Six Chair Cushions Done, and a Fun New Quilt Kit

Well, I got six cushion covers made and stuffed with foam. I am waiting on more foam squares before I make any more. If the thickness is different from the ones I have made so far, I will have to recalculate my measurements. I figured it was better to wait rather than make more covers that would fit poorly.

My stripes lined up pretty well. I was off a bit on one or two, but I have a fail-proof system in place now. The cushions will be scattered around an outside seating area and for the most part will be under a table or someone's fanny, so it doesn't really matter. 

How adorable is this little quilt kit? When I saw it on Fat Quarter Shop I just had to have it. If I ever get out from under all these seat cushions I can't wait to make it. It is a table runner called Hatchery Hack. I went for the whole kit, but you can just get the pattern if you want. 

Once I get up the nerve to open that pretty box I will show you the fabric. I can't bring myself to mess it up just yet. Once you take the printed cover off you can't put it back.

And here is one more thing I just couldn't resist. It is called a needle minder. It is magnetic and will attach to the throat plate of your sewing machine. As you sew and remove your pins you can scoot them onto this little plate and deal with them when you finish your seam or whatever you are sewing. They come in a ton of adorable designs. You can get a pumpkin one for fall, a Christmassy one for the holidays or just generally cute sewing-themed ones. A collection of them could be really fun. I dare you to go down the needle minder rabbit hole at fatquartershop.com.

Ok, maybe someone can help me out here. This past week, THREE different people have asked me if patterns I had used for my projects were still available for purchase. From me. Like I am in the business of selling patterns. Is there anything about this blog site that gives the impression that I am selling anything? If so, I need to correct it, because to be very clear, everything I use in my projects I have purchased with my own money and is for my own personal use. I certainly don't sell anything new or that I have used. 

It was just weird to get three requests in one week. Let me know if you can imagine why people would get that idea.

Have a great weekend everyone. 

Comments

[Mary]

The people asking to purchase must be new to your blog? You have never offered anyone anything to purchase. I know because I've followed you for years. You always give the link to a purchase.

As far as your cushions, I'm sure your workmanship is much better than those being mass produced in a foreign country. We are own own worst critics; don't you agree?

[Kelli]

The cushions are absolutely BEAUTIFUL 🤩 you did a wonderful job - you should be very proud!

As far as you selling anything? Been following you for a long time and you've never offered to sell anything! I do appreciate all the links you share.

[Vickie]

I think people just assume. Blog = money.

Also, in general, people can be lazy readers.

I do not think it’s anything you have said/done.

Vickie

[Vickie]

I buy all my foam/cushions from a local upholstery shop.

The density is very very thick/strong/good. There is no comparison between what I get from him and what a store/JoAnns sells.

He has a huge variety of thicknesses and density. He cuts to exact sizes for me.

Supports local business.

I use this for dog beds, window seat cushions, ottoman we made from scratch.

Vickie

[sue s]

Great job on the cushions! It's smart to take breaks from the work too, so waiting for more gives you a chance to do something else- like the bunnies?!!
I wonder if people ask because you often show changes you have made to patterns, and are willing to share new notions and things you find. I don't know- I agree with the others that I've never thought of you as a pattern seller, merely a good quilt maker!

[Sandra]

I can’t figure out why someone would think that you sold patterns, I’ve followed and enjoyed your blog for years and I’ve never noticed anything that would lead one to think that. Your cushions are beautiful, nicely done! Have a good weekend!

[Kathy Czuprynski]

I don’t know why they think you sell things! But I will admit that I have quite a few patterns that I have bought after reading your blog!

[Diane]

There is no question that you do not sell items on this blog. I love your new purchases! Have a great weekend

[Suzanne]

I’m fairly certain that those 3 requests were bots on phishing expeditions! I’m not devious enough to know exactly how it would work, but I’ve seen those comments/requests elsewhere and think this is the reason. I think of it like those emails and texts I receive that tell me they’re trying to send me money but need my account information to transfer it to me!

[Linda K. Smith]

Your cushion turned out so professional looking. Great job. You're son-in-law is lucky to have you!

[Jan]

Your cushions are very professionally made! They'll be so inviting on the patio at the winery! As to the selling of patterns...you always state that you 'bought' a kit, fabric, group sew-along membership etc. The same for quilting tools, books & clothing finds. I've read your blog since long before Eva was born & I've never had the impression that you were selling anything. It's more like getting together with like-minded friends following your blog & comments from other readers! PS I think Suzanne may be spot on about bots making those pattern requests...ignore them!!

[Ina]

needle minder rabbit hole? try the enamel pin rabbit hole. or, the fun button hole. I went down both those holes a few years ago and purchased some very fun things!

I'm with Kathy C. I've bought a LOT of patterns after seeing your beautiful work! I've bought some cool tools after reading your blog.

[Michele]

If you ever make larger, thicker cushions and are wondering how you are going to get the cover over them, place the foam in a large garbage bag, get your vacuum cleaner that hopefully has a hose. Wrap the opening of the bag around the end of the hose as tightly as possible. Turn the vacuum cleaner on and the foam will shrink so you can slide the cover over it easily. Turn the vacuum off and it go back to the original size. Then reach into the cover opening and tear the bag off. Several years ago I made window seat cushions that were fairly large and did this. Worked out great. Just a thought in case you get asked to make more! Your cushions look great.

[Norma]

I definitely have gone down the needle minder rabbit hole. I have between 20 -30. I do counted cross stitch, embroidery, wool work and quilting. I have them in all of my sewing bags and I have a metal display tray with many of them on my sewing room wall. The seasonal ones are especially fun.

[Kerry L]

Your cushions are gorgeous! I’ve always wanted to make some but have been too chicken! Thanks for all your tips and video! Glad you didn’t get snowed in!

[Carol in Texas]

Nicole, your cushions look GREAT! I like the fabric choice. Needle minders are used a lot by crossstitchers. They attach them to the piece of linen or Aida, etc. they’re stitching on and park their needles there between stitching periods. Crossstitch has had a HUGE revival during the Pandemic, and Fat Quarter Shop is big into it. On You Tube, Flosstubes are videos made by stitchers showing what they’re working on and what they’ve purchased. Talk about a rabbit hole! I’ve fallen into it big time! But I don’t use needle minders. But the description of the way you will use one is pretty clever!

[Sarah]

Oh, no, not another rabbit hole! Can I ask what you do with the boxes after you start/finish a project? They are so pretty, and I know you will have wonderful ideas of how to re-use them.