Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2015 i Australian Homespun

MERLE AXELRAD We can all get carried away with snapping holiday photos, but Merle Axelrad has turned it into part of her art form. Her photographs of inspirational landscapes and architecture – the very foundation of her work – grow at a much faster rate than she can stitch and collate their beauty into her wondrous fabric collages. “Anytime I go anywhere, I am inspired,” Merle says by way of explanation and justification. “I have 2,000 aerial views, as many tree images, fields, rivers … And I haven’t even started working on clouds yet! The images never stop coming. I keep seeing new possibilities.” The thing is that her happy snaps are put to perfect use, unlike the filed-and-forgotten stash accumulated by most travellers. Once inspired by one of those…

01 A feel-good message plus a designer decor statement. Get in touch with GoingPlaces2 for this and other dog-themed art prints. 02 Now for some daring dachshunds in bright and bold attire. This cute A4-size notebook is available from Sarah J Home Decor. 03 Hamish McBeth is an online dog boutique, and it is where you will find the dachshund wall clock that caught our attention. 04 Check out this quirky striped dog design – a 3D body base with matching shade. The ‘Fido the Dog’ table lamp is by Rouge Living. 05 Fox terrier Bertie stars on lots of Plum & Ashby’s beautiful home accessories. This screen-printed cushion is made from cotton canvas. 06 This ‘Mucky Pup’ cosmetic case by Casey Rogers is made from cotton canvas and has…

How many crocheted works do you do each year? Too many to count. Is there a particular style of project you prefer to do? If I’m selling the designs – colourful and in the round. But if it’s just for me – very modern, more subtle, with lots of holes (unfortunately not so popular!). How old were you when you first crocheted – and who taught you how? I was somewhere around nine or 10 years old – and I learnt from a friend’s granny. Did you instantly love it or did it take some practice? Took a few years. My first blanket was when I was about 14 years old. Do you accumulate crochet ideas faster than you can make them? Do you have them scribbled down in an…

How did you start your sewing career? I started out by making my own clothes, then I got married and had children and loved making clothes for them. I also sewed my own home furnishings. As the boys got older, they outgrew the homemade-clothes phase; it was then I moved onto quilting. What would you do without sewing? I really wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I didn’t have sewing to do. It’s become such a big part of my life. I do love gardening, so I think I’d probably be pottering outside more. What are the stitching tools that you simply couldn’t live without? My sewing machine is my most important tool. It works just as hard as I do. I also couldn’t live without my rotary…

What she creates: Crochet, knitting and sewing. What her starting point was: “It all just started as a hobby and grew from there. I began blogging because I’d enjoyed others and wanted to be part of that world. Once I started sharing things on the blog, people asked me if I’d make my patterns available, so I thought, why not?” What her business entails: “It’s about designing the patterns for me. It’s like a little puzzle to work out – I’ve had the idea, now can I turn it into a real thing?” What her favourite crafts are: “Tough to answer, because I enjoy them all for different reasons. Crochet is just so exciting, and little ideas for new projects or colour combinations fire off in my brain while I’m…

You came up with this whale design for a little boy called Jonah, didn’t you? Yes, a dear friend had a gorgeous little boy named Jonah, and I wanted to make him a quilt with a whale on it. Did it take you long to do the design – and how did you go about it? I drew a picture of it and then let the fabrics ‘talk’ to me to develop the rest of the design. Is your work space perfect for your needs? Yes and no. I would love a more organised studio, but the room I have works at the moment, and I can still spread out around the house once my children are in bed. Did this quilt work out just the way you wanted it…

How did you come up with the idea of schoolchildren dolls? I’ve always enjoyed designing and making dolls, but it’s been quite a while since I made any. It was good to have a break from quilts. I’ve been a Special Education teacher for 43 years, so making schoolchildren dolls came pretty naturally. Did you style them on your own school days? Partly. Knickers were baggy. We didn’t have uniforms until secondary/high school. These are based on private-school uniforms – gymslips, long trousers, ties and hats. I’ve used a little poetic licence along the way, though. You were raised and educated in England, weren’t you? Yes, from three to five, I went to a little preparatory school, which still exists. From five to 11 years old, I was at the…

