Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2016 i Australian Homespun

THIS MONTH’S WINNER Dale Hoh, from Campbell, ACT, for her Ragged Rocks rag rug project: “When I saw the wonderful rug made from T-shirts (Ragged Rocks, by Michelle Bardwell) in the August 2015 edition of Homespun (Vol 16 No 8), I knew I had to have one! I set about asking everyone I knew for old T-shirts and even went to our local garbage tip, where they have a cage of discarded clothes used for rags. I found the instructions really easy to follow and I have a tip to make pushing the fabric through the base easier. Use a long-nosed pair of tweezers to push the fabric through. It saves your fingers getting sore and your nails from catching on the fabric. This is my first rag rug. I’m…

Let us know about your upcoming event – email details to homespun@universalmagazines.com.au or send them to Homespun Diary Dates, Locked Bag 154, North Ryde, NSW 1670. Please notify us at least four months before the event. NSW – Sydney February 19-21 Castle Hill Stitch! By CraftAlive Castle Hill; Castle Hill Showgrounds, Doran Drive. A show dedicated to patchwork, needlework, knitting, embroidery and all things stitching, with products to buy, demos, workshops and much more. Open 9.30am-4pm. More information: www.craftalive.com.au/ stitch-by-craftalive. NSW – Country February 18-20 Dubbo CraftAlive Dubbo; Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, 155 Darling Street. Bringing together both talented interstate and local exhibitors, focusing on creative hand-finished products, DIY products, craft supplies, homewares and creative workshops. Open 10am-5pm. More information: www.craftalive.com.au. February 27-28 Mittagong Southern Highlands…

THE FANTASY TALE OF FOXLEY VILLAGE “Let me introduce myself: My name’s Zachary Twigg, but everyone calls me Zach Sparrow (because I’m just as handsome as Johnny Depp!). I am the keeper of the keys to Foxley Village and your narrator for our 10-part story of this sweet and fanciful town. Each month during the course of this BOM, I’ll introduce you to my friends and walk you around the place, since I am best qualified to do so. From my nest, right up here on a branch of a giant elm at the centre of things, I can keep an eye on all the wild, wacky and whimsical occurrences that are unique to our strangely endearing village. And, there are plenty of those, let me tell you – foxes…

Where do you live and work? I ‘live’ and work in a large dent in my cosy sofa, in my large, light-filled conservatory in my home of six years in the medieval town of Shrewsbury in the county of Shropshire, close to the Welsh border. What’s your family structure? Wonderful partner of 11 years; a son who moved in a couple of years ago; son’s girlfriend, who’s here half of the week, too; and four fur babies. How and when did you start crocheting? First serious crochet sessions in the early ’60s; big gaps with a dabble here and there over the years; then really seriously in 2009. And I haven’t stopped since. What would you do without this craft? Just can’t possibly think about doing without this craft. I…

Materials • 40cm ( 1/2yd) natural linen (outer pouch)• 45cm ( 1/2yd) check fabric (lining)• Fat eighth or 20cm ( 1/4yd) each of two different print fabrics (internal divider)• 20cm ( 1/4yd) black and white stripe print fabric (binding)• Scraps of several bright coloured solid and print fabrics (appliqué)• Variegated green stranded embroidery cotton (tendrils)• Machine-sewing threads to match the appliqué fabrics and linen• Two buttons, 20mm (3/4in) diameter (closure)• Two thin hair elastics (button loops)• 20cm ( 1/4yd) lightweight fusible interfacing• 45cm ( 1/2yd) firm bag batting• Fusible web• Spray starch• Fabric glue stick• Chalk pencil• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine• General sewing supplies Stitches used: Backstitch Finished size: 16 x 30cm (6 1/4 x 12in) closed Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. It is recommended that fabrics, apart from the linen, be 100% cotton, and that all fabrics be…

This is our first cot quilt from you. Do make many? I love making cot quilts to celebrate the precious new arrival of a baby. I’ve made quilts for all my family’s and friends’ children and love personalising each quilt to suit the gender, the theme of a nursery or