas Dec.1 to live amongst the green & growing cotton and sugar cane.
    Lucy's freshness is life and that backing piece couldn't be more perfect. Have a delightful Sunday.....sending hugs.........

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  12. I had a Holly Hobbie doll when I was little as well as a Raggedy Anne . I think I wore them down to thread bare with all the love I gave them.
    Lucy’s quilt is very pretty and that backing is perfect.
    It’s pouring rain here today but we have had several bright and sunny days to get outside and enjoy the fall colours. Your spring flowers are beautiful


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  13. It looks beautiful and the backing fabric is perfect for it. Enjoy your wonderful spring. I’m quite jealous here in the Northern Hemisphere.

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  14. I love 30's prints, but your backing fabric is SO sweet!! Lovely quilt!!! :)

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  15. What a lovely confection you will be gifting to Lucy. I remember Holly Hobbie, but at the time I was dealing with two young children and alas, daughter was not a Holly Hobbie kind of girl. I really how you used so many different variations of the hexie shape. Gives me ideas if I ever need another girl baby quilt (have mostly been making them for boys these days.) Patiently awaiting some pictures of your glorious spring blooms, although I suppose I could go back and look at last year's spring posts to get my floral fix. Enjoy your week.
    Pat

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  16. Such beautiful photos as always! I remember Holly Hobbie very well as my sisters' room had Holly Hobbie wallpaper...thanks for the memories!

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  17. Oh, what a lovely quilt! The backing fabric is perfect! I remember my sister stitching a Holly Hobby. It must have been one of her first stitching projects.

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  18. Oh yes I remember Hollie Hobbie design so well, I remember I embroidered her onto canvas and made it into a picture for my daughter and it's still hung on her bedroom wall in our flat in Syria, at least I think it is, I wonder if we will ever see it again. That fabric is beautiful and just perfect for Lucy's quilt which coming on so well. Your Spring sounds idyllic and I can't help but feel just a teeny bit jealous haha Have a fabulous week. xx

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  19. Such a lovely project, can't wait until your creativity designs the rest of it.I remember that fabric and lusting after some at one time, but I had boys and no little girls on the horizon...! Always enjoy your lovely posts!

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  20. Hello lovely Kim! Oh, the quilt is looking absolutely delicious!
    I love Holly Hobbie. I wallpapered our Kelli's baby bedroom in pink HH! It was so cute! It's always so nice to visit you, sweet friend!

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  21. Holly Hobbie! Bonnets and petticoats. Oh, that brings back happy memories. I love how the hexies are coming along. :-)

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  22. Lovely quilt, and as always love reading your narrative. When my girls were little, my MIL made them both Holly Hobby quilts. The large Holly Hobby had a pocket in her dress, and a little doll inside. An actual doll she made. I had Holly Hobby wallpaper in their rooms. I still love Hobby Hobby, and actually have some fabric I haven't done anything with. Thanks again for bringing a smile to my face this Sunday morning!

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  23. Such gorgeous fabric! That blossom looks so pretty. I can almost smell it from England!

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  24. I remember Holly Hobbie well! It's the perfect fabric to back your quilt!

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  25. What a beautiful post! Sure you have sprinkled charm to my day. Thanks!!
    Hugs

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  26. Hola Kim, maravillosa costurera.
    Esa colcha además de ser muy bonita va a tener un lazo especial entre tu amiga y tú que siempre os hará recordar aquéllos años........ y la tela de cortina para la trasera fue un hallazgo estupendo; últimamente yo también dedico tiempo de mis pensamientos a los años lejanos de la juventud y me he confeccionado ropas repetivas que lleve en aquellos años y que tanto disfruté.
    Disfruta mucho de la primavera y muchos BESICOS.

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  27. I love that backing fabric. It is perfect for this quilt. That little girl will enjoy many hours of pouring over not only the wonderful variety of fabrics on the front, but the many different girls on the back.

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  28. I had left a comment here yesterday but think I did something wrong. Your quilt is just beautiful and I love the softer colors. Holly Hobbie was well remembered from the 1970's era and so darling!

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  29. Hi,dear Kim!Sweet remembrances with Sarah Kay...Even living in so so far! What beautiful fabric!Love Lucy's quilt and your beautiful flowers. I also love that gorgeous teacup!Xoxo,my friend!

