I've been sewing Union Jack cushions. My Dad, who sails and knows about such things, says that technically a Union Jack is only a Union Jack when it is on a mast on a boat, and and that otherwise it is a Union Flag. But I still call it a Union Jack.
I make these as gifts and to sell at craft fairs. I made a blue and pink one for my friend Rachel's new kitchen/diningroom/playroom with sofa (of which I am very envious):
And this pink and green one was ordered by another friend for a little girl's bedroom:
I buy the cushions from John Lewis, £5 for a plain cream cushion and someone else has done the boring job of putting a zip in and I get to do the fun bit - appliqueing on patterns. Same applique technique as before, you iron on the fabric then straight stitch around the pattern.
They take a couple of hours to stitch, but they keep me busy while I'm watching tv.
I like them a lot but they don't really go with the look of our house, which was built in the 1940's and has a bit more of a mid-century modern feel about it. I think they are also a bit country and feminine for John's taste, and he does live here too. So I suppose it's only right that I respect his taste. *sighs*
I make these as gifts and to sell at craft fairs. I made a blue and pink one for my friend Rachel's new kitchen/diningroom/playroom with sofa (of which I am very envious):
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I buy the cushions from John Lewis, £5 for a plain cream cushion and someone else has done the boring job of putting a zip in and I get to do the fun bit - appliqueing on patterns. Same applique technique as before, you iron on the fabric then straight stitch around the pattern.
They take a couple of hours to stitch, but they keep me busy while I'm watching tv.
I like them a lot but they don't really go with the look of our house, which was built in the 1940's and has a bit more of a mid-century modern feel about it. I think they are also a bit country and feminine for John's taste, and he does live here too. So I suppose it's only right that I respect his taste. *sighs*
These are so pretty. I see what you mean about not entirely suiting the style in your house but I can see they would be perfect for a little girl's bedroom. The stitching is so neat! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you...I could make some for your girls! xx
DeleteI am hoping to learn to crochet soon - going on a crochet course for my birthday. Rock and roll! We will see how that turns out...
ReplyDeleteGillian x
Oh Gillian these are just fab! Never mind about male reservations re flowery style! I have the same thing in a predominantly male household & feel there are just times when a girl has to go ahead regardless! I've been having a good look at your stitching to work out how you did the appliqués. Did you use Bondaweb & then hand stitch over the top? I love them - they are a great take on a familiar theme.
ReplyDeletePs Forget my q - going back to look again you answer it in your post. So busy drooling over the pics, didn't read assiduously enough!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, thank you so much. I hope you find the how to useful. It's addictive though...I get through metres of bondaweb!
ReplyDeleteThey are lovely! I do miss making cushions...
ReplyDeleteI love these cushions!!! I think I am going to try!!!
ReplyDeleteJust found your lovely blog, may I ask what sort of thread you use for applique.
ReplyDeleteHello, yes of course. I used normal embroidery thread but I separate out two strands from the six that come together, if that makes sense.
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