Happy Friday! Doesn't the working week just fly by!
One of my favourite gifts to make friends are cushions. Don't you think cushion fronts are just like mini quilts (another fun make!)? Creativity knows no bounds with mini quilts and cushions.
This is my schoolhouse cushion. I developed this pattern a few years back and have taught it several times in classes.
The technique for making the schoolhouse is called Foundation Paper Piecing. It's a great technique for achieving precise lines and points. If you've never tried it before I'd highly recommend it. There are several different ways to foundation paper piece, but I prefer the 'fold and cut as you go' method. I feel it's an easier technique for beginners to learn.
This particular cushion was made as a birthday gift for a friend. I know her interiors have the same lush purples that are found in Denyse Schmidt's Chicopee range. I think they go perfectly with Irish Linen.
A few free motion sketched flowers and a feature zip closure to finish. (This is one of my favourite ways to close a cushion back, which helps the cushion keep its shape and avoid any gaping when the filler is inserted.)
I'm delighted to report that the cushion has been delivered and well received!
And I'm just as delighted to announce that I'm releasing the Schoolhouse cushion pattern for general sale as from today!
This step-by-step pattern has lots of photos to guide you through all the paper piecing and cushion construction.
But if you are still nervous about trying foundation paper piecing, you could give this beginner friendly, pieced schoolhouse cushion pattern a go instead.
So what technique have you been too nervous to try yet?
I have always feared foundation paper piecing, I think a class on it would be helpful. My other worry is free motion quilting (so I always do straight lines). x