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    1. Hello lovely Maristella, I find it interesting that you remember Sarah Kay as the artist, Vivien Kubbos, is an Australian lady and I didn't know if she was as well known as Denise Holly Ulinskas', Holly Hobbie. It seems as if the sweet illustrations of Sarah Kay reached far and wide. As for you loving my sweet teacup.....I thought you might. =) Have a fabulous week, lovely Maristella. Kim Xx

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  30. Lucy's quilt looks so pretty!
    Sarah Kay's artwork never fails to bring smiles all around.
    So wonderful to see all the spring blossoms too!
    Enjoy the lovely spring days, Kim!

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  31. Hi Kim, The quilt is beautiful. That fabric is just right for the back of Lucy's quilt. I have a lot of Holly Hobby things, among them are a few dolls,etc and a magazine from many years ago. God Bless and have a good week.
    Marilyn

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    1. So, there were magazines, too, Marilyn?? I don't remember those. I'm a bit pea green with envy (just a little) over your Holly Hobbie dolls....I would have loved to have one of these pretties. God Bless you too, lovely lady....have a fabulous week. Kim Xx

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  32. Kim your Lucy quilt is lovely. I remember Holly Hobbie as well as Betsy Clark and Sunny Bunch, not familiar with Sarah Kay. A vase and pot holders are a few Holly Hobbie items that we have.
    Marion

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    1. Marion, I don't recall Sunny Bunch. Is Betsy Clark the illustrator of Precious Moments?? LOVE Precious Moments pretties. I am wanting to stitch a montage of a Precious Moments Nativity Scene for Christmas. I had better pull my finger out and get stitching as Christmas will be here quicker than quick. I remember having a Holly Hobbie vase too. Wish oh wish I had it now. Why, I would fill it with a pretty flower or two. =) Have a beautiful week, lovely Marion. Kim Xx

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  33. I LOVE your hexagon quilt. I was a fan of Hollie Hobbie as a child. I adored my Holly Hobbie umbrella!

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  34. That little quilt is so pretty and Spring-y, so perfect for the time of year where you live! Though I love fall, the thought of Spring on its way again is always such a hopeful time!

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  35. Lucy's quilt is looking beautiful Kim. I adore that fabric you have found for the backing - it is perfect. Funnily enough when I saw your first photo my heart skipped a beat as I used to have that very same Holly Hobbie picture on my wall when I was a girl. I even think Mum might have framed a calendar picture originally. How special. xx

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  36. I agree where has this year Gone? Your lucy quilt is so pretty and set amongst the flowers makes me wish for spring. Your backing fabric is pretty but I confess I don't know holly hobbie, I feel cheated!

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  37. This year does seem to be racing by faster than ever! Spring is my favourite time of year too, when all the plants are emerging and looking so pretty! Roll on Spring - although we have quite a while to wait here!
    Your hexies are looking so nice! And the Holly Hobbie fabric will look just right for the backing on Lucy’s quilt. She is a very lucky little girl to receive such a beautiful quilt!
    Hugs,
    Barbara xx

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  38. The quilt is so sweet Lucy must be adore it. We had a little kitchen bought for our daughter when she was little in a Sarah Kay box and the sheet of her bed was also with Holly Hobbie prints as well and a lot of other things. Have a very nice and sunny week dear Kim.
    It is always a pleasure to look around your flowery world. ❤

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  39. Sugar and spice and all things nice perfectly describes your hexie quilt. A border of pink and white polka dots would be perfect. Oh yes, I remember sweet Holly Hobbie. She was everywhere. Honestly, I don’t recall Sarah Kay. Sorry I missed her. I’m happy for you that your spring season lifts your spirits. The floralicious photos are a delight!

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  40. Perfect choice for the backing. I love your photography...the flowers are gorgeous. We're in chilly fall headed to cold winter here in West Virginia/USA...I envy your spring to summer weather. Blessings....

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  41. I remember Holly Hobbie well - on everything! They were very popular here in, I think, the 70s...Your quilt is beautiful and it's lovely to see Spring springing all around your garden :)

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  42. Oh Kim, your hexie quilt is so beautiful, and that backing fabric....Oh My! My daughter's bedroom had Holly Hobbie wallpaper, and I even made her a Holly Hobbie doll. My very first cross stitched piece was a Holly Hobbie that I made for her and I still have it. Thank you for bringing up sweet memories. Happy week of stitching to you!

