Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2015 i Australian Homespun

That heading should probably read ‘BIG’ cross stitch. This gorgeous graphic comes courtesy of Manuela Barrera Vélez, from her creative Join the Mood blog (www.jointhemood.com – email jointhemood@gmail.com). It makes a great decoration and can be stitched quite quickly by following her instructions. Just link through to www.jointhemood.com/search/label/decor#. VV6LgFJzYwA for the pattern template, and then ... You need: 1. A blank canvas 2. Wool 3. A needle 4. Scissors 5. Tape 6. The pattern template (see above) Steps: 1. Tape the pattern to the centre of your canvas. 2. Using a needle, pierce the canvas at each red dot, using the pattern as a positional guide. 3. Remove the paper pattern and cross stitch where indicated, using your yarn. TIP: You don’t need to have experience in cross stitching…

ABIGAIL BROWN There’s a menagerie of handmade creatures in artist Abigail Brown’s London studio. And they’re real attention-grabbers, even though they have to compete with the likes of acrobats and totem poles. Make a quick visual stop-off at the monkeys swinging from the ceiling, by all means, but we recommend you direct your gaze primarily at Abigail’s bird sculptures, which will have you all of a flutter. Her beautiful winged fabric sculptures have been featured on the pages of some of the world’s spiffiest magazines, not to mention decorating the windows at Liberty stores. “The birds have been part of Liberty of London’s windows on numerous occasions, and I’m always so proud to see them in there. I get a lot of requests for magazine shoots, too,” says Abigail, “but,…

Why this particular craft? I was never a crafty person until I saw a quilt in a magazine in about 1992 and I thought, “I can make this”. Of course, I made every mistake in the book – who knew about accuracy … batting etc? But I was hooked. Have you tried plenty of others? Well … I did try card-making once upon a time, for a very short time before I got bored with it. Any funny stories along the way? More embarrassing than funny. I did my first quilt lesson at a quilt shop where there was beautiful fabric that I thought was way too expensive. I made the huge faux pas of saying to the shop owner, “I’ll just run down to (a shop that shall remain…

We all love a good costume drama, but Jessie Chorley brings a whole new twist to the concept with her storybook garment embroidery. At first, you simply notice stitched words on the skirt and bow. But, just like a really great book, as you read, more is revealed. The bow says “Chapter Two and Page Three – The Night of the Flight”, with the story commencing on the skirt. Such a romantic and intriguing idea – you want to read more, but it leaves you in suspense. The creator of something as beautiful as this is bound to have more wonders for you to enjoy on her blog; visit www.jessiechorley.com to live happily ever after! The End.…

Have you tried your hand at many crafts? I’ve never (well, almost never) met a craft I didn’t like. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in many, including pottery, découpage, calligraphy, rug making and leadlighting. One of my favourite creations is a leadlight lamp, modelled on a Tiffany lampshade. It’s nowhere near as good as the original, of course, but I really enjoyed making it and love the finished product. However, my first and most enduring hobby is quilting. My first quilt was made when I was a teenager, and it features a dazzling variety of ’80s fabrics, including swimsuit Lycra and lace netting from curtains. The fabrics were salvaged from factory off-cuts, and if the quilting police were to see it, I think I might be arrested. Anyway, I still…

Materials • 1.3m (1 1/2yd) double-sided quilted cotton fabric (background, batting and backing) – see Note• Fat quarter aqua print fabric (butterfly body)• 30cm ( 3/8yd) large spot print fabric (butterfly wing decoration)• Fat quarter orange fabric (antennae)• 10cm ( 1/8yd) each of seven print fabrics (appliquéd circles)• Fat quarter hot pink fabric (wing outline)• 50cm ( 5/8yd) blue and white check print fabric (binding)• Large sheets of tracing paper and lightweight cardboard• Fusible web• Erasable fabric-marking pen• Compass• 9mm ( 3/8in) bias tape maker and 5mm ( 1/4in) fusible-web tape• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine with 1/4in and free-motion feet• General sewing supplies Finished size: 120 x 100cm (47 x 39 1/2in) Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. It is recommended that fabrics be 100% cotton, pre-washed and well ironed. Requirements are based on fabrics 107cm (42in)…

