A pretty Australian house to stitch. If you also like folk art you could paint some of this project too. Download: Step by step plans and instructions

This quilted cushion is pretty to look at and perfect to throw onto a sofa with your other cushions to give them a little lift.

You'll need
50cm square of unwashed calico
Extra piece of calico 100x50cm
50cm square of polyester wadding
35cm-diameter embroidery quilting hoop
DMC thread (see below)
30cm eau zip
35cm square cushion insert
Crewel embroidery needle, size 7
2H pencil.

Here's how
Using the pencil, lightly transfer main elements from the design onto centre of 50cm calico square (using masking tape, secure fabric to a well-lit window. Slip design underneath and tape in place. make sure your 2H pencil is sharp and lightly trace design onto fabric). P

Place wadding underneath this piece of calico and the extra 50cm calico square beneath the wadding. Pin and tack the three layers together. Using the stitches and threads shown on the keys below, embroider the cottage and garden. Stitch square frame around the design.

Folkart (optional)
Either paint a trellis of roses around the outside of the quilted frame on two opposite corners, taking care to protect the quilted area from drops of paint or completely paint the picture and add just enough embroidery to give the picture texture and interest.

Cut two 50x27cm calico rectangles for cushion backs. Overlock one long edge on each side of back and turn a 1.5cm hem; stitch approx 7.5cm each end and insert zip. With raw edges even pin and measure out 5.5cm from green quilted borderline, basting along this line. Machine the backing of the cushion to the painted, quilted front at basting line leaving 1 cm of the bottom seam unstitched (the end of cord will be pushed through this 1cm gap). Trim seams and turn through.

Place cushion insert into cushion cover.

If embroidery is not your thing use the pattern to paint the house with folk art techniques.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens September 1992.

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