I love attending the ‘Sewcial Retreat’ organised in March by Viv of Purple Stitches, Basingstoke. Each year we have the opportunity to join into a ‘Secret Sister Swap’. This year the project is to be a cushion cover. I received details of my ‘partner’ who had indicated that she would like an 18 inch square cushion in Blues and Aqua. She did not want a ‘Dresden Plate’ or WWII designs. That left me a lot to choose from!

I picked up a selection of 5 fat quarters from my local quilt shop – New Threads Quilt Shop based at Weyhill Fairground, Andover and then spent some time pondering what design to make.

I was reminded of the ‘faux’ cathedral window design (currently a quilt atop my husband’s grand piano) and decided to base the cushion cover on that. Using some 80/20 cotton/poly wadding, I quilted within the spaces around the outer patchwork pieces and added an applique heart to the centre space. I finished the cover with some medium size piping that I recycled from a new duvet cover (currently cut out as a toile dress). The backing is a plain Blue cotton (also from a new flat bedsheet) and has a zip closure. The finished size is approximately 16½ inches square.

Cushion covers really need a pad to show themselves at their best and I therefore added an 18 inch square feather-filled pad.

I am pleased with how this design has come out and hope that the recipient will be to.

Project #10 completed 23^rd February 2022