NEW SOUTH WALES Amelia Kates Beverley Park Ph: (02) 9553 7457 www.ameliakates.com.au Annie’s Designs Dural Ph: (02) 9651 2256 www.anniesdesigns.com.au Busy Thimbles St Ives Ph: (02) 9943 5995 www.busythimbles.com.au Glendoon Patchwork Cottage East Maitland Ph: (02) 4933 8433 www.glendoonpatchworkcottage.com Hidden Talent Orange Ph: (02) 6362 0011 carolyn_andra@optusnet.com.au Lyn’s Fine Needlework Baulkham Hills Ph: (02) 9686 2325 www.lynsfineneedlework.com.au Rainbow Patchwork Lismore Ph: (02) 6622 3003 www.rainbowpatchwork.com.au Sew Fab Narrandera Ph: (02) 6959 9819 www.sewfab.com.au Sew Many Stitches Campbelltown Ph: (02) 4628 4437 www.sewmanystitches.allthingsquilting.com.au The Stitcher’s Cupboard Camden Ph: 0449 822 257 www.thestitcherscupboard.com.au QUEENSLAND Fifi’s Fabricology Tallebudgera Ph: (07) 5522 4007 www.fifisfabricology.com.au Janome Townsville Olive Branch Quilt Townsville Ph: (07) 4755 2336 E: shop@janometsv.com.au Patchwork Paradise Rockhampton Ph: (07) 4927 6628 www.patchworkparadise.com.au Patches Indooroopilly Indooroopilly Ph: (07) 3878 1228 www.patches.com.au Precious Time…

A Quilters Odyssey Shop 17, Modbury Triangle Shopping Centre, 954 North East Road, Modbury, SA 5092. Ph: (08) 8265 2175, email: kate@aquiltersodyssey.com.au, website: www.aquiltersodyssey.com.au. Amelia Kates 186-188 Princes Highway, Beverley Park, NSW 2217. Ph: (02) 9553 7457, email: sales@ameliakates.com.au, website: www.ameliakates.com. Annie’s Designs The Village Green, Shop 16/22-24 Kenthurst Road, Dural, NSW 2158. Ph: (02) 9651 2256, email: info@anniesdesigns.com.au, website: www.anniesdesigns.com.au. Ashford Wheels & Looms Ph: 1800 653 397, website: www.ashford.co.nz/yarn. Asia Discovery Tours Suite 1302, Level 13, 370 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Ph: (02) 9267 7699, website: asiadiscoverytours.com.au. Australian Country Spinners Toll Free: 1800 337 032, ph: (03) 9380 3888, website: www.auspinners.com.au. Bendigo Woollen Mills 4 Lansell Street, Bendigo, Vic 3550. Ph: (03) 5442 4600, email: order@bendigowoollen mills.com.au, website: www.bendigowoollenmills.com.au. Bernina Australia (Contact address only) Unit 10, 15…

Vic – Country August 14-16 Morwell CraftAlive Morwell; Kernot Hall, Cnr Princes Dr and Monash Way. Bringing together both talented interstate and local exhibitors, focusing on creative hand finished products, do-it-yourself products, craft supplies, homewares and creative workshops. Open 10am-5pm. More information: www.craftalive.com.au. NSW – Country August 28-30 Wangi Wangi Wangi Biannual Quilt Show; Wangi Workers’ Club, 11 Market St. Quilt displays, raffle quilt, craft items for sale, proceeds donated to charity. Open 10am-4pm. Entry $6, children free. More information: Phone 0409 900 504. NSW – Sydney August 29-30 Galston Arcadian Quilters’ Biennial Quilt Exhibition; Galston Community Centre, 37 Arcadia Rd. Open 9am-4pm. Entry $5. More information: Phone Carole on (02) 9894 7794. STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS & BEARS It can be hard trying to find new and interesting…

