Friday, October 15, 2010

My flag cushion tutorial..plus Show and Tell Friday!

There is only one project to share today in Show & Tell, but as I haven't issued a challenge this month I'm sure you understand why. :-)
However, this project is gorgeous! Jean has been making my Shabby Roses 'A Christmas Story' quilt, and now she has finished it!
Jean, it's a beautiful quilt and I am so humbled to always see how others bring my mental sketches to life with needle and thread in their own unique way. Thank you!!
~~~~~
Now, I got to thinking while I was stitching away on my gifts for this year. Sometimes I see an item in a magazine and think, "I can make that!", but then forget all about it. Do you do that? 
One of my favourite non-craft magazines is the British edition of 'Country Living' (wonderful website HERE), and in it I saw a picture of a cushion made into a British flag - as soon as I saw it I wanted one (my ancestors arrived in Australia as convicts on the First Fleet so my British roots are solid), but it was priced at around £60!
Yesterday I looked over at my stash of Rural Jardin (my favourite ever fabric range) and the brain went silly with excitement at making my own version of the cushion - and then I thought perhaps you'd like to make one too!? Even if you're not British, you can use the same idea for your own country's flag. 
(*maybe* we could  make this the challenge for October????!)

Start with:
One, 16 1/2 inch square blue tonal fabric (cushion front)
Two, 10 1/2 x 16 1/2 inch rectangles blue/red floral fabric (cushion back)
Two, 2 1/4 x 24 inch strips beige tonal fabric
Two, 1 1/4 x 24 inch strips red tonal fabric
Two, 2 3/4 x 16 1/2 inch strips beige tonal fabric
Two, 2 x 16 1/2 inch strips red tonal fabric
3 red buttons

Sew the 2 1/4 x 24 inch strips beige tonal fabric diagonally across the cushion front.
(I am leaving raw edges as I wanted that 'shabby' look after washing)
 
Sew the two 1 1/4 x 24 inch strips red tonal fabric the same way, centring the strips on to the beige stripes.
Sew the two 2 3/4 x 16 1/2 inch strips beige tonal fabric horizontaly and verticaly on to the cushion front.
Lastly, sew the two 2 x 16 1/2 inch strips red tonal fabric onto the centre of the strips.
Fold one edge on both 10 1/2 x 16 1/2 inch rectangles blue/red floral fabric (cushion backs) over by 1/2 inch. Press. Fold the hem over again by 3/4 inch. Press. Stitch down.
Add your 3 buttonholes, and 3 buttons. 
 Do up the buttons, and stitch the two piece together along the side seam with a scant 1/8th inch seam.
Lay the cushion front down onto the cushion back, right sides facing. Stitch around the square with a 1/4 inch seam.
Trim the seam back to 1/8th inch. Turn the cushion right side out, and make a French seam by stitching around the outside edge with a 1/4 inch seam - this prevents any fraying and loose threads.
 Wash the cushion cover in your washing machine to give it that old and frayed appearance...
...and maybe add an extra touch of British history.
Can you believe I found this brooch for 50c yesterday at the op shop while my cushion cover was drying on the line!? Thanks God! :-)
~~~~~
Blossom wants an Italian flag cushion now to celebrate her father's Italian heritage. Guess you know what I'll be doing today?
What do you think? Shall we make this a challenge for the last half of October? They would make great Christmas gifts for friends and family!
Hugs
Jenny
xxx
PS: This is a great way to use up some of that stash....

15 comments:

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Love your cushion Jenny! The fabrics you have used are perfect. Thanks for sharing:)

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Love the cushion Jenny! A beautiful show and tell too!
Have a fun weekend!
xx, shell

Jude said...

The quilt looks fantastic and what a great idea for the cushions.

Maggey and Jim said...

Always love your creations.. I like putting my own spin on things I see too.
Hugs,
Maggey

Melody said...

I was born in England so I'll have to make this. Thanks so much for sharing. You are wonderful.

Sew Useful Designs said...

God Save the Queen!!! he he he...

Fantastic idea Jen! Love the twist with the Rural Jardin fabrics... and yes... being a pommie I may just have to join in!

Little Henry gave me a giggle!

Hugs sweetie!
Vikki xoxo :-)

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Wonderful cushion Jen, and Jean has done a lovely job on your pattern.

Anne-Lise at Rag, Tag, Bobtail said...

Love the cushion! Funny, that has been on my to do list and now you have given me an easy tutorial so I can do it! Thanks!

Plum Cox said...

Ashtonishing! One of my best friends has just emigrated to Oz from the UK and asked me to make her something like this (as she couldn't afford 'the real deal' either!). You've saved me lots of maths and given me a great technique to acheive it. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Love this cushion and your blog!

Wendy said...

Thanks for the tutorial Jenny, these flags in different shades/patterns of the traditional colours are really popular over here right now.

Susan said...

What a fabulous idea - thanks Jenny

cottonreel said...

Dear Jenny , after reading your blog about flag cushions I have put 2 on my blog , perhaps you would like to add them to the pic,s you are sure to receive . I have made several of these cushions for friends and I,m sure I will be making many more

I put your site address on my blog ---cottonreel

Allie said...

Jean did a gorgeous job on your fabulous ACS quilt - oh I'm itching to get mine going, now that I have the fabric! And I love your cushion, I think it's just brilliant - now I need an Irish one!

donnaquilt said...

I love this! My folks spent a few years down under & fell in love with your home country. I'll have to make one for them. Thanks for the fabulous project!

Five Roses-Prim and Pretty said...

I love this, thankyou xx