It's been quiet around here, hasn't it? I've not had the inclination to do a lot of sewing lately, but am pleased to share that I did actually finish something recently.

Another rainbow cushion. This one made with a small bundle of Moda Grunge fabrics which I bought from work when I first started there. I don't think I can tire of appliqueing these very forgiving, freehand shapes. 

The Aurifil Artisans first challenge was to share a project created with threads from our welcome pack.

In this cushion, I used 80 wt cotton for the needleturn applique (my favourite thread for applique), 50 wt cotton to piece the blocks and then stitch in the ditch after I added batting. This made it easier to add big quilty stitches without the need for pins or basting.

I used my favourite 12 wt cotton thread for hand quilting. I love, love, love this weight of thread for adding big stitches. The come is such a wide variety of colours, are strong and have a beautiful sheen.

I also tried some of the lana (which I think is 12 wt also). The Aurifil is 50% wool and 50% acrylic. Not as shiny as the cotton but quite lovely to work with. 

When I'd finished the front of the cushion, I went to my stash looking for a suitable backing. How perfect is this rainbow print?!? It's and old one which I bought from Spotlight by Aussie brand, "Prints Charming". I've just had a little google and it seems that this brand no longer exists. They sure had some funky designs.

Keep an eye out in a few days for my Island Batik July Unboxing Video. I'm pleased to say that I have figured out how to use iMovie and did this all by myself (without help from the household technical teenager).