New York Embroidered Cushion

If you have been reading my blog this summer you will know I spent a few days in New York soaking up the atmosphere, seeing the sights and of course shopping! When in a little shop at the South Street Sea Port I came across some beautiful embroidered cushions...one for New York and one for Brooklyn. However, with a price tag of $159 I knew there was NO way I would be taking one home!

So when I returned, I had a go at making my own version. I started by sketching the main landmarks I wanted to include such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. I then filled all of the gaps with words and pictures to represent other parts of New York. 

I used calico as it gave the colour I wanted whilst being thin enough for me to be able to trace my design directly on to the fabric making the embroidery much easier and neater. I raided my brightest embroidery threads and worked for four days embroidering all of the little pictures and words!

To finish the cushion off, I added a navy blue piping round the edge and an envelope back.

Did I include your favourite place in New York?

Love Rebecca

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Travel Backpack

A while back I bought some great vintage map fabric from a quilt show to make a bag for carrying all my essentials during the summer - camera, lenses, water bottle etc etc!

I based the design on the standard backpack style bags that are available but added a few features of my own.

1. Elastic inside pockets for water bottle and spare camera lenses 

2. Inside zip pocket for purse and passport.

3. Outside accordion pocket for bits and pieces

I also found some great faux leather bias binding to edge the flap and some leather fabric for the outside pocket and the closure flaps. I used magnetic clasps to close the bag and a tight drawstring for added security.

I am really pleased with how it turned and I took it to the Olympics and to New York - it was great for carrying EVERYTHING - it is very roomy!

Have you made any bags recently? 

Love Rebecca

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Malvern Quilt Show

I have been a little quiet online over the weekend because I spent it at home without my laptop. My Mum, Aunt and I drove up to Malvern on Saturday to the Quilt show. It was much busier than last time we went with lots of people shopping for some great fabric and looking at the amazing quilts on display!

I think revision and exams are making me want to sew even more so I went with a list of fabric for all the projects I have lined up for after exams are over - just 10 days!

From top - Rainbow Fat Quarters, Sea Fat Quarters, Old style Map fabric, Hungry Caterpillar Fat Quarters, Bird Fabric, Makower London Fabric, Hand dyed cotton Fat Quarters

So stay tuned over the next few months as I will be putting these gorgeous fabrics into action!

Have a great day

Love Rebecca