Applique Cushions

Whilst out shopping I noticed how many stores now have applique cushions and whilst some are so reasonable, they all look a bit too well done for my tastes and what do I want to buy one for when I can make it myself.  I bought myself a new sewing machine when the trusty old one died a death and I've been eager to find a project to give it a go, sounds perfect.

I decided not to go out and buy fabric just for the project but have a rummage from the box of stash, I found 2 pieces of linen one natural and one red that I picked up in Abakhan in Chester.  I then googled and consulted http://pinterest.com/ for some inspiration.  I've a bit of thing for hearts, love nautical, beach huts and birds seem to be everywhere at the moment.  Luckily I found everything in the stash to complete 4 cushions.

The heart was first, I decided to applique on the machine and I'm fairly pleased with the result considering I've not used it before.

Next was a lighthouse, this was a little trickier and I did struggle a little with the applique pieces slipping on the linen, resulting in a slightly wonky lighthouse but it's fine for me.  I decided this time to do a bit of hand embellishment.  Whilst hand stitching I remembered how lovely it is to sew on linen and that's why I decided to hand stitch the next cushion.

I loved hand stitching my bird on a tree, stem stitch for the branches, running stitch on the leaves, blanket stitch around the bird and a french knot for the eye.

Like I said birds are everywhere, so here's another 2 little bluebirds with a heart birdhouse.  This one was all done on the machine and this time felt more confident and pleased with the result.

Well I think that's enough of cushions for me now, loved making every one of them.