The theme at le challenge this month is 'passion'. I had lots of ideas of things I would like to make but after making my fresh flowers cushion I couldn't stop thinking about making a random bouquet. I decided to use my hoarded Chicopee by Denyse Schmidt charm pack to make the flowers, using shapes from Paper Pieces. Since I started English Paper Piecing it has definitely become a passion of mine and I enjoy discovering new shapes and ways of incorporating epp into my projects.


I have also developed a passion for appliqué. I love that you can create whatever you like and it's the easiest way to make a fabric picture - whether you machine appliqué or hand appliqué like I did here:


I wanted to have a simple background so I used XOXO in Ghost, Cotton & Steel Basics and added texture by doing some cross hatch quilting. I posted a cross hatch quilting tutorial yesterday so you can see how I did it. I don't usually quilt the back of my cushions but since this is only quite small, 12 x 20", I wanted to give it some structure (plus I was having fun with the quilting!). I used XOXO in Night Owl, Cotton & Steel Basics for the back and the binding. I quilted with Aurifil 50wt thread in #2021 for the front and #2783 for the back, I love how they blend so nicely with the prints.


I also added some hand quilting with perle thread, just a few little stitches gives it a pretty hand made look and adds some texture to the flowers.



I have managed to combine so many techniques into this one cushion! All of it makes me happy, patchwork and quilting is my passion.



See how everyone else interpreted the 'passion' theme and their finished projects at le challenge. If you have made something that fits the theme come and link up for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter Shop!

Le Challenge