Tuesday 25 August 2015

First Steps in Patchwork...and other crafting projects

Last week my lovely next door neighbour showed me how to make a basic patchwork cushion.
This week I've practised my new skill by making two cushions for the conservatory.
I bought two books of fabric samples from the clearance area of a local Interior Design company (£10 for a huge pile of fabric.... I think I'll be making patchwork items for the whole family this autumn!)
 
 
I'm really pleased with the way that the samples allow me to play around with designs and colour-ways.... but the two cushions end up with a similar 'look'.  The material is also really nice quality so it's given my work a nice finish (for a first attempt).

 
I was so inspired by my progress that I went back to the clearance area for another look.  This time I came home with two enormous sample books.  These were more expensive but still good value, given the size of the fabric samples.  I plan to make a set of complimentary garden cushions etc. for next year.  (Our current garden furniture is plastic and falling to pieces, so our families gave us a very substantial amount of money as a Silver Wedding present to buy new furniture for next summer.  I can't wait to have a meal surrounded by a 'grown up' garden furniture suite!!)
 
 
I've also been busy doing my needlework...
(This is a small sampler that I worked for my friends wedding anniversary.
It's a mixture of two traditional 'Florentine' designs and various textured cross-stitch patterns.
The colours tried to reflect the fact that 35 years of marriage is 'Coral')
 
 
Thomas has really got into the idea of having a human at his "beck and claw"..
He likes to supervise,while grooming, from a chair in the conservatory..

 
Then falls asleep mid-lick.....
 
 
His white fur hides the fact that he's an old cat....
Jx

13 comments:

  1. Such a lovely way to start patchwork with the sample books, your cushions look lovely very calming colours well done :-)

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  2. That's a brilliant start to patchworking!

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  3. Blimey - what an excellent first attempt. I could do with some lessons myself. The fabric samples are a great idea too. It must be so lovely for you to have the time and 'space' to be creative :)

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  4. Awww, bless Thomas, falling asleep with his little tongue hanging out. I bet he loves all the company now you're at home. Your cushions are fabulous as is the sampler, I'm sure your friends will be delighted with it.

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  5. What a brilliant idea and a fantastic start to your new hobby.

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  6. Oh the cat is so cute!!!!! Your patchwork and tapestry are really impressive!! So nice to have time to do it now! I've got to go back in less than a week :-(
    x

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  7. Great idea for getting started in patchwork and then if you don't like it, money isn't wasted. I was given samples from a curtain shop once and made a few things for a Xmas stall and donated a lot to charity, but it gives you something to play with for a start. I made my first quilt in 1977 between the birth of my two boys and it was from dressmaking for myself and my daughter. It was strange and maybe I'll do a post about how I started one day as I found an old photo with that quilt in it. I love your stitchery and didn't know 35 years was celebrated with coral. Ours was 38 this year, so I wonder what 40 will be? Anyway well done you and take care.

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  8. Lovely way to start. I like the use of the bigger squares-less intimidating than the small ones. I am loving reading about your new pursuits.

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  9. You have been creative and made lovely items, what a great idea to buy the sample fabrics book, great material at bargain prices.

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  10. what a fab idea, Ill have to keep my eye out for those sample books.

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  11. Well, I am just in love with Thomas and his little tongue peeking out. He is too cute for words, and Baby agrees! (You are so funny with your comment on Baby's reaction to a National Dog day!) And I'm in awe of your sewing skills. I am most definitely NOT adept at it. Your pillows are beautiful and I'm sure the cushions for your patio furniture will be lovely as well! Enjoy the end of summer, Jan!

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  12. I thin this retiring from education is totally agreeing with you . Long may it continue, look forward to seeing what else you make.

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  13. Your patchwork is lovely. I struggle getting things to line up :/

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