I've had such a fabulous time this week playing with my fabrics, I've been in creative heaven. It's such a long time since I worked with fabrics, I had forgotten how thrillingly fast it all is compared to the slow plod-plod-plod of crochet. The fact that I have designed and made not one but two complete articles within a week has made me all puffed up with pride. I did it! I really made it happen and I am quite ridiculously proud of my efforts. Especially the zip thing. Wow. Me and zips, we worked out ok together, who would've thought it?
I had a huge amount of fun making my second cover. I did it slightly differently to the first one in that each 2.5 inch strip is actually pieced from two fabrics. So 16 pieces altogether instead of just 8. It made it more fun putting them together (more fabric = more fun, right?), although I have to say that I gave very little thought to what I was doing. This cushion kind of threw itself together on the floor with very little hassle and it felt right to go with the random approach.
The whole zip thing went terrifically well second time round, mostly thanks to the wonderful tips and advice that I received following my last post ((thank you lovely stitchers of the world for taking me in hand)).
So I did things a little bit differently. As advised by the super talented Hen I still used a smaller zip (14" zip for a 15.5" cover), but I stitched the seam closed at each end first, leaving a 14 inch gap for the zipper to perfectly fit into. So no holes (yaaay!). However, I did not follow Hen's advise re hand basting (sorry Hen), I just could not bring myself to be that thorough. Especially when I was told by a few of you that I could use sticky tape instead. Oh My. That was the BEST advice! I simply stuck the zip in place with tape and stitched away pin-free, it was bloomin' marvelous!
I remembered to add a little extra embellishment with ribbons this time, with rather lovely results. The fabric puckered a little as I think the tension on my machine is a smidge too tight, but oh I am not bothered about that really. I am no perfectionist, I prefer to embrace the Homespun look. Overall I am really very, very happy with how it turned out.
Mmmmmmmmmm!! I love my new cushions, they make very yummy additions to my sofa. I am surprised (and yet not really) at how my fabric choices match up so well with my yarn choices. I do have a very consistent, recognisable palette that I work time and time again, they are just My Colours I guess.
I'll be taking both these cushions to live in Connievan, but I will most certainly be making some more to stay here in the Attic. They already seem so at home here and I know I'll miss them as soon as they've gone.
I did want to say a little something about the fabrics I've used, but there isn't actually a lot I can tell you. I've been buying these fabrics little by little over a good many years and I haven't a clue what they are called or which designer designed them. I do know that the spotty ones in the bottom cushion are Kaffe Fassett, but other than that I really don't know. Some Amy Butler in there possibly? Anyone know?
The backing fabric I bought years ago, and sadly the little online shop I got them from no longer exists. All I can tell you is that they are European designs (Dutch I think?) and that I adore them.
I cannot imagine living in a house without homemade cushions, I really love making them and I really love seeing them about the place. They are an essential part of our home, well loved and well used. Looking forward to many more in my future.
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Oh boy, I LOVE the addition of ribbon! Whenever I read your posts, I want to run to my craft stash and get busy... most unfortunate, as I've just publicly declared on my blog that I will be cleaning and organizing the space. But I also said I would sew something fun; I have a sneaking suspicion it is going to be a ribbony cushion! (Credit and a linky will be given to you, of course!)
Posted by: Shannon | May 01, 2012 at 01:37 AM
My Homespun book is on it's way! :D
Posted by: Sue Webber | May 01, 2012 at 01:07 AM
Another awesome pillow!!!!!
Posted by: Taylor | April 30, 2012 at 10:24 PM
your blog is so lovely, you make wonderful things and takes marwelous pictures!!
Jorunn
Posted by: jorunn | April 30, 2012 at 09:33 PM
The colours are so bright and invigorating! I've often tried to make my own but always struggle with the zip. I dare not use the machine as it's too fast so I do the zip by hand but always muck it up!
Posted by: Rainbow Prams | April 30, 2012 at 01:58 PM
Gorgeous, love them! You could make a patchwork pencil case for your Little Lady - bet she'd love that - now that you're so good with zips!
Posted by: Sarah | April 30, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Thank you for posting this. It’s exactly what I was looking for!
