Tapestry Crochet Cushion

Last month I wrote about stepping out of my crochet comfort zone and trying
something new. That something new is tapestry crochet and I'm pleased to say
that I've really enjoyed learning this new technique. I'm also pleased to show you
my first finished tapestry crochet project - this harlequin pattern cushion cover.

If you google images of tapestry crochet, you'll get a lot of harlequin patterns.
Their bright colours and geometric shapes were actually the ones that first
drew me and made me want to find out more about this type of crochet. As soon
as I got the handle of working with multiple yarns and crocheting in reverse,
I wanted to try making something with a very simple harlequin pattern.

I drew a basic pattern on graph paper, a triangle with a base of ten double crochets,
and made the rest up as I went along. It was quite easy once I've made a row with
five of these triangles using off-white and green mercerised cotton. Seeing the shapes
forming as I worked every row was exciting (I'm doing colourwork! Yay!) and
I pretty much maintained my stitch tension throughout, usually a bit of a challenge
for me when I'm making something flat.

You'll notice that the upper half of the cushion has off-white with coloured yarn while
the lower half has plain white. I ran out of the off-white yarn halfway through but
didn't really want to buy some more so just used what I could find in the house.
The plain white is also cotton but not mercerised, so it split in almost all places and
wasn't as nice to work with, but it got me to the last row and joined up the front and
back together, so it's not too bad, I guess.

The back panel is very plain compared to the front, just rows and rows of double

crochets using leftover Drops Muskat yarn. It was joined to the front cover

with good old double crochets and I made three loops for buttons at the opening.

I am really chuffed with this. It's a fantastic technique to learn and you can work
as many colours into your design as you like. I have many ideas for my next project;
I'd like to try round shapes next, like maybe fruit or flowers. I've been mulling over
another cushion with lemons or pears. It will be great fun!



Thanks to everyone visiting here. I'll see you soon. Have a great weekend!

Cushion Making (again)

Every now again I like to change our cushions around and make
some new ones. They're a really easy way to cheer up our living room
and they are quick projects too. I made these two in spring, quite
awhile ago, and I fancied a bit of a change. So a few weekends back
when I had some free time I decided to get my sewing machine out
and make a couple of new cushions for our sofa.

I used Bunting in Gold by Cloud 9 Fabrics for this cushion.

I love the simple pattern and the colours and as it's flannel it's

super soft and so lovely to touch. I didn't know it was flannel

when I bought it from this shop but I'm glad it is because it's
 such a great material for cushion making. It's making snuggling 

in the sofa even nicer now that the days and nights are colder.

This one is a tea towel that I bought in the summer sale from

 this online shop. It's too lovely to use for wiping dishes but perfect

for making a cushion cover, although I had to use calico for the
back as there wasn't enough material for both sides.

These are just simple, envelope style cushion covers, 

no buttons or zips but I splashed out a bit on the duck feather

cushion pads. Oh my, they are so wonderfully squishy and comfy--
we love our new cushions A LOT!

So another happy cushion making hour for me with very
happy results. Fingers crossed I'll have many more!



I hope you're all keeping warm and dry this week.
Thanks for stopping by! See you soon!

Crocheted Cushion Cover

As promised, I'm back with a finished crocheted project.
I started making this cushion cover around March this year and
 finally finished it a few weeks ago. I don't think it would have taken that
long to make if I hadn't been distracted by other projects. I just dipped
in and out, adding a round or two whenever I can. Eventually I had two
squares that were just the right size, joined them together and
it was done! And now we have a new handmade cushion on our sofa.
Hooray!

I used Drops Cotton Light yarn and I'm very happy with the colours
 I've chosen. They've been wonderful to work with but I'm a bit
disappointed that the squares came out a bit wonky. It's really
 noticeable at the back.

I've blocked both sides but it didn't make much difference and I've
realized this wouldn't have been an issue if I'd maintained the same
tension throughout. I'd definitely keep this in mind the next time I
 do any crochet.

I joined both sides with double crochets and these button loops
were made with chains. We can be quite messy around here and
it's good to be able to take the cover off and wash it if we need to.

Here are my girls with Mummy's new cushion. They like it very
much and despite the wonkiness I have to say I like it very much too!

That's all from me for now. I hope you're all keeping well.

Thank you as always for stopping by. Have a great week!

Cushion Making

I had a bit of free time on a weekday afternoon a few weeks
ago and decided to spend it making new cushion covers. I wanted
a change from the dark blues and oranges of the cushions we've
had all winter on our sofa and chose fabrics with more cheerful
 colours for these new ones.

