Sunday 11 January 2015

Cushions and an old Singer!

Hi everyone and welcome to my first post of the year (and my first post in over a month!).  I felt like I needed a bit of a break over the festive season but I've given myself a kick up the bahookie to get me back into blogging and crafting.

As I previously mentioned, I want to concentrate more on building my sewing skills this year, so I've made a start with some zipped cushions.

I've only made cushions once before and that was with an easy envelope fold closure, but I thought I'd challenge myself to inserting a zip for a more professional finish.

The fabric is a linen/cotton mix called Hedgerow and is by Voyage, they're a Scottish firm and make some lovely home decor fabrics.  The backing fabric is 100% linen which I have to say was a bit stretchy! I used 20" feather inserts so they're nice and puffy!



I'd also like to show you my vintage sewing machine which I picked up at a local auction for £24! It came totally complete with instruction booklet, feet, knee lift, needles etc.  I've done a bit of research and it was manufactured around 1939.  My son replaced the old round headed plug for me and it works!  It's a bit stiff though so will need a thorough clean and oil.  Have to say though, I've nowhere to put it, I just bought it 'cause I liked it!



Okay, that's me for today, thanks ever so much for popping in.

Linking to Handmade Monday.



Suze xx

20 comments:

Fiddly Fingers said...

I love the fabric you have chosen and well done you for adding a zip. It definitely looks very professional :)

Aileen said...

Love the fabric Suze and your professional zip is fabby dabby!

My granny had an old singer I dearly wish I'd inherited it. I remember playing with the pedal when I was little. They look fab as ornaments too.

x

strangely creative said...

Hi suzie! Lovely work and what a wonderful aim for 2015 - mum had the same machine and it was brilliant, but so heavy it was unreal. Look forward to seeing more of your work as you progress. Can I put my order in for a skirt,4 tops and a suit please!!! Xx

Blue Forest Jewellery said...

That cushion fabric is lovely, and you must have worked hard in them - I know zips are fiddly to do. My mum used a Singer she'd inherited from her mum which was almost identical to the one you've bought, apart from the wheel. What a lovely nostalgia trip to see that, thank you :-)

Have a lovely crafting week, and happy 2015 to you and yours.
Alison x

Valerie-Jael said...

I LOVE those cushions, and the wonderful material you used! And that sewing machine is GORGEOUS! What a bargain! Have fun! Hugs, Valerie

Anonymous said...

The cushions are so beautiful. They look as though you bought them from an expensive home decor store.
There is something so beautiful about vintage sewing machines, I can see why I had to have this.
Wishes
Lynne
The winds are howling at the moment!

Jan said...

Well done on adding the zip to the cushions, it looks so neat.
I love the singer, it looks good enough just to sit on a small table looking sweet.
Jan x

Lilly's Mom said...

What a great find you made! The singer is absolutely beautiful. And I love your cushions; the fabric you used remind me of watercolors and your sewing skills are perfection! Have a wonderful day.

Ginx Craft said...

Lovely sewing machine, and what a bargain. I really like the fabric you have used on your cushions.

Ali said...

Your cushions look really pretty. The fabric is gorgeous. Oh I love your vintage sewing machine. It will be lovely just to look at even if you may not use it.
Ali xx

Jenni's Jems said...

As I have seen these cushions in the flesh so to speak I can honestly say they are as beautiful in RL as in the photo (& very comfy they are too !)and your sewing is always professional looking don't think you need to hone your skills much more!!x

Josie said...

So pleased to see a new post from you as I love your blog! Stunning cushions and a gorgeous new machine - Lucky you xx

Jen said...

Your cushions are beautiful! I love the fabric design!

Your sewing machine is wonderful! And what a bargain!!!

I hope you had a good break, nice to see you back xx

Viv said...

I inherited one of these Singers, in fact one of these and a treadle one and an electric one in it's own cabinet bought in 1960 - all belonged to my Grandmother! Sadly no longer have them as once we sold up and moved I had no room to house them anymore... the early Singers were beautiful and you'll love sewing with it Suze.
Cushions are gorgeous so well done you! x

Free Spirit Designs said...

Gorgeous cushions, they look great with the inserted zip, you've done it beautifully. Lovely fabrics too! x

Tracy W said...

Wow, that fabric is stunning, and that inserted zip is incredible, so professional - love them! Creative blessings, Tracy x

Unknown said...

Suze, you're right these really do look professional. The fabric is gorgeous as well. Your cushions could honestly be sold somewhere like John Lewis :-) x

Darnell said...

Oh, well, done, Suze! Those pillows look professionally done!! I love the pattern, too!

And guess what?! I have a sewing machine made from the same year that sits in a little black box! It was my MILs. I showed it two years ago on Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday and I said about how I was going to start stitching on my cards. Bwahahahahaha! Then something happened, of course, the next day (I prolly saw a squirrel) so I put it under my desk where it has stayed, collecting dust and acting as a footstool. I'm hoping to have things settle down here soon and do a followup post at WOYWW about how that's been working out for me! I have a feeling there will be other who can relate!!

Happy New Year! Be well! Hugs, Darnell

Diane said...

Fabulous fabric and wow what a delightful vintage sewing machine.

Best of the New Year.

Diane

G Peplow said...

Hi Suze, WOW fab sewing, clever you :D Your sewing machine looks like the one we have from my hubby's Mum, still works too, shame I'm useless with it though LOL Hugs Gay x