It was cold and blustery here in my part of the world this weekend. Perfect weather for staying inside and sewing, right? I finally finished my Halo Cushion project which was started back in February. I had most of the blocks complete and it had become my travel/waiting room project.
This freehand applique cushion was inspired by Jo Avery. She hosted a taster class through her business, Thread House UK, a few months back and I jumped in and made a cushion too.
I had every intention of big stitch hand quilting this project using an assortment of 12wt Aurifil threads. In the end though, I decided to finish this WIP with some machine quilting.
I layered two pieces of batting under my cushion top and used a hera marker to mark 1" lines going one way and then back the other way making a crosshatch design.
It was then only a matter of sewing on the straight marked lines - easy peasy. I like the quilted effect that using the two layers of batting have given this cushion.
A few weeks ago, we had our back deck and pool area renovated. The old wooden decking was taken out and replaced with large light coloured pavers. We've had a look for some new outdoor furniture for the back patio area but haven't found anything we can agree on.
We don't necessarily need a dining area out there as it gets too hot to sit and out there in the summer and as we're very close to the escarpment, in the winter the sun is over the range around 4pm, so it gets *cold and dark quickly. Yes, I'm aware that my version of 'cold' is very different to some of my northern hemisphere friends.
So in the interim, until we find an outdoor setting, I went to Bunnings (Aussie hardware/garden/outdoor store) and bought a rustic looking bistro set. They may not look it, but these chairs are actually surprisingly comfy.
And I've been enjoying carting pot plants out there, working out which ones can stay out there . This was today's arrangement. I'll probably have different ones out there tomorrow :)
The pink cyclamen was a mothers day gift from my son. Along with Chrysanthemums, these seem to appear around mothers day. I just had a google at taking care of a cyclamen and they're more involved than any other plants around my garden. Let's see how it goes...
Linking up with: Oh Scrap & Slow Stitching Sunday
Another lovely cushion...love the backing fabric too. The furniture looks lovely too. Hope you enjoy sitting on that seat with some stitching, reading or a drink in hand.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much :)
DeleteI think the cross hatching works perfectly with your applique. The cushion looks great with your bistro set. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Lin. It was fun to applique and even better to have it finished. I don't usually like having WIP's hanging around for long.
DeleteThe cushion is gorgeous. Such a fabulous design. Love the quilting you did. The bistro set is a wonderful purchase. I'm with you re your thoughts on cold. I'm afraid I would perish if I had to live through some of the northern hemisphere's winter temperatures.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Kim. And yes, I don't know how they do it - going out everyday in cold and snow. I used to work with a guy from Norway and he said that here in Australia, we never dress for the weather whereas at home, they did. Maybe that's where we're going wrong.
DeleteWhat a fun cushion design! The colours are wonderful and the quilting compliments the design. Well done. We have shade on our patio at supper time so it’s a good place to eat outside even when it’s hot. Nice bistro set! Gail at the Cozy Quilter
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail. Sounds like a perfect patio set-up at yours with shade in the evening for outdoor meals. Hope you're having a fab week :)
Deletethe quilt is very pretty with all those circles. You are heading into winter and we are heading into summer. We have had 3 days of very nice weather here - open the windows type of weather - the last we will get I'm sure before the A/C is on all summer due to the humidity - but I will enjoy these last days while I can
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. I am crazy for circles and curves in quilts :)
DeleteMy husband has been in Dallas the last few days and he said it's been quite warm and humid there too. Enjoy that warmer (pre-humid) weather.
Your cushion looks great. I like the juxtaposition of the crazy circles with the more traditional cross hatching. Looks like your bistro set is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bonnie. It was such fun to make :)
DeleteYour cushion looks great. Those colours look great in the outdoor setting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lou. The cushion has already gone up to my daughters room, so I'm not sure I'll see it again anytime soon.
DeleteA nice bright splash of colour on the outdoor furniture.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. Enjoying the outdoors while it's nice and sunny. These last couple of days have been absolutely beautiful. If only the weather could stay like this, all year round :)
DeleteLove, love, love the cushion Anorina! Orange and aqua are so good together. The crosshatching was a great way to finish it off. And I suspect a Victorian winter is a little different to your Northern New South Wales one?! ;-)) May this year has been unseasonally cold down here- last year we didn't seem to have a Spring, and now we haven't really had an Autumn, except for a few random days. I think I need to plan a Queensland holiday!
ReplyDeleteLOL yes our cold starts are probably not as cold as yours. Our day time temps are low to mid twenties which, to me, is perfection. This is my absolute favourite time of the year.
DeleteA QLD beach holiday sounds like a great idea!
What a fun cushion, Anorina! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Unfortunately plants don't last long at my house! The outside ones come back each year, so that's good. I have one cactus inside that I've managed to save for several years! I did not get my mom's or granny's green thumb!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda. Flowering plants don't last long at my house either, but I'm okay with the ones that thrive on neglect.
DeleteYou likely already know that I adore this cushion! I love Jo's concept, and you executed it quite prettily. Your cross-hatch quilting is really nice. I'm now imagining your back yard with a pool, deck, and "escarpment" (looked up the word and now wondering what your escarpment keeps you from - a river? highway? forest?). Seeing your new outdoor furniture with those plants, I've created a pretty picture in my head. Seems like a good spot for some daytime hand stitching, if it's not too hot. Enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely luv that cushion!
ReplyDelete