Best wreath ‘Trick or treaters’ stop here! Designer: Itz Fitz. Contact: www.itz-fitz.com (website), @omgitzfitz (Instagram) Best garland Transform your home into the bat cave. Designer: Bella & Roo. Contact: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BellaandRoo (Etsy), @BellaRooUK (Pinterest), @BellaandRooUK (Instagram) Best brooch More cute than spooky! Designer: Nancy of Do Small Things With Love. Contact: www.dosmallthingswithlove.com (blog)…

Vic – Melbourne October 3-18 Malvern The Embroiderers’ Guild of Victoria Statewide Annual Exhibition, ‘Through Doors and Windows’; 170 Wattletree Rd. Showcase of members’ work, some exhibits for sale, gift boutique, demonstrations and raffle. Open 10am-4pm. Entry $5 members, $7 non-members. More information: Phone (03) 9509 2222, email embgv@bigpond.net.au or visit www.embroiderersguildvic.org. October 10-11 Pakenham Stitch! By CraftAlive Pakenham; Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Bvd. Patchwork, needlework, knitting, embroidery and all things stitching, with products to buy, demos, workshops and more. More information: Visit www.craftalive.com.au. November 7 Thornbury Bluegum Quilters’ Exhibition; St James Church, Cnr of Penders and Newcastle Streets. Includes craft stall and cafe. Open 9am-3.30pm. Entry $5. More information: Phone Heather on 0414 807 871. Vic – Country October 10-11 Kilmore Kilmore Quilters’ ‘Colours of War’ Quilt Exhibition; Kilmore…

is for Brother – and Brother is the meeting place of ultimate sewing-machine technology, creativity and great craft inspiration. To celebrate the launch of the brand-new, ultra-deluxe Brother Innov-is NQ3500D Computerised Sewing, Embroidery & Quilting Machine, we’re giving away one of these miracle machines – valued at $3,999. And all you have to do is stitch the letter B TO ENTER: Stitch a small (no larger than 6 x 6in) letter B. It can be in whatever medium suits your skills and whatever style you wish – embroidered, appliquéd, patchworked – modern, classic, funky, framed or unframed, any colours, any backgrounds … whatever you choose. WHAT YOU COULD WIN: The best entry wins Brother’s new wonder machine. The Innov-is NQ3500D Computerised Sewing, Embroidery & Quilting Machine has: • 290 built-in…

Materials • 1.8m (2yd) white tone-on-tone print fabric (patchwork background)• 70cm ( 7/8yd) orange dot print fabric (Border 3 and blocks)• 40cm ( 1/2yd) orange geometric print fabric (blocks)• Fat quarter orange tone-on-tone print fabric (appliqué in blocks)• 13cm (5in) square of solid orange fabric (puppies’ collars)• 40cm ( 1/2yd) light grey tone-on-tone print fabric (blocks)• Fat quarter dark grey tone-on-tone print fabric (puppy appliqué)• Scrap of black tone-on-tone print fabric (puppy’s noses)• 1.3m (1 1/2yd) solid grey fabric (Borders 2 and 4, word appliqué and binding)• 1.6m (1 3/4yd) solid white fabric (appliqué and Border 1)• Fat eighth solid blue fabric (ball appliqué)• 3.2m (3 1/2yd) backing fabric• Batting at least 205 x 170cm (80 x 66in)• Stranded embroidery cottons to match your appliqué fabrics. Cori used Cosmo Stranded Embroidery Cotton in White (100), Black (600) and Dark Grey (894)• Appliqué needles• Fusible web• Freezer paper• Fray…

How did you start your embroidery career? Fortunately, I had a mother who was a beautiful embroiderer, and I went to a school with a craft room and a wonderful teacher who was more inspirational than practical. What was your path to embroidery? Like most stitchers, I suppose, I have taken quite a while to become a full-time stitcher. In a past life, medicine was my forte. What are the embroidery and craft tools you couldn’t live without? Surprisingly, when I think about it – and because I am a designer – the answer probably is my camera and computer. Do you cherish the time you spend in your workroom/studio? Definitely. When you work from home, there are endless distractions, most of which are mundane household things. But I do…

