Monday 16 June 2014

My Tree Cushion

Hello everyone - yes, I know I'm very early, it is only three days since I posted and I really wanted to show you this cushion then but including it would have meant my post was going to be much too long and I am mindful of not overloading you all when you have so many other calls on your time. 

But now I can't wait any longer, so here is my Tree Cushion:


I really love this cushion! Well, you know how my stories go - I found another book, yes really, it just jumped off the shelf at me and I wasn't about to put it back. It's called 'The Quilter's Appliqué Workshop' written by Kevin Kosbab, and inside, as well as many other lovely projects, is this darling cushion which the author calls his 'All Seasons Pillow'. I love the way this guy sews and writes - "Why should your work look like it was sewn by a robot? If you're sewing by hand, let it show!"

So off I went - nine squares of white cotton fabric; nine lovely modern-look tree shapes; some basting glue to lightly hold the shapes to the squares; white cotton thread in needle to 'needle-turn' the shapes in place, (which basically means to turn under about a quarter of an inch of fabric with the point of the needle, as you stitch it on); then black embroidery thread to work the trees in various stitches. 



Looking at the pics above, second down, on the right, is one of the appliqué shapes being sewn in place and above that is the little pile of already sewn on and embroidered trees - you can see from their unpressed appearance that I used a hoop while embroidering, which made the job a lot easier. Third down on the right is where I was sorting the best arrangement for the finished project, and of course in the bottom two pics you can see the backing I used - you've seen this one in previous projects I've done.

After prepping each square I then sewed them all together - nine trees on nine white squares - then backed the piece with another layer of white fabric with wadding (batting) sandwiched between. Then came  the quilting which consisted of stitching another square a quarter-of-an-inch inside the final block seams and then free-motion stitching around each tree shape to give them a bit more dimension.

With the front completed I then made an envelope-style back with the 'little houses' print and sandwiched a lovely lacy tape trim around the edge. I made the cushion insert with some lightweight cotton fabric and filled it with toy stuffing, nice and fat and squishy!

The embroidery stitches I used were varied: stem stitch; backstitch; running; fly; fern and French knot.

I know I've said it already, but I really love this cushion and wish I could have come up with the design myself - what a clever man Kevin Kosbab is! It offered a variety of activities and I really enjoyed each one!


I want to make mention too at this time that I have been so inspired by Gill and the cushions she
creates - they are so beautiful and each one different to the next. Gill's workmanship is impeccable - if you haven't visited her place then I would encourage you to go have a look and say hello, she's a lovely person!

I also wanted to show you something else last post but at the time the gift was in the mail on its way to my daughter, Tracy, in Perth and I didn't want to spoil her surprise. She has now received it so I can now show you the new table runner made from some of the Japanese fabric I bought recently. Oh, and by the way, the backing fabric was one I already had .. .. 



 And then with some off-cuts I made some little hearts - these were inspired by the lovely Helen Philipps from her book "Pretty Patchwork Gifts". I have made slight changes, and the heart shape is a wee bit different to that in the book but Helen is without doubt the inspiration behind these - thank you Helen, your work is fab! 



So now my friends, apart from showing you a strange pic from my back garden, that's it for this time; I say 'strange' because although I think it may be termed as a 'bad' shot, I'm showing it because there's just something about it that attracts me - perhaps you'll let me know what you think, and don't worry, I can take criticism and hope to learn from it! I got this shot a few mornings ago when we had a very red sky which was irresistible!



I guess I should show you the red sky too and you'll see that the background to this 'strange' pic is the clump of fir trees behind our place .. .. .. the sky colour was changing so rapidly I had to be quick ..


So now I'll be off until next time - take care and be happy and thank you for being with me once again!

With my love,

Joy xoxo

74 comments:

  1. All of your crafty makes look lovely. Looks like you have had fun!

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    1. Thanks J - I sure did, and hope you are having fun too! xoJ

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  2. I love those quirky trees on your cushion, and the cute houses on the reverse. (hope you don't mind but I've pinned this onto my patchwork board for inspiration). Lucky Tracy too! the runner is fab, and the hearts are so pretty. Those are great shots taken of the sky with your new camera.
    Great post Joy, thanks for sharing this with us. Have a fantastic week. XX

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    1. Hello Amanda, I'm so glad you like the trees etc., it's a great design isn't it, I couldn't resist it, and I'm happy for you to pin it onto your board - thanks for saying! I think the Japanese fabric is gorgeous and makes up so nicely and I'm so glad you like the sky shots, thanks so much! xoJ

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  3. Dear Joy
    More beautiful makes - the cushion, table runner and hearts are all gorgeous! You have been really busy. Huge congratulations on the lovely projects.
    Have a happy crafting week.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Dear Ellie, thank you so much for your very kind message, I really appreciate it! I hope your week is a happy one, xoJ

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  4. just amazing work Joy - especially that runner.. does your DD know how lucky she is to have such a crafty mum?

