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Dee Dee’s Newsletter 11/08/2008
August 11, 2008
Dee Dee’s Newsletter 11/08/2008
I can’t believe we are half way through this year already and that it’s over two years since I last contacted you all. I can only apologies for my absence. No excuse, I haven’t left my clothes in a pile on the sea shore, too darned cold, or done a runner, no, time just passes quickly and before you know it another calendar has ended up in the bin.
Meanwhile, I’ve been busy here in the sleepy Wiltshire countryside with, among other things: my cushions. When I originally started doing cushions a while ago, I had some good original ideas but couldn’t even darn a sock so, I took myself off to someone who could, Adrienne Aitken, a textile designer. Adrienne was very helpful and made some fabulous cushions for me but after a while I felt it was time to have a go on my own, besides, Adrienne, who first and foremost is a talented artist, was pursuing her own career up in London.
So armoured with a high tech machine purchased on ebay for a few dollars more, I set out to learn to sew. There was no going back; the machine loomed, a constant reminder that I didn’t have the foggiest idea how to use it! Luckily I chanced by an old friend of mine I had known hundreds of years ago when we were small children in Africa. She now lives in Steeple Ashton, the next village to mine. Small world isn’t it? Well, we headed off to our local to catch up on old times. After a few glasses of wine, she merrily, or should I say rashly, offered to teach me - one drink too many, me thinks!
Anyway, much much later, many Elastoplasts later, mixed in with a few tantrums and tears, Caron my new buddie, heaved a huge sigh of relief as I finally got the hang of it. Instead of getting the needle I could actually use it! Eureka! a completed cushion from beginning to end and - all my own work. How satisfying is that! You see, one can learn new skills even if one is a golden oldie!
So welcome to my new web site which I have now installed with the help of my dear friend James McCarraher. I felt it was time to incorporate - Wilde About Cushions with my own web site rather than have it elsewhere. Everything under one roof: easy, handy and lets face it, more economical in these troubled times. I hope you’ll take a moment out and have a browse through.
Just a tincy wincy bit of info. My cushions start (size wise) around 12 inches and can go up to any size you want - well - within reason. Most popular are the 14, 16, 18 in mark. My fave thing is making one-offs; that unique gift for a special occasion; a birthday, a wedding or maybe something to commemorate graduating from Uni. Such a buzz handing over the finished article and getting the ‘wow’ factor. Christening cushions are a must and very popular, as are my animal picture cushions. As a land of dog lovers, (I have a cush of my beloved, April) they make an ideal present for an adoring owner. And don’t forget Moggies. Infact any animal. I have yet to do a horse but one of these beautiful creatures would look fantastic, wouldn’t it?
Another thing - want to score brownie points? - he’ll love you for ever when his favourite wheels appear on a stylish cushion made especially for him. Cool or what?
Now the prices - Occasional cushions start at £15 and the majority have slip backs. Zips, buttons, & ties, etc. are a little more. Sometimes I use recycled materials; this I learnt from Adrienne. It’s a challenge finding an old piece of fabric, reviving it and then seeing it completely come to life in a new creation. I also feel I’m doing my bit for the environment as well. I hope you like my varied collection which includes a few of Adrienne’s thrown in for good measure. I so admire her drawing talent, something I can’t do, but I can dance. If you like what you see let me know - drop me a line, or if you want to order a cushion - here I am to fulfil your dreams. Just email me and I’ll create something unique for you.
Photo cushions retail at a starting price of £35 depending on size, and what specifications are required, e.g. photo, messages, etc. postage is extra. I apologise that the prices are shown in US dollars on the site but this is because the website is based upon an American template.
Just a quickie re: Pans, not that I see the girls much these days, though Ruth came to stay and we did a tv together - TV’s Funniest Music Moments and earlier this year my partner and I, Henry Marsh of the 70’s band, Sailor, appeared on a weird programme all about food in the 70’s. Can’t remember the name of the presenters but they offered up green mash - said it was all the rage then. Can any of you remember green mashed potato? - no? -nor can I! Something exciting is stirring in the Pan’s camp but I’m going to be totally infuriating and just say can’t tell you what it is right now - no it’s not a book, so don’t start guessing wildly, but if you log on to my site in the not too distant future all will be revealed.
Till then catch you soon, and soft landings - from that - prancin’ dancin’ seamstress; Dee Dee.
Au revoir Ciao, Adios and the rest!
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