Archive for crafting
Marimekko pear quilt
This quilt leaves me lost for words. I simply cannot imagine anything nicer to spread over a pram for an Autumn stroll, or tuck around your knees as you curl up with a good book and a steaming mug of green tea at the end of a long day. The spectacularly poised Marimekko print, the stitch-perfect quilting and equally delectable backing simply could not fail to lift your spirits.
You can see in the sun-dappled photo above that smckey has mastered the art of marrying a traditional craft with twentieth century Scandinavian design, the ultimate in attention to detail and twenty-first century beauty too. You can visit her Etsy shop here for even more examples of quilting heaven (I love Confetti Parade) or take a peek at her blog for an insight into quilting, crafts, and the meaning of life. Phew, finally someone’s come up with an answer to that conundrum.
Getting back to the pear print (which is stipple quilted in green and white on one hundred per cent cotton fabric), you might be interested to know a bit more about the backing fabric – it is “willow orchard” by Alexander Henry. And for more patterns from this particular designer studio, check out a recent (ish) Print & Pattern post here.
The quilt itself is 54″ x 32″, you can machine wash and dry it, it’s utterly unique, it can be posted to your door, and … what else? Well, don’t get me started on how I’d love to redecorate my quasi-study with this quilt hanging on the brick wall above a retro desk and an Eames chair in matching green or contrasting mustard (the one below is from John Lewis).
Jodie Wells / Kitties Closet owl cushion
So when Calladoodles, a cute little boutique selling gifts and home-wares by local crafters opened up nearby, I was compelled to check out the owl-related stock. I am pleased to report that there is obviously a healthy demand for owl stuff in Carshalton, and it would have been rude to come home empty-handed. So despite Mark’s very specific instructions about not buying any more cushions, like ever, I thought he might not notice if the cushion was owl-shaped. I was wrong on that score, but the thing is, it IS a very nice cushion. The bonus is its beautiful wooden button eyes, and Liberty-esque style fabric. Crafter Jodie Wells of Kitties Closet specialises in owl design it would seem, and I am thrilled I can peruse her stock online and down the road. Window shopping, obviously.
Spoonflower owl fabric
Just when I was wondering where all the owls were, in steps Gail – fabulous friend and guru of all things crafty, internety and foody – with news of Spoonflower. For those of you, like me, who were unaware of this seriously fantastic site, you can upload and design your own patterns and Spoonflower will print it (on quilting, linen, cotton or canvas) and send it back to you. A true crafting inspiration. There is already a wealth of designs up there for you to browse and choose from, if you don’t have your own to hand yet. And the owl collection is especially noteworthy. In fact, it’s hard to find a more amazing selection of delectable owls anywhere else online. Check out the pears already uploaded too. For anyone with the time or the inclination, there is yet to be an owl and pear design though. Rise to the challenge!
