Well, it has finally come round to being my turn to set the challenge - and we are sponsored this time by Di's Digi Downloads who are offering a $10 Gift Voucher!!
Now, I love making cards, but I also love making a whole host of other things from boxes to notebooks, and gift bags to bookmarks. So, for this challenge I decided to ask you to make anything other than cards, tags or ATC's. I want to see and celebrate all those other things that I'm sure you make out there - boxes, gift bags, paintings, bookmarks, notebooks, sewing projects, knitting projects, glass painting, encaustic art etc etc BUT no cards, tags or ATC's please!!
So, what do I have to offer as inspiration? When I first thought about this challenge I had a few possibilities in mind - including an MDF box and an MDF wastepaper bin both of which are just crying out to be painted and decorated. But in January, I treated myself to a new sewing machine. I haven't really done any sewing in years (and even then I only ever did basic stuff) but I had a fancy to have another go. So, I decided to challenge myself as well as all of you, and try something that I haven't done before. I decided to make a patchwork cushion cover. Now this was a longer project than my usual, and you don't need to make anything near so involved - although I expect the more experienced of you could put this together in a lot less time than it took me!!
In searching for some suitable fabrics for my cushion cover, I have begun to learn a whole new language - charm packs, stash packs, fat quarters, jelly rolls and layer cakes to name just a few!! I eventually bought a few stash packs (consisting of 10" squares of fabric) from Pelenna Patchworks and some mini charm packs (2.5" squares) from The Cotton Patch. I also bought a 2.5" Omnigrid and a rotary cutter, so I could cut the small squares I wanted to use. The fabric for the back of the cover came from my local Fabric Land.
Once I had cut out all the squares, I played around with the layout until I was happy with it, before piling the squares up ready to stitch together.
Now, I knew that in order for this to end up looking OK, I would need to measure things at each stage, and my Tim Holtz ruler came in very handy to do this. I marked 0.25" in from the edge to sew the seam.
For each subsequent patch I measured 2" across from the previous seam, and marked the line for the next seam.
After ironing open all the seams, I had seven strips ready to assemble for the cover.
I measured and assembled these in the same way as the individual patches.
After pressing the seams open, I then measured the finished size of the front of the cover. This allowed me to then follow the instructions found HERE on how to make the envelope-style back of the cover (thanks to one of my lovely forum friends for pointing me in the direction of this). The only thing I will say is that because I had a 16" cushion pad, and the front was roughly 14", I allowed an extra 2" on the longer of the two measurements she gives you.
When marking the seam for the outside, I measured 2" from the patch-seam towards the edge. The hope was that all the patches would be around 2" square once the cover was turned in the right way.
I was pretty pleased in the way this turned out. So much so that I have made another - this time in red. Both of these were gifts for friends (I blogged about the 'matching' cards back in May - 'Felt Fun') - and I intend to make a few more!!
So, I hope that I have inspired you - and not frightened you off. Pop over to Crafty Cardmakers to see what the rest of the Design Team have been up to - there's a real range of projects there!! Let's celebrate the diversity of crafts that are out there - and whether your project is large or small I am really looking forward to seeing it. And any experienced sewers and quilters out there - please feel free to leave me some tips!!
I would like to enter my cushion cover into the following challenges:
Moving along with the times - Anything but a Card
Try it on Tuesdays - Anything Goes
Cxx
These are fabulous - I'm always so impressed at people using sewing machines - they seem nigh on impossible to control to me!
ReplyDeletewow that is so beautiful. love it, thank you for joining us at TIOT.EE
ReplyDeleteBoth are fabulous, LOVE the soft browns you've used on the one for this challenge--gorgeous work! :)
ReplyDeleteLove these cushions, the patchwork look gorgeous. I must use my machine again, its just sitting gathering dust as the moment.
ReplyDeleteYvonne x
wow Carol - it's a mazing. And I think a lot of work. Love it
ReplyDeleteHugs
Doreen xx
These are both just fab hun, love the colours!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us at MAWTT this week, good luck!
Hugs Shell xx
When I was at school we were taught to use a sewing machine in 'domestic science'. There was always some idiot, the teacher told us scathingly, who broke the needle. Naturally that idiot was me... I tell you this so that you understand just how impressed I am with your cushions! I love the patchwork design. Vicky x
ReplyDeleteLove the cushions Carole. It's been years since I did any patchwork, there just don't seem to be enough hours in the day to do anything except make cards lol.
ReplyDeleteHugs Kimx
Wow, that is a lot of work, but so worth it. Great take on the challenge. Thanks for playing with us at TIOT.
ReplyDeleteHugz, Z
carole, i love this,
ReplyDeletegot loads of fabric so i can do some patchwork soon!!!
with regards to felt, which machine are you using?? also you need the big die cutting folders to go through it, and a heavy duty machine like the bigshot, and even then its difficult to get that thickness of felt through!!!
Paula xx
Hi Carole your cushion is gorgeous. I have recently obtained a sewing machine though I have mot sewn for many many years. Thank you for sharing this piece, which I saw on crafty carmakers x
ReplyDelete