01 Dashwood Studio ‘Secret Garden’ D1123. Distributed by Two Green Zebras. 02 Robert Kaufman Fabrics ‘Urban Zoologie Minis’ RK153074 (Blue colourway). Distributed by Two Green Zebras. 03 Riley Blake Designs ‘Flutterberry’ Paisley C4596-GREEN. Distributed by Millhouse Collections. 04 Moda Fabrics ‘From Bump to Baby’ 10005-25. Distributed by PK Fabrics. 05 Northcott ‘Whoo Loves You’ 6941-52 (Cheery Brights colourway). Distributed by Lloyd Curzon Textiles. 06 Northcott ‘Little Princess’ 20748-81. Distributed by Lloyd Curzon Textiles. 07 FreeSpirit ‘Haute Girls’ PWDF207.PINKX, designed by Dena Designs. Distributed by XLN Fabrics. 08 Robert Kaufman Fabrics ‘Urban Zoologie Minis’ RK1530910 (Pink colourway). Distributed by Two Green Zebras. 09 Riley Blake Designs ‘Flutterberry’ Main C4590-BLUE. Distributed by Millhouse Collections. 10 Northcott ‘Little Princess’ 20744-21. Distributed by Lloyd Curzon Textiles. 11 Northcott ‘Whoo Loves You’ 6935-91 (Trendy Grays…

01 Being called a melon head has its safety benefits! Freshen up your sports attire with this quirky Nutcase Helmets Australasia ‘Gen3’ helmet design. 02 Half a honeydew makes the perfect porcelain platter – this clever design is available from Trovata. 03 Tuck toddlers’ toes into fabric-topped, rubber soled watermelon shoes. They’re from the ‘Mini Chocolaticas’ collection, which is available from Beserk. 04 Count down the minutes to snack time with this watch from May28th. It has a plastic watch face and band and a Japanese quartz movement. Plus, it’s splash resistant. 05 Stay cute and cosy this winter with a beanie from YoBananaBoy. 06 Phoebe’s watermelon lamp comes with the option of different base styles. And if melons don’t suit your mood, the lampshades can be customised using your…

Materials • 40 x 30cm (16 x 12in) rectangle of beige or cream cotton or linen fabric (embroidery background)• Assorted scraps of red print fabric (Flying Geese blocks)• 60cm ( 3/4yd) red print fabric (corner squares, hanging sleeve, backing, binding and some Flying Geese blocks)• Assorted scraps of cream or beige print fabric (Flying Geese blocks)• 40 x 30cm (16 x 12in) rectangle of woven fusible interfacing (embroidery stabiliser)• 46 x 36cm (18 x 14in) rectangle of lightweight fusible batting• DMC Stranded Embroidery Cotton in Variegated Garnet (115)• Embroidery needle• Six red buttons, 8mm (5/16in) or smaller (apples)• Fine-pointed brown pigment pen• Embroidery hoop• Paper or computer and printer (foundation patterns)• Lightbox (optional)• 35cm (14in) wire wallhanging hanger– see Note (optional)• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine with 1/4in and walking feet• General sewing supplies Stitches used: Backstitch, cross stitch, detached chain (lazy daisy) stitch, French…

A Instead of the 1.3m (1 1/2yd) of pre-quilted fabric shown in the Materials list, you will need: • 1.3m (1 1/2yd) lime and white spot print fabric• 1.3m (1 1/2yd) backing fabric• Batting at least 135 x 115cm (53 x 46in)• Long ruler or straight edge and a pencil or erasable fabric-marking pen• Walking foot• Machine sewing thread to match the lime and white spot print and backing fabrics B Fold the lime print fabric in half both horizontally and vertically and press lightly to create creases. Unfold the fabric. Use a long ruler and a pencil or an erasable fabric-marking pen to draw a diagonal grid on the right side of the fabric. Begin from the centre of the fabric, and draw light lines at 45 degrees every 1 1/2in in one direction, and…

HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE THE REST Embroideries range from endearingly simple tacked outlines to highly complex traditional stitcheries. But this design from Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, of Balzer Designs, is in a category all its own. It’s a work of art, rich in colour and thick with texture. “I’ve been working on this free-form embroidery for about two years, on and off,” says Julie. “I travel a lot as part of my art business, so I wanted a transportable project I could take with me. Truth be told, I don’t really know how to embroider; I make the stitches up as I go along! I grabbed a piece of muslin and sketched a face on it and just started stitching. The colour and textures simply evolved over time.” That’s some evolution!…

