Sunday, June 6, 2021

Flowers In Her Hair, Flowers Everywhere

Good morning, lovely lovelies❣ A  lovely welcome to you❣ How delightful you have stopped by for a little while, here at my little wintry place. So, so happy you decided to visit for a little Sunday joyousness.

So....I have decided to design and stitch another quilt!! Oh, I am still quilting my flower garden quilt, (I intend to quilt a little of it later on today and join other lovely ladies at Kathy's place, for a little hand stitching) BUT, I just felt the desire to start a new quilt. A quilt which I have been wildly imagining for a long while. My flower garden quilt is now at the stage of quilting the borders and as that is a tad humdrum to report upon, I am beginning a new pretty. Besides, haven't you seen enough of applique flowers, skies, ponds, birds, butterflies and quilting stitch upon quilting stitch??  I would've thought you had seen enough to last an eternity. =) I haven't put this quilt on the back burner completely. I will still snuggle under my quilt, quilting it during the winter; I am just not blogging about it for a little  while. Me thinks my pretty will make its last grand appearance, sashay back into the limelight, when spring comes aknocking on my front door. By then it shall surely be finished and all ready for a show and tell in the spring garden. After all, a quilt spilling over with spring and summer flowers demands to be photographed in a spring garden, don't you think??

The new quilt is called 'Flowers In Her Hair, Flowers Everywhere'. How about that, the name before I even stitch a stitch!!!! Those of you who are of a certain age surely remember the song sung by the Cowsills, The Rain, The Park and Other Things, also known as I Love the Flower Girl?? Just one of those feel good, happy songs from the 60's. Well, for some strange reason the chorus popped into my mind last year and believe it or not the birth of an idea, an imagining of a quilt was born. Being a child of the sixties, and a bit of a flower girl (who would've thought) I used to sing and dance to this song all the time when the radio was belting it out into the airwaves. Isn't it strange where us creative types pluck our fanciful thoughts, our wild imaginings from?? I am always fascinated from whence my inspiration emanates. So the name of this quilt came into being. Amazing for me really, as I am that gal who can never think of  the name of a quilt until nearing the end of the stitching. Just a little aside; I have thought of a name for my applique flower garden quilt, but, I will keep that under wraps until it is seen in all it's finished glory; as there is a story to tell behind the name. Such a tease, that I am.

Anyway........Flowers in Her Hair, Flowers Everywhere,  has been in my imagination since last year. It will be an art quilt to be displayed on a wall. Another quilt designed and planned on an imaginative whim; another imagination swirling around and around  gathering momentum in my rather muddly brain, breaking out into the land of reality as it cannot be contained in the land of thoughts,  the land of dreams anymore.  So,  throwing caution to the wind, I have begun to play once more.  Although I have a picture in my mind of what I want to do, and what this quilt will look like, I will again make it up as I go. I will again draw and design as I go and throw fabrics and embroidery threads up into the air and see where they land. Nothing is set in concrete, I will just go where my heart leads me. It will be a quilt where there will be some machine stitching, a lot of hand applique and a lot of embroidery....there might even be a little machine sketching.

Imagine if you will, a room where the walls are covered in floral 'wallpaper' reminiscent of patterns one would read about in an Arabian Nights' tale. Walls covered in an explosion of colour and pattern, something one might see adorning a wall of a riad in Marrakech. There is a girl sitting on a plump, upholstered cushion covering a window seat. She is looking through a large open, picture window to the garden beyond, where flowers of every species are jostling for space. Perhaps, there will be a 'Maisie' dog in the guise of a springer spaniel, sniffing the flowers. On second thought, there will most definitely have to be a Maisie dog peeking from the flowers.  The girl is dressed in a pretty bohemian dress where flowers cover the fabric, and her hair is in a loose chignon with blossoms here and there. Perhaps a comfy sofa in the corner of the room and a table on which a pitcher of overblown flowers, rest atop it. Comfy cushions, a few books, a cup of tea; perhaps a kitty....who knows what will find its way into this quilt. BUT, this one thing I am quite certain of...there will be flowers, flowers, flowers....everywhere❣

I dithered and dithered about many scenarios regarding the wall. What fabric did I want?? Did I want one fabric with blossoms all over. Did I want to embroider here and there?? Did I want to do broderie perse?? Whilst I was oscillating, I searched all over for that one perfect fabric but to no avail. Then I remembered a book I purchased an age ago titled Leaves Galore, by Sue Pelland. It is a quilting book with many quilts, made by using her Leaves Galore Templates. Within the covers is a quilt she has designed which I particularly fancy, and one day hope to fashion. The quilt is called 'Magic Carpet Ride'. Perfect!! It just adds to my imaginings of an Arabian Nights aesthetic for the wall. All of a sudden all the stars aligned. Well, at least in theory. It is yet to be seen if my wild imaginings will be as fabulous in the cold light of day, as they are in my rather fog-like, mysterious head. It just goes to show that contemplating one's belly button for a very long while does come up with one experiencing a light bulb moment.....well....at least sometimes.

