Be Joyous Cushion

I completed this hot little number at the end of last year with just some fabric scraps, a hope, and a prayer. Scraps from what? These aren’t usually my go-to colours, but I’ve got a few projects up my over-sized sleeves. Mmm-kay! Oooh the suspense on that one might make my own panties wet! Anyway, there was no forward thinking with this particular cushion, just fake it til you make it. One of my many life mottos!

And along the way, all that yellow and gold had me thinking about rays of sunshine, optimism and opportunity. It’s so easy for all of us to fall into a trap of cyclical despair; too easily focusing on what could be better rather than all the things that are right. As Dolly Parton says, “You can’t have rainbows without the rain.” Girl, no truer words were ever spoken. (Side eye sidebar: How’d that lady get so smart?) So find your gold and hold onto it.

The front design features half-square triangles made with Art Gallery Carnaby Street Girl About Town in lime and Squared Elements in lemon, a random gold metallic, Shimmer 2 fabrics Ocean Floral in silver and Metallic Diamonds in ocean, and Laura Gunn Cosmos. About that last one: I have had this fabric in my stash since 2013 waiting for the perfect moment. I’m so glad I didn’t destash it! Word to the uninitiated: you just never know!

My quilting adventures started with finding the right thread, and boy did I audition a few (dozen). I ended up going with Aurifil 3910 Lemon Ice to give me all the variegated shades from yellow to white and back again. I didn’t overthink it too much–my quilting mantra–and that tiny, gridded texture on the corners gives me the Auri-feels!

For the backing, I went with another Laura Gunn Cosmos print (worked for the front, and you know I like a good behind!) Then I popped in another punchy surprise with that hidden yellow zip using my favourite zipper tutorial from s.o.t.a.k. handmade. Like that, this beguiling beauty was dressed, pressed, and ready to share her gold glory with the world.

A hidden zip, but no hidden meaning. Life has struggles; we all have challenges to face, mountains to climb. We just need to remember to turn around every once in a while and admire the view. Mine looks pretty good from here, and I’m sure yours does, too. Especially when your booty be resting on this cushion, y’all!