Cushion Fest

I have been busy making cushions this week.  The first is a 12 inch cushion made for my darling little granddaughter Willow. 

The photo was taken by Mike when Willow was 9 hours old.  I drew an ellipse around the image and feathered it, then added Willow's name and date of birth.  I printed the image on photofabric.  I used an embroidered and cutwork, vintage hankie as a starting point for the front of the cushion.  I added a layer of satin underneath, then a layer of wool batting and a layer of calico.  I attached the photo using hearts sewn in an oyster Sulky rayon thread.  I attached the hankie to the backing using a crosshatch stitch, again in rayon.  I then freemotion quilted a rope border, some feathers and filled in the gaps with a stipple stitch.  I haven't decided whether to add any further embellishment such as beads yet.

I made up a second cushion cover using the pattern I created - this time in a blue, red and cream colourway.  This cushion went together much faster and more easily than the last one.  I think I must be getting to grips with 'y' seams now.

I'm really glad to have the second cushion cover.  One on its own looked rather odd on the sofa!



Yaaahhh!  The fabrics for the second part of the Di Ford Mystery quilt have arrived from Holland...so I am busy making little circles.  I think I have tried just about every method possible for making these.  The method that seems to work best for me involves using the Perfect Circles templates and spray starch.


I'm also preparing the applique pieces for my April block of the Antique Wedding Sampler quilt by Di Ford.

I have a pile of blocks that I need to turn into a runner for the bottom of our bed.  I find it is too hot to have a quilt on the bed at this time of year, but I get cold feet!


Busy, busy!  I LOVE having several things on the go!