Sunday 15 September 2013

Stitchalong Sundays Update

Sunday has quickly rolled around again - I expect you are all making progress on your 'Stitchalong with Chrissie' projects and I'm so looking forward to seeing everyones work. You lovely folks in the UK will only just be rising and greeting what I hope turns out to be a lovely day for you all,  and in the States it might still be Saturday. Over here in Australia its mid-afternoon so I'm a little leap ahead of most of you - only in time, I quickly add! 

So here is the update on my cushion!

As you can see, I've embroidered all the flowers on the strip of  linen fabric ready  to be attached to the front of the cushion. I chose to do mainly back stitch with a little stem stitch here and there and French knots in the centres of some of the flowers.



After pressing the piece I decided to put some backing on it just to give the fabric a bit more body, and if you're wondering what that strange looking last pic is then I can tell you that it's my appliqué mat.

I pressed the embroidered piece face down so not to flatten the stitches, but when I decided to back it with iron-on dressmaking interfacing I realised that I would have a big problem if I put the hot iron directly onto the interfacing as it would stick to my iron. My appliqué mat came to the rescue: I just laid the mat on top of the two materials - after very carefully checking that everything was smooth and even - and then pressed it. I might add that it seems to be a good idea to press carefully from the middle out towards the edges to avoid air bubbles and wrinkles - just like wall-papering I suppose, when you think about it!

And then? Well then, how could I not carry on and finish the project - I was longing to see it all sewn up and plumped up with a nice cushion insert. And besides there was a little nervousness involved too, for I wasn't sure that everything would come together just as I wanted it! Better to keep going and just do it!

So here's the front ....



And here's the back - I made a pillow-case type closure, and those buttons are really only decorative as the fold-over is deep enough to not need further support. There is method in my madness of course - in choosing such a closure I avoided both zip and button holes - but I rather like this way of enclosing the pad anyway. What is your preference?




So there she is, all nice and cosy looking on the (slippery) leather lounge/settee/sofa - whatever you prefer to call these pieces of furniture!  I am happy with this little cushion -  in fact I really like it! 

Although the drawings and workings out are my own, I did gain inspiration from a couple of books, mainly Caroline Zoob's Hand-Stitched Home, thank you Chrissie for the great review and recommendation!




Just before I go I want to mention that when shopping in Albany (our only big shopping place apart from our little town of Denmark) the other day, I called in to the patchwork supply place and chatted with the manager/teacher there about transferring patterns onto fabric and such like. To cut a long story short, she strongly advised me against using an indelible pen for such work so I decided to order a light box, which I hopefully will take delivery of in a week or so. Like Chrissie, I know that this stitching thing is something I want to continue with and so such a device will be a good investment. I have been a bit unhappy with my Sulky iron-on transfer pen, for, as I mentioned before, the lines it produces are rather thick and their being permanent is a concern, especially if I messed up and spoiled an expensive piece of fabric!


I bought a pencil to use with the light box - it looks just like an ordinary propelling pencil really - and there are different colours 'lead' to use for various colours of fabric - these are extras! But it is pretty with butterflies all over it, and I love the colour!



I do hope you are all enjoying the Sunday Stitchalong as much as I am, thank you Chrissie, and I guess I had better decide on a new project to keep me going, now that I've rushed through this one! Can't help myself, I know, J keeps telling me the same thing!

A very happy crafty week to all of you!

Joy xo


49 comments:

  1. Joy your cushion is beautiful! The little embroidered flowers are just so pretty...it is perfect.
    Marianne x

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    1. Thank you so much Marianne - I'm glad you like it! I can see a replacement of cushions taking place here - Hubbie loves it too! Oh for more hours in the day!!!
      Joy x

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  2. Your finished cushion is just lovely and your embroidery most attractive! Well done! What a clever way of making a cushion with a deep fold-over.

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    1. Many thanks for your lovely message Sandra - yes, it's very effective isn't it, and avoiding zips makes me happy! Joy x

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  3. Oh lovely Joy your embroidery is beautiful and I can't quite get over the cushion bu font know how long I've looked at the picture of it, but it's a work of art my dear and I would be super proud if I was you! It really is very special. I'm pleased you've ordered a light box, I made the same decision quite early on after trying to use the window without much joy and I also knew I would be investing in a pleasure that I will be enjoying for many more years to come. You must be so excited about receiving it. Have fun when it arrives. You have managed to do so much this week and its absolutely beautiful!! Wishing you a lovely week ahead as it will be Monday by the time you read this. Much love xoxo

