Downton Quilted Cushion Cover

My first attempt at quilting, I've been meaning to try it for a while, but finding the time has been hard and whilst I have plans to make a blanket (or two) that was too big a project to start!

So with some of my lovely Downton fabrics I decided to go for a cushion cover. This was ideal for a first attempt at quilting and it's something practical that can sit in the living room for people to see (and hopefully comment how nice it is!)

So I started with this:

I went for colour theme of blues and greens



I sewed by hand all the squares together, the best way to start is to decide on a layout, move the squares around until you are happy, then sew together each row, then attach the rows together

So this is the finished item (minus a cushion!) typically I brought a cushion, but it's too big. Luckily I have other covers that fit, but I just have to wait (and measure accurately) till I get my cushion - or I could stuff it with toy stuffing, but that would use a lot of stuffing!

The back is just plain with the Downton Logo, but would look good if left like that - so I guess it's a two sided cover!

My next lot of colours - all from The Dowager Collection

I love purple, so this will be a nice cushion cover to have

I feel for my first attempt at quilting and making a quilted cushion cover I have done well, although there are a few lessons - I'm not overly happy with the closing, I don't think it'll show when I have a cushion inside, but the quilted front isn't too neat at the edges, so I would work on that and ensure that you have enough fabric round the edge to cover the wadding. I would also try and measure/leave extra space for seams as I think whilst I will be able to get a cushion to fit, it's a little smaller than the standard size so I would need to think about that.

Also on the closure of the cover, I think I could have made it neater with perhaps a different closure. I have used poppers (snap fasteners), this is the first time attempting a cushion like this, previously I have used buttons, it would be nice to have buttons but I would need to see if I could make it in this style or might have to try a flap type back so I would cut x2 pieces for the back piece, I guess it's all experimenting!!

My next cushion I will try sometime, I think might be just be a patchwork cushion cover - perhaps without the quilting if I can get the basics right then on another one I'll try the quilting again (I might end up with lots of cushions!) Mind you, there are lots of Downton Fabrics for me to play with!!


Getting Crafty

Busy week with the house move, but getting some crafting done...

My Downton fabrics in blues and greens

Stage 1 - sew all squares together. I quite like the colours here and the different patterns, now just to work out the next stage for my cushion cover

I have also begun the Christmas shopping and whilst trying to make things myself I always come across some lovely items by others, here is Buttoned Up, she makes lovely items so take a look at her stuff and I can't wait to put up my button wreath - I think may be by the fire place...I was also tempted by the heart button wreaths, but this is more Christmassy! She also makes some lovely button brooches, magnets, cushion covers and items for the home!

I also brought this from buttoned, I was tempted to buy one decorated with buttons, but I had a thought - I'm going to try and paint the roses and perhaps the heart they sit on, I'll have to judge how it looks!

 

Downton In Fabric!

After a visit to the Malvern quilt show I came across some fabric I had been waiting to buy online, but it was there and so I brought a little (I still need to get a few more fabrics from this range...)

Downton Abbey Fabrics are here and the ideas are flowing, it's just getting the time...

So far I have made a clam purse - all for myself (for once), this was the first time I had made a clam shell, following a guide I managed to put it together, although sewing all the final pieces together was tricky once they started to curve.

Clam Shell Purse

 

The finished clam shell

I used the main Downton Abbey themed fabric for the centre

I used Lady Edith themed fabric on the outside, mostly the fabrics styled on her are light colours including peach and greens.

My next project... a Downton Abbey Quilted Cushion Cover

I have gone for shades of blue and green for this one, there's a mixture of fabrics based on Lady Mary, Edith and Sybil

 

 

 

 

 I would have tried a full size quilt cover which I saw a kit for at Malvern, but for a beginner it was too much, plus at £45 would be breaking the bank right now, can't justify that, knowing it will probably sit in the pile of 'to do' crafts. I have ideas for a few items to make & sell too...just got to find time and get on with it!!





The fabrics all have lovely designs and colours, I want to get a few more of The Dowagers fabrics which are much darker, purples and black patterns.

So my decision to 'use what craft items I have already got' is going out the window, I now have new ideas which require purchasing new craft bits...think I must have a clear out!!

Fashion Through The Ages

Over recent years I have become more and more interested and drawn to vintage fashions. Yes some clothes/styles just don't suit, but you can always add a little modern twist to make them more suited/practical.

I thought, since we are building up to the new series of Downton Abbey and since doing some family history research and looking back over old photos I'd take a look at some vintage styles and fashions. This is an ongoing theme and I'll update with various images and descriptions, any good 'where to buy' locations and my own purchases and finds.

You'll find more about the fashions here, but as a quick taster here's a few images.

The 1900s

 The Dowager Countess Outfit - handmade, original period lace was used.

Corsets - all women of this period were expected to wear a corset, no matter your social standing, it was a staple part of everyday outfits.

The Vintage Appeal

One of the fashions that does not seem to die out, is the vintage style, whether it be clothes, jewellery or home styling there is always a demand for a vintage look.

I myself find looking back at old fashions fun, you get a chance to imagine left back when and to see the development of personal/home styling through the ages. I do enjoy rummaging around at antique fairs and buying things to re-style the home, and more so, bits that I can re-use to create beautiful crafts- mostly vintage jewellery, of which I continue to build on.

I have recently listed some vintage bits on folksy- including these simple, but elegant earrings:

http://www.folksy.com/items/2371397-Vintage-Style-Glass-Pearl-Earrings?shop=yes

I am also currently loving the new series of Downton Abbey- as great as the story and acting is, I can’t help looking at the wonderful costumes and accessories they wear.

The other great thing about looking back at fashion, you seem to notice more so the dodgy fashions that sneaked through into many people’s wardrobes…even I have a few faux pars -  you live and learn!