Minki Kim puts a new focus on bag style by adding a stitched camera as a motif. Using mixed fabrics (linen for the bag itself, floral cotton for the straps and fine checks for the camera body), she filled in the spaces created by hand-drawing the design using a Frixion (heat-erasable) pen. The design that inspired this bag was found on oneandthesamenyc.com (which is no longer operating). More of Minki’s ideas can be found on her Minki’s Work Table website, minkikim.com, or Instagram.com/zeriano. Or shop for her designs at sewingillustration.com.…

MY ONE BLANK WALL – I really like the fact that I managed to leave one blank wall in the room. There’s a small space, by the side of the chair that’s clear, apart from one tiny hook. It’s great to keep changing what I hang there, and it makes a nice plain backdrop for photos, too. THE IKEA TROLLEY – The small aqua trolley from Ikea is fantastically useful. It looks really pretty, it stores loads of stuff and it’s on wheels, so I can move it round by the desk when I’m sewing or use it as a laptop stand for podcasts and then just wheel it back out of the way afterwards. I love things that are pretty and practical. MY PINK NOTICEBOARD – I love it!…

Materials • 40cm ( 1/2yd) ticking fabric (bag trim and handles) – see Note• Scraps of assorted print and plain fabrics in coordinating colours (front and back bag panels)• 40cm ( 1/2yd) neutral print fabric (lining)• 40cm ( 1/2yd) stripe print fabric (lining trim and inside pocket)• 50cm ( 1/2yd) cotton fabric (stabiliser)• 50cm ( 1/2yd) thin batting• 1.2m (1 1/4yd) of 15mm (5/8in) wide cotton tape – see Upcycling Tip and Step 6• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine with walking foot; free-motion/ darning foot (optional) – see Steps 9-10• General sewing supplies Finished size: 39 x 33cm (15 x 13in) plus handles Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. The main panels of this bag are made improvisationally and quilted as you go, so each bag will be unique, depending on the size…

Did it take long to come up with this Spring Carousel design? Spring Carousel is made with a traditional block called Rolling Stone. This quilt came about when two friends gave me some of their scraps. All of my friends know that I love to make scrap quilts; they are my favourite kind of quilt. I’m often presented with scraps to ‘do something with’ and I enjoy the challenge of designing something around the donated pieces. I had been toying with the idea of using the Rolling Stone block in a new quilt because I like the circular pattern that the pieces make. When I looked at the scraps in front of me, I thought, ‘What would the block look like if it was scrappy?’…

A NEW ANGLE ON QUILT DESIGN Janine Green, from Rainbow Hare, had a brainwave, and we think it’s a beauty – the one that didn’t get away! She was admiring a friend’s Drunkard’s-Path quilt and suddenly saw that DP blocks would make perfect fish shapes. This whimsical quilt design is the result of her crafty thinking. She added the little figure in the boat just for fun and to finish off the quilt she was making for her son, who lives by the sea. You can see more of Janine’s designs by visiting www.rainbowhare.com or www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RainbowHare?ref=hdr_shop_menu. Or email her at rainbowhare@gmail.com.…

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.glendoonpatchwork cottage.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…

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. Belleli, Sue – see box at left. Bernina Australia (Contact address only) Unit 10, 15 Carrington Road, Castle Hill, NSW 2154. Ph: 1800 237 646 or (02) 9899 1188, email: bernina@bernina.com.au, website: www.bernina.com.au. Birch Haberdashery & Craft Ph: (03) 9450 8900, website: www.birchhaby.com.au. Black Possum Fabrics Shop 1, 197 Myall…