Materials • 80cm ( 7/8yd) in total of assorted print fabric scraps (bag front and back panels)• 30cm ( 3/8yd) geometric print fabric (gusset and zipper panel)• 25cm ( 1/4yd) print fabric (piping)• 50cm ( 5/8yd) lining fabric• 2m (2 1/4yd) of 3mm ( 1/8in) cotton piping cord• 1.5m (1 1/2yd) of 45mm (1 3/4in) wide cotton webbing (shoulder strap)• One 20cm (8in) and one 25cm (10in) dress zipper – see Note• Two 50mm (2in) rectangular rings (strap attachment)• 75cm ( 7/8yd) batting – see Note• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine with 1/4in, quilting and zipper feet• General sewing supplies Finished size: 30cm (12in) diameter plus strap Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. It is recommended that fabric be 100% cotton, pre-washed and well ironed. Requirements are based on fabric and batting 107cm (42in) wide.…

Materials • 50cm ( 5/8yd) of 32-count white linen• DMC Stranded Embroidery Cotton in Blanc/White (000), Light Avocado Green (470) and Medium Light Topaz (725)• DMC Colour Variations Stranded Embroidery Cotton in LavenderFields (4220)• DMC Perle No 8 in Blanc (000)• Crewel embroidery needles• Size 24 tapestry needle• Fine mechanical pencil• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• General sewing supplies Finished size: 38 x 84cm (15 x 33in) Stitches used: Couching, detached chain (lazy daisy) stitch, French knot, hem stitch, interlaced hem stitch, satin stitch Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. Surface embroidery 1 From the linen, cut: • One rectangle, 15 3/4 x 41in. 2 Use a fine mechanical pencil to draw a light line 5 1/2in from each short edge of the linen. The line should begin and end 1 5/8in from the…

Boutique Bags by Sue Kim, US$24.95 Sue Kim has followed her first book of bag projects (Bags – the modern classics) with another beauty. As she did before, Sue has provided detailed step-by-step instructions illustrated with clear photographs for each of the 19 projects in this latest volume. This, coupled with the stylish design of the bags and the excellent technique overview chapter, makes Boutique Bags an excellent choice for crafters who are building their bag-making skills or looking for creative inspiration. The bags range from coin purses, clutches and evening bags all the way up to a huge market bag, 16 1/2in long and 12in wide. Each bag is shown made in at least three very different fabrics, demonstrating the impact that colour and print can have on…

PERAMBULATIONS PATTERNS Next time you’re taking your baby out in the stroller, add one of these Chevron Pram Covers to seal the sweetness deal. These tot tuck-ins are from Cleckheaton’s Hand Made Gifts pattern book and they’re not only zigzag gorgeous, they’re easy to make – so you can be new to crocheting and motherhood and knock them dead on both fronts. Pick up a copy of the Hand Made Gifts pattern book at craft outlets or contact cleckheaton.com.au or 1800 337 032 for further information. FASSETT’S FRAGRANT GARDEN Kaffe Fassett’s passion for colour, his fascination with texture and his love of flowers have found expression in a number of different media over the years: textile design, knitwear, needlepoint, ceramics, garden design and, of course, quilt design, including our own…

CROCHET CALAMITY? Let’s not be too earnest about crafting ... there’s also room for a bit of fun, don’t you think? Take Sarah Zimmerman’s approach, for example, when she put together this vivid ‘In Case of Crochet Emergency, Break Glass’ wall-mounted shadow box. She admits to being inspired by others (for example: 9gag.com/gag/5103831; 30minutecrafts.com; and www.ravelry.com/projects/Ambiknitrix) but did her own delicious twist for crochet. Sarah’s blog is Repeat Crafter Me, www.repeatcrafterme.com, and you can link directly through to her making instructions at www.repeatcrafterme.com/2014/08/crochet-emergency.html?m=1.…

