HOME REMEDIES

Patchwork..
This genre has it's roots in ancient history, but it could be said that many see it as an American craft from Pioneer times, and more specifically identify the Amish Community with the art of quilting.

Handmade Amish Wedding Ring Quilt

Traditional patchwork quilts come in many designs, all with specific stories behind their unique styles. There is more information about this craft than you could wish for on the internet, for example here and here. Originally the Patchwork Quilt was a craft using much loved and worn clothing, recycling what was at hand to create a practical item of beauty. The ultimate in make do and mend. Each one told a story, and often groups of women would join together to assist in the completion of a quilt, known as a Quilting Bee.

Anyway, enough of the history lesson. Today, there are vibrant and modern examples of this design in all kinds of quilts and home accessories. I adore the incredible fabrics and colours that can be found in patchwork these days. No surprise that Etsy has an incredible array of patchwork items from quilts to cushions, bags to clothing. My Picks...

LMK Quilts

Golden Gate Quilts

Leslie Janson

Fire Horse Textiles

For the ultimate in patchwork, Squint Ltd specialises in bespoke vintage furniture covered in luxurious patchwork, using the most decadent materials. This is high end stuff.

HOME REMEDIES

CUSHIONS..
It just takes a splash of colour, the contrast of a beautiful vintage fabric, a plump feather filling and you can transform any space in your own personal style, with cushions.
I am the first to admit that my love of these squishy squares might be bordering on the obsessive, but whenever I think "I'm done!", I see another cushion that I just can't live without. And don't even get me started on Monogramming!
Vermont based designer Susan Sargent specialises in her signature applique pillows that will brighten up any room. The delicate detail and vibrant colours are too good to resist.

Another Vermont native, folk artist Laura Megroz, designs wool hooked pillows with images ranging from the ubiquitous Labrador, to the classic seaside images, folk art inspired images of animals such as moose and deer, and seasonal creations for Halloween, Christmas and 4th of July. Preppy, New England-centric, and heart warming country images abound. For a huge selection of her work try Cabin and Lodge

On the other side of the Pond, Karen Hilton designs felt and canvas pillows that celebrate Brittania in a fresh and modern way with neon versions of the classic Union Jack, 1st Class postage stamp and the Queen.

She has recently started to take the same approach to the Stars and Stripes.

Another British artist, Jan Constantine, also using felt, creates detailed British themed cushions that have a delicacy and beauty that is truly unique. Her cushions are blanket stitched to create a more rustic feel and feature simple messages of Love and Peace, and more Brittania themes in her Pop Art collection.

And not to forget Ebay, Devine Designer Cushions specialise in using luxurious fabrics from designers such as Designers Guild to create vibrant silk and velvet jewels for your home.