It’s funny how inspiration strikes.

You can be minding your own business doing a spot of interweb browsing when all of a sudden, something makes you get up and go “Right then!” – words which, in our household, are the precursor to any sort of action.

Matryoshka doll images have been everywhere for quite a while now.

I have a set of the dolls myself, proper ones, that were given as a gift for lad when he was a baby.

Thus far they hadn’t inspired me to do much more than line them up on the bathroom windowsill.

But then I clicked a link over to Lucy Loves Ya.

Lucy runs a monthly feature in which she posts a picture of a vintage item to inspire people to make something. You can then send her a photo of what you’ve made, which gets featured on the blog.

There’s no prize and no glory, just a joy in shared inspiration and a delight in the variety of the results.

Guess what this month’s item was… I don’t know why, but it was just the kick up the bum I needed! I saw the photo, got up and immediately started making.

My matryoshka cushion is appliqued, with hand embroidered eyes and lips. She just needs stuffing to finish her off (if you see what I mean).

I rather like her cheery vintage Dekoplus fabric outfit. Her neckpiece is a scrap of Alice Apple’s Single Stem fabric, whilst her apron is in vintage Conran Daisy Spray fabric from the Firecracker range, designed by Juliet Glynn Smith (who also designed the more well-known Prince of Quince).

When my matryoshka is finished I will be sending a snap or two to Lucy.

And I will be telling her that I think her bloggy feature is – like I have been – just inspired.

P.S. Apologies for today’s photos. I have been careless enough to lose my camera lead, so I had to borrow lad’s camera this morning. It’s rubbish. As are today’s photos. A new lead is on its way, thank goodness.

✿ Update:

And here she is, all finished!