Category: PROJECTS

1. Love Hearts Cushion Covers

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 4th Mar 2015

   Love Hearts Cushion Covers

   Our two sets of Love Hearts cushion covers are based on the famous sweets. However even the well-known candy was based on a pre-existing confection known as the conversation lozenge. Introduced in the Victorian era, the sweets were often  adorned with true Victorian values; Take Ye Not To Strong Drink and Honour Your Parents, for example, although it is believed some were a little ‘racier’ in tone.

   We initially thought they would be ideal for Valentine’s Day, but they could just as easily adorn the home of the one you love.

   CONCEPT BOARD

   

   As a seasonal item intended as a light hearted way to decorate the home, we felt a good quality synthetic yarn would be the right fibre choice. The designs have been worked in sets of two cushion covers each and the idea of reversing the colour ways on each cushion is both pretty and cost effective on yarn.

2. Celtic Birds Cushion Cover

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 3rd Mar 2015

   Celtic Birds Cushion Cover

   Dating back to pre-Christian times, Celtic art often features birds and animals. In keeping with this connection to nature it seemed neutral, earthy shades would make a good colour choice, ranging from brown and beige, through to terracotta reds and even creams and white. 100% wool also felt like the right fibre choice.

   The Celtic birds cover is based on the peacock, which was believed in the Middle Ages to have flesh that didn’t corrupt after death. Christians adopted the use of peacocks, as seen in The Book of Kells as a representation of Christ because of this perceived purity.

   CONCEPT BOARD

   

   The main body shape of the birds is created by using I-cords as they are easy to make and capable of endless manipulation.

   As you can see from the concept board the detailed elements are worked in embroidery stitches and the birds are holding a small celtic knot, most often referred to as a trinity knot as it has three distinct loops. The meaning of the trinity knot, or Triquetra, is often debated. For example, the early Christian view is the symbol represents the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  However it is well known the image pre-dates Christianity and, a more pagan belief sees the trinity knot as the drawing of the three inherent feminine powers: Mother, Crone, and Maiden. Still another understanding can be found in a more metaphysical sense where the use of three is seen to represent mind, body and spirit, or perhaps birth, death and renewal.