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    1. Aw, thank you Krissie! Both of my DDs are very arty/crafty themselves and I am very fortunate to have them encouraging me. xoJ

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  5. The photos are great, to capture that colour at that moment is what photography is all about. Lol listen to me bursting with confident advise......no really it's all good, the fact that you just snap away and try and try will result in that great pic that really makes YOU happy. Because at the end of the day only you need be pleased. Your many projects and books shows a healthy creative mind there, keep on crafting and snapping, it's all looking so happy and its a happy person with an all consuming hobby.

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    1. Hi again Susan, did I catch you on the hop, coming back so soon with another post? I've been so encouraged by your kind and caring words, thank you, and I am snapping away and feeling happy about it all; your post at the weekend really brightened my ideas - you are better than a tonic! Take good care of yourself and have a happy snapping week yourself! xoJoy

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  6. Hi Lovely Joy, I love your tree cushion. It is so well done and the colors and fabric choices are perfect. I would have grab that book off the shelf too! Love the beautiful runner, so many brilliant colors and prints! I'm sure your daughter is so honored to have received this!! Love your hearts and Helen Philipps, I have her books! Last but not least the photos are stunning.......just the kind of beauty I love to see!! Lovely post, xoRobin

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    1. Robin, you are so thoughtful and kind, thank you so much, your message is beautiful! Thanks especially for your encouragement re my pics - I really am trying to work out this new camera and get the very best out of it! Have a happy week, xoJoy

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  7. Hi Joy, your cushion is absolutely beautiful, I love it. The appliqué is amazing...you are quite right buying the book, I would have done the same, I can never resist craft books either! The table runner you made for your daughter is perfect too I am sure that she will adore it. Wishing you a great week!
    Marianne x

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    1. Thank you lovely Marianne, I'm happy you too love the cushion - it's the first time I've come across this author - such a special book! I knew when I received the Japanese fabric that I had to make something for Tracy from it- she loves fabrics such as these! xoJ

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  8. You make these things look so easy Joy and I know that they're not :) You put so much into your projects, your cushion is very special. As for you photos.. with your new camera I'm guessing.. I like that shot so much also, I often post shots that definitely aren't technically perfect but there's just that certain 'something' factor.. to me that's when photography become art, what do you think?

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    1. Ah Grace, I really value your comments re photography - it's a funny thing and probably related to confidence, (or lack of), but if someone else had posted that particular photo I would have really fallen for it but, because its me 'myself', there was a big doubt re its merit: your lovely message boosts me no end, thank you for your encouragement and yes, this is the new camera at work! Also, thank you for your lovely words re the cushion - I couldn't not make that one! xoJ

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  9. Your work is so beautiful, Joy. I love all of these pieces. I'm sure your daughter will cherish the table runner, it turned out so pretty.

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    1. Thank you Jennifer for your kind message, lovely to hear from you. xoJ

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  10. Beautiful work Joy, I love the cushion and the colourful runner, I bet your daughter was so happy to receive it. Your hearts are lovely too and look so professional they will make lovely gifts. :) xx

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    1. Hello Linda, you are so kind thank you and yes, I'm sure Tracy will really appreciate her runner in those wonderful fabrics! xoJ

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  11. The red sky is beautiful, and I love your "strange" shot. I have no idea how you did it, but I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!! Your cushion and runner are beautiful too, but that photo!!!! Amazing and so beautiful I think! xx

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    1. Aha Amy, how gorgeous, I'm really happy that you LOVE the pic! I have no idea how I did it - it just happened when I was shooting the beautiful sky with the new camera - a fluke I suppose - and I thought it was worth including in this post, hoping to draw a response, good or bad, mainly as a learning point for me! I really appreciate your reaction, thank you! xoJ

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  12. What is bad about that photo it is a wondrous glimpse of nature. I love all your things today Joy as ever but I think they all show such brilliant workmanship. Thanks for dropping by to see my dress. Love Jo x

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    1. Thank you so much Jo - your lovely message makes me smile big smiles! Ah that dress is gorgeous - really does remind me of younger days, haha! xoJoy

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  13. Joy that tree cushion is so beautiful, I must look out for that book! Very inspiring post. The Japanese fabric is gorgeous and the items you made with it, your daughter is a lucky girl. As to the "strange" photo I think it is beautiful, I love how the mottled background echoes the leaves of the bush. Has an abstract quality to it, and very mysterious feel. Have a good creative week.

