Anenome Cushion

This cushion was created as a complementary piece to match my Anemone wallpaper and curtain drop designs, drawing inspiration from the intricate and delicate period features I observed at The Knoll in the Botanical Gardens of Oadby. My goal was to recreate the 3D effect of the ornate plasterwork I had seen and translate that depth and texture into a textile design for the cushion.

The process began with silk noil fabric as the base for the cushion. I sourced recycled and end-of-roll raw silk and other textile fabrics to form the shapes I needed, such as the flowers, which were ironed onto the base fabric. Using these repurposed materials allowed me to prevent them from being discarded into landfill. After preparing the base, I applied freehand machine embroidery to stitch an intricate pattern across the surface, providing a subtle, textured backdrop for the main design.

Next, I used Rayon Madeira thread in various colors to applique the floral shapes onto the base. After cutting out the cushion pattern, I overlocked the edges to ensure the fabric remained durable and manageable throughout the construction process. I incorporated a range of mixed media techniques, including ruched ribbon, Suffolk puffs, beading, and sequins, to add further decoration and dimension to the applique work, enhancing the sense of depth I aimed to achieve.

For the primary flower motifs, I utilized a digital sewing machine to stitch petal shapes which I designed in Adobe Illustrator onto silk fabric, to create a 3D floral design. The flower centers were then adorned with hand embroidery and beading, adding intricate detail to the final composition. Finally, stuffed raw silk fabric was manipulated into various shapes and stitched onto the cushion, to create interesting 3D forms and texture on the surface of the cushion.

The result was a richly textured, visually dynamic cushion that effectively recreated the 3D effect of the plasterwork I referenced. I was pleased with how this piece complemented the Anemone wallpaper and embroidered fabric, extending the period-inspired aesthetic into a cohesive collection.