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    1. Hey Hannapat - it's still Sunday here, seven pm as I type - we're seven hours in front of you at the moment, until your clocks change, whenever that is! Are you busy Sunday Stitchingalonging? I guess it's lunch time for you right now though!
      I am happy about the light box Hannapat - I've been a bit annoyed at my inability to cover some of the drawing lines with thread and know the different approach to pattern making will be a huge improvement. I'm glad to hear you have invested in one also! I can't do the window thing for my arms ache too much - as would yours!
      I am so thrilled that you think so highly of the cushion lovely, and yes, I am very pleased with it and want to make more in a similar fashion.
      A happy healthy week to you lovely Hannapat, and thank you so much for your lovely message.
      Much love to you too,
      Joy xoxo

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  4. I've really enjoyed all your recent posts on embroidery Joy, and I have to say you are a dab hand at it! I'm very impressed with the finish on your cushion. It's a beautiful interpretation of a flower garden, well done. Look forward to more x

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    1. How lovely to hear from you Sharron, and thank you so much for your sweetness. I'm really enjoying the stitching but want more time for crochet and knitting too - I don't know how to fit it all in!
      I trust you and yours are all well!
      Joy xo

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  5. I know I must say this all the time, but....OH MY GOODNESS!! It came out just as I thought....((beautiful)) There is always so much inspiration each time I come to visit here, I just don't know what to do with myself, LoVe it all!
    I need to find me a pen like that...pretty neat!
    Hugs
    Shari

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    1. Oh Shari, you're too kind! Thank you so much for the lovely things you say and I'm so happy that you enjoy your visits and the sharing. I'm always so pleased to have you here, thank you!
      Warm hugs,
      Joy xo

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  6. Your blog is putting a big smile on my face yet again! Your cushion is absolutely perfect in every way! The embroidery is just beautiful, and I love how you made it into a simple panel with the beautiful coordinating fabric for the cushion, and the back is my preferred method of cushion backing, too! I am just in awe, it is outstanding! Now find another project - I want to follow along and see another one of Joyjinks Creations! ;-) Chrissie x

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    1. Dear Chrissie - your smile is beautiful, and thank you so much for such a delightful message! Hubby would like me to make more cushions but I haven't decided yet whether that will be the next project - but isn't it exciting to choose!
      I just love the togetherness feeling of your lovely stitchalong Chrissie, and want you to know how much I appreciate it - a huge thank you!
      Warm hugs to you,
      Joy xo

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  7. Your cushion is gorgeous, Joy! I love it so much. You did a beautiful job with it. I have only done buttons for cushion backs but only because I needed them; that was a great idea on your part. Thanks for the tips too, I'm just starting to think about learning more embroidery techniques and this has been helpful. :)

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    1. Dear Jennifer - lovely to hear from you again and many thanks for your input - sharing is what this lovely habit of blogging is all about and I'm so glad you have gained something useful from here - as I have from your lovely posts over the months that I've been following you, thank you!
      Have a lovely week - and especially enjoy your Friday.
      Joy x

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  8. Beautiful work - the finished cushion is delightful - the grey really sets off the colours you have chosen for the flowers -lovely!

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    1. Thanks so much Hawthorn, I'm so glad you like the cushion and I love hearing from you. Have a happy week.
      Joy x

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  9. Dear Joy
    What a beautiful embroidery on a beautiful cushion. It is really lovely and many congratulations. What will be next?
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Hi Ellie, and thanks so much for your lovely message, I'm so glad you like the cushion! I haven't decided yet on the next project, but am so looking forward to more stitching - I expect you are too.
      Wishing you the best.
      Joy x

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  10. I can't believe you have done it already, it is so beautiful and it really make s a great cushion runner. Thanks for calling in as ever, I want to see some more stitching now. Jo x

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    1. Oh gosh yes Jo, I just have to keep on keeping on - just like you with always something on the go, only you are definitely quicker than I am in finishing projects, even with your new hourly schedule!
      I'm so glad you like the cushion, thank you, and now to decide on the next stitch subject!
      Joy x

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  11. you have been making some lovely things Joy. The cushion is really gorgeous! also love your grey jumper, aren't you clever!! have a good week, Heather x

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    1. I'm so happy to hear from you Heather and thank you for your lovely message - I really appreciate it!
      I hope your week is a really happy one!
      Joy x

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  12. Joy you are just inspiring, your embroidery is stunning, I love your cushion as it is so classy and perfect. You put me to shame Joy as I have fiddled about today with stuff for my job and haven't had time to start to stitch, must get going on it. Thank you for the inspiration I need. Have a wonderful week, you have a fantastic blog.
    Lots of love as always
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thanks so much Dorothy for the lovely messages you convey, I am happy that you like the cushion! You are a very busy lady with work and crafts and I appreciate you taking time to pop in.
      Happy week to you and don't work too hard - take time to smell the roses!
      Hugs,
      Joy xo

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  13. Your cushion is absolutey fabulous, I love what you have done with your embroidery.

