If you’ve followed along here at Sum of their Stories at all over the last 8 years (wow, has it really been that long!) you’ll know that I started the blog to share the tips, techniques and general love of crafts that I inherited from the women around me when I was growing up; my mum and both my Nan's. Each year on what would have been their birthday I share something they made, just as a little tribute to them and their mad crafting skills.

March 28th was my nan Ellen’s birthday. My aunt pointed out just the other day that my nan was actually never known by her name, Ellen, instead everyone called her Ciss. My understanding however, is that she put up with her nickname and never really liked it. To me she was Nanny, and I never called her Ciss or Ellen so I figure I will continue to use her proper name here for her tribute.

Whatever she was known as she was a most enthusiastic crafter. She loved to paint and to sew. She made these lovely cushion covers that my aunt let me have to share with you today. I think I remember that she went on some sort of sewing skills evening class and learnt to do this fabric ruching technique. I recall her being really pleased with how they came out, and quite rightly so!

The inside is lined so I can’t even see how she did it! Must have been a course, she wasn’t one for fussing over details on the inside that would never be seen normally. She was much more of a '“just get on with it” kind of crafter!

So today I remember my nan, Ellen (or Ciss or Nanny) and her enthusiast approach to crafts which I do think I may have inherited just a little :-)