PROJECT 1: PLAYFUL PUPPIES Cori Blunt Chitter Chatter DesignsPhone: +1 801 768 2634Website: www.chitterchatterdesigns.com Email: cori@chitterchatterdesigns.com PROJECT 2: DISHY BIRD Bobbie Watts BW Textile DesignsEmail: rawatts@internode.on.net PROJECT 3: BOBBLED DAZZLERS Sue Pinner Susan Pinner Granny SquaresEmail: susanpinner@hotmail.com PROJECT 4: WHISPERED BEAUTY Leanne Milsom Email: lp.milsom@bigpond.com Blog: www.lizzie-the-quilter. blogspot.com PROJECT 6: JONAH’S WHALE Dawn Hay As Sweet as CinnamonEmail: dawnhaydesigns@gmail.com Blog: dawnhaydesigns.blogspot.com PROJECT 7: SMELL THE ROSES Sue Belleli Quilted Hugs by SueEmail: sbelleli@bigpond.net.au , sueb@harrispm.com.au PROJECT 8: SPRING CAROUSEL Vicki Knight Email: vickilorraine@hotmail.com PROJECT 9: EDUCATINGROBBIE & RITA Tita Leach Rickerty RaggsPO Box…

NOW, TAT’S A GOOD IDEA! There’s not a stitcher out there who wouldn’t want to pick up fresh ideas for using their tiny offcuts and remnants. Vera Vandenbosch to the rescue. These lovely Victorian-style lace wrist bands are just one of 30 projects she has published in her book called Scraps – Stylish Stash Fabric Crafts to Stitch. There’s more on her Style Diaries site at www.style-diaries.com. WITCH CRAFTING It’s Halloween time again. And we know you’re ’sposed to be spooked out of your mind, but how’s that ever going to happen if they keep coming up with ideas that are adorable instead of deplorable? Take this tiny scarer, for example. She’s every witch way but terrifying. Her headgear is the work of Delia, from Delia Creates, who has a…

01 Andover Fabrics ‘Chillingsworth's Spooky Ride’ D7743P, designed by Echo Park Paper Co. Distributed by Leutenegger. 02 RJR Fabrics ‘Basically Patrick’ 2035-09, designed by Patrick Lose. Distributed by Dayview Textiles. 03 Moda Fabrics ‘Mama Said Sew Dots’ Black 5497-23, designed by Sweetwater. Distributed by PK Fabrics. 04 Northcott ‘Happy Haunting’ 20593-99, designed by Deborah Edwards Northcott Studio. Distributed by Lloyd Curzon Textiles. 05 Moda Fabrics ‘Haunted Gala’ Black Widow 37111-11, designed by The Comstocks. Distributed by PK Fabrics. 06 Moda Fabrics ‘Haunted Gala’ Black Widow 37112-13, designed by The Comstocks. Distributed by PK Fabrics. 07 Northcott ‘Stonehenge Aspen Ridge’ 39310-97, designed by Linda Ludovico (Slate colourway). Distributed by Lloyd Curzon Textiles. 08 RJR Fabrics ‘Beggars Bounty’ 2297-003, designed by Patrick Lose. Distributed by Dayview Textiles. 09 Andover Fabrics ‘Chillingsworth's Spooky…

Leaves to be desired There are several reasons why these leaf appliqués on plain cushions work so well. One is that half their charm is in their rough cut-out (which makes the stitcher/decorator’s job so much simpler). Two, they are attached with equally haphazard single or double lines of tacking (which makes the stitcher/decorator’s job so much simpler). Three, because they are abstract forms, they can be configured in any way you want (which, you guessed it, makes the stitcher/decorator’s job so much simpler). And, as an added bonus, they would work equally well with patterned fabric (which helps put your stash of scraps on a diet). Weaves to be desired A quick look at this picture shows you a pleasing combination of colours and patterns in a pretty classic…

How did you start your sewing career? I started my career in the quilting industry as a young mother of five. Money was quite tight in my household, and my love for fabric and hobby was something I couldn’t afford to indulge. I was determined to make my beloved hobby a self-sustaining one. I thought if I could make enough money to cover the costs of creating, I could continue in my pursuits without burdening my family. So far, I’ve done just that, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to do so. I am grateful that there are others who enjoy the same projects as I do. What would you do without sewing? I’m not sure I’d know what to do with myself these days, since this career has…