So, the very first thing I have done is gather  together a plethora of fabrics from my stash for the 'wallpaper'. Floral designs covering the gamut from large flowers to ditsy designs. I traced leaf shapes using the Leaves Galore template onto vliesofix paper. Then I ironed each shape onto fabric, cutting each one out. Now to play with all the patterned shapes to form the wallpaper. Just playing. Just enjoying the design process. Placing shapes here and there in an arrangement which is pleasing to my eye. An explosion of colour and pattern, really. Hopefully, when next you visit my little place, my Arabian Nights 'wallpaper' will be on the wall, for all to see.

Oh, I happened upon some gorgeous flowery fabric this week, to fashion myself a bohemian dress for spring. Some pretty fabric, add a vase or two of flowers.......and voila!! Old habits just never die. =)



I am off to channel my 60's inner-flower-girl self, put a flower or two in my hair and enjoy my Sunday. Have a lovely day, lovely lovelies. May your day be filled with happy tunes and flowers....and a sprinkling of beauty❣


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



Now.....speaking of happy tunes.....just a little 60's fun, happiness and fabulous harmonies.=)



55 comments:

  1. Now I have that song going in my head Kim ... as soon as I saw your blog title - it started playing in my head 😉 Those fabrics you have chosen are just beautiful - do I spy some Tilda's in there I think?? I so look forward to seeing you bring this quilt to life my friend xx

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  2. Elizabeth StreeterJune 6, 2021 at 3:47 PM

    Don’t remember the song but then we didn’t have music playing much,dad was tone deaf and it hurt his ears ,love the look of the iris fabric there, look forward to your next adventure.
    Have you seen Kafe fasett books, “In the studio”.absolutely love it and his “Bold blooms “book oh my get lost in flowers in that.the colours are brighter than yours but same sensibility.

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    1. Elizabeth, that is a bit sad that you were unable to listen to the radio/records when you were young. There were so many great groups in the 60's and 7O's...The Cowsills, The Beach Boys, The Mamas And The Papas, The Everly Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel The Carpenters...all fabulous with harmonies and great feel-good songs. Re Kaffe Fassett books, I have them all. I started buying them when he first hit the scene knitting his inimitable jumpers/cardigans, years and years ago. I do believe there is no-one quite like Kaffe. I suppose my wall will have a Kaffe aesthetic. This quilt will bloom wildly. =) Thank you for your sweet visit. Kim Xx

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  3. I have never heard about the song so I had to look it up (and listening to it on Youtube):)
    However, the word-painting that resulted from your brain-storming ideas is extremely captivating and I cannot wait to see it in reality! Happy Sunday, Kim!

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  4. I remember that song and others...in cassettes ;)
    We have songs in French about flowers and girls...
    Your new quilt will be gorgeous with your petals...cutting in your beautiful fabrics.
    Have a lovely week !
    Hug
    Anna

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  5. Oh Kim, thank you for that glimpse into the workings of your creative mind :) Beautiful ideas and beautiful fabrics! I also like that the puzzle pieces look like petals. And those irises... Oh, my!

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    1. They do look like petals, don't they, Alina? Hopefully my "creative mind" has more to show next time. It has taken an age to cut out all the petals/leaves, with not much to show for all my time. Fingers crossed when next you visit the wall will be done. Thank you for your beautiful visit, Alina. Kim Xx

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  6. I can't wait until you show us the progress on Flower Girl! I loved those songs from the 60's. I remember very vividly when the Cowsills sang at our county fair, that was such a long time ago! We recently had a heifer calf born and I named it Cass after Mama Cass. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, happy stitching!

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  7. You are a tease with this quilt, but I can't wait to see what your flower filled mind designs. Enjoy the process!