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  43. How lovely to get a glimpse of the gorgeous Spring flowers that are blooming all around you, I can just imagine the smells and delight to the eyes seeing all the blooming trees and Plants!
    Your quilt is so lovely and I love your idea for the background fabric, yes I grew up liking Holly Hobbie, even after we were married my mom made us a quilt with some of the characters on it. So nice that you had enough fabric for it and the young lady will love it!

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  44. Another lovely post to brighten my day! Yes, I remember Holly Hobbie and many of her delightful sayings. I had my fair share of wall plagues and other items! What a wonderful backing to your special gift for that special little girl! Enjoy your lovely spring days! We are starting fall here. Little Jack and I spent time out yesterday cleaning the garden and just being outside. It’s starting to feel crisp and the leaves are just starting to turn. Hoping you still stay healthy as we both begin the changing of the seasons! Zenda

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  45. I really like that you put a star hexie, and the ladybug hexies in there to give the eye something to focus on. Otherwise we would just get lost in all the sweet little fabrics. After that we are able to see the secondary focus hexies. Very enjoyable quilt. Oh yes, I remember Hollie Hobbie, a plate with her giving her sister a bad hair cut hung in our house. It said something about loving someone even when they cut your hair. My mother always gave my poor sister the most butchered hair cuts then they would both cry.

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  46. That is the prefect backing for such a sweet quilt. I'm reminded of the birthday cards I received as a child that were of girls with parasols and petticoat-ed dresses and cut to the shape. Sweet, simple and innocent times that young girls today don't tend to experience.

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  47. where did september go.....are you hiding it over there, under one of your beautiful quilts?? hehehehe

    as soon as i saw the curtain/fabric, i remembered that, but not the name. yes, it is holly hobbit, it was a favorite of mine!!!

    the hexie quilt looks awesome, a work of art as always!!!

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  48. Kim - I am somewhat jealous of your spring bounty, but then we are enjoying some lovely warm fall days, so I will be grateful for what I have. I do remember Holly Hobbie, and I can appreciate your desire for a return to simpler days. I think kids grow up much too fast now; let them be children! Adulthood comes soon enough!

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  49. It won't be long and I will need to hear about and see all the springy summery stuff you will be enjoying when our world turns white. Right now we are still enjoying autumn's pretty colours in leaves and late blooms.
    I remember Holly Hobby well as both my girls had little Holly Hobbie dolls. Their prairie bonnets came off. The Hexie quilt is gorgeous; I adore the colours you chose.

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  50. Yes!! And I still find joy in the charming artwork of Sarah Kay and Holly Hobby. I love Lucy's quilt and I know she will too!

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    1. I don't think I will ever tire of Sarah Kay and Holly Hobby. The artwork is joyous, isn't it. It seems there are a lot of us who remember it with much delight. Kim Xx

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  51. I love it. I have always thought the backing of a quilt was always a forgotten spot. You are making the back as pretty as the front.

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  52. Lucy's quilt is looking beautiful and the backing is lovely, perfect for a little girl. Happy hand quilting!

    -Soma

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  53. Your post is a pure poetry Kim!
    Holly Hobbie has a stunning resemblance to the Sarah Kay characters and styles - I was and still am quite crazy about it. If you would believe, I still have my Sarah Kay sticker album I collected as a kid. The fabric is simply scrumptious! I am sure the quilt would be a masterpiece! xoxo

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  54. I absolutely LOVE Holly Hobbie and do remember when it was everywhere and in all forms. I recently found a wood plaque with a Holly Hobbie pictured decoupaged on it...it is in my shop for sale. Your fabric is perfect for a sweet little girl. The hexies are so pretty too. What a special gift. I have missed visiting you and now I am filled up again with all the loveliness on your blog!

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  55. Another lovely post, dear Kim, with a beautiful-in-progress make and gorgeous fabric. I also loved Holly Hobbie as a girl. I always hoped she would turn her head so we could see her face, but she never did.
    Amalia
    xo

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  56. Hi Kim what a beautiful post filled with colour and happiness. Oh I love your quilt and the stories behind Holly hobby,I can remember these ,so cute ,well done my friend ,take care and stay safe xx

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  57. That fabric is absolutely adorable! I do remember Holly Hobbie but I'm not as familiar with this one (which I must say I prefer). Once again you are creating a stunning piece of art Kim - I love it!

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  58. looking at this for a second time...it is GORGEOUS hanging from the tree branches!!!

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