I really really really really want a new sewing machine :-)

I have looked at so many lovely quilts on blogland that I have decided this year I am going to step into quilting myself. I don't have a quilting machine yet (just a very very basic old singer) but I hope to upgrade to a quilting machine soon. (Thank you to everyone you answered my questions about different machines lately! I think I am definitely going to go for a Bernina - the best my budget (husband) will allow:-) ).

Anyway, as a little start (and to try and show my husband the marvellous possibilities of the things I could make if only I had a new machine!) I thought I would make a patchwork cushion.

I bought these fabrics on my last trip to Ikea* (I never realized what a good selection they had there and reasonably priced too). I drew out a little design to fit an old cushion I had.

Used my shiny new special quilting ruler and roller cutter to cut out all the squares.

And to finish it off appliqued some hearts on. I hand appliqued them on to finish it off, using the invisible technique in Tildas book Sew Sunny Homestyle.

For the back I used an old cushion back that already had a zip in it.

A really enjoyable project for a grey afternoon tucked up the in my craft room, listening to Radio 4 drinking tea and eating white chocolate buttons..

Off now to drool over Berninas again...

I've love to hear any comments about your machines!

Have a lovely weekend :-)

*just a little note to say the flowery fabrics and the red spot weren't from Ikea, they are CK.