Three Spring Cushions and their Template Packs

Back in the summer of 2021 I launched a series of block designs in collaboration with Crafter’s Companion. I wrote all about it here. These were packs of die sets that worked with their Gemini die cutting machines.

Since then we have been planning a further collaboration to produce template sets for applique designs. It’s taken a long time but they are finally here!

Working together we created 3 new versions of classic applique designs from my back catalogue. I updated and improved these designs and made them work with their template sets.

I actually made my sample pieces nearly 2 years ago! I sent them off so long ago that I almost forgot about them!

At the time of making these I was using (and stocking) a lot of Dashwood Pop Solids so I made the samples with the plan to kit them when the packs arrived.

However as the years have gone by my fabric choices have shifted to a lot of linen mix and woven fabrics and I really wanted to see what these designs looked like made with Essex/Manchester etc.

But with such a busy first few months of this year (QuiltCon, Academy Year 2 launch, Scottish Quilt Show, Thread House Retreat…) I didn’t get the samples actually finished until last Friday (a week after C.C. launched the template sets).

But anyway I managed it (with some sore fingers by the end of last week!) and I love the new look cushions. AND I managed to produce the kits!

The kits are not quite ready to send though as I sold a lot more fabric than I anticipated over all my activities these last few months.

But it’s all on order and arriving in a few weeks so I have made the kits pre-order with a 10% discount until April!

The kits include fabric to make the cushion fronts exactly as shown, but no backing or binding.

The 3 designs are Meadow Flowers, Spring Blooms and Foral Tile.  These sets include two packs of templates to create floral appliqué designs with a turned-edge finish plus instructions for three separate projects.

Originally C.C. had an idea to include interfacing as a different way to create turned edge applique. I have used it myself as a great method for difficult shapes, it gives you a guide for turning your edges under and, unlike freezer paper, you can leave it in place.

So they have two sets, one for the fabric and one for the interfacing or for the finished size of the piece (without seam allowance). However the actual interfacing inclusion got abandoned along the way so it’s now an optional extra. But the templates themselves are transparent so are wonderful for fussy cutting!

These interfacing templates can be used for gathering around and pressing or used with the foil and card method.

Though not promoted for this use I have tried them out for these cushions and the templates have stood up to my pressing at the highest temperature. I can’t guarantee they would last for a whole quilt but absolutely no problem with these cushions.

The accompanying booklet also includes all my tips for applique and cutting lists and instructions for 2 extra projects (as well as the cushion), including quilts, a pouch, bed runner and sewing machine cover.

For £9.99 I think these are fantastic value! The template packs can be bought on their own from my website and are ready to send immediately. Or you can order the kit and template set together for delivery in a few weeks.

If you are in the USA you can order direct from Crafter’s Companion USA here. I’m not sure how far they ship to but it’s worth checking if you are elsewhere in the world.

I’m really pleased with how these new versions turned out. The Linen type fabrics have a softness, both in tone and texture which makes them look so cosy.  And I think the plaid and check fabric details add a little more interest. These are Kitchen Window Wovens by Elizabeth Hartman that I am now stocking on my website (with a new collection ariving in May).

You can find out more info and buy the template pack or kits (or fabric!) from my website here. And don’t forget the pre-order discount offer ends on March 31st! No code needed the discount has already been applied!