Mini supers - revisited

My aunt is moving house soon, so she gave me a box of fabric that she no longer wanted. In the box was several metres of Superman blue and red knit, plus some woven in similar colours.

The last lot of supers I made were cut out for me, but this time I made my own pattern. Since I don't have any kids around to try them on, they may be a little on the big side, but it is based on the size of the original commercial version so it can't be that far off. Looking at the previous ones, they fit the same on the chair, so I'm guessing they are very similar in size... Might reduce it down just a little bit for next time, just to be safe :)

http://danaspageofstuff.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/more-mini-supers.html

Upcycled cushion

Mum gave me some preprinted panels and a lovely embroidery of a ship, on linen. I considered a bag, but with the embroidery, it could be damaged very quickly. There was enough to make a decent sized cushion, but it definitely needed a border. My instant reaction was for stripes - probably because of the nautical theme.... ;)

It was washed and pressed, squared up and border put on. I had this particular stripe in my stash, although I didn't think I would have enough. I did assess alternatives, but this was always my fave! I had just enough for the front border, but had to use another fabric for the back. I had some neutral cotton, which did the trick. The main body at the back is made with the leftover fabric.

It does have a couple of age spots and the top right corner was thinning, but it it adds to its charm ;) I put some new threads in the worn spot and used some iron-on interfacing on the inside to support it. Hopefully it holds....

Inserted zip along the flange border, finished size approx 50cm x 50cm, cushion size 30cm square.

Another nutcracker - sweet!!

We recently bought a cleaner for the dishwasher, which was an almost exact replica of the Charlie's bottle I used for the original Nutcracker, so I made another one!

Slight changes were made during the replication process, since each one presents its own challenges, but the main one is the arms. I used a smaller gauge dowel, which ended up a bit short. I could have remade them, but added a piece to the top instead to balance them out. I think it works pretty well :)

Also modified the hat, this time trimming down the lid, which helped it sit flush with the edge, rather than poke up over the top.

Pretty pleased with him. You can never replicate it exactly, but then, why would you even want to? ;)

Coffee pods - an experiment in jewellery

Since seeing the Beads n Pods at the craft market, I have been keen to give the upcycled pod jewellery a go.

There is a wonderful YouTube channel that has step-by-step tutorials, so it was time to play! If the link doesn't work, just search for Isobel Naomi (English)

https://youtu.be/EO3BOv8i3AU

I tried a couple of types - the whirlwind and the whirlwind edelweiss. They are quite simple, but require accurate cutting, so sharp scissors are essential ;)

I added more beads than in the tutorial, to add some extra weight. I also added a button and sequins to one of them that needed a bit of oomph.... And they are all from stuff I already had in my stash! 

I think they are a success ;)

Quilt finished!!

Many moons ago, I was given two quilt tops - one I completed a couple of years ago, and this one. As it was hand pieced, I had intended to hand quilt it. I got frustrated with the results I was getting, so I pulled it all out and took it to the machine instead....

http://danaspageofstuff.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/i-think-i-saw-ufo.html

It was quilted with simple lines intersecting through the four squares. The border quilting is a continuation of the lines through to the edges, and bound in a green check. I also cheated in the binding, stitching it by machine. It is definitely not a heirloom! (I haven't yet washed out the chalk lines...)

It has a flannelette sheet as batting, and a flat sheet as the backing, so it's definitely more for the cooler time of year ;) Finished size 170cm x 200cm.

UPDATE : This quilt has been sold....