Flower Power

Variety, they say, is the spice of life and with this in mind I thought I'd step out from my usual comfort zone of reusing faded florals or rose printed Sanderson fabrics, and go for all-out clashing colours. In the past I've always been a little uncomfortable using orange in my palette, but lately find myself mysteriously drawn to its dramatic eye-catching quality. (I do have these episodes from time to time! ;-)) 

By combining a stunning c1930's hand embroidered linen panel with a retro 70's (actually a Sanderson called 'Amabel') flower-power print, I hope you don't think I've lost my mind?!

I was actually quite surprised by the similarities of these two textiles, despite there being more than 40 years between them...Both decades focused on orange in the fashion/interiors world, so perhaps this is why they seem to sit well together?

Marigolds

Poppies

Lilies

 

C1930's 
(Can you imagine the hours this must have taken to complete? - So beautifully stitched, but never used...until now...)

C1970's
The end result?...

Another large, full-sized bed pillow cushion!

Perfect for softening a garden bench during the summer months to come...

Or to turn a step into a place to sit and relax for a while...

As well as it being a cheerful pillow to use inside too. 

(The reverse is the same fabulous 70's Sanderson, with tie fasteners.)

Update 13th May: I'm sold - thank you! 

Inspired by my new passion for orange, I thought I'd use the 70's Sanderson to make a smaller cushion. This one is combined with a c1930's (again) chenille panel, woven with a bird and flower design.

Only a small border of the kitschy print is visible from the front, but the full impact can be enjoyed on the reverse! 

Wishing you a colourful week...

I'll be continuing with my cushion making...

Niki x