Groovy Bird Embroidered Pillow Tutorial

Oh, oh, oh ..... how outside of my comfort zone am I today?!!?? Embroidering on something other than my favourite vintage linen. Scary or what? Also .....

I have created a new "funky vintage" (as described by daughter) look for Bustle and Sew - hope you like it ... I think it's nice and clean and fresh looking for spring. (Like my living room after yesterday's spring-cleaning blitz. I wonder if there is a prize for the sofa with the most quantity of dog hair discovered beneath it?) Moving swiftly on .....

I've been rummaging in my cupboard again. I love my cupboard, it's sooo large and deep and holds so much stuff. In fact I have so much stuff in it I keep forgetting it's there. I'm sure I can't be alone in this! A couple of weeks ago I discovered a vintage embroidery transfer stuffed into an old brown envelope - yes - the groovy bird you see at the top of the post. There's absolutely no information on the transfer about date or maker, but I would guess 1960s? It was crying out for a makeover so I decided to turn it into this groovy cushion (or pillow depending on where you live) and think it's come out well.

I selected some Cath Kidston "Bubble Rose" fabric and matched the colours of the embroidery to those in the fabric. It's a simple design, so this was quite easy and I only needed 4 colours. It's really fresh and spring-like and I'm sure it will be a hit with the younger members of the family.

I've put together a free tutorial for you if you'd like to make this cushion (or pillow) cover. You can download it by clicking here.

I'm also offering the cushion cover as a kit on DevonBear Designs - the kit contains nearly everything you need to make the exact same cushion as mine in the Cath Kidston fabric. (It doesn't contain a sewing machine, iron or scissors but it does have everything else!).

I hope you enjoy sewing the groovy bird - I'd love to see any pictures - particularly if you use different colours or decide to use it on different items.