ScrapHappy cushion cover

I’ve been in neutral for what feels like a long time now but am slowly getting back into gear – first gear still, but moving up to second… I’m sure eventually I’ll be back to normal, or at least whatever passes for normal with me :)

I came across a round cushion I’d made ages ago from left-over bits of fabric that never really worked: the diameter was completely off, it was too small and, once stuffed, it was like a rugby ball. I still like the colours so decided to unpick the whole thing and figure out a way to make it bigger. I wanted to somehow drop it into a bigger piece of fabric but without having to applique the edges. I gave it some thought and also checked on the internet to make sure I was heading in the right direction: this tutorial by Angela Pingel helped a lot. It’ll now become a cushion about 45cm square, a goodly size. The background fabric isn’t technically a scrap but I’m sure the patchwork pie will count as “scraphappy”!

I’ve been inspired to write this by Kate, who provides links to other ScrapHappy bloggers at Tall Tales from Chiconia on the fifteenth of every month. It’s a marvellous nudge to creativity to see what other people do with their imaginations and sewing skills.

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WIP: scraphappy doorstop

I’ve been making a couple of round patchwork cushions lately, and I had one circle lying around that didn’t get cushioned up before Xmas. What else could I do with this?

As it happens, I need a proper doorstop for my bedroom – most of the year it’s impossible to live without the windows being open, but when a breeze comes up, the door slams. And not only do you get a groot skrik but, with three cats wandering lazily around, the last thing I want is an accident. I’ve been using a belt buckled round the doorknob and the nearest handle on the wardrobe – it does the job but I thought a more permanent workaround would be better. Especially if I can link the solution with Kate’s Scraphappy-ness :)

I gathered it up round the edge and filled it with a plastic bag full of beach sand. I glued in a strip of plastic belt for the handle, then handstitched the open bit together. I’m not quite sure what to do about the raw edge yet, I might end up sticking on some crochet flowers. I also stuck on a circle of fake leather underneath, to protect it from picking up dirt from the floor.

Things to consider in future:
My circle is only 44cm in diameter, which has resulted in a very small doorstop. Mine is quite hobbit-sized, and may end up being used as a paperweight. Or given to the nearest hobbit.
The circle can be made up of fabric pieces in different ways (doesn’t have to be cake-slices) or from a single piece of fabric if you don’t like the patchwork look.

I’m sure there are doorstops like this all over pinterest, but after an hour of only finding rectangular ones I cut my losses and did my own thing.

What am I looking forward to today? A drive out to beautiful Tulbagh (in what is known as the Valley of Abundance) to catch up with my dear friend Tina, whom I have known for nearly 40 years, over dinner at the Tulbagh Hotel and a sleepover in her wonderful farm cottage.

Back soon :)

a pinny and a pie

Dexterously combining two themes in one post here: (a) a further attempt at cooking in the oven, and (b) a Scrap Happy project for Kate’s collection.

Last year, staying with Sean and Melinda in Grahamstown, Sean made this fabulous spinach and feta pie for our supper one evening. It’s not vegan because the recipe calls for eggs, ricotta and feta – which means Melinda couldn’t have any – but I guess she was used to that, Sean usually going big on the carnivore side of things! Anyway, he sent me the link and it’s been lurking on my bookmarks bar ever since. Last night = girls’ night at my house = chance to make pie and graciously accept amazed compliments on having made something both edible and attractive.

Theme #2: Karen mentioned that she could use another pinny for her work at the Service Dining Rooms.  I made this for her last week, from leftovers of fabric from cushions and bedspreads, and a bit of lace and some orange bobbles at the bottom left over from who the hell knows what.  Here she is, trying to give a realistic impression of a happily domesticated woman about to dish up the pie, but looking more like someone who’s watched The Shining too many times. Perhaps she would have been happier with an axe.