I finished up both my items for the Modern She Made swap this weekend. I'm really happy with how they turned out, and I will be sorry to see then go, especially the large cushion. The cushion finished up around 20" square, and is stuffed with a 20" pillow form here - just right for lounging on the sofa!
I stuck with very simple quilting on the front of the cushion - with all the colours, patterns and small pieces, I didn't think it needed another design element. I had my fingers crossed the whole time I was quilting because I was right down to the end of my only spool of the dark grey thread. I made it, but only just!
All the colours in the stars on the front of the cushion are inspired by the colours in this Anna Maria Horner fabric (Clippings in Passion from the Loulouthi collection, for the curious). Of course, I had to use it on the back and for the binding as well.
For the small item, I made a pincushion in coordinating fabrics (because who ever has too many pincushions?). The front of the pincushion features my very first attempt at hand quilting. It is by no means perfect, but I really enjoyed doing it and I think it adds a nice handmade touch. Now I just need to try it properly on a quilt.
Of course, I just so happened to have some leftover squares of fabric from the large cushion to make a back for the pincushion.
I've really enjoyed making for this swap - the stars theme was right up my alley, my partner's tastes seem to match well with my own, and, most important, my partner was communicative so I got feedback on my project. It's amazing what a difference that makes - it's so great to be able to send these items off with confidence that my partner will like them!
There are lots of amazing projects in the flickr pool so I can't wait to see what turns up in my letterbox in a couple of weeks!
This is also one of my second quarter goals for the 2013 Finish Along with Leanne of she can quilt - 3 down, 4 to go!
This is also one of my second quarter goals for the 2013 Finish Along with Leanne of she can quilt - 3 down, 4 to go!
Oh I love it! Gorgeous colours, and I love the quilting.
ReplyDeleteboth are amazing!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I would be thrilled :)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteBoth are beautiful - your partner is very lucky. I must get myself some AMH fabrics - everytime I see them made up they look so good.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the pillow
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing cushion I love the colors. I have a question....how do you get your squares to match up? I think I have two issues - if I use mini charms it is inaccuracy in my 1/4 in. seam. My latest one (which I will pretend is suppose to be wonky)...I think it is a mix between slight inaccuracies in cutting and in sewing....so how do you do it, yours look wonderfully aligned?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Here are my thoughts on getting points to match up (and mine still don't always line up perfectly!):
Delete- accurate cutting helps a lot. Personally, I don't find pre-cut charms or mini charms very accurate, and I find the pinked edges make it difficult to line them up accurately. I would recommend cutting your own squares or cutting down pre-cuts so they have straight edges.
- sewing a consistent 1/4" seam is a matter of practice. Sewing lots and regularly (like at least an hour most days) will help you get better faster. I'm not sure that my 1/4" seam is exactly a 1/4", but after a lot of practice, it is at least consistent. If you're not already using a 1/4" foot, it is worth the investment. I can't sew a consistent seam without one.
- when accuracy is important, I use a LOT of pins. I line up the seams I want to match and pin through the seams. Depending on how big the squares are, I might also put a pin (or 2) between each pinned seam. I also pin in a slightly unusual way (I didn't realise this until I started sewing with friends!) - I put the pin through the fabric perpendicular to the edge, with the point towards the edge I will sew along. If you put the pins back from the edge a little bit, you can sew along without removing them as you go.
- I don't usually pre-wash or starch my fabrics, but when I know something might be tricky (like the Essex linen in black I used for these cushions), I do starch just for that extra bit of control.
Ok, that is the longest reply to a comment ever - hope it's helpful! I couldn't claim to be a guru on getting perfectly matched seams, but I have definitely improved my accuracy rate with practice.
Thank you that's great....I did buy a 1/4" foot just haven't used it yet (doh!!) and I will try the pinning - I think I pin the same way as you.
DeleteAnyway appreciate the advice and again love the cushion :-)
Hope you don't mind....I reposted your advice and linked to this post. It is here if you want to take a look
Deletehttp://factotum-of-arts.com/2013/04/26/wonky-universe/
Hope you have a great weekend :-)
The pillow is gorgeous - I really love the quilting! And such a cute pincushion too.
ReplyDeleteWow - they're gorgeous. :D I'm having such a good time seeing what folks are linking up at TGIFF. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat cushion is absolutely divine! I have a thing for cushions at present! lol
ReplyDeleteThe pillow is great and so is your hand quilting! The great thing about hand quilting is that it's not supposed to look perfect :)
ReplyDeleteLove this cushion Adrianne. I think the back is just as gorgeous as the front.
ReplyDeleteSuch cuties! Both are looking fab and I think you really shouldn't hesitate to try hand quilting on a bigger scale.
ReplyDeleteFeedback is so important when making for swaps - nothing worse than a silent partner! These are beautiful makes Adrianne.
ReplyDeleteThe large cushion is amazing! I can see why you will be sad to see it go!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that cushion cover!!! And the pincushion is so cute :) well done, awesome swap items!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love how you used the A.M.H fabric as a basis for choosing the patchwork fabrics. I'm sure your partner will be thrilled.
ReplyDeleteLove the pillow! The pin cushion is darling--the hand quilting adds a nice detail and sweetness to it.
ReplyDeleteWell the part about communication probably rules me out as your swap partner :(. I love the pillow and the pincushion is pretty cute too! You have a lucky partner!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! Using AMH fabric as a basis for your colours was a brilliant idea and it works so well, make yourself another!! Cute pincushion too and the hand quilting looks great :)
ReplyDeleteI have said it before and I will say it again, I really hope I'm your partner ;) I understand what you mean about the communication though - my MSM partner has been pretty quiet about everything I've made - eek! Too late now! :)
ReplyDeletestar light, star bright. Love it. And your straight line fmqing makes me think they are shooting stars!
ReplyDeleteThis pillow and pincushion are really great! This is my first visit (through TGIFF) and I really love so far what you work on. The colors you chose are super sharp and I love the graphite linen with the cottons. I'm a major fan of stars and really love not only all the stars on the pillow, but also the hand outlined star for the pincushion. Lovely and I will definitely be following from now on!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pillow, and pincushion! That's one very lucky swap partner :)
ReplyDeleteI love your cushion - front and back - and your pincushion is adorable too :)
ReplyDeleteLovely items. I wish I were getting them!
ReplyDeleteLove the wonky stars! The backing is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove the pillow! I want to make one!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I'm not going to lie - it's not a five minute job to make all the pieces, but it's not difficult either!
DeleteCan you stop being so freaking awesome! It's making the rest of us look bad!
ReplyDelete