Brooke's choices for the swap were:
1) Cushion (pistacio green and white )
2) Sewing Machine or overlocker cover (any colours lol)
3) Table runner (black, red white)
I knew that it would be either some cushions or a table runner (because they are both things I'd like to make.) I decided to start with the cushions, I had an idea in mind, the only fretting part for me was coming up with a selection of pistachio green fabric when you live in a rural country town! I can't tell you how many hours I spent online looking at different fabrics only to return to my local quilting abode and taking 10cm swatches of a range of fabrics!
You may remember my prototype that I experimented with before starting my final piece from the blog post Scrap Buster Fall Pillow Tutorial it was a fabulous design and I immediately fell in love with it. Yes I know I haven't finished it yet, terribly I slack of me! lol But it will look divine on my couch! Tutorial can be found HERE as well.
I went with the inspiring theme for my work as the "tree of life." Brooke is in the midst of a life make over and I wanted something special that represented this part of her life. If your not familiar with the tree of life, its' about interconnectedness with the universe and finding a peace, harmony and balance in the way we live from day to day. I took this to the final wrapping stage by writing inspirational words on little red love hearts that I stuck all over the final wrapped piece.
Things I'd like to do next time in making the cushion cover, would be to add some quilting / wadding behind the main applique panel, and likewise with the envelope back, perhaps use a more decorative fabric (I was focusing on more of a linen back than a soft cotton for structure.) I'd love to learn how to do a button closure or button and loop on the back of the cushion, but you do have to start with your skills somewhere, and I feel proud in my accomplishment of it.
Thanks Brooke, and enjoy your swap piece!