Posted by: model baju muslim | April 30, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Lucky Connievan, she's going to be decked out so great with those cushions!
Happy Sewing
Fleur xx
Posted by: Fleur Cotton | April 30, 2012 at 10:42 AM
"my name is Tracey and I am a cushionaholic"
I love yours they look great, my absolute favourites are by Kellie at "dont look now!" she doesnt blog often but its so inspirational - treat yourself to a peep! all theat messing about with fabric yum!!
Posted by: tracey dawkins | April 30, 2012 at 10:41 AM
I love them they are so colourful they would really cheer you up every time you looked at them.
Posted by: Lily McCool | April 30, 2012 at 10:07 AM
They are gorgeous ... love the learning journey ... it is like that every time I get my sewing machine out, and always adds to the feeling of success :)
Posted by: Hilary | April 30, 2012 at 09:00 AM
Houston Source For Modern and Contemporary Home and Office Furniture Since 1982, Leather Furniture, Recliners, Dining Tables and Chairs, Bedroom Furniture
Furniture in Baton Rouge
Posted by: Furniture in Baton Rouge | April 30, 2012 at 06:00 AM
Love your cushions and fabrics you used! They are perfect 'Lucy' colors! :-)
Posted by: Janet | April 30, 2012 at 02:39 AM
Your creativity is endless, Lucy and your use of colors is magical!
Posted by: Leslie in North Carolina | April 30, 2012 at 12:53 AM
Hey Lucy, I just tried to reblog this article for my blog http://oddsockworld.typepad.com/my_crazy_odd_sock_world/but all I could get was a paragraph and no photo.......I know you're busy busy, but could you give me any idea how to do this as I would love to feature the article :)) your inspiration is amazing
Posted by: Jannie | April 30, 2012 at 12:01 AM
I liked the first cushion you did very much, but I will have to say the second with that little extra oomph makes me want to make one for my very own couch!!!! You always come up with the neatest stuff!!!
Posted by: J | April 29, 2012 at 10:34 PM
Lucy, you inspired me to get my craft room put together this weekend and to get my sewing machine back out. My husband is in the Navy, and we finally bought a house after 19 years of marriage and 11 moves. The room has been used as the construction/storage room as we were painting and doing molding etc. It is at least cleaned up and "stuff" is out. Once school is out and I have some time, the needle just might start moving again!!! You are inspiring! Your writing is marvelous. You should write a book on home decorating!
Posted by: kim grabpwslo | April 29, 2012 at 09:45 PM
They're so vibrant, I love them. And congrats on getting to grips with zips...
Posted by: Ali at Very Berry | April 29, 2012 at 06:02 PM
Always so much beauty in colour on your blog...love your cushions and the bright, cheery fabrics...look lovely up against the sofa and crochet ;0)x
Posted by: kazzy | April 29, 2012 at 04:13 PM
Hi Lucy,
I´m reading your blog since at least 2 years and I always enjoy it! I´d like to help you a little to make things easier with zips and therefor I send you a link where it is explained very well. I hope it will make zip-things much easier for you! :-)
All the best for you, Love,
Ulrike from Bavaria
http://fishsticksandfries.com/blog/?p=178
Posted by: Ulrike | April 29, 2012 at 02:29 PM
Beautiful cushions. They look great on your sofa and break up all the crochet and stop it being too much. Definitely make more for the house. So glad you are enjoying your fabric and sewing. Crochet is great but so is fabric. Love them both.
Posted by: Trish | April 29, 2012 at 12:02 PM
wow these are fabulous lucy- and will go great in connivan, well done you! x
Posted by: Dot | April 29, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Oh Lucy those cushions are fab and it's very clear that you do have 'your colours' and very gorgeous they are too! Have to say I'm pretty impressed with your zip work, like you they are NOT my favourite thing I shall check out those tips and maybe be brave and get stitching myself!
Posted by: sue | April 29, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Very adorable stuffs. I love the colorful idea as well as the design of the fabric. Very lovely!
Posted by: plumbing fittings | April 29, 2012 at 10:10 AM
Such beautiful colourful cushions you are so clever! You now just need the rain to stop so you can go away in Connievan!
Sarah x
Posted by: Sarah | April 29, 2012 at 09:56 AM