my creative space...

It's my dear friend from Pod and Three Peas Birthday tomorrow - so we mum's and our combined four children got together this morning for a catch up.  A while back we were chatting about learning to crochet.  At the time I had been working on some granny squares for a winter blanket and happened to mention that if I couldn't be bothered making enough for a blanket I could just make a crochet cushion.  I saw the sparkle in her eye as my dear friend loves all things retro and what would be more 70's than a crochet pillow adorning your bed or couch.  So I offered to make her one for her birthday!  I picked classic retro colours in creams, mustard, orange and a hint of teal.

I didn't realise what a challenge this would be.  It was fine making the granny squares - although please note I am still a very beginner crocheter!  The trouble I had was working out how to convert it into a pillow!  I had three attempts, all slightly different, and then settled on treating the crochet part like any other piece of fabric - and I'm really happy with the results.  So today I gave Paula her Birthday presents....

But what would a birthday present be if you know what you are getting, so I made another cushion from my thrifted linen finds the other week and was delighted when I found a little side plate in the Johnson range that Paula collects at an op shop in the country. I did make a little crochet trivet/hot pot holder thingy, but didn't remember to photograph it!

How nice it feels to give handmade and thrifted items....xx

Happy Birthday Pod xx

Head over to Kirsty's for more creative types!

ink and spindle cushions

I was delighted to get the chance to get to the open studio at Ink and Spindle this morning.  Although I would have loved to see the screen-printing demonstration, my 20 month old daughter had other ideas soaking herself in water just as we got there and then she got stuck into the apricot and choc chip cookies.  So i decided to get some gorgeous fabric and make a quick exit before her little chocolate hands got onto anything.
So from this....

I made these...

and i have heaps of fabric left for some other small projects, but for now I am just going to sit on the couch with my new cushions and enjoy them!