Another Personalised Cushion

Earlier this year we welcomed our latest niece into the family - which means, of course, I made a quilt (this one) - so when it came to thinking about Christmas gifts I couldn't stop thinking about a personalised cushion to match.

I decided on a rather simple patchwork construction, using all the same fabrics as her quilt.  I wanted it to match without being overly matchy-match.  If that makes sense.  I'm not sure I quite achieved that but fingers crossed it isn't too much when they are paired together.

For the initial, I stuck with a dark pink solid, attached in a raw edge applique style.  I do so love this quick and easy method and, well, it gives me a chance to practise my FMQ.

I also stuck with simple when it came to the quilting - straight lines 1/2" from each seam.  Quick, easy and effective.

The binding is just the same solid used for the initial.  I think it frames the madness of all those prints really nicely.

And, then, for the back I just had to use the adorable print which inspired the whole colour scheme of the original quilt - these owls by Ann Kelle.

So cute and wacky!

As per usual, a zipper finishes it all off.

The final size is a rather large and cuddly 22" square - with a 24" insert used in these photos, as that's what I had on hand (hence the extra puffiness).

And that's it - all ready to travel east next week for the big day.  Hope Miss L likes it!

E.


Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts.

Also crossing this personalised cushion off of my Making Christmas list.  You can see my latest update post here.
 

AND... I'll be linking up to the party for the Cushion for Christmas Blog Hop at Ms Midge.

I Love Your Precious Heart

This month's theme for Le Challenge was PRECIOUS and it really got the cogs turning.  My original thought was "diamonds" but after much umming, ahhing and Google image searches I went off the idea.  Maybe one day I'll have a crack but not right now.  So, what next...???

Well, due to the soon-to-be-aired-in-Australia telemovie about INXS being advertised of late, I just couldn't get this song out of my head...


... and, wouldn't you know it, one of the lines just happens to be "I love your precious heart.".  Hello plan!  ;)

I pinned this Pixelated Heart cushion by s.o.t.a.k handmade a few weeks ago with the intention of totally ripping it off for bub's nursery and, seeing as I love to kill multiple birds with one stone, here is my entry.

For the background I moved away from the low volume squares used in the original work - and went with a solid in pale aqua.  I was nervous at first but really like the effect and it'll give me a good opportunity to practise some more of my mad FMQ skillz too.  ;)

I am mixing things up a little, though, and not intending to make this into a cushion - but rather a mini wall hanging.  I figure that baby girl probably has enough cushions for now (though I do have another planned... cough...).

Stay tuned!  :)

E.

Linking up to the last Le Challenge for the year!   Head over and check out the other entries. There are some seriously precious ones.  ;)

Making Christmas - Week 9

As I was playing hostess for week 8 (you saw my post and tutorial for the Lollipop Nose Critters, right?!) I missed the link up - so thought an update was now in order.

Here's how my list is looking, with under a fortnight to go.  Ahh!

1. Robot Embroidery Library Bag

FINISHED!

Blogged here

Still yet to start (or even think about, to be honest) library bag #2.  It needs to be finished by this Saturday.  Hmm...

 2. Personalised Cushions / Pillows

FINISHED!

Blog post to come.

This will probably the only personalised cushion I finish for Christmas... but I do have a few others planned for the near future.

3.  Kindle Cover

Still no progress on this one.  Sorry Mum.  Again.

4.  Bear Paw Quilt

FINISHED!

 Blogged here

5.  Toffee Shards Quilt

FINISHED!

Blogged here

6.  Wonky Stars Quilt

Um, yeah, this one is still waiting patiently to be basted.

7.  Softies for Mirabel

Still no progress since choosing the pattern (Barthelomew Bunny by Shiny Happy World) and cutting out the pieces.  Sorry kiddies.  :(

8.  Reorganisation of my Sewing Room

No progress, other than dreams.  There has been lots of those.


So how are your makes for Christmas shaping up? Are you feeling on top of it or has the panic started to set in?

E.

