Wednesday 2 February 2011

Valentine's Cushion

I have an announcement to make.

You are all cordially invited to:

 Modern Country Style's English Garden Party on Wednesday 9th February 2010.

Just to be clear....I am SO chilled out about what you can link up. Does it have to be a perfectly manicured garden? Nope. It can be a bunch of flowers, or some herbs, or dried flowers, or your winter yard, or some lovely outdoorsyness (no, not 'odiousness', Mr Spellchecker...) of your choice.

Out of my factory of fun, I have masterminded a new button....which is over on the righthand side of my blog, on the sidebar.

I will love you forever and a day if you grab the button (by copying the html code below it) and put it on your sidebar if you have a blog too.

Thank you so much.


Let it be known far and wide that I love Valentine's Day. Not the commercialised schmaltzy version but the loved-up coupley thing. 

Slow dancing. Red roses. Love letters.

Makes my tummy do a flip at the thought of it.

So, with that in mind, here is the first of my Valentine's offerings.



A Valentine's cushion celebrating our marriage together.



We got married at a gorgeous red-brick church 1999, Sussex, England. The sun shone for us and we absolutely glowed with happiness all day long.




I used bleached calico on the front and grey wool on the back for an envelope-backed Valentine's cushion.



I used a draw-thread technique to create the two lines on either side of the stamped section by pulling about ten or so complete threads out of the material. It creates a kind of ladder effect.



My top tip is do that bit afterwards. If you mess up on the stamping, you don't want to be repeating the pulling.

Don't ask me how I know or I'll growl. :-)



I love the combination of the two textures and colours: the soft charcoal wool and nubby off-white calico.



Perfect for snuggling up with, alongside this pearl-grey faux fur throw.



I used a mixture of vintage typewriter keys and standard alphabet stamps. I have a bit of a stamp mania going on at the mo.

Stamping everthing in sight I am.


I've already given this cushion as an early Valentine's present to Mr Modern Country and was utterly blown away when he said that he *loved* it.

Yes, he used those words. L.O.V.E.D. 



Well, you could have knocked me down with a feather. 


 And thank you so much to Cindy at Oakview Cottage for sharing my Modern Country kitchen makeover. Have you visited her blog? The photos she and her husband post there are awesome.......and she's LOVELY too. ;-)

Come back soon for some rosebud scrumdiddlyumptiousness.

Could there be anything more Valenitne-y than rosebuds?


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80 comments :

Tricia said...

I love your Valentine pillow Sarah! Gosh, that's cute...I always like a mix and match of fabrics. Great idea with the pulled threads too...you are such a smarty ♥

chris said...

1999 was a great year for marriages! Love the pillow, Sarah. The stamps you used are fabulous.

Anonymous said...

I love the front and back of your pillow..I really am liking the grey wooly look.

As for your stamp mania...it is so darling..no wonder hubby loved it.

I will grab your button dear friend!!!

High Street Cottage said...

Sarah, that would make a lovely gift for nearly any occasion, anniversary, graduation etc. You my dear are sooooooo talented! I love the mixes of charcoal and washed out linen. Oh, I will be joining your link party on Wednesday, and I'll grab your button. My garden is not looking so great right now with all the mud, fog, and such, but we're seeing sunshine now so I'll get my self in gear and snap up some shots. You need to start your own Etsy shop with talent like that, xoxo tami

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Sarah:
What a beautiful project! Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Donna

Unknown said...

great job,dear Sarah...
I also love stamps
rosebuds are very romantic and they very suitable for Valentine's

Unknown said...

Your cushion is gorgeous!! I wouldn't know where to begin making something like that!
Wow!!
I would link up to your english country garden party but my garden is no where near ready to be photographed!! Maybe in a few months!
xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarah, what a great idea to have a garden-y blog party. I could use a dose of flowery prettiness and can't wait to see the great creations that everyone brings. Oh. And your cushion? Adorable. Sentimentally cuddly wonderful!

melissa said...

You're cushion looks absolutely gorgeous! I'm off to post your button on my blog now :) Melissa xx

Vanessa said...

