Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2016 i Australian Homespun

POSY SCHMOSY! Floral tributes don’t have to come in big boofy bunches, complete with big florists’ bills. Nor do they need to be wreathed, wrapped or basketed. They can simply be spooled and buttoned. So reckons Cassi Griffin, who proves her point with this perfect plastic and thread arrangement. If you can’t find a place for her button bouquets in your elegant living room, picture how perfect they’d look on your craft-studio shelves. Contact: Cassi Griffin, of Bella Dia – Blog: www.belladia.typepad.com; Direct link: belladia.typepad.com/bella_dia/2007/11/button-bouquets.html.…

Colour equals happiness for UK designer Gina Axell. “I’m not sure I have a decorative style other than a desire to fill a room with as much colour as possible,” she says. And her approach is clearly a winner. Gina’s studio is a welcoming and inspiring place that keeps her content and productive during the working week and often on weekends, too, when she retreats there for her special hobbies and interests. “I am in my workroom pretty much all day from Monday to Friday, but as most of my hobbies involve sewing or crafting, much of the weekend can be spent in here, too. At busy times, I practically live in here, as days are long and any breaks are few and far between. I think it’s the reason…

Where do you live and work? My studio is in the basement of our Victorian house in East Sussex, England. It is a lovely, light space to work in with sunshine streaming in. When we bought our house, a little over two years ago, the basement was totally uninhabitable and we had to renovate the entire space, so I’m still settling in and making it my own. I feel very lucky to have my own space; when we lived in London, my toys, fabric and threads were all over our little terraced house. The main elements for a good, productive atmosphere for creation are probably a cup of tea by my side, my ginger cat sleeping in his basket and possibly some ’80s pop songs on the radio. My husband…

Materials • Large assortment of scrap fabrics to total about 2.5m (3yd) (blocks) • Fat eighth each of 16 light-value print fabrics (block backgrounds) • 50cm ( 5/8yd) brown check print fabric (sashing) • Fat eighth each of five tone-on-tone red print fabrics (stars in sashing and Border 2 • Fat sixteenth each of four yellow tone-on-tone print fabrics (stars in sashing) • 30cm ( 3/8yd) black tone-on-tone print fabric (Border 1) • 45cm ( 1/2yd) caramel print fabric (Border 2) • 90cm (1yd) fawn print fabric (Border 2) • 45cm ( 1/2yd) multicoloured print fabric (binding) • 3m (3 3/8yd) backing fabric • Batting at least 150cm (59in) square • Rotary cutter, ruler and mat • Sewing machine with 1/4in and free-motion feet • General sewing supplies Finished size:…

THIS MONTH’S WINNER Lorinna Scott, from Greystanes, NSW, for her Fleur quilt project: “My inspiration came from Katrina Hadjimichael’s quilt, Fleur, in Homespun Celebrating 150 Issues Collectors’ Edition (November 2015/Vol 16 No 11). When I was looking for my next project, I found this and it seemed perfect to create this beautiful quilt using my leftover ‘French General’ fabrics. The original version had two borders more than mine, but it proved to be a great solution for using my stash. My quilt was professionally quilted by Quilt Me Quilts in an overall feather pattern, which enhanced the design beautifully. While I’m enjoying my new quilt, I’ll look forward to yet another inspiring issue of a great magazine. Thank you Homespun.” Congratulations to Lorinna for her great effort. As the winner…

NSW – Country November 11-13 Gerringong Quilt Show; Gerringong Town Hall, 106 Fern St. Refreshments for sale all day. Open Fri & Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-3pm. Entry $5. More information (and entry forms): Email rbailey1@outlook.com or search ‘Gerringong Children’s Medical Research Institute’ on Facebook. NSW – Newcastle November 12-13 Broadmeadow Novocastrian Quilters’ Quilt Exhibition; Police Citizens’ Youth Club Newcastle, cnr Young and Melbourne Sts. Display of quilts and other artistic works, refreshments available, craft goods for sale. Quilt raffle with proceeds to Riding for the Disabled. Open Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 9am-3pm. Entry $5, children under 12 free. More information: Phone Margaret Lane on 0418 250 211, email margblane@hotmail.com or visit novocastrianquilters.blogspot.com.au. QLD – Gold Coast November 11-13 Southport Stitch! By CraftAlive Southport; Southport Community Centre, 6 Lawson St. A show…

