Battle of the Cushions

There's a lot to like in this collection of cushions from 1974's Family Circle Yours For The Making magazine. Clara Bow, the multi-coloured patchwork cushion, is a very glamorous way of using up a stash of scraps. That retro 1920s style with a 1970s twist is so evocative of the period and would look fantastic on a boudoir bedroom chair.


Mr and Mrs Panda, on the other hand, are minimalist amigurumi marvels. They are made out of felt, machine sewn round the edge seams, and eyes and face details are felt scraps stuck on with Copydex.

The Cottage Cushion hasn't aged as well (and is that an oil slick, or a dark spooky fog blighting the scene on the right hand side?). Esmerelda the Elephant is fun, but would look even better in a clashing 1970s floral fabric. For me, Mr and Mrs Panda win the 1974 battle of the cushions. I could make a joke about them knocking the stuffing out of the opposition, but I am feeling restrained and mature this morning, so I won't.