L.O.V.E. LOVE that pillow Sarah! You could just send it over my way and I will pretend we got married in 1999 in Sussex! :-) That looks like something from a beautiful boutique and I'm alwasy impressed by your skills my friend!
Vanessa

Anonymous said...

OOOooo...Sarah, aren't you clever?! I love the color and textures that you used. The stamps are a great touch! A very sweet sentiment, I might add. You are a true seamstress!

I'll grab your garden party button for my sidebar. Great job on that, too. Oh my goodness do those buttons drive me crazy! HTML codes and such. I'm looking forward to the gorgeousness!

Take care, lovie! xo ~Michelle

Samantha said...

What a fabulous pillow, Sarah!! I love the stamping and the gray fabric on the back is divine! I'll grab your button too :-)

lisaroy said...

Your pillow is so beautiful - nicely done! And doesn't it just make it all so worth it when you hear your guy utter those lovely words? I always love a handmade gift - it really means the most :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarah! Oh, what a lovely love pillow! Love your pulled threads technique! Thanks for popping in to see me and I did see your most gorgeous kitchen at Cindys. I'm not jealous, not a bit! :)
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Holly said...

Oooo, I like that pulled thread technique! Very cute pillow!

Carla @ Hammers and High Heels said...

So cute! What a great idea, I might have to make one!

WobiSobi said...

Absolutely Gorgeous and Sweet Pillow. You did a fantastic job.

bibbitybob said...

I'm in agreement with your husband - I love the cushion! So lovely and romantic without being in the least bit frilly or 'cutesy', spot on! x

michele said...

this is by far the best valentine i have seen in blogland. very inspiring, Sarah. of course i will steal that button.

the blizzard hit so we are digging out today! hope this finds you warm and cozy.

michele
hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com

Blondie's Journal said...

oh, Sarah! I L.O.V.E. your pillow...you definitely have a lot of talent! I can see why hubs loved it so much! Great job!

Your party sounds like fun...I wish I could FIND my garden. We got blasted with snow last night and we're covered in drifts. Do snow pictures count? ;-D

XO,
Jane

Olive said...

The pillow is beautiful and grey is my new favorite color♥♥♥

Anonymous said...

Dear Sarah, You never cease to amaze me with your creative ideas and skill in producing such lovely things. I love the cushion and feel that it is a perfect way in which to commemorate your marriage....a wonderful idea! Of course, I can but look and admire as, apart from the pulling out the thread part, I should be completely unable to produce anything resembling this work of art.

Le said...

I love it too - clever you - quite the creative force arn't we :) hugs le xox

Courtenay@Signal Hill Interiors said...

I'm so in! I'm absolutely ready to start planning my spring garden. Ok, so now on a completely unrelated note, off to work on my post about skiing...

Unknown said...

WOW! That is a fabulous pillow. It is just perfect.

STYLIZIMO said...

How cute, dear! What a wonderful idea! Maybe I will to the same :)
xxNina

Gwen @ Gwenny Penny said...

The pillow is stunning, Sarah. I love it. The typewriter key stamps are so cool. What a lovely gift and a clever idea. And I need to try out this thread pulling business. Beautiful!

The Moerks said...

Love the pillow. Love the drawn threads. Very clever. I must get my hands on some of those stamps. Deb

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Loving the cushion, Sarah. V. impressed with the pulled thread technique.

A question about your garden party, do the flowers have to be real ones? By that I mean, can they be flowers on items such as duvet covers, mugs etc. Get my drift? Sarah, I quite understand if that's not allowed.

Catherine said...

Oh honey, how could he NOT love your cushion! It is simply beautiful and such a wonderful, sentimental, beautiful present.

Yep, I am such a romantic that my tummy did flips right on the spot as I read your post.

Big warm hugs

Cath
xxx

Simple Home said...

This is wonderful Sarah. I've never seen typewriter keys used this way. They give the pillow such a nice vintage look.
Blessings,
Marcia

Unknown said...

Sarah-pumpkin-pie,
That is GORGEOUS! You sew so well. Just got this in my inbox and had to pop in. Love it.

Travel With Lulu said...

Brilliant! Love this post - love it. I'd love to make one for Valentines Day :) But more likely for his birthday day to buy a little more time (August) hee hee XOL

Alison said...