01 Windham Fabrics ‘Hot Dogs and Cool Cats’ D42079-1 Aqua, designed by Carolyn Gavin. Distributed by Leutenegger. 02 Art Gallery Fabrics ‘Joie de Vivre’ Pug Ville Rose JOI-89125, designed by Bari J. Distributed by Craft Project – Charles Parsons. 03 Moda Fabrics ‘Meow or Never’ 26110-14 Milk, designed by Erin Michael. Distributed by PK Fabrics. 04 Windham Fabrics ‘Hot Dogs and Cool Cats’ D42083-7 Fuchsia, designed by Carolyn Gavin. Distributed by Leutenegger. 05 Alexander Henry Fabrics ‘Meow Wow Wow’ TA8452A Lavender. Distributed by Craft Project – Charles Parsons. 06 Ella Blue Fabrics ‘The Cat’s Pyjamas’ Allover Cats Grey TE5012GR, designed by Jodie Carleton. Distributed by Craft Project – Charles Parsons. 07 Moda Fabrics ‘Meow or Never’ 26116-13 Robin’s Egg, designed by Erin Michael. Distributed by PK Fabrics. 08 Dashwood Studio…

Where do you live and work? Our home is in a fairly quiet, leafy street; it’s very green and peaceful. It’s a very small house that was originally built for my husband’s grandparents, but somehow five of us have lived here for more than 12 years (one bathroom and one toilet!). I sew at the dining-room table and have to push the lounges aside to lay out a project on the floor, and all my fabrics live in plastic tubs on top of cupboards. When I’m in the middle of a big project, it dominates the dining room, but my family don’t seem to mind. What’s your family structure? I live with my husband and our three kids: the oldest two are uni students, the youngest is in year 11.…

Materials • 70 x 60cm (27 1/2 x 23 1/2in) white handkerchief linen (embroidery background) • 70 x 60cm (27 1/2 x 23 1/2in) lightweight fusible interfacing such as Vilene H410 • Cosmo Stranded Embroidery Floss in deep red (108), navy blue (218), apple green (272), emerald green (275), light tan (307), tangerine (342), turquoise (565), avocado green (671) and charcoal (895) • Embroidery needle • Embroidery hoop • Fine-point pigment pen • A3-sized recycled timber frame Stitches used: Backstitch, chain stitch, couching, cross stitch, detached chain (lazy daisy) stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, straight stitch Finished size: design area 37 x 24cm (14 1/2 x 91/2in); frame 49 x 36.5cm (19 1/4 x 14 1/4in) Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. All the embroidery…

Why this particular craft? Crochet is my forever craft. I love, love, love it. I rediscovered my love for crochet after a 10-year break. Now, I can’t imagine a time when I will not want to do it. I had my own little catering business a number of years ago and, after I decided to finish that part of my life, I found I had an extraordinary amount of spare time. That’s when I decided to get back to crocheting. Have you tried plenty of others? I’ve tried all sorts of crafts over the years. I was heavily into oil painting and did it for many years, however the frustration of trying to create the look that I wanted became overwhelming for me, and I gave that away. But I…

Materials • 1.9m (2yd) main yellow fabric (heart background and Borders 2 and 3) • 80cm ( 7/8yd) main pink fabric (centre panel, Borders 1 and 2) • Fat eighth each of medium and dark pink tone-on-tone print fabrics (appliqué) • 30cm ( 3/8yd) each of five coordinating yellow print fabrics (Border 2 and Border 1 scallop appliqué) • 25cm ( 1/4yd) each of four coordinating light pink print fabrics (Border 2 and Border 3 scallop appliqué) • 80cm (1yd) red print fabric (appliqué, bias stems and binding) • 1.7m (1 7/8yd) extra-wide backing fabric • Batting at least 210 x 165cm (84 x 66in) • Hugs ’n Kisses appliqué paper sheets – see Note • Pre-cut appliqué-paper circles: 6in, 4in and 1in diameter (see Note) or compass • Glue…

COTTON REEL DISPLAY – I came across this cotton reel holder in a small shop in Brighton and knew I had to have it. I realised when I got home that it was never going to be big enough for all my cotton reels so I hurried back for another one. BLACK CHINA BULL – This china bull has been in my family for generations and represents my mum’s family surname, ‘Bull’. I have no idea where it originally came from but I remember seeing it in my grandmother’s house as a child. I love having it in my workroom as a reminder of my mum. MY MUM’S PINKING SHEARS – My mum’s pinking shears are made by Singer, her favourite manufacturer of sewing machines. I still use them today,…

This quilt was the result of an ‘ugly fabric challenge’, right? Yes, I live in Albury, and my local quilting shop, Avonleigh Country Quilting, has an ‘Ugly Fabric Challenge’ at the beginning of each year. You buy a paper bag containing 50cm of fabric that they think will be challenging to use. The fabric in your bag is a surprise. The rules are simple: you must make something (quilt, bag, clothing, toy, basically whatever you want) using the fabric in your bag. You can add whatever fabric you want, but the ugly fabric must be used in a significant way and not hidden. Ugly Duckling was made for the third ugly fabric challenge that I’ve done. My ‘ugly’ fabric was the brown checked fabric that I used for the sashing.…

In the next 10 years, I am looking forward to buying an old Queenslander to renovate, my daughters’ weddings, grandchildren, spending more time with my husband, spending more time with our friends, living a healthy lifestyle, travel, and just enjoying life. I hope to continue designing for many years to come. In the next 10 years, I see myself having more time to travel to teach and to attend more craft shows and trade events. I am looking forward to doing more fabric designing and loving this new challenge, learning about the process and how it all comes together. There is a lot of scope for creativity, and I have a lot of ideas. I would love to do more books. I hope to continue doing these in the future.…

BLANCO BEAR & HIS BLANKIE The ultimate knitting juxtaposition: Shepherd’s ultra-cute white knitted teddy lying on Cleckheaton’s ultra-classy mosaic rug. And the two work together like a charm. Patterns for both of these two intermediate-level projects can be found in the Junior Merino Collection book – along with numerous other tempting kids’ knits. Pick up the pattern book at your favourite craft outlet, call 1800 337 032 or visit cleckheaton.com.au or shepherdyarns.com.au. CROCHET COMFORT ZONE Why have 2D when you can have squishy, comfy, puffy, 3D crochet? Good to look at and bottom-friendly to sit on. Plus, this honeycomb design from Bethany Dearden is an inventive new way of creating chair cushions. And that’s always to be applauded. But before you can sit on it, you’ll need to stitch it.…

Materials • Assorted scraps of print fabrics left over after finishing the quilt • 30cm ( 3/8yd) green print fabric (border and cushion back) • 72 pre-cut paper hexagons with sides 3/4in long or stiff paper to make your own • Threads and sewing supplies as for the quilt • Water-soluble fabric glue (optional) • 35cm (14in) cushion insert Finished size: About 30cm (12in) square Note: The cushion is made using English paper piecing. It would be feasible to use the same construction technique as for Bye, Bye Baby, but Janai found English paper piecing easier because these hexagons are smaller. Cutting 1 If you’re not using pre-cut papers, trace the hexagon shape from the Pattern Sheet on to template plastic and cut it out accurately. Use it…

Why this particular craft? Have you ever found something you can become completely lost in? I’m not talking lost as in ‘Where am I?’ – I mean that moment where your breath slows down and your mind escapes to another place. That’s what happens to me when I pick up a needle and begin stitching. It’s meditative. That’s the very thing that keeps me coming back for more and staying up past midnight drinking cups of tea. Have you tried plenty of others? I’ve always been a girl who likes to try new things, so I’ve played with many different types of arts. Most of them were either messy, dusty or noisy (sometimes all three). There is one other art form that allows my mind to imagine anything is possible,…

I haven’t talked about this much, but I’m a self-taught crocheter. My granny, bless her heart, was the crochet Obi-Wan of my family. Sadly, I never got to meet her, but I do have one of her granny-square afghans. I’ve heard many stories about how she would sit and crochet all day long and was hardly seen without a skein of yarn. Oh, what I would give just to watch her crochet. How did she hold her hook? How did she hold her yarn? I may never know because those in my family who remember her know diddly squat about crochet and have no idea what I’m talking about when I say knife-grip! ANYWHO … A few years ago, I picked up a hook and a skein of yarn at…

Where do you live and work? I live in a 1901 weatherboard in Hobart – a tad draughty and cold but just right for us. I built a home studio into the carport and connected it to the home, and, for 11 years, this has been the home of Hugs ’n Kisses, shipping patterns and products all over the world. This year, I’ve given my house back to the family, purchased a building and moved into another 1900s weatherboard building in North Hobart – this is now the home of Hugs ’n Kisses – the backend operations, a cafe and soon-to-be-finished learning centre. What’s your family structure? I have three beautiful girls – the oldest has just left us to begin a nursing career. The youngest, our little oopsie, is…

Materials • 15cm ( 1/4yd) unbleached cotton fabric (embroidered fronts) • 15cm ( 1/4yd) spot print fabric (backs) • 18cm (7in) square of brown felt (bases) • DMC Stranded Embroidery Cotton in Light Pewter (169), Very Dark Mahogany (300), Medium Mahogany (301), Red (321), Tan (436), Dark Lemon (444), Cranberry (603), Kelly Green (702), Dark Orange Spice (720) and Peacock Blue (807) • Embroidery needle • Embroidery hoop • Vanishing or water-erasable fabric-marking pen such as Hemline • Fibre fill • Chopstick or stuffing tool • Lightbox (optional) • Sewing machine • General sewing supplies Stitches used: Backstitch, satin stitch Finished sizes: 29cm (11 1/2in) high Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. It is recommended that fabrics (except the felt) be 100% cotton, pre-washed and…

How would you describe your particular craft style? I’ve always loved the Zakka style – I just didn’t know what it was called until a few years ago! I love cute patterns, small florals and natural textures. If I’m going to take the time to make something, I factor in extra time to make it extra cute. Did your distinctive style happen over time or was it immediate when you started stitching? My style is always changing. I love reading really old magazines and pattern books. I found a pre-World War II crochet booklet of baby bonnets and bootees the other day, and got very sidetracked for a while. I’m slightly old fashioned; I’ve always loved the intricate, fussy style with lots of pintucks, tatted lace and bullion roses. Are…

HOME SWEET HOMEMAKING Who wants thin cushions, for goodness sake? They have to be big and fat and enveloping and comfy. And here’s your perfect opportunity to take that thought to its literal limits by plumping up those pillows of yours for an unparalleled decorative indulgence. Start with the concept of generous proportions and then add a calorie overload of sugar and sprinkles. Well, that’s what Samantha Ushiro did with fabric, felt and paint, when she set about making her Funfetti Cake Slice cushion. Contact: Samantha Ushiro, of Aww, Sam – Website: www.awwsam.com; Direct link: www.awwsam.com/2016/03/diy-no-sew-funfetti-cake-slice-pillow.html.…

Stockists AUSTRALIAN CAPIT AL TERRITORY Hobbysew Belconnen Belconnen Ph: (02) 6253 0011 belconnen@hobbysew .com.au www.hobbysew.com.au Motif By Hand Crace Ph: 0402 622 919 motifbyhand@gmail.com www.motifbyhand.com NEW SOUTH WALES Fabric Pixie Goonellabah Ph: 0415 826 994 deanne@fabricpixie.com.au www.fabricpixie.com.au Hobbysew Kings Park Kings Park Ph: (02) 9621 4000 kingspark@hobbysew .com www.hobbysew.com.au Hobbysew Top Ryde Top Ryde Ph: (02) 9877 5067 topryde@hobbysew.com www.hobbysew.com.au Lyn’s Fine Needlework Baulkham Hills Ph: (02) 9686 2325 sales@lynsfineneedlework.com.au www.lynsfineneedlework.com.au My Sewing Supplies Kirawee Ph: (02) 9542 3513 info@mysewingsupplies.com.au www.mysewingsupplies.com.au Nesting Needles Coffs Harbour Ph: 0400 055 989 lisa@nestingneedles.com.au www.nestingneedles.com.au Patchwork on Parker Cootamundra Ph: (02) 6942 1104 jock-commins@bigpond.com Picton Patchwork & Quilting Picton Ph: (02) 4677 2802 troy@pictonpatchwork.com.au Post Offi ce Patchwork Glenbrook Ph: (02) 4739 9555 popatchwork@eftel.net.au www.postoffi cepatchwork.net.au Rainbow Patchwork Lismore Ph: (02) 6622 3003 info@rainbowpatchwork.com.au…

Asia Discovery Tours Ph: (02) 9267 7699, website: asiadiscoverytours.com.au. Australian Country Spinners Ph: 1800 337 032, website: www.auspinners.com.au. Bernina Australia Ph: 1800 237 646, website: www.bernina.com.au. Birch Haberdashery & Craft Ph: (03) 9450 8900, website: www.birchhaby.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.catharinasvintage stitches.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. Craft Project – Charles Parsons & Co Ph: 1300 364 422, website: www.craftproject.com.au. Cynthia’s Ark Email: sales@cynthiasark.com.au, website: www.cynthiasark.com.au. David & Charles (distributor, Peribo): website: www.peribo.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. Fabric Pixie Ph: 0415 826 994, website: www.fabricpixie.com.au. Faeries…