Friday 1 August 2014

Upcycled Cushions


I am so happy with my latest sewing project. Mainly because these lovely cushions are for me, but also because I love an upcycle project.

My old cushion covers were looking very sad. I should have done the TV makeover trick of photographing them before in very poor lighting. So I had in mind to make some new cushion covers. Around the corner from my house there is an upholstery shop, that often has a bin of bargain bits outside. A few weeks ago I was having my usual look at the curtain offcuts when I saw there was a massive book of fabric samples propped against the bin. I was delighted when the shop said they did not even want anything for it, and when I got home I very carefully dismantled the book to get the samples out. 


So with most of the plain velvets pieces I have recovered my sofa cushions. Aren't the colours great. I don't think I would have used this variety of colours if I had had to buy the material. They look like jewels. I unpicked and reused the old zips and cushion pads, so this project was a complete bargain.


But I still have a huge selection of fabric pieces left. So any ideas of what I could make with them would be really welcome. Most are really thick brocades, and with quite big patterns. But none of the pieces are bigger than 30cm by 35cm.  The only idea I have had is to patchwork again, and try and make a large funky handbag. The sort of bag I like has room for a book and some knitting.






There were also a few bits of embroidered organza, and I am going to use these to make some little bags for my knitted shoes and toys.
 

Let me know if you have any ideas for what I could make with my hoard of fabric pieces.

11 comments:

  1. Wow your new cushions look beautiful and the fact they have cost you nothing is even better. My first idea for your sample leftovers was a bag (great minds think alike) and then I thought could you use them for bunting or maybe make a quilt with large squares. I'm looking forward to seeing what they turn into.
    Ali xx

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  2. They're beautiful!

    I would cover some notebooks with the fabric too, all of my knitting and spinning notebooks have been 'prettified' and it makes me want to use them more! x

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  3. Oh they are gorgeous. Make a bag!! Make a bag!

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  4. Wow what a great find! I used to work in soft furnishings making cushions so I can tell you these fabrics aren't cheap. So many nice ones there - I say make a bag for yourself for sure - enjoy!
    The other funny thing is I just posted about sewing zips in cushions.

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  5. love the cushions and love a great bargain :) jewels for sure!

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  6. LOVE these cushions! I like the bag idea mentioned above.

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  7. Little brocade evening bags decirated with beads!

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  8. Oooh what a great find! I love the cushions, they are so fun and i imagine they have a gorgeous texture too. A big knitting bag is the perfect idea for the remaining samples, i can't wait to see it! :)

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  9. Now that's what I call up-cycling. The colours are simply gorgeous. I think the idea of a knitting bag is perfect, or why not make a lap quilt and keep it next to the cushions ready for the chilly Autumn nights.

    Just been catching up with your previous posts. Love the knitted cars and your daughters bridesmaid dress is beautiful xx

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  10. You lucky lucky lady! Recover footstool? Doorstops?

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  11. We have a bunch of those SampleBooks too! Love them! Although, they are much more difficult to come by these days... Then again, we still have yet to "use" the ones we have! -- As to "what" to make... Glass cases, Evening bags, Phone/Tablet pouches, Placemats, Armrests, Coasters, Teapot covers...

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