This week’s post will be shorter than usual (collective sigh of relief) as next week we are going to Oregon to meet up with all my family. I’m dreading the journey, which will be evil, but longing for our reunion. I only hope that my children and granddaughter have waterproofed themselves for the abundance of kisses coming their way. But back to the topic in hand.
Compulsively creative
Whilst playing in my craft room the other day, I realised that I am now compulsively creative. If I’m not writing, baking or making something, I’m miserable. As addictions go, this is a good one, though it is potentially rather expensive. Luckily for me, I’m drawn to those activities which maximise using what we have rather than buying new materials. Though it definitely adds extra challenges, it has the wonderful advantage of freeing your creativity. Much of what I use would normally be thrown out, so if it goes awry, there is no loss. If it goes to plan, however, I can be doubly pleased.
Image: Karen Costello-McFeat
My husband always goes to work immaculately dressed and has a greater variety of shirts than Gatsby. In the same way that most of us go through socks, my husband goes through shirts. As these are very expensive, he often sources them new or almost new from charity shops.
The fabric used in making these shirts is excellent: high thread count quality cotton. Alas, though the fabric will last a long time, collars and cuffs quickly deteriorate. Which is where I come in. My sewing skills are not of the highest, so using this gorgeous fabric allows me to practice.
Starting simple
I think it was a friend who told me that the easiest way to make a cushion was with a shirt – the row of buttons at the front would provide the opening for the pad and all you have to do is sew the sides. So I made a set and when they wore out (they are now dusters), I made some more.
I have to confess, it isn’t always as straight forward. Some shirts will have darts that need to be unpicked first; the buttons need to be centred on the front and fabric has a tendency to squiggle about – even when pinned. That said, these cute little cushions cost me nothing.
A greater challenge
With cushions galore and mountains of deconstructed shirts in my craft dresser, I thought I would try something a little more challenging. Over the past years, I have made a few quilts. My friend Jane was an invaluable help at teaching me, but now it was time to try without supervision.
My shirt pieces, unlike commercial quilting quarters, were of a variety of sizes. The longest was from the back and I thought that with a number of these I could easily make a bed runner. So I dutifully cut out a quantity of strips that together would make the length I wanted and sewed them all together. Alas, my shirt sections were not quite long enough – so I needed a border too! More sewing of strips together and cutting to size.
Image: Karen Costlello-McFeat
Finally, I had the shape and length I needed. Sandwiching my wadding between my patchwork and a piece of old sheet, I only needed some bias binding to make it neat and then I could begin on the quilting.
Part of the reason that I love quilting is that the stitching part is wonderfully simple and meditative. My craft club is usually far too exuberant to be able to concentrate on anything intricate – but sewing a quilt – perfect!
Making it unique
Quilts are gorgeous for all sorts of reasons, but what appeals to me most is the number of ways you can make them your own. Even if you choose a formal design, the fabrics you use and the colours you combine are unique to you. My design was neither formal nor especially regular, but that is what I wanted.
And as for the over-stitching, I wanted to break up the squares and rectangles with a more organic design and this is what I went with: a sort of double helix in pastel shades of embroidery threads.
Quilting in the past was all about making use of old and outgrown clothing. I am pleased to continue in that tradition. Alas, no sooner had I finished this project than my husband asked me what I was going to do next. The options are endless: bunting, bottle bags, glass cases – indeed anything that doesn’t require a large swathe of cloth. But I don’t think I’ll tell him until he gives me a new shirt!
See you in a few weeks and enjoy the unfolding spring.