Ohhhhh, that's is love-erly! What a busy little bee you have been. I wish I was half as clever as you and could whip one of those gorgeous cushions up. And Sussex....ahhhh I love Sussex. We visited there the summer before last. What a beautiful part of the world you live in. Lucky you : ) Looking forward to your garden party and hoping that it will persuade spring to come around a little early for us. Alison xx

Privet and Holly said...

I think that
you could take
custom orders
for those pillows,
Sarah....seriously!
I will attempt to
put your fab button
on my sidebar and
will hop over on
the 9th with something
to contribute to
the party ~ my favorite
kind!
xx Suzanne
PS: Just noticed your
sweet profile picture : )

Alison said...

Dear Sarah, I've just given myself a lesson on UK geography! I'm sure the Cotswolds is an equally divine part of the world to live in ; ) ...and you are still one lucky duck! And I have to agree with Suzanne, above, I'd place an order on one of your cushions - something handmade, something special - doesn't get much better, does it?

And I know what you mean about the Daily Haiku - some days they really do stick in your mind all day. Such simple words, but so powerful. Alison xx

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

I'm not exaggerating, Sarah, but this is the BEST VALENTINE'S IDEA I've even seen! I'm not into the commercialized aspect of this date neither and that's why your idea is even more special!

I'm trilled for knowing your blog and you!

Thank you for your lovely comment today, my friend!

Have a wonderful day!

xo

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

Unknown said...

Oh you are so talented! This is so not the cheesy tastelessness of Valentine's day that you normally see, it's sweet and sentimental, no wonder 'im indoors loved it (see my Englishness coming out) ;)

xxx

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Your pillows are fabulous!!!
I love valentines too, we were married in 99, great year!!!
XO
Kristin

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Absolutely charming Sarah! Your pillow is fantastic- love the pulling thread details on there- and the stamping-and the soft grey back- everything! Looking forward to your party too! :)

Maureen Stevens said...

what a fabulous idea & utterly sweet! I do love Valentine's day too!And that English Garden button! I love it! Doing a blogover & will grab this button soon!

Rachie @ A Chi Chi Affair said...

You are so clever - these are amazing!
Rachie xo

Meera @ firstsense said...

That is so so sweet! You are so creative! This is the kind of meaningful thoughtfulness that Valentine's should be all about, none of that commercialised nonsense.

Meera xx

Sofia's Ideas said...

Fantastic! So simple, so meaningful. How could he not love it?

Heather said...

How wonderful! I love the draw technique you used, can't wait to try it. Also, Something's Gotta Give is one of my favorites and the kitchen is all that. *sigh*

Looking forward to your garden party.

Cindy said...

Ooooh! I love the pillow celebrating your marriage and what a sweetheart of a husband you must have, saying he LOVES the pillow that you made him.
And you are a sweetheart, Sarah, thanks for the mention and the sweet comment about us. I love you, my bloggy friend.
We take lots of day trips and go across the country, three thousand miles, to go see our kids every year. My hubby went to Africa that one time. I want to go to England to have tea with you! I know I'm dreaming, but a girl can dream...
And you know I will put your button on the side of my blog.
Thanks! Love and hugs, Cindy

Jenni said...

Hi Sarah~

The pillow you made is gorgeous! I love the combination of different fabrics, and love that wool was one of them! And what a perfect winter fabric, too. :) I also love how you stamped your wedding theme onto the front of the pillow~ and it looks so professional! Looking around for something to stamp...

I hope you are doing well lately, and having a good week. :)

Blessings,
Jenni

♥ Miss Tea said...

Gorgeous Pillow! i absolutely loving it and it's a marvelous idea to celebrate valentine's day with a handmade pillow, just like your hubby said, " Love it!"

Audrey Pettit said...

Wow! Your pillow is fabulous! Fabulous!
I love the stamping, love the pulled threads! Very, very cool. :)

Archaeologist said...

I really like the backing you used, and what a romantic location.

Katherine said...

Wonderful, well done, love it! Hugs and have a happy weekend, Katherine

Unknown said...

oh, just lovely! what a nice gift for you to give:)))


https://jennoreilly.wordpress.com/

Julie said...

