Patchwork Cushions

It is an uncomfortable fact that I am left with an awful lot of funny shaped scrap pieces after lampshade making. For an age I've used the leftover bits to make patchwork cushions. Simple stuff - barkcloth front and back, envelope style with 3 handcovered buttons.

It was a very nice suprise to see one of them in Country Homes and Interiors June issue in their Village fete round up. Thank you Country Homes and Interiors.

Village fete by Claire Dorey for Country Homes and Interiors

If you are thinking "um that fabric is familiar" you may be recognising it from a certain someones first book. (How excited are we about the second one!).

 It has that ugly pretty quality so key to the Granny Chic look Dottie Angel has championed and I was very happy that Tiff loved it enough to use it for one of the chapter backgrounds.
I'm afraid I've rather neglected that particular fabric of late - I call it Daisypot- but it is waiting patiently in the cupboard for someone to come claim it for the next project.

Having not seen one for a while -rather like buses- the cushion commisions have come all at once this last week. Here's one I just made for a not to be named just yet Magazine feature for the Autumn.

The brief was for warm oranges, browns, forest greens and mustard. I had a lot of fun putting the options together and rather less fun deciding which ones to actually choose - but I'm happy with the result.
This particular cushion will be winging its way back from the photo shoot at the end of the week so just let me know if you are interested in making it a permenant home.

And here's a sneaky peak of a real stunner I have adored working on. Its part of a larger commission for a very special order for a very special customer that includes patchwork lampshades in the same fabrics. I hope to show you more soon.

If you want to create your own patchwork cushion from the barkcloth stash here is what to do.
Visit the FollyandGlee Flickr gallery for a full listing of available fabrics. There are quite a few also listed on the FollyandGlee Facebook page and I hope to have them all on their soon. Then get choosing.

You need to select 3 small patchwork squares (A,B,C) and a main piece (D) for the cushion front - thats 4 fabrics. Then 2 more fabrics for the back (E and F). If you have a preference for which of those 6 fabrics I handcover the buttons then let me know. The patchwork cushions are £35 each and include a feather pad.

Lampshade Making Workshops

I'm very excited to be running 3 very different lampshade making workshops next month at the loveliest of venues the Patchwork Dog and Basket creative workrooms in the The Needlemakers,Lewes.

Now collectively known as Made in Lewes the workrooms have become and absolute hive of creative activity with an everchanging programme of workshops, drop-ins and the fabulous monthly Made in Lewes Market.

With Roman and Sarah's fab cafe on site and the famously unbeatable range of quirky shops in Lewes all around a visit is a bit of a no-brainer any day of the week. 

I'll be there throughout July holding 3 workshops starting with:

Workshop No 1: Contemporary RolledEdge Lampshade 3rd July £30

The first workshop on Tuesday 3rd July is a no-sew workshop suitable for absolute beginners. Just bring along a 1/2 metre of your own chosen fabric. I'm a great believer that lampshades are a perfect medium for showing off the textiles you love. The fabric doesn't have to be new - treasured remnants from much loved clothes, curtains or bedding can often make the most lovely shades. For your first attempt a mid weight fabric is best.

Of course I shall be bringing a stash of original vintage barkcloths with me. So yes if you've ever fancied a rummage through those you are most welcome.

Folly and Glee Barkcloth Collection

Available to purchase seperately on the day will also be the full range of amazing quilting cottons from the Patchwork Dog and Basket.

Patchwork Dog and Basket

I've been making lampshades commercially now for over 3 years and I'll be very happy to informally share my tips for anyone considering a lampshade business of their own including sourcing the materials cost effectively, marketing and developing your unique style.

Call PatchworkDogandBasket on 01273 483886 or email Josie at madeinlewes@hotmail.co.uk to book your place.

Workshop No 2: Traditional Vintage Patchwork and Lace Lampshade

The second workshop is completely different and promises to be a lot of fun. Traditional lampshade making is an art form - no doubt about it. Historically lampshade makers received as much if not more training then Milliners. But with a little patience, a brave heart and lots of pins we can all create a wonderfully unique traditional soft shade with a patchwork of your favourite vintage fabrics.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what favourite bits and bobs folk bring along to this one. You only need relatively small pieces so I'm guessing there might be remnants of treasured children's outfits, fabulous tea towels, rescued lace from torn curtains,,,who knows. I'll have a small stash with me and downstairs in the Needlemakers is the shop equivalent of an Aladdins cave for vintage textile lovers so I'm sure we won't go short of choices.

Again call PatchworkDogandBasket on 01273 483886 or email Josie at madeinlewes@hotmail.co.uk to book your place.
 

Workshop No 3: Art Shades for Kids

The third workshop is one for the kids. This one might just provoke the most giggles and I'm sure reveal some creative genius.

 If your children ages 4-11 love to draw then bring them along for the opportunity to create their own picture and or design straight on to fabric and then turn it into a professional looking fire retardant lampshade.

This will be a practical but much loved addition to your child's room and they make wonderful gifts. Kits will be available to purchase on the day should you wish to do more at home over the holidays.

We do ask that your child be accompanied so that you can lend a hand and join in the fun. All the materials are provided.

Again call the PatchworkDogandBasket or email Josie at madeinlewes@hotmail.co.uk to book you and your childs place for just £25... or why not bring along a friend or sibling too for £40.

Freddie

I do hope you might be able to come along to a workshop. It would be lovely to meet you and do some lampshading together. I dare say some of us might also be enjoying a cuddle or two with Freddie - the Patchwork Pup....if he's not too busy.

Its a Dad thing

 Being the lazy marketeer that I am I spectacularly missed creating any Jubilee items. Aaah but  Father's Day is approching rapidly here in the UK.

There are 3 lampshades in particular that would make the perfect gift to lighten up Dad's study, bedside, shed! It all depends on where there interests lie....

Do they love messing about in boats?

Sailingboats Vintage Barkcloth

Are they a frustrated lumberjack with a passion for the forest?

Logcabin Vintage Barkcloth

Or maybe a Twitcher with an eye for the birds?

DearEmmaDesigns Limited Edition

I am hoping that the barkcloth fairies will visit tonight and leave me some amazing fabric with golfers, fishermen and footballers. You never know!

When I think of my dear Dad he would have loved a fabric with vintage aircraft or possibly a large moose.

What would light your Dad's lamp?

Luzia Pimpinella's Hama Bead Lampshade

I am reminded this morning was an amazingly creative force the web is and how lucky we are to have such a vehicle for finding inspiration at the touch of a button.

Quite by accident I stumbled across an Instagram that took my breath away for a minute.



LuziaPimpinella.com



Isn't it just fab? Luzia's blog is an absolute delight packed with inspirational thoughts and projects. You have to hop over there right now to read all about the transformation from an "old-maid" shade into this bobbydazzler.

LuziaPimpinella.com

Luzia has put together a failsafe tutorial. All you need are the HAMA beads (maxi size) and a lampshade frame.

I can't resist having a go at one of these for my god daughters bedroom so I've just popped over here and bought myself a ton of beads in lovely pastel shades. 

FollyandGlee Tulip Frame

And wait for it....shameless plug coming up...I shall be using one of FollyandGlee's tulip lampshade frames. I'm so excited by this project ----big thankyou to Luzia for such a great idea AND treat yourself to 20% off a lampshade frame by quoting BEADSHADE at the checkout.