Friday, 5 July 2013

Horray! patch cushion

I hate clearing away bits from a sewing session and throwing them all back in my drawer. It always depresses me next time I open it and find not enough to do anything with or it all looks like un inspirational bits of off cuts so...


I used the spotty from the curtains to make the belt on my denim bag and then cut 10cm X 10cm squares to make this cushion for the trailer tent. I didn't want to throw away the denim off cuts either, neither did I want half cut up jeans cluttering my fabric drawer so I used my new rotary cutter (How did I survive without one of these?) to cut up the rest of the denim into patchwork squares. I used 5 here and have another 10 neatly piled up for another day. The border and back are from a larger neat piece from an IKEA duvet makeover I did about 4 years ago.


I have another cushion inner I saved from an old project (a rag rug cushion that Little M gradually picked to pieces!) to make another one. I don't possess any quilting skills whatsoever but I like to have a little play with simple patchwork from time to time, it keeps my fabric drawer from mis-behaving itself. 

This morning Little M and I went to the allotment to assess the weeds and had a lovely surprise of produce.

 
A decent amount of strawberries to make Eton Mess, a huge lettuce and lots of baby spinach to make a quiche. It's going to be a bit hot to have the oven on later today but if I get cracking I can get one done before the heat kicks in.
 
Enjoy the sunshine. Jo x


13 comments:

  1. Hi Jo your cushion is so dinky and sweet - I have just started a 'bits' bag and like you really don't know what to do with them - being new to sewing I suppose I lack a bit of creative thinking so your cushion has given me room for thought, thank you. The strawberries look so delicious, could just eat one now! Jo you are so good with your blog as there is always plenty to read on a very regular basis - thank you for the time and effort you put into it. I really appreciate and enjoy reading your posts
    Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  2. I can't believe you've only just discovered rotary cutters!! Just watch your fingers and I keep mine well hidden :-)
    The trailer tent is going to look home from home before much longer.
    Great to see your strawberries - I'll have to go and check ours, especially with all this sun.
    Louise x

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    1. I discovered them ages ago but letting the moths out of my purse was another matter!

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  3. Your cushion is so nice! I love my rotary cutter, it makes everything go sooo much faster. I love the way you used leftover fabrics - very frugal and distinctive!

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    1. A freebie kinda lady! Thanks for your lovely comments as ever. Jo x

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  4. Hi Jo, I bought a rotary cutter too recently, and a cutting board - I love them! I would love to make a quilt one day soon, if I am brave enough! Ha ha. I love the cushion, the colours work so well together. I am really interested in your allotment, I would love to have one but I know they require lots of energy and motivation! I am happy the weather has changed here in the UK, I think we are in for another glorious and sunny week, how lucky are we this year! Have a lovely weekend. :)

    www.lookingasuare.blogspot.co.uk

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  5. Gorgeous little cushion Jo - and beautifully grown garden produce - you're a star!
    I too dislike waste and when dressmaking always cut out in such a way that the biggest scraps possible will be saved! But then I have to find the 'get-up-and-go' to do something with them, whereas you just come up with a brilliant idea and DO IT ! Well done Jo!
    Joy xo

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  6. What a fab make! Love the border around the patchwork, I'll try that one next time! Chrissie x

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  7. That is a great use of leftover scraps of fabric. Eton Mess is my very favourite dessert, how did you know? I'll be right over ... don't worry I'll bring my own spoon ;)

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  8. The cushion is really lovely.
    M x

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  9. Hi your cushion will look fab in your trailer tent - what a lovely selection of produce from your allotment it is lovely growing your own! :-)

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  10. Lovely cushion. Making things from the off cuts is so satisfying, and brings back happy memories.

    The lettuce looks fab, so do the strawberries.

    S xx

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