    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. Hello Irene, and welcome to my little spot! Thank you for your lovely message, I'm glad you like the cushion.
      Joy x

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  14. Hi Sweetie! Oh Joy, I LOVE your pillow!!! Your own design is just delightful, and your stitching is beautiful! I love how you used a center panel to showcase your embroidery and then the coordinating fabric for the rest of the pillow. The entire project was so well thought out. You are so talented, my friend, and so inspiring always! :)

    You'll love your light box. It's a great tool to have in your stash!

    I'm sooo looking forward to seeing what you stitch up next! xo Paulette :D

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    1. Dear Paulette, here you are again and it's so nice to see you. Thank you so much for saying such sweet things - I think that when we really enjoy what we do, things just seem to work for us - like you with your gorgeous little makes. I have to add that I really love this pillow too, as does Hubby, and so there will be more coming forth!
      I am really looking forward to the light box Paulette - I take it that you have one? I'm thinking that there may be lots of things I can use it for besides transferring patterns?
      You're looking forward to seeing my next stitchy project and I'm looking forward to seeing your next sweet little pins etc. - enjoy your crafty times and I hope you have a wonderful week lovely!
      Joy xo

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  15. Lovely stitching Joy, really pretty.

    The little room of Rachell

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  16. Hey Rachel, thanks so much for dropping by - glad you like my stitching, thank you!
    Joy x

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  17. Hello Joy
    Wow its look fab! I love your stitched flowers the whole cushion is brilliant.
    Your so neat! the stitching is immaculate.
    Your new pen looks great. I like the idea of having different coloured lead for different coloured fabric xx

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    1. Hi FB, nice to see you again and thank you for your lovely comments. I used the pen yesterday and it seems to do the trick okay but don't know how it'll go on more roughly textured fabrics - we'll see!
      I hope your music weekend went well FB and do have a happy week!
      Joy xo

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  18. Wow you have been busy!! The cushion looks lovely and all the flowers remind me of the Spring flowers popping up here. What's next on the agenda??

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    1. Hi Leeanne - yes, I have been busy, I thrive on these projects. Thank you for your sweet message and - next on the agenda? Ah, it's a surprise, even to me! I've started something but where it'll go remains to be seen. Have a great week and give your lovely cat a cuddle from me!
      Joy x

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  19. Hi Joy your cushion came out really well, its so cute and pretty, the buttons you have added give a nice neat finish.you have been making some amazing things x

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    1. Hi Joy - thanks so much for your encouraging message, lovely to hear from you again!
      Joy x
      PS I'm off over to check your latest post now x

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  20. Hello Joy, hope you are well? I absolutely love your cushion, the embroidered panel is fabulous and such a good idea. I also think I will have to pinch your backing closure for cushions i make as it's such a good idea too! Your stitching work is so perfect and I love your design and colours , take care Sam xx

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    1. Thank you Sam - I am well, and trust you are too! I'm so glad you love the cushion and I say give the pillowslip style closure a try - it takes a little more fabric but I think it's well worth it!
      Thank you so much for your lovely comments Sam - I really appreciate them!
      Looking forward to seeing more of your makes!
      Joy xo

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  21. Beautiful cushion & the finishing looks so professional. A tip when ironing something like interfacing oe fusible web is to use a piece of baking parchment between the iron & your work. Carole

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    1. Thank you for visiting and for your lovely comments Carole!
      That's a great tip and I'll pass it around - I'm sure there are plenty of us who hadn't thought of using baking paper!
      Joy

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  22. Hi Joy, your cushion turned out just wonderfully, I really love the pretty embriodered flowers and a great tip with the buttons.
    Clare x
    http://summerhousebythesea.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thanks for popping in again Clare and for your lovely comments. Hope you are feeling a bit better soon!
      Joy x

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  23. Hi Joy, thanks for stopping by. I must say I'm tres impressed with your artistic embroidery skill.. I'm hopeless, although I did enjoy tapestry many years ago :) I really am looking forward to becoming a grandma :) so much fun!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind comment. Gosh, I would think that being into tapestry you would be far from hopeless at embroidery.
      You will have loads of fun being a grandma - and you will still get to sleep at night too! I bet you can hardly wait for the new arrival, such excitement!
      Joy

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  24. Such a pretty cushion Joy ... your stitching is exquisite :)

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    1. Lovely to see you again Annie, and many thanks!
      Joy x

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  25. Your cushion is gorgeous and such beautiful embroidery. Deb x

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    1. Many thanks Deb - glad you like it! Joy x

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  26. Really happy that you're enjoying the Fremantle shots Joy.. we always love popping down there, many more old buildings than Perth.

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