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  8. I can't wait fo see your new beautiful quilt, Kim.
    Thanks for include the video, listening I went back in time and saw myself as a girl again. Oh happy days!

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  9. I often find myself singing snippets of songs from my youth which are often followed by eye rolls from my husband! What a neat ruler for cutting leaves and petals. Beautiful fabrics ...I’m looking forward to seeing this new quilt come together.

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  10. Kim, You are always my first stop here in the US on Sundays. I love your blog posts and look forward to when you write them with your flowery words and this week such fun flowery petals in her hair and everywhere... I love that vase you are using in several of your photos too... very unique to me :) Enjoy stitching a bit and creating something new a lot this coming week... tell us more about that ruler that lets you cut the flower petals too! I love it ... and fashioning a new dress??? Do you have the fabric or the pattern to share or do you wing it without a pattern?? lol! Have a lovely evening or lovely Monday down under dear friend! Kathi

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  11. I love when one art form inspires another! Wouldn't it be fun to send the Cowsills a photo of the quilt once it is done?

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  12. Oh how exciting to be creating a new quilt, You are right to unveil the finish quilt among your spring flowers is a wonderful idea and I look forward to it :) Your new quilt sounds so fun, can't wait to see it unfold. Your fabric you picked out for it is so lovely. If you are like me what you dream in your head doesn't always come out like that in the end but sometimes it is even better. I know you will enjoy the process of bringing this lovely scene to life!

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  13. I am 12 again!!! I love that song and suddenly I feel that young girl I used to be... I do like your concept of the flower quilt... how clever you are. It's right up my alley, all the flowers and colors and movement. Can't wait to see your choices made and progress... whee!!! the start of a new piece is so exciting. Ahh the song... yep

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  14. I love that curvy ruler and can't wait to see what you're making!
    How fun that the name of the quilt arrived before the quilt was made :)
    Have a wonderful quilty adventure!

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  15. I am intrigued by your new beginnings and will follow along with joyful delight. And yes, I remember the song. So nice to recall happy songs from the 60's instead of what passes for music these days. Now don't I sound just like one of our elders complaining about the Beatles not being real music. We have a hot day ahead, so I'll not be in the garden today.
    Pat

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  16. Ooooh, a new quilt is always very exciting, and your title (love that you get the title first ;) ) sound pretty lovely! Lovely petals too!

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  17. So many beautiful fabric leaves. I'm looking forward to watching progress on this one!

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  18. Oh yes a kitty (possibly just a tail in the garden?). Truly, making the scene misty and wistful is also a good idea. Thanks for the word painting. I share my tea with you. Have a marvelous first week of winter.

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    1. A kitty...perhaps in the garden, though I rather like the thought of one snoozing on the window seat. A misty garden scene, hey?? Perhaps, I will have to see where my playing takes me. I am always up to sharing a cup of tea, in a pretty teacup with another. As for winter, it has taken up residence here. Thank you so much for your sweet visit, Annette. Kim Xx

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  19. Qué buenos ratos se asan pensando y formando nuevos proyectos........ he visto en tus fotos telas preciosísimas y llenas de colores..... tú eres de colores🌺🌻🌼🌷🌹
    Muchos BESICOS.

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  20. Everything looks wonderful: the fabrics,those stunning flowers and the pitcher/vase. I didn't know that music but my husband immediately began to sing when I watched the video,so funny!Hugs,dear Kim.Have a lovely week ahead. Maristella.

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    1. Your husband is too funny, Maristella. =) The Flower Girl is that kinda song. Those who remember it immediately sing along. My husband and I have been singing it all day long. It is stuck in the groove of my brain now. =) Thank you for your sweet visit, lovely lady. Enjoy a lovely week. Kim Xx

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  21. What an amazing creative imagination you possess, Kim. And you have made a great start cutting out shapes for your wallpaper from all those pretty fabrics. Another gorgeous quilt which we will all enjoy watching you put it all together over the coming months.

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  22. I loved this post - always creative - never disappointing!

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  23. Oh! I so glad you stopped by and commented on my blog! I found you some time ago, then lost you and here, I found you again! Your new pretty is sure to be gorgeous! Following you by email to make sure you remain found! Thank you for sharing and commenting!

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  24. Now that song is in my head!!! Looking forward to see the progress on it.

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  25. I immediately started singing that song to myself when I read your blog title! What great inspiration for a new quilt - I can already tell it's going to be amazing!