This was the first of two that I mananaged to make. I love the mix of
blue, green and coral on this material which was part of an FQ bundle 

from the V&A fabric collection that I bought at half price in the post
Christmas sale. I just think it's so pretty.

I like the fresh colours on this second one, all greens and yellows.

This fabric was from the lovely Virna, just one of many lovely things

she's recently sent me and the girls.

Here they are both, my new cushions, giving our sofa some
spring and summery brightness. Not bad for an hour's work 

on the sewing machine methinks.

I have plans to make a third one and it will have appliques.
Fingers crossed I'll have time for more cushion making soon.


Thanks for reading!

New Cushions

I've recently fancied having some new scatter cushions for our sofa.

I usually make new ones but with so many things going on lately

I couldn't find the time to make them. Buying wasn't an option

so I thought I'll just look for old ones I've made previously.
And I found these:

I made them for last spring's craft fairs and they're all made
of vintage materials, mostly bought from charity shops.
 The two at the bottom picture were made from a tea towel
designed by Pat Albeck for the National Trust.
Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, none of them have sold
so I now have the new cushions I needed.

Our sofa is a nicer place for cosying up in this winter thanks
to my nearly forgotten but now found cushions.




Thanks for reading!

x

Home Sewing

I always love a bit of home sewing,
making things for my girls and for us to use at home.

I made this elephant cushion soon after buying my sewing machine
about two years ago then this patchwork blanket when I felt braver and
more confident with machine sewing.

 These were bandana bibs I made for my youngest when she was a baby.
They're made of cotton fabrics and an unused towel.

 Some of the other things I've made:

a case for our Kindle with a little applique,

 a peg bag with apple motifs,

cushion covers to brighten up our sofa

and this bag for my eldest girl's dance shoes.

I have to admit they're all a bit wonky in places
(don't look too closely at the patchwork blanket!)
 But I guess that's perfectly all right.
They're just for us so there's no pressure to get all the shapes
and stitchings right. I can relax and take my time which for me
 are parts of the joys of home sewing and crafting.

I'm hoping to do more of this in the New Year but for now
there's a commission I have to finish (the last one for this year)
and presents to make for Christmas so I better get on with them.

See you soon!!

x

What A Hoot!

This week I had time for a bit of sewing and 

decided to make an owl cushion. It's my little autumnal project,

inspired by walks outside with my girls, the colours of fallen leaves and 

my fondness for wise cute owls.

It was an easy project and was quick to make.

I just enlarged a pattern I already have and got all the fabrics

from my (ever growing) stash.

Some toy stuffing, a couple of vintage buttons and

she's finished!

Twit Twooo!!

Of course she's a girl!

She loves to accessorize with a little flower on her head.

She also likes to read,

arrange flowers

and sit outside in the sun.

She likes to play with the girls and doesn't mind too much
being pulled, poked and squeezed by playful little hands.

She was a joy to make although I was surprised
when her 'ears' turned out longer than I was expecting.
  But never mind we all think she's lovely!
She's a year round friend and not just for this season.
Hopefully soon we'll find her the perfect name.

What a hoot!!!





Thanks for reading!

Have a fun weekend!!!

Sew Last Summer

Around May this year I received a number of commissions, 

all from friends and family. It wasn't a lot but enough to keep me
 happy and busy. I spent many sunny hours working away in my sewing 

machine while my girls were in bed having their afternoon naps.

I made personalised buntings

and cushions.

This one was a first birthday present

and these were for a little boy and his new baby sister.
 The owls were a special request.  I added some toadstools
just because I like them.

I also made these little party bags.
I had lots of fun sewing those cupcakes and ice cream appliques.

And it was the first time I used my very own labels- exciting!

Last but not least this wedding present for my sister in law's friend.
I was asked to make a cushion with the names of the bride and groom
included in the design and the rest was up to me.
The happy couple both live and work in London and they also
got married there so I decided to put a bit of London in the design
and this was what I came up with

and the finished cushion.

My sister in law liked it very much and most importantly,
so did her friend. Hurray!

Some afternoons when I was busy sewing I had a little helper.
She was ever so good at keeping me company and (ahem)
 sorting out my things. I'm so lucky!

As I've said earlier it wasn't a lot, the commissions,
but it was plenty enough sewing for me especially with
 my crafting time very much limited to my girls' afternoon naps.
I'm so grateful to everyone for asking me to make some nice and
pretty things for them and to my girls for obliging me most afternoons.

And thank YOU for reading this post!

Wishing you lots of sunshine where you are.
(It's wet&miserable here in Sheffield)

Have a good week!