Materials • Patons 10 ply 50g wool blend: 13 balls in grey – see Note (rug background)• 8 ply 50g acrylic yarn: four balls in oatmeal – see Note (bolster background)• 8 ply 50g acrylic yarn: two balls each of yellow, dark orange, watermelon, dark pink, light pink, green, mauve, purple and mint green – see Note (rug and bolster bobbles)• 6.00mm (UK 4/US 10-J) crochet hook• Bolster cushion insert 46 x 20cm (18 x 8in) – see Note• Wool needle for sewing in ends Finished sizes: Rug 112cm (44in) square and weighs about 850g (30oz); bolster 64cm long x 56cm circumference (25 x 22in) and weighs about 280g (10oz) Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. Yarn quantities stated are only approximate as they vary between crocheters and the brands/fibres of…

Materials • 28 assorted fat quarters of print fabric – see Note (patchwork)• 40cm ( 1/2yd) cream handkerchief linen (embroidery background)• 10cm ( 1/8yd) dark pink micro dot fabric (embroidery frame)• 50cm ( 5/8yd) pink stripe print fabric (binding)• 3.5m (3 7/8yd) backing fabric• Batting at least 185 x 170cm (72 x 67in)• 45cm ( 1/2yd) fusible lightweight batting such as Pellon• 0.1 brown pigment pen• No 9 embroidery needle• DMC Stranded Embroidery Cotton in Medium Coral (350), Light Brown (434), Very Light Brown (435), Medium Shell Grey (452), Very Light Avocado Green (471), Ultra Light Avocado Green (472), Dark Moss Green (580), Light Turquoise (598), Medium Cranberry (602), Medium Orange Spice (721), Medium Light Topaz (725), Dark Coffee Brown (801), Light Beige Brown (841), Dark Antique Blue (930) and Medium Antique Blue (931) • DMC Variegated Stranded Embroidery Cotton in…

Just as she can take balls of yarn and transform them into kaleidoscopic masterpieces, Sandra Paul took an ordinary ex-council house in Bedfordshire, UK, and fashioned it into a crafty haven, dovetailing the necessities of family living with her aesthetic desires. And nowhere is her sleight of hand more apparent than in her studio space, where she can let her decorative hair down and really roll into her individual style. This is, after all, a room for her alone – where the living needs of her husband and daughter play second fiddle to her creativity. And the space is all the richer for it – a mix of ultra-feminine (Cath Kidston flowery fabrics and injections of sugary pink), rainbow riches (multicoloured crochet and baskets of colourful yarns) and practicality (plenty…

Do you make lots of bags? No, I’ve only made a few. But once I had the hang of the basics, I decided to try my own style. What other sorts of projects do you work on? I mostly make baby and lap quilts, but I also like to make cushion covers and wallhangings. What’s your favourite element of this project? The free-spirited way in which I made it. I had a lot of fun playing with the placement of the fabrics. I often start a new project with no real idea of how it will finish up – that’s half the fun of designing your own projects. Did you come up with this design as a means to use up some leftover fabrics? Yes, I had some treasured scraps…

Materials • Spot in Sky (PWGP070) fabric (block background)• Guinea Flower in Grey (PWGP059) fabric remaining from Part 4 (left frame)• Antwerp in Soft (PWGP139) fabric remaining from Part 4 (tabletop)• Lazy Daisy in Blue (PWBM044) fabric remaining from Part 4 (vase)• Large assortment of flower motifs from any of the remaining fabrics(flowers)• White quilter’s muslin• Lightweight fusible batting such as Pellon• Variegated machine-sewing thread• Soluble thread (optional)• Flat-head flower pins• Quilting gloves• Sharp sewing-machine needle• Sewing machine with darning or free-motion foot – see Note• General sewing supplies as before Note: The appliqué method used for the flowers is raw-edge free-motion machine stitching. If it’s a new technique for you, practise on a smaller sample piece until you’re comfortable with the process. Refer to the photograph as a guide to selecting motifs for the flowers: our designers cut several of the…