How to make a patchwork tartan cushion?

Finally the mystery has been revealed. In ScotlandShop's latest monthly workshop, Sarah Quinn-Waddell, of What The Craft, took us step-by-step through through the process of making a patchwork tartan cushion, starting with that very tricky and important decision: what tartan to choose?

A couple of the keen creators had pre-requested their fabric of choice, while the others dug for tartantreasure in the remnantbasket. The fabrics were then matched up with colourful threads and everyone worked out their design on paper before tackling tartan.

And then they were off. The shop came alive with the snipping of scissors, the swish of irons and the trundle of sewing machines, with a gentle background hum of voices and the occasional sipping of hot drinks. A few shoppers and browsers came to peek over the crafters' shoulders and even sneak a photo.

As time passed, the cream of the cushions was replaced, piece by piece, with tartan patches, until finally they had been transformed into works of art. The results were wonderful, with a great array of colours, patterns and shapes. And lots of smiling faces.