1 May 2015

I Could Make One Just As Nice For Half The Price

I've been meaning to suss out a way to crochet a cushion cover in one piece for ages now.  It's not rocket science I know and there are far more important issues in the world that deserve attention but it was just one of those little projects that lurked around in the back of my mind.  You know, that section marked 'must do one day'.

Well, a few weeks ago, I was walking past a little gift shop and there, sitting in the window, was a soft grey chunky knitted (plain garter stitch I think) cushion.  It was quite beautiful in its simplicity.  I took a few steps backwards and admired it for a short while.  I then noticed the price tag.  It said £40.

£40 for something that was more than likely made on a machine in a matter of minutes???  Cue me tutting and uttering that phrase that we creative types know so well,

"I could make one just as nice for half the price!"

Funny how quickly you can go off something, isn't it?

So, not only had I decided that I was going to make my own version of the overpriced cushion, I knew exactly which yarn I would use too.  You see, I'd previously purchased a few balls of Lang Cotone Chunky from my local yarn shop in the most glorious spring green and they were still sitting untouched, patiently waiting for the day when their fate would be determined.



It didn't take me long to work out how to create my cushion cover in one piece.  Well I did say it wasn't rocket science, didn't I?  Pretty nifty nonetheless and I did afford myself a quick visit to smugland.




Handmade and, if you ask me, every bit as nice as anything one can buy in a gift shop.  And all for the princely sum of £14.

Flying high with self-satisfaction, I decided to make another.  Well, I had after all saved myself £26, hadn't I?  ;-)



So I did!


I must admit I'm pretty chuffed with it.  It's got the loveliest feel to it and is worked in just one piece, don't you know.  *tick*

I'm going to pop the pattern for my Neopolitan Cushion in my Etsy shop in the next week or so if you'd like to make your own.  I'm just running a little giveaway on my Facebook page first, which you're more than welcome to join if you fancy the chance of winning this little lot.  A copy of my pattern will be included too.


So there we have it.  You can keep your machine-made £40 cushions.  I'd far rather have these two and still have plenty of change for an ice cream.

Now, which flavour to choose ...


xxx

39 comments:

  1. I'm rather taken by your green cushion with the little floral feature on the front, but your ice cream cushion is lovely too. I agree there is some rather overpriced machine made stuff around, much better making it yourself. Certainly for the satisfaction factor x

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  2. Ooooh I'm so with you on that. My only reason to learn to crochet was to make a granny squares blanket. I'd seen one in Cath Kidston for a price that I couldn't afford and thought I'd learn crochet, just to make one for a fraction of the cost. Well, I can safely say that I've spent far more on yarn than I ever thought I would before I learnt to crochet. It's an addictive business isn't it?!!!!!! Oh, but the satisfaction of making something you'd pay a fortune for in a shop that's just a good, if not better.....well you can't beat that can you!

    Gorgeous cushions. I have 4 cushion inners waiting patiently for me to do something with, but I keep changing my mind about what to make. My sofa is getting annoyed at me as we need them!

    xxxxxxxx

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    1. V, what are you playing at? Your sofa neeeeeds you!!! ;-) xxxx

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  3. I know I have looked at 'crafty' items in shops and though 'What?!?!?!' when I have looked at the price tag. But I haven't gone on to make it at home, so well done you. And what a lovely giveaway! I am off to FB now....

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  4. dear heather, I always find your posts heart-warming, funny to read and so true :-))
    your crochet cushions are wonderful and they look so accurately made. Lovely!
    Have a nice week-end, Claudia

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  5. Great post Heather! I adore chunky yarn and your cushions as well! It's a great satisfaction to make something beautiful by yourself::and save money! have a great week end!

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  6. They are both so gorgeous!!!! I am sure that they would both cost far more than £40 in a shop!! xx

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  7. Really lovely your cushions good made them yourself!!Have happy week end

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  8. Gorgeous, and well done you for making something you saw in an expensive shop. You've reminded me that I have a cushion cover in progress. I've done the crochet part, I just need to do some stitching now. CJ xx

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    1. That there is exactly why I was so keen to find a way of making a cushion in one piece!!! Stitching, bleurgh! Have a lovely weekend, CJ. xx

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  9. I'm with you on this one. Why pay big bucks for something machine made when you can make it yourself... Maybe not always for half the price but at least with so much more love added in every stitch. That is what makes a difference. On the other hand I don't mind paying lots for something handmade. Hate it when I see people give away handmade stuff for cheap... We need a balance. Be proud of your workmanship. Charge for it or it will hurt the whole industry. Love your pillows. And why not chose a Neopolitan mix of ice cream - Strawberry, vanilla and chocolate never goes wrong.

    Xxx
    Annette

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    1. Completely agree Annette, you're such a wise soul. xx

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  10. I could hug you, Jooles! Have a super weekend. xxx

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  11. WOW,what Stunning yarn and colours,love it.BEAUTIFUL cushions.x

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  12. So beautiful in their simplicity. The green is a lovely shade but Neapolitan always wins for me. Always such satisfaction when we can make something cheaper and if it costs more? Well it is handmade! X

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    1. Exactly! You are a girl after my own heart! x

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  13. So beautiful in their simplicity. The green is a lovely shade but Neapolitan always wins for me. Always such satisfaction when we can make something cheaper and if it costs more? Well it is handmade! X

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  14. They are Gorgeous, you clever clocks! Pati x

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    1. Thank you Pati. Hope you're well lovely. xx

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  15. My favourite is the green one because of the pretty flower!Also where is your bedlinen from please it's just my cup of tea! Pam.

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    1. My bedding is from Cath Kidston, Pam. It's lovely isn't it? x

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  16. A woman after my own heart. So much nicer to make a cushion in your own colours than buying one. I love the green one. I've entered your giveaway too.

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  17. What a lovely post. I love the idea of completing a cushion all in one peice. Does that mean that you can't wash it because the cushion is sewn in? The yarn looks glorious. Thanks for another lovely read and bright colourful Spring like colours xx

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  18. Scrummy, scrummy, scrummy - and you se deserved that day trip to smugland !
    Have a great week lovely Heather,
    Kate xx

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  19. Lovely!

    One snag, I'm craving icecream now, the Neopolitan in a block my Mum used to buy when I was a kid, I'd forgotten all about it until I read this post!

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  20. Oh they are lovely... and now I need to pop to yarn shop to buy more wool for a cushion cover. You know because I haven't any neopolitan colours in the right yarn ;) any excuse eh?
    Looking forward to your pattern xxx

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  21. Oh my just gorgeous in its simplicity. I love the green one. However the subtle colours of the Neapolitan are rather scrumptious.

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  22. I know what you mean about the prices, and as a fellow crafter I'd always rather make something than fork out the cash. But what if it was handmade? Then I bet the maker isn't even getting minimum wage for their hourly rate, and that's why I never wanted to sell crocheted stuff, I'd have to change a fortun! I think selling patterns is a brilliant idea as you're so good at putting style and colour together. Lots of luck with your etsy shop. Xx

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  23. Oh Heather they are very pretty and I very much like the Neapolitan cushion. I may have to try one of those Xx Joy xx

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  24. Hi Heather, I just wanted to let you know that the dream you had probably has meaning. Through out the bible God gave people dreams to help them or help others out, or specifically to reveal His plans to them. Im pretty sure this person represents something in your life right now that is popular or has the stage in your life but it is taking something from you when you participate in it. I feel God probably wants to help you so you won't be taken advantage of. Hope this encourages you.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Anyone ever told you that you're a peach? xx

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