And sew to bedheads You’ll sleep much better knowing that things are aesthetically pleasing in your boudoir. So, once you’ve fitted the bed out with crunchy cottons or luxurious linens, why not turn your attention to the headboard? We love the idea shown here, with three-dimensional flowers, stems and tendrils stitched onto the padding. It’s a designer touch that will set your decorating apart and speak volumes about your creative skills. This version is monochromatic, but for a peasant- or rustic-style room, consider a mix of designs in a riot of colour. It would look joyous and change the mood entirely. Pulling the wool over your ‘I ‚ s ... and your ‘D’s and ‘Y’s. It’s a crafty little DIY adaptation, but it sure packs a decorative punch. And the…

Why this particular craft? As a child, I was always interested in craft and making things. I loved to draw. My mum and nan were both knitters, and so I learnt to knit at a young age. Mum also made many of my childhood clothes. In my early 20s, I became interested in dressmaking and sought private lessons. I loved sewing and soon I was making my own work clothes to wear to the office. It wasn’t until after I had children that I moved onto quiltmaking, which I’m absolutely obsessed with. I’m mostly self taught and I never tire of playing with fabric. Have you tried plenty of others? Before quilting, I had various phases of knitting, crochet, cross stitch, punchneedle, scrapbooking, drawing and even painting. Now, I use…

Why this particular craft? As a child, I sewed my own dolls’ clothes because I thought shop toys were dressed too plainly. Later, I created clothes for myself, but, of course, the fantasy side of that was quite limited. Now, I have a chance to create anything I want. Toys don’t need any requirements as far as shape, colour or size is concerned. So I’m free to choose. Have you tried plenty of others? I made clothes for a short time, but that was much more time consuming, due to working with the clients and and their varying requirements. Any funny results along the way? There were some pretty funny results from new toy patterns – with some of the shapes not working properly with the fabrics. When I designed…

How did you start your sewing career? I started as a junior in the fashion industry at age 16 and progressed to become a fashion designer. What would you do without sewing? Sewing is my business and my hobby, so I’d be lost. What are the stitching tools you couldn’t live without? Good tools are essential for my craft. My favourite tool is my sewing machine. Do you cherish the time you spend in your workroom/studio? I’m always so busy, so time in my sewing room is fantastic. What is it that you love about it most? I always have so many different new designs floating around in my head, so I just love having the time in my sewing room to create all I can. What would you like…

The creative team at Material Obsession works on Homespun’s China Shop BOM. From left to right: Kathy Doughty, Wendy Williams, Megan Manwaring and Catherine Babidge. Carolyn Davis (not shown) also contributed to this fabulous quilt. This Block of the Month pr oject is being publishe d over 10 issues of Homespun , from February to No vember, 2015. The materials r equired to make the complete quilt were published in F ebruary’s issue. Order a subscription or back issues fr om our subscriptions department or log onto Zinio or the Apple/ Google Play newsstands to get them digit ally. Materials • Guinea Flower in Pink fabric (PWGP059) (frilly vase scallops)• Brassica in Pastel fabric (PWPJ051) (frilly vase)• Labels in White fabric (PWBM045) (hexagon platter)• Gloxinias in Natural fabric (PWPJ071) (hexagons)• Glue stick• Nine…

PROJECT 1: MELON, LIME & BITTERS Irene Blanck Focus on Quilts Phone: 0425 717 878 Email: blanckirene@gmail.com Website: www.focusonquilts.com.au PROJECT 2: LOVE BEGINS AT HOME Leanne Peel Crystalbrook Cottage PO Box 895, Berwick, Vic 3806 Phone: 0409 705 607 Email: crystalbrookcottage@ hotmail.com Blog: www.crystalbrookcottage. blogspot.com.au PROJECT 4: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD Tatiana Chernykh Tatifly Handmade Toys Email: tatiflyhandmade@gmail.com Blog: www.tatiflyhandmade@ blogspot.com PROJECT 5: MY MY BUTTERFLY Monica Poole Monica Poole Designs Email: moonshine-designs@ hotmail.com Blog: www.moonshinebymonicapoole. typepad.com PROJECT 6: BLUE BAMBOO Jill Grant KimoYES Email: jill@kimoyes.com PROJECT 7: COLOURFUL & WESTERN Crystal McGann Raspberry Spool Email: raspberryspool@gmail.com Website:…