Father’s Day – Quick Signals & Semaphore Make for you

Just lately there seems to have been a kind of nautical theme going on here in the workroom at Coombe Leigh.  Of course, living by the sea as we do, that’s not entirely surprising …

This is the walk around the lighthouse at Start Point – it’s one of our favourites!  Over the last few weeks all the boats laid up for the winter have gone back into the water and Regatta season will soon be upon us.  Salcombe first, then the most famous – Dartmouth (with funfair, fireworks and the Red Arrows) – and finally little Frogmore with its own creek has a very tiny regatta right at summer’s end.

But summer’s end is a long way off … unlike Father’s Day which is this weekend.  And I thought that one or two readers might possibly not have decided on gifts.  But with time fast running out anything handmade will have to be quick and easy, so what could be better than the Signals and Semaphore cushion cover above?  You can put it together in under an hour – all you need is some plain fabric and felt squares.  And if you’re really in a hurry, then fix the flags with Bondaweb or adhesive rather than stitching into place.  The flags spell out “LOVE” in a totally non-girly way that is extremely suitable for dads (and any other boys too). 

Hope you like it -you can find the free pattern here.   The patterns for my new Signals and Semaphore embroidery and applique collection (above) are included in the July issue of the Bustle & Sew Magazine (out on 30 June). If you like it, why not subscribe using the button at the top of the blog? At only $4.50 per month it’s a bargain and is sure to float your boat! (groan).