Thursday 8 May 2014

Union Jack Cushion

One of the little things I look forward to each month is my Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine popping through the letter box!



If you haven't come across it yet, you should find a copy! It is chock full of amazing projects and this month is no exception! With all the bits and pieces that go on in life, I rarely get a chance to do more than browse this magazine...let alone make anything. But with friends visiting from the US, I had the perfect excuse! 



Pat and Carol are US friends who lived in the UK for a few years. They messaged to say they were stopping over for a day or 2 on their way to Sicily, and would we like to meet up? When I spotted this Union Jack Cushion by Lynne Goldsworthy (Lily's Quilts) I knew it was the perfect pressie for Carol! 

I chose the Chloe's Closet line 30's playtime...it's so lovely and fresh.

I am fairly inexperienced when it comes to paper-piecing, but this came together really easily. Lynne's instructions are clear and easy to follow. 



It always amazes me how crisp and clean cut corners are when paper piecing!

I wanted to keep the quilting on this clean and crisp, just like the piecing. BUT straight line quilting is not my forte. I am far more comfortable in the perceived randomness of stippling or loops. 

Enter my "new" hera marker! Get one. The end! 


Seriously though, this little marker is fabulous. I was so skeptical about how useful it would actually be...I mean it doesn't actually make a mark, or does it? What it does make is lovely deep, strong creases which just 'fade' into the background once the stitching is there. 



I have never had such straight lines- EVER! Buy one if you don't have one already!



I used good old Ikea BRITTEN NUMMER for the back. I love the simplicity of it. 




I so enjoyed making this cushion, and Carol was so pleased with it. I already have plans to make some, somehow combined with the South African flag, for my boys...but that's a blog for another day! 





Thanks for stopping by, 

Lisa x