thornberry

Four done!  Two of these are Christmas presents; the bottom two are for me (yes, I know, I don’t need them, but I do love that chenille and those fabrics).

Although the recipients of the top two cushions don’t read this blog, their mother does - so I won’t show them in all their glory until after Christmas.

But here are the other two!  One side:

And the other:

Once again I used the fantastic tutorial from house on hill road for the zippers.  I prefer to have cushion covers that can be removed for washing.  The vintage chenille is from Jodie, of course, the apple fabric was from Spotlight ages ago, and I think that the fabric with the elegant ladies is by Michael Miller.  Cushion covers are so satisfying to make! 

I’ve just completed this cot-sized quilt for my cousin’s baby, due next week.

Let’s hope that they don’t read my blog!  They are having a girl, which made it pretty easy for me since my stash is full of floral prints.  The chenille squares came from Jodie, as usual!

It’s backed with soft flannellette, and has pellon batting in the centre.  I have a few of these quilts, and use them mostly as floor mats.  The batting just makes them a little softer, and it washes well.

I really like the variety of textures in the chenille, and the beautiful soft colour combinations it provides.

I think that’s the last baby quilt for some time, thankfully - I’ve made about six now!

Today’s project - a couple of cushions for the girls.  Each has their initial appliqued onto them.  One side is vintage chenille (thanks Jodie!) and the other a coordinating print.

If I’d been super-professional I’d have piped the edges - but alas, I currently have no piping in my stash!

The zips are inserted using this fantastic tutorial from house on hill road.  It gives such a nice finish!  I have inserted zips into cushions a few different ways in the past but I think that this is one of the best.

And TWO packages came in the mail today - they’re waiting to be opened.  Online shopping is very exciting!  Stay tuned …

Anyone for cake?  Chocolate cake, to be precise!

Chenille cake designed by the talented Jodie, available from Polka Dot Chenille.  This example sewn by me.  I love it!

Edited to add:  I just realised that this is my 100th post!  My subconscious must have known and made me post the celebratory cake photos.  I’ll have to think of another blog-related celebration (maybe a teeny give-away - stay tuned)!  Thanks to those of you who read it.

Woohoo, I’ve made something!  A baby tag blanket for Stella.

I’d seen these on the web in various shops, selling for quite a significant amount of money, and thought that “I can make one of those, surely”.  It was super quick and easy!  This one measures about 33cm by 45 cm (13 x 18 inches), has chenille (from Polka Dot Chenille) on one side and printed flannelette on the other.  I used a variety of ribbons to give as much contrasting colour and texture as was available in my stash.

How to make it?  Cut out two rectangles or squares, pin the folded ribbons (mine vary in length from about 4 to 6 inches unfolded) on the right side of one piece of fabric with the cut edges of the ribbon on the edge of the fabric, then place the other piece of fabric on top, right sides together, sandwiching the ribbon inbetween, and sew around the outside.  Make sure that you leave a big enough opening to turn it!  Once turned, sew up the opening, and you’re done! 

These can be made in whatever size that you like.  This one obviously isn’t big enough to be a real “blanket” to cover a baby; it’s a size that she can cuddle up to and play with the tags (because we’ve all seen how babies tend to play with the tags on toys more than the toy itself).  This one will fold up easily to fit in the nappy bag and to be manageable for a baby.  I think that I might pop this one down my top for a couple of hours to get that “mummy smell” into it and then it may be a handy comforter for Stella.

I think that these will go onto my mental list of good quick presents to make for new babies.