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    1. Hello Zana, the book is certainly worth finding and I'm sure you'll be inspired by it just as I was, and am! I'm so glad you like my makes and I love your 'take' on THE photo, thank you so much! xoJ

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  14. What a wonderful, cushion you have made I love the little applique trees. I also like your latest runner, the oriental fabric is really nice. Lastly your photos are good, I love the silhouette against the pink sky x

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    1. Thank you Joy, I'm really happy to have your sweet message and to know you have enjoyed my makes and pics; I am really taken with those fabrics for projects such as these. Happy days to you, xoJ

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  15. Oh my that cushion is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your photos of the work in progress - I have a feeling that book might find its way to my shelf, too - so much inspiration! I love the hand-turned stitching, there is something so soothing about hand stitching, I find it rather meditative! The fabrics you've used are sublime...and your gift to Tracy is gorgeous, too! Such a creative family...Chrissie x

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    1. Hiya Chrissie, I'm so glad you like the cushion - was pretty sure you would, and am just as confident that a copy of that lovely book will grace your shelf soon! I really enjoyed every stage of the making of this cushion but must say it was so nice to get back into a little bit of 'hand stitching meditation' again! Thanks so much for your lovely message, xoJ

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  16. What an adorable cushion - I do think needle-turned appliqué is the nicest method, much preferable to fused or machine-stitched. . It has a more organic feel (if that makes sense). And there's something soothing too about working the stitches by hand.

    Wow, the table runner is stunning - perfect backing fabric also! And I can see why you like the "strange" photo. The glowing red bits are rather fascinating somehow....

    :)

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    1. Oh thank you Sue! I agree with you, hand-stitching is very relaxing and we sometime need that! I'm glad you like my makes and also see the fascination in the 'strange' pic! Lovely that you popped in again, thank you! xoJ

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  17. Hello dear Joy, I love the effect in your photo of the out of focus tree...it has lovely abstract qualities.
    The runner, hearts and fabrics are simply gorgeous :-)
    Tracey xxx

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    1. Hello Tracey - it's nice to know that you also appreciate 'the' photo, as well as my makes, thanks so much for your message! xoJ

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  18. Oh, I forgot to mention the tree cushion.... it's adorable and looks so fun to make :-)
    Love Tracey xx

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    1. Oh that's alright Tracey - I often have to come back to posts with a PS - I'm happy you like the cushion, I really enjoyed every stage of it! Thanks for popping back to say so, xoJ

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  19. Great makes Joy, the cushion is very stylish. You have one very lucky daughter, love the colours in the table runner, and the hearts are very sweet. I do like the out of focus photo, it's like one you would see in one of those glossy lifestyle magazines.
    Take care, s xx

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    1. Hello S, thank you for your message and for liking my makes - and I like the thought of the glossy lifestyle magazine pic - maybe I'll aim for that one day eh! haha! xoJ

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  20. Hello Joy, I'm visiting via Amy at lovemademyhome :) You have a beautiful blog, you're a machine at creating things :) I love your tree cushion, and I too cannot resist the pull of a craft book!
    Jillxo

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    1. Hello Jill and welcome to my little spot, it's lovely to have your sweet message, thank you, and I hope you'll come back again soon! xJ

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  21. fabulous cushion, I love it! You did a great job there. Lovely table runner too. I wouldn't worry about posting more than once a week, I think a lot of bloggers post several times a week and some every day!

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    1. Thank you so much Wendy, you're very kind! It's a funny thing but I so think this is the first time I've done two posts so close together - it usually works out at about one a week, except for the times when I've had breaks. This time I couldn't hold back - just had to show and tell! xoJ

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  22. What an absolutely fabulous cushion! I love it!! I really love the fabrics you used in the table runner too! your daughter is a lucky girl!! xx

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    1. Oh thank you Christine, I'm glad you love it. Yes, those Japanese cottons are really lovely, thank you! xoJ

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  23. I love the tree cushion! I wish I could appliqué, sewing is really not my strong point though!

    Jen

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    1. Thank you Jen, you never know, perhaps one day you may take a fancy to giving appliqué a try - it's very relaxing! xoJ

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  24. Super makes Joy! The applique on your cushion is striking. I just love hearts-these are fabulous colours. Those Japanese fabrics are marvellous -you have blended them to such effect-your daughter must have been very pleased! Alison xx

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    1. Thank you Alison, it was such a pleasure to do, as were the hearts; well really, how could one not enjoy working with such beautiful fabrics ….. xoJ

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  25. Hello Joy, I love your superb applique cushion with all that lovely hand stitching. Your daughter must have been so pleased with the table runner, the fabrics are gorgeous and what an incredible colour that sky is in your final pics. Have a lovely week.
    Jane x

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    1. Thank you for your lovely message Jane - it's lovely to hear from you again and I'm so happy that you like my makes! xoJ

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  26. Hi Joy, you're obviously having lots of fun with your new camera!! Loving your new tree cushion, isn't hand stitching the best thing ever. Have a great week, Sarah xo

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    1. Hi Sarah, thank you for popping in again - I am having loads of fun here and yes, relaxing with hand stitching is definitely the way to go! I hope your week is working out really well!
      xoJ

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  27. Joy, I just love the tree applique cushion. You are so clever, all of your makes are very pretty and you obviously have a good eye for detail.

