My little girl turned four this month. All she wanted for her birthday was some bubbles and a handmade Hungry Caterpillar cushion
. She was very specific on the handmade bit. Much to my appreciation I found that there is some lovely Hungry Caterpillar fabric out there and that it is stocked at Fabric8, my local habidashery. I bought a panel that had three nice size pictures on. One of the big fat caterpillar, one of the little caterpillar on a leave, and one of the butterfly.
. She was very specific on the handmade bit. Much to my appreciation I found that there is some lovely Hungry Caterpillar fabric out there and that it is stocked at Fabric8, my local habidashery. I bought a panel that had three nice size pictures on. One of the big fat caterpillar, one of the little caterpillar on a leave, and one of the butterfly.
The cushion was simple and used two of the pictures.
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| Back View |
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| Front View |
Bless her heart she was over the moon with it, which is surprising because she has a plethora of cushions that I have made for her in the past 12 months. This is because in the past 12 months I have started to try to learn how to sew. Cushions, I found are easy, inexpensive and a very good way to incorporate a load of cross stitches I had done, but never got framed. Also this is a very good way of practicing using the sewing machine. (I have been attempting to do a shirt for The Hubby, but that is still on a hanger awaiting hemming.)
At the same time that I got the panel, I bought some nice fleece material in pink and blue. So I decided to try some different stitches on the sewing machine with varying degrees of success.
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| The Blanket |
I had been trying to figure out how to finish the edges of the fleece for a while. I know there are several no-stitch ways, where you cut the edge and make knots, but I personally don't like that effect. I could have hand blanket-stitched it, but really wanted to use the sewing machine for something.
At a distance it looks fine but up close you can see the wobbly stitching.
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| Wobbly Stitches |
I have never had to stitch close to the edge before and found it quite difficult.
After stitching the edge and sewing on the panel I decided it was missing something, so cut out letters from the dotty fabric and machine stitched them on. Again I could have done this by hand, but I thought it would be good practice.
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| More Dodgy Stitching! |
I must admit that I am quite pleased with the results. I know that I am no seamstress, but it is a start, I got some practice and my daughter got a blanket which she is delighted with.
Here's a tip from someone who knows a little bit about sewing.
ReplyDeleteGo and check out ready to wear in the shops. Even the high end stuff at several hundred quid a pop. Look at the sewing. And the seams. Oh, and especially the zips!
You'll soon realise that you're doing a great job. And not even a great job for a novice.
I can list 10 things off the top of my head that were appalling about my wedding dress, but it was a huge hit.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you - I am my own worst critic!
ReplyDeleteWell done.Love the cushions.It's lovely to see your work and dont put yourself down we have all had to start somewhere and you are doing so well. keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteGrandma