Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2018 i Australian Homespun

THIS MONTH’S WINNER ALL A FLUTTER… Catherine and I met at work but got to know each other by sharing fabric and having sewing days together to make quilts. Catherine is always making quilts for friends’ babies, so when I found out she was pregnant I knew I wanted to make her and Dennis a quilt. This is when I came across the Flutter quilt by Samantha Green in issue 18.10, October 2017. I used fabric from my stash. The background fabric, with the birds, is Cotton and Steel's Black and White 2017 Collection. I loved the idea of the birds flying with the kites. I’m not very confident with the sewing machine, but this quilt was easy to put together, which gave me more confidence. The quilt was machine-quilted…

RANDOM WONDERS “I never draw designs up before I start to sew and I never know how the project will look until I have finished it. My designing method is quite haphazard. As I go along, new ideas come to me, which I incorporate into what I am doing.” PATCH ADDICTION “My love used to be garment-making, particularly for young children, but it holds no interest for me now. I would much rather spend my time cutting up perfectly good pieces of material and sewing them back together again – which is how my husband views my patchwork addiction.” “There are only so many quilts that I can use, but I don't want to stop making them!” MY STYLE IS: “I do what takes my fancy at the time. I…

Where do you live and work? I live in a lovely seaside town on the mid-north coast of NSW. I have a sewing room that has a good cutting bench and lots of shelving with ‘too much’ fabric – or so I have been told. But there is always room for more, I believe. My ‘design floor’ is where I lay my quilts down to play with the overall look. Maybe one day, it will be a design wall! At night, I like to sit in my cosy chair with my feet up and appliqué in hand. What’s your family structure? I have been married to hubby Merv for 35 years. I have four adult step-children and four amazing grandchildren, whom I adore. Why this particular craft? It covers all…

How often do you start a new project do you think? I’m quite orderly in my stitching, so I don’t like to work on more than one project at a time (although sometimes this is unavoidable if there are commissions to be worked on). I tend to put fresh fabric for the next design into my hoop as I am taking a finished design out. I usually formulate ideas for the next project as I am stitching, and can’t wait to get started. Do you have the new design completely formulated in your head before committing it to paper and fabric? Not usually, no. I usually have a general idea and can see it in my mind’s eye but once the pencil touches the paper, I sometimes find that my…

How did you feel when you started sewing? I was always a crafty kid, my mother was always sewing or knitting, so it felt very natural sewing when I was around nine years old. My mother passed away when I was 12, so I kept sewing to feel close to her and keep her in my heart. I still feel like that when I sew. Has your response to your craft changed? Yes, definitely. Now that I’m a mother, I use craft and sewing a lot as ‘me’ time, to focus on myself and as therapy. What is it that keeps you creating? I love the feeling of planning a project, putting the effort in to make it work and that amazing feeling of pride once it’s done. Those feelings…

Where do you live and work? I live just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. We moved here not so long ago, and we love it. Our house is in the middle of 100 acres of farmland, and my sewing studio is in a sunroom on the back of house, looking out at the fields. I have these huge windows along the back of the house, so I can sit and look out at the fields all day while I'm working – it's pretty much heaven. What’s your family structure? I'm married to my high-school sweetheart, and we have two amazing kids in college now, one strong-willed German shepherd, two crazy cats and four very silly chickens. Have you tried plenty of different crafts? I love most kinds of crafting – sewing,…

Fabric art doll creator, Abigail Brown of UK, makes each piece herself by hand. Each one is unique – crafted from fabric with love and great care. Recently inspired by the colourful costume design of the late Léon Bakst (Ballets Russes), Abigail began studying his richly coloured and patterned designs that swirled and danced joyously around their wearer; she knew she had to create a collection of pieces in celebration. Besim is one of four art dolls in a new collection. Each is a one-off; each has a story and character of their own. Besim has already gone to his new home, but you can visit Zinaida, Léopold and Daiya at Abigail’s website. Their colourful clothes are made from fabrics collected over many years from India, Africa and Bali, and…

Move 'em on, head 'em up Head 'em up, move 'em on Move 'em on, head 'em up, rawhide! MATERIALS • 30cm ( 3/8yd) check print fabric (upper bag) • 30cm ( 3/8yd) lightweight denim (lower bag). Vikki used Textured Printed Tencel Mid-wash • 50cm ( 1/2yd) print fabric (lining of bag and card pouch) • 9in square of solid red fabric (neckerchief) • 20cm ( 1/4yd) solid brown fabric (belt and card pouch) • 10cm (4in) square of mustard wool felt (belt buckle) • 5cm (2in) square of dark brown wool felt (belt buckle) • 40cm ( 1/2yd) bag batting. Vikki used Matilda’s Own low-loft 250gsm polyester batting • 20cm ( 1/4yd) fusible interfacing or lightweight batting such as Parlan • 75cm ( 7/8yd) beige faux suede fringing, 10cm…

MATERIALS • 1.55m (1 3/4yd) light pink tone-on-tone print fabric (background) • Scraps of assorted bright print fabrics (Churn Dash and binding) • 1.9m (2 1/8yd) backing fabric • Batting at least 135cm (53in) square • Perle No 8 cotton in a variety of colours (hand quilting) • Embroidery needle with a large eye • Rotary cutter, ruler and mat • Sewing machine with 1/4in foot • General sewing supplies Finished size: 118cm (46 1/2in) square Note: Read all the instructions before commencing. It is recommended that fabrics be 100% cotton, pre-washed and ironed. Requirements are based on fabric 107cm (42in) wide. Seam allowances of 1/4in are used throughout. CUTTING 1 From the light pink tone-on-tone print fabric, cut: • One strip, 2 1/2in across the width of…

PART 10 ASSEMBLY & FINISHING MATERIALS • Fabrics A-T, Y, BB and DD • Template plastic and fine-point permanent-marking pen • Freezer paper • Cardboard • Appliqué pins or glue • Erasable fabric-marking pen • Spray starch • Rotary cutter, ruler and mat • Sewing machine with 1/4in foot • General sewing supplies ASSEMBLY 1 From Fabric BB, cut: • Two strips, 18 1/2in across the width of the fabric. Crosscut them to yield 24 strips, 3 1/2 x 18 1/2in (sashings). 2 From Fabric Y, cut: • 16 squares, 3 1/2in (cornerstones). 3 Trim each of the Wreath blocks to measure 18 1/2in square from raw edge to raw edge with the appliquéd wreath in the centre of the block. 4 Lay out all the blocks in three rows…

1. Maungatapere THE COUNTRY YARD Where's Whangarei: The Country Yard is nestled amid farmland and lifestyle blocks, west of Whangarei City in the Northland Region. Where in Whangarei: The Country Yard is located in Maungatapere, a small township west of Whangarei City. It is located on picturesque grounds, which also serve as a wedding venue. The shop itself is in a purpose-built, American-style barn with rooms featuring a large variety of patchwork and embroidery products. Who plays host: The shop owner, Kerryn, and her wonderful, helpful staff, Bernice and Raewyn. Worth visiting because: Visitors will be able to experience our love of vintage, showcased in fabric, patterns, kits and accessories. Stitchery is one of our great passions, and we stock a large range of embroidery threads and notions. We also…

Ashford Wheels & Looms Ph: 1800 653 397, website: www.ashford.co.nz/yarn Asia Discovery Tours Ph: (02) 9267 7699, website: asiadiscoverytours.com.au Batik Oetoro Ph: (02) 4943 8808, website: www.dyeman.com Bellarine Sewing Centre Ph: (03) 5221 3034, website: www.bellarinesewingcentre.com.au Bernina Australia Ph: 1800 237 646, website: www.bernina.com.au Brother Australia Ph: 1300 880 297, website: www.brother.com.au Carol’s of Midland Ph: (08) 9250 2722, website: www.carolsofmidland.com.au Catharina’s Vintage Stitches Ph: (03) 5852 3356, website: www.catharinasvintagestitches.com.au. Clover Mfg Co., Ltd Email: info@clover-mfg.com, website: www.clover-mfg.com CraftAlive Ph: (03) 9682 5133, website: www.craftalive.com.au Craftbasket Ph: (03) 5154 1151, website: www.thecraftbasket.com.au Craft Events Ph: (02) 9452 7575, website: craftevents.com.au Cynthia’s Ark Ph: (08) 8527 2120, website: cynthiasark.com.au Dragonfly Fabrics Ph: (08) 8948 0691, website: www.dragonfabric.com.au Echidna Sewing Products Ph: (07) 3390 3600, website: www.echidnaclub.com.au Expertise Events Ph: (02) 9452…

‘T’ IS FOR T-SHIRT TASSELS A ‘why didn’t I think of that’ moment! So simple and so effective. Rochelle Mangold, from Five Marigolds, strung multicoloured tassels around the hem of T-shirts for a touch of sartorial frivolity. Direct link to the tutorial at fivemarigolds.com/2018/04/04/diy-no-sew-tassel-tee and visit Rochelle’s Instagram: @chellegold. PRESSING MATTERS Clover comes to the rescue with three beautifully designed pressing tools. The aptly named ‘Iron Finger’ is a chunky silicone-covered steel rod with a spatula-shaped end for pushing out corners and seams while applying heat. You can press seams open along its length or roll the handle over seams. For something a bit smaller, the ‘Hold It Precision Stiletto’ has a curved pointed end and an angled flat end – both are heat resistant. It’s great to use while…

If we say to you that Lucy Levenson’s fabric artworks are intoxicatingly lovely, there’s a good reason why – apart from the fact that they make your heart sing. They are produced in the cellar of an old English pub, just north of London. And if you look at the detail in her work, you’ll understand the root of that, too, since Lucy has an eye for historic charm and a keen appreciation of atmosphere. “My home is a converted Victorian pub,” she says. “It has lots of history, which I love. And my workshop is in the cellar, which used to house the barrels of beer. It’s all very quirky and still has lots of original features from when it was a pub – such as a hatch in…

MATERIALS • Patons Cotton Blend 8 ply 50g: 12 (20) balls of Cream (03) and six (nine) balls of Natural (04) – see Note • Pair of 5.00mm (UK /US) knitting needles • 4.00mm (UK 8/US) circular knitting needle 80cm (in) long • 5.00mm (UK /US) crochet hook • 3m (3 3/8yd) smooth scrap yarn in a contrasting colour (provisional cast-on) • Wool needle Finished sizes: medium throw 135 x 100cm (53 x 39 1/2in); large throw 160 x 136cm (63 x 53 1/2in) approx. Note: This is an intermediate skill-level knitting project. Read all the instructions before starting the project. The materials and instructions are given for two sizes – the larger size is in brackets. This throw is worked in panels and the garter stitch borders…

• Lloyd Curzon Textiles: (08) 8362 2451, admin@lcurzon.com.au, www.lcurzon.com.au. • Melbourne Fabric: (03) 9636 3516, sales@melbournefabric.com.au, www.melbournefabric.com.au. • Millhouse Collections: (07) 5351 1400, sales@millhousecollections.com, www.millhousecollections.com. • Nutex Wholesalers: (New Zealand) +64 9 846 6366, craft@nutex.co.nz, www.nutex.co.nz. • PK Fabrics: (02) 9557 2022, sales@pkfabrics.com.au, www.pkfabrics.com.au. • The Strawberry Thief: robyn@thestrawberrythief.com.au, www.thestrawberrythief.com.au. • Two Green Zebras: (02) 9553 7201, sales@twogreenzebras.com, www.twogreenzebras.com.…

Bias binding is readily available in most haberdashery stores. You can also make your own from matching fabric, or you could use this as a chance for creativity and use a contrasting colour or print for a hint of colour behind the hemline. To make your own matching binding for this dress, you’ll need a 12mm (1/2in) bias maker, bias bar or strip of cardboard and about 20cm ( 1/4yd) of extra fabric. After cutting out the pattern pieces, cut sufficient long bias strips, 25mm (1in) wide, from the leftover areas as well as the extra yardage, to total 1m (1 1/8yd) when joined. Press the long edges under using your preferred method to make 12mm ( 1/2in) wide binding.…

MATERIALS • 38 x 45cm (15 x 18in) cream 100% wool felt (head, arms, tail and ears) • 33 x 40cm (13 x 16in) black 100% wool felt (body and collar) • 20 x 30cm (8 x 12in) red 100% wool felt (headscarf and bow) • 20 x 30cm (8 x 12in) black and white print fabric (headscarf and bow lining) • Small scraps of blush pink 100% wool felt (ears) • Small scraps of red, green, yellow and white 100% wool felt (appliqué) • Small round brass bell • Pair of 6mm ( 1/4in) English glass doll eyes • 45cm ( 1/2yd) of 10mm ( 3/8in) wide fancy red ribbon • Stranded embroidery thread in white, black and colours to match the appliqué • Cosmetic blusher in pink •…

This is a great project for upcycling old shirts and jeans. Use the measurements provided for the check print fabric and denim to cut the shapes from clothing for the bag front and back. You could even trim pieces from the shirt collar to mimic the collar shapes on the bag without having to make them from a strip of fabric. Consider using a bandana or a handkerchief to make the neckerchief. Just audition the pieces on the front of the bag before you sew them in place and enjoy the creative play.…

Where do you live and work? I moved to New Zealand from England 21 years ago and became interested in quilting in a big way. I sew at home in my son’s old bedroom. Well, if I’m really honest, I sew all over the house. At night, hand sewing is done while watching a movie, usually. When did you first become interested in stitching? I’ve loved stitching as far back as I can remember. I made a birthday card with sequins sewn on it for my mum and have loved stitching ever since. How frequently do you get the chance to settle to your craft? Every day I sew a little, even if it’s only for 10 minutes – or even five minutes around lunchtime, when I can work on…

Doing the same as what I’m doing now – sewing and selling what I make, However, my style will have progressed. I will have a pile of quilts that I’ve made for us. I will helping my daughter on her creative journey. A tip from me: When working on a large overall appliqué design, pin all your pieces in place for positioning and then start appliquéing in the centre. Another tip from me: When choosing fabrics, try to use a mix of large and small prints, florals, plains and geometrics.…

New South Wales November 3–4 Broadmeadow Novocastrian Quilters Exhibition, Police Citizens Youth Club, cnr of Young and Melbourne Rds, Broadmeadow. Display of quilts and other artistic works, light refreshments and six patchwork and craft pop-up shops. Raffle quilt proceeds will go to Destiny Haven, Clarence Town. Open Sat 9am–4pm and Sun 9am–2pm. Entry $5, children under 12 free. More information: Margaret Lane, mobile 0418 250 211 or email margblane@hotmail.com or visit novocastrianquilters.blogspot.com.au November 9–11 Gerringong Children’s Medical Research Institute Annual Quilt Show Gerringong Town Hall, Fern St, Gerringong. Refreshments for sale, stalls selling crafts, patchwork goods, jams, Christmas cakes and more. Open Fri & Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 10am–2pm. Entry $5. More information: Email rbailey1@outlook.com or mobile 0429 951 452. November 24–25 Bungendore Quilt Exhibition Bungendore Memorial Hall, Molonglo St, Bungendore.…

MATERIALS • 2.3m (2 1/2yd) cream and green print fabric (background) • 35cm ( 3/8yd) each of four mid-green tone-on-tone print fabrics (blocks and Border 2) • 15cm ( 1/4yd) dark green print fabric (blocks) • 1.1m (1 1/4yd) red stripe print fabric (Border 2 and binding) – see Note • Fat eighth each of 13 assorted salmon pink tone-on-tone print fabrics (blocks and Border 2) • 45cm ( 1/2yd) red tone-on-tone print fabric (Borders 2 and 3) • 1.2m (1 1/4yd) floral print fabric (Border 4) • 4m (4 3/8yd) backing fabric • Batting at least 200cm (78in) square • Rotary cutter, ruler and mat • Sewing machine with 1/4in foot • General sewing supplies Finished size: 175cm (69in) square Finished block size: 9in square Note: Read…

MATERIALS • 1.2m (1 1/4yd) print fabric – see Note • One 2cm ( 3/4in) button • 1m (1 1/8yd) of 12mm ( 1/2in) ready-made bias binding – see Caroline’s Binding Tip • Matching machine-sewing thread • Tracing paper such as baking paper • Erasable fabric-marking pen • Sewing machine • General sewing supplies Finished sizes: To fit child aged 3, 4 or 5 years approx. Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. Suggested fabrics include cotton fabrics such as quiltmaking prints, broadcloth, chambray and seersucker, and linen. It is recommended that fabrics be pre-washed and well ironed. Requirements are based on fabric 107cm (42in) wide. Seam allowances of 15mm ( 5/8in) are used throughout the apron construction, except where otherwise stated. Three sizes are included…

How did you feel when you first started sewing? I was excited to begin my creative journey as an adult. My mother was always sewing or knitting, so I grew up around a creative influence. I started tinkering with sewing, stitching and knitting at a very young age. It was a natural progression to start designing my own work and then to market it. Has your response to your craft changed since then? I guess it has. The more that I’ve worked and designed, the more things have changed. My style has changed slightly, too, over the years. What is it that keeps you creating? I am a creative soul to my core! I can’t really help it. I’m at my best when I have some idea churning around in…

Where do you live and work? I live in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. I create and sew in a room that is shared with my husband and 12-year-old daughter. We each have our own desk, the wall space is filled with shelving, and there's hardly enough room left to swing a cat, but we make it work really well. We enjoy sharing the space. Hubby plays guitar, and my daughter draws and animates on her computer. I don't think I'd like the isolation, if I had a room all to myself, although more space to store my crafts and display my collections would be awesome. When did you first become interested in stitching? In my early 30s, when I was looking for…

I worked my hand embroidery on this quilt through all three layers so that it also served to hold them together securely, just like standard quilting stitches. To begin stitching, just knot the end of the embroidery thread, insert the needle from the back of the quilt, emerging on the front and pull the knot through into the batting. This will keep the back of your quilt neat. Have fun and experiment with various hand-embroidery stitches. My designs are very straightforward and the grid was easy to mark using a ruler and fine pencil. Seed stitch doesn’t need any marking at all and I simply stitched on the design lines printed on the pale pink background fabric to work the sprigs of flowers – so again, I avoided having to…

AVAILABLE IN COMPLETE KITS CONTACT A STOCKIST CLOSEST TO YOU. LIMITED SUPPLIES . BOOK NOW! STOCKISTS NEW SOUTH WALES Crafty Friends Stroud Ph: 0414 863 045 stroudvalleyharvest@hotmail.com www.stroudvalleyharvest.com.au Fabric Pixie Goonellabah Ph: 0415 826 994 deanne@fabricpixie.com.au www.fabricpixie.com.au Glendoon Patchwork Cottage Maitland Ph: (02) 4933 8433 glendooncottage@gmail.com www.glendoonpatchwork cottage.com Love Patchwork Harrington Ph: (02) 6556 0111 lovepatchworkshop@gmail.com www.lovepatchwork.com.au Nesting Needles Coffs Harbour Ph: 0400 055 989 lpeterson68@optusnet.com.au www.nestingneedles.com.au Sew Fab Narrandera Ph: (02) 6959 9819 leanne@sewfab.com.au www.sewfab.com.au Stitch Between The Bridges Tamworth Ph: (02) 6765 4138 stitchbtbtamworth@gmail.com find us on facebook Stitched n Framed Port Macquarie Ph: (02) 6581 3338 jenny@stitchednframed.com.au www.stitchednframed.com.au Two Friends Leeton Ph: (02) 6953 7718 twofriendsleeton@gmail.com www.twofriends.com.au Whatever Where-ever Craft Howlong Ph: (02) 6026 5489 / 0428 577 957 whateverwher eever@bigpond.com www.whateverwhereever.com.au VICTORIA Alice in Fabricland Woodend…