Linking up with the lovely Lucy, from last Saturday (yes, I am slightly behind).  Pop by to see her unique cross stitched Christmas ornaments - and maybe even spy one made by yours truly.  ;)

A Most Unusual Bear

I was first inspired to make a Bear Paw quilt when Lucy and Janine joined forces and announced their relaxed, no-pressure bear-paw-along, waaaay back in May.  I straight away wanted to play along but it wasn't til a few weeks later when (1) I found this gorgeous Paddington Bear fabric... 

... and (2) a good English friend announced her pregnancy... that a plan was formed.

Here's a rough sketch of what I was thinking...

... and here's how it, kindly dubbed "Paddington's Paws" finished up, at roughly 40" x 40".

It is definitely bright and colourful.  Just perfect for the little man born just a mere 2 weeks and 2 days ago.

Even though I've been a bit brave recently and have started experimenting a little more with new-to-me quilting techniques - I kept this one quick and simple with my usual go-to wavy lines.

Maybe not the best choice to truly showcase the Bear Paws blocks but I do quite like the crinkled effect it finished with.

A stripey binding completed the look.

I have discovered that I'm quite partial to a stripey binding.  Unfortunately I originally had this fabric pegged for my wonky stars quilt - so fingers crossed I still have enough!

Lastly, here it is being modeled outside by my wonderful hubby.  I just can't decide which is cuter. ;)

And, yes, that is a "truffle shuffle" tee.  It's one of his faves and everyone seems to comment on it.  I still have no idea what it's all about...

E.

Linking up with TGIFF over at Quokka Quilts. 
 

Happily, this is also another finish from my Making Christmas list.  I think I'm still on track!  Watch out for an update tomorrow.

Big Hearted Girl

When I first saw these Awesomeville panels by the uber talented cat & vee I absolutely fell head-over-heels in love with the Big Hearted Girl.  I mean, how could I not?!  When I mentioned to Cat, one of the creators, that I'd definitely be buying her if my bubba turned out to be a girl... she then informed me that they also stocked larger 18" panels for cushion covers.  Well then... SOLD!

When she arrived I may have let out a little squeal - I loved her even more.  She's absolutely gorgeous!  I was desperate to make her into a cushion right then and there but couldn't decide exactly what to do.

In the end, I stayed with simple - to allow her to shine all on her own.  All I added was some cute blue pom pom trim - an idea I stole from Cat herself!

Ahh... swoon!

I am so loving the pom pom trim too!  It was a first for me (but not the last!) so I followed this tutorial for help.  Admittedly it was a bit fiddly and a few pom poms might have not quite made it through unscathed - but it is totally do-able and worth it.  Just remember that slow and steady wins the race.  ;)

For the back I stuck with my usual zip method, and a few bright red prints that I had on hand.

Unfortunately I only had a 16" insert spare - so I'll have to buy a bigger one when I'm next at the shops.  I do so like a plump cushion.

And, because I know you're dying to see, here she is hanging out with the Cutie Scootie Patootie and Haphazard Chevron cushions.

I am loving how they look together!

Now, before I run, I must, must, must direct your attention to Kristy's post here.  She is today's Hostess with the Mostest for the Cushion for Christmas Blog Hop - and is also showcasing some gorgeous panels from cat&vee.  AND... wait for it... she may also have a little cat&vee giveaway in the works.  ;)

For more information on cat&vee check out their etsy shop, website and/or follow them both on IG - hellofromcat (Catherine) and hellofromvee (Vanita).  You won't be sorry!  I should also point out that this post has not been a paid endorsement - I am just a huge fan.  I'll definitely be shopping with them again!

E.

Linking up to Sew Cute Tuesday over at Blossom Heart Quilts.

I'll also be linking up to the party for the Cushion for Christmas Blog Hop (on now!) at Ms Midge when it opens on Saturday 14th December.  Before then, be sure to check out all the fabulous ideas being showcased by some wonderful bloggers - and get working on your own cushions for Christmas!  :)