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  26. I haven't heard that song in a long time! I love how your mind works, in the creation of your new quilt, and I love those fabrics. Great work, and again you have written a beautiful piece. Now you have that song in my mind! Hope you have a great week!

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  27. Hi Kim
    Another wonderful cheerful creation in the making. Can’t wait to see how your quilt progresses .
    Have a great week.
    Best wishes Kay c XX

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    1. Thank you so much, Kay. I am excited about this quilt....but then I always seem to be excited about every quilt I fashion. =) You have a great week, too, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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  28. I'm singing it now, it took me way back, I'm glad I was a teenager in the 60's lovely happy carefree days. I bet your new quilt is going to be amazing, what beautiful fabrics! I can't wait to see it as it progresses. I'm looking forward to seeing your finished flower garden quilt in the Spring. Have a great week. xx

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  29. Your new quilt is looking beautiful already! Such a gorgeous selection of fabrics and your description so appealing. Have fun with your wallpaper. xx

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  30. I immediately started singing that song when I saw the title of your post, Kim! I am child of the 70s, but with 8 older siblings who grew up in the 50s and 60s, so our music spans the decades. Love the flowers! It's going to be beautiful.

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  31. Flowers everywhere, when we cycle we really see flowers everywhere! Along the road in the verges and in the fields; white, blue, red and yellow, and also fragrant, beautiful. I can imagine the floral splendor of your quilt will splash.
    Dear Kim, I hope you enjoy your new quilt.

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    1. Lovely Loes, your little part of the world sounds divine! It must be a glorious sight with all that floral abundance everywhere. Yes, this quilt will certainly be one of floral splendour. Both colour and pattern everywhere....just as I like it. =) Have a beautiful week, lovely lady. Thank you for stopping by. Kim Xx

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  32. I remember that song!! The vision you’ve described will actually bring this tune to life! You have a great start on the background with your plethora of florals. I can’t wait to see this one evolve! I find myself thinking about a new project as I get to the ‘finish phase’ of another. I’m glad to know I’m in good company! Wishing you a happy and creative week, dear Kim! Zenda

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  33. Like lots of others the song is now in my head, brings back many happy memories 😄 looking forward very much to seeing the progress of your quilt and your dress! Never get tired of seeing your beautiful garden quilt. Have a wonderful week, looks like a cold one!

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  34. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!

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  35. I am so fascinated to see this new quilt come to life. What gorgeous fabrics you are using already. Have a very lovely week and stay warm and cozy.

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  36. Oh my, Kim, I was a child of the 60’s, too, and remember that song well. I love that you chose a name for your upcoming quilt while it’s still in your head. I know that it will be such a floral-y bundle of beauty!

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  37. Oh goodie! I like new quilt starts, so looking forward to watching it unfold!
    Your fabrics look fab! Interestingly, I too have a new start in my brain somewhere, an idea still developing. And yes, I am also of that age :-)
    xx

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  38. I remember that song well and loved it. The quilt sounds like it will be beautiful, but than all your quilts are. Can't wait to see it.

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  39. It makes me happy to look at your quilts, such a celebration of color and pattern. And I know what I'll be humming for the rest of the day.
    Amalia
    xo

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  40. Beautiful fabric you have chosen, so many different colours, another beauty in the makings.

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  41. Nice ... I enjoyed your words, the song, your flower pictures ... have fun with your new quilt. I'm so excited :-)))) Wonderful. Hug

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    1. Thank you so much, Viola. I'm excited too, to see where this new quilt leads me. Kim Xx

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  42. Wow, that's going to be one bright and happy quilt.

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  43. I will not ever tire of your fabulous "Flower Garden Quilt."
    Oh, the song brings back many good uplifting memories.
    So much beauty about to unfold once again. Wonderful fabrics you've chosen, Kim!

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  44. Now I'm thanking you for my ear worm (don't worry - it's a pretty worm, not one that bites). Can't wait to see what you create but I'm wondering if it will go beyond a wall hanging and morph into a full-sized quilt. After all, it could be....right??

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  45. Kim - what a creative, fanciful mind you have!! It is one of your characteristics that mesmerizes me! I look forward to watching this quilt as it develops!

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  46. One of my favourite 60s songs and how wonderful to have a name for your quilt before you start. All those fabric petals look delightful.

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  47. You have chosen some wonderful fabrics, Kim! This is going to be a really lovely quilt made with those pretty petals.

    -Soma

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