Love it! Cool idea with the pulled threads!

Beth @ the Modern Home said...

What a great idea! It looks so cozy with the throw.

American in Bath said...

Wow! I so want to learn to sew, but I'm pretty sure that my wool habit would suffer.

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

I love everything about this pillow!

Debra@CommonGround said...

I'm totally knocked out with this fabulous pillow. The stamping is wonderful and the detailed work is so unique! Thanks so much for sharing on VIF. I'd love for you to grab my button for the party!
xoxo,
Debra

KJ@letsgoflyakite said...

Visiting via the Weekend Wrap Up. Your pillow screams classic and tasteful Valentine's. Love it and your whole blog makes me yearn to move to the countryside.

At The Picket Fence said...

Are you lounging on that pillow right now? Or have you been up all night dealing with sick kiddos? Either way that pillow is just lovely and I hope your family is doing well and everyone is on the mend. Thank you for sharing this at the Inspiration Friday party sweet friend! :-)
Vanessa

Anonymous said...

just wondering if you have to be a blogger to attend the party as I"m not!!
Caroline - an ex Cotswolder, now Calgary suburbanite,( who would love to see more outdoor pics, as you can take the girl out of the Cotswolds, but you can't take the Cotswolds out of the girl)

Erin said...

Now this is what Valentine's Day is about, Sarah! The thought you put into that pillow, and the lovely execution are perfect and sentimental.

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi Sarah- just stopping back over to say thank you for sharing this at Feathered Nest Friday! Hope your family are doing okay with the chicken pox! Hugs, Courtney

Elaine said...

Aren't you the clever one? Such a wonderfully sentimental gift. So glad your husband loved it.

Brandi said...

Oh Sarah it's gorgeous! You really outdid yourself with this one! I love it so much! The pulled thread technique is amazing and I love the stamps too. I hope you and your hubby have a wonderful Valentine's Day together!

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I'm loving your pillow! I came by the other day but didn't have time to leave a comment. I also love your pulled thread technique. You are so clever.
I will come by on the 9th with a flower or two.
Lovely idea.

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Came back to tell you I have become a follower. That puts you up to 600! Wow!
(Ps. My little rosebud icon has disappeared so I follow in the generic silhouette. Wish I could get the rosebud icon back)

Stephanie said...

I'm gonna give this a try, love it.

Bargain Hoot said...

L.O.V.E. that pillow :)

Rene' xo

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Just wanted to say thanks for linking, you know I love your pillow :)
XO

Honey at 2805 said...

You did a gorgeous job. So professional!

Tina said...

Hi gorgeous Miss Sarah. I do not know how I missed this post!!! I LOVE this pillow! You need to open an Etsy store, lovely lady! I would snaffle one of these up in a second, it is FABULOUS!! Love it:) ~ Txx

Arabella said...

Your pillow is just dreamy and I "love" what it means to you.

I'm a new follower stopping by from Beach Cottage's Good Life Wednesday. Would love for you to visit me sometime: http://sallyleebythesea.com

Thanks!

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

Hello! I wanted to let you know that I featured you on this weeks "Amaze Me Monday". Hope you have a great week!

michelle said...

Hello gorgeous! I don't know how I missed this one but so glad I saw it at Dittle Dattle! I love it and what a wonderful sentiment to put on it! I am so happy that your hubby LOVED it! :) I am loving the faux fur throw too!! aahhhhhhh......

Hugs!!

DIYbyDesign said...

That's one of the nicest pillows I've ever seen...especially the sentiment. I love it. I am your latest follower. I would love for you to come and check out my blog at www.diybydesign.blogspot.com and follow me back. Thanks so much. Looking forward to keeping up with your blog.

Holly Lefevre said...

I LOVE this...elegant, classy, timeless really. I would love to post a link to this on my wedding site.

GoldenValley50 said...

Hi Sarah - How lovely to see your gorgeous little Valentine cushion again at Funky Junks Friday night link party. I loved it the first time I saw it and I love it even more now! I have linked the farmhouse bench I made - check it out (Farmhouse Bench from Scratch) - you can't miss it - just look for Dolly P (my cute black and white kitty posing on it!) {{hugs}} Sharyne

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