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    1. Ah Anne, the tree cushion has proved to be popular with most folks, and I'm happy you love it too - he's a very clever man who designed this! Thank you so much for your lovely message! xoJ

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  28. Hi Joy, I'm not surprised you're in love with your tree cushion - I am too! It is a great design by Kevin but you have made it well too, I can see why it was lots of fun to do. I love you 'strange' picture too, I always like in focus foregrounds and out of focus backgrounds, and would like to achieve that effect myself! I see I'm late to comment as usual - sorry! But I'm glad to be able to see how you're getting on and I'm sure your daughter is very happy with her table runner, Sam xxx

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    1. Hi Sam - I'm glad you love the cushion too, and thank you for saying such lovely things always! Re the 'strange' pic - I just have to remember what I did to achieve that effect, then I can practice some more! My goodness, you have some busy times in front of you now using up all that yummy yarn - please don't get too busy to blog, I'd miss your lovely posts terribly! xoJoy

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  29. So much prettiness in one post, I love the tree cushion!!!!!

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    1. Thanks Deb, I'm glad you like it - it was a fun project! xoJ

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  30. Oh my goodness what a beauty! I love your Tree cushion Joy, it is so beautifully made with those sweet trees and embroidered touches, and the pale blues against the white is stunning! Will have to check out the book that just happened to fall into your hands!
    Thank you for such a lovely mention Joy, I am so happy to think I have inspired you a little!
    The runner is gorgeous, I bet Tracy was chuffed to bits! And all those little hearts are beautiful. Helen is such an inspiration.
    Wonderful photos too, the pink sky is so dramatic.
    Lovely post Joy, thanks for sharing all your lovely makes!
    Gill xx

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    1. Thank you so much, Gill, for your very lovely message - I'm so happy that you love the Tree cushion and thank you again for all your inspiration; do check out the book and I'm sure it won't want to go back on the shelf - such a strange book with a mind of its own!!!
      I'm glad also that you are taken with the runner and hearts - I love the Japanese cottons, they just seem to work so well in such situations! I hope your week is going really well Gill!
      xoJoy

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  31. The tree cushion is so pretty Joy! I love the colours of the trees and the design. It's so true that you don't want your hand stitched pieces to look like machine work do you. You're just flying along with your sewing, it's wonderful. The table runner is stunning, and such a great use of special fabrics. Have a great weekend. Wendy x

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    1. So nice to hear from you Wendy, and I'm happy you also love the cushion - I'm having a good time with a bit of variety in both subject matter and fabrics; I hope everything is going well for you also - have a great weekend! xoJoy

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  32. Hello Joy, I have missed your postings. Wow what a fantastic tree cushion you have created. The table runner you made for your daughter is very lovely, I missed seeing your lovely birthday presses. Your new camera is awesome as is all those lovely fabrics. Hits judy

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    1. Judy, hello and thank you for your appreciative message - I'm happy you enjoyed seeing my makes and pressies; I surely am on a learning curve with the new camera, but making progress! Happy weekend to you, xoJoy

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  33. Beautiful cushion, I love your trees and your daughter is very lucky, beautiful table runner -love the colours x

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    1. Thank you so much Cheryl, it's so nice to hear from you again! xoJoy

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  34. Gorgeous cushion! And lucky daughter, that's a lovely table runner! And I love the comment re. not stitching like a robot, so true.

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    1. Thank you Annie - and yes, I agree with Kevin's comment too, but still I try my best to be as neat as possible: can't help it, it was instilled in me so long ago, old habits, haha!!!
      xoJ

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  35. A very pretty cushion Joy! I think the designer is right, the hand sewing should be showing :)

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  36. Thank you Jacky and yes, the hand stitching is showing, but don't look too closely! xoJoy

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  37. I don't think the "bad shot" is bad, I love it - its full of light and colour. I love to take photos into the light, it creates interesting effects like you've done here. All your makes are so beautifully accomplished, you are so talented. The cushion is wonderful. x

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    1. I am happy you like that one Gillian, thank you - it was a bit of a fluke really but I've learned a lot from it.Thank you so much for your kindness! xoJoy

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  38. Oh your cushion is lovely I really like the fabric you've used on the back too. Your shots are so pretty. The sky looks amazing.
    FBxx

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    1. So glad you like the cushion FB - I really enjoyed making this one. Glad to hear your computer problems are over, xoJoy

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