Clamshell cushion

Ages ago, I borrowed a copy of Jen Kingwell’s Quilt Lovely from my local library. I was checking the book out to see whether I wanted to buy a copy.

The clamshell cushion was the most tempting project because I had dreams of using it to tame my scraps, so I made the templates and started cutting out bits of fabric from my scrap box. Too soon, the due date of the book came around, and I returned it to the library.

From that point, I did not have the instructions.

I repeated only one fabric, as far as I know.

Initially, I thought I could piece the clamshells by machine. Sewing curves does not frighten me, but the curves of these templates are a bit fiddly for machine piecing, so I recognised after one or two machine-piecing attempts, that I would have to make the cushion by hand.

For much of 2017, the pieces were cut out and pinned to a design board, but not much sewing was happening. Then, just before Christmas, I decided I was going to finish it, so I focused on hand sewing curves in any spare moment.

When I had sewn the number of clamshells I thought I needed, I realised that the panel was going to be rectangular instead of square. Without the pattern to guide me, I cut out a few more until it looked about right and kept sewing. It was still not big enough, so I cut and sewed a few more bits.

Finally, I had a square panel big enough for an 18-inch cushion. Hurrah!

Long ago, my plans had included hand quilting the cushion in perle cotton, but with so much going on in the fabrics, I changed my mind and opted for simple in-the-ditch machine quilting.

I used the fabrics in the two unpieced clamshells to guide my colour choices.

Some red pompom trim around the edges and a zipper on the back, and it was done.

Red spots and red pompoms make me happy!

In a happy accident, it coordinates with the hexie cushion I finished in 2016.

Now, I need a bigger armchair if I am to fit me and all these cushions on it.

Do I still want my own copy of the book? Yes! If I had more time, I would love to make more of the projects, especially the cushions.

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