Instant gratification
I have lost my creative energy. I hope it is only temporary because I have so many things I want to make (mostly clothes) and so little motivation. I thought a small instant gratification project might help to kick start my creative juices.
Have you heard of cherry stone pillows? It is a hot water bottle replacement that is so much more comforting that a squishy plastic hot water bottle and - added bonus - doesn't add to the landfill when it is no longer loved. It doesn't leak either. And I love the smell when it is hot. If you are lucky to live in an old Swiss or maybe German farmstead with a Kachelofen (pictured above), you can keep your cherry stone pillow warm for the evening, when you want to go to bed. We are not so fortunate in our 1920s pebble dash semi-detached but the microwave works well, too. We only have one at the moment and sometimes, it is a hotly contested for item. James and Alistair love it when they have sore tummies.
We've had the same cherry stone pillow for years and years. Every couple of years I make a new cover because so it looks nice once more. When I was tidying up my sewing space a few weeks ago, I came across two blocks that were left over from James' quilt. Simple maths is not my strength, I made too many! I reinforced each block with a remnant of interfacing and then quilted them with bold yellow diagonal lines. Then I sewed them together, right side facing and leaving a gap. Once turned, I cut a hole in the old and no longer pretty cherry stone pillow and poured the stones into the new cover. It is a bit smaller than the old one and there are some spare cherry stones....
I am rather pleased with the new cherry stone pillow cover and it literally took less than 30 minutes to make. I have also ordered a 1 kg bag of new cherry stones to make two or three more. I'll keep one hidden just for myself.
And now you must excuse me, I am taking James and his girlfriend to an anniversary hot chocolate and cakes date. I'll of course not cramp their style but will be nearby in case I am needed.
Have a lovely weekend xx
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We've had the same cherry stone pillow for years and years. Every couple of years I make a new cover because so it looks nice once more. When I was tidying up my sewing space a few weeks ago, I came across two blocks that were left over from James' quilt. Simple maths is not my strength, I made too many! I reinforced each block with a remnant of interfacing and then quilted them with bold yellow diagonal lines. Then I sewed them together, right side facing and leaving a gap. Once turned, I cut a hole in the old and no longer pretty cherry stone pillow and poured the stones into the new cover. It is a bit smaller than the old one and there are some spare cherry stones....
I am rather pleased with the new cherry stone pillow cover and it literally took less than 30 minutes to make. I have also ordered a 1 kg bag of new cherry stones to make two or three more. I'll keep one hidden just for myself.
And now you must excuse me, I am taking James and his girlfriend to an anniversary hot chocolate and cakes date. I'll of course not cramp their style but will be nearby in case I am needed.
Have a lovely weekend xx
I like the idea of a cherry stone bed warmer. How nice of you to take the kids for their anniversary date.. :-)
ReplyDelete((hugs)), Teresa :-)
A perfect way to use up scraps of material. I’m glad you can buy cherry pips. Was imagining having to eat my way through masses of cherries first lol B x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea. And don't worry, I find creative inspiration always comes back. Hoping it is with you very soon. Hope the date goes well! Enjoy your Sunday my friend. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteVery bright and cheerful, it looks great. I love things like that especially if something hurts. Cx
ReplyDeleteYour little patchwork cushion is gorgeous. I love the idea of cherry stones warmed in the microwave. Best, Jane :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea. I made something similar for my daughter's boyfriend who often suffers from a bad back. That one used rice though and I like the idea of cherry stones much more. Good to know you can buy them - I wouldn't mind eating enough (although it would be quite pricey), but imagine cleaning them all! Hope the date went well - did you feel like an old fashioned chaperone?! xx
ReplyDeleteSounds an excellent idea; I didn't realise you could buy cherry stones or that there was such a thing as a cherry stone pillow. The wonders of learning through blogs :) Hope it's revived your creative energy.
ReplyDeleteReally intrigued by this idea of cherry stone pillows. Do they smell of cherries when heated ? Years ago, when I was nursing, I once heated up a wheat pillow for a patient in the ward kitchen, and we were nearly knocked over by a very unpleasant aroma of something like industrial strength damp dog, which rather put me off experimenting with this kind of thing. But cherries.... mmm....Now need to go out and buy some to eat !
ReplyDeleteI'm lazy so I just use a heating pad, a big one. Keep it on most of the time whether I'm cold or not, so comforting.
ReplyDeleteYou got me on your comment the other day and I too ordered 1kg of cherry stones! What a great little make. What with my Fondue set, I am feeling rather Swiss. Jo xx
ReplyDeleteI have something like that to put on my neck when I am in pain. I think your cover is brilliant. Your creative mojo will return, no worries my friend.
ReplyDeleteawesome cover and image....
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful spring
Didn't know there were such things but what a good idea and yours looks fab. Now that's a job I could do, eating all the cherries.
ReplyDeleteThe cushion is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of a cherry stone pillow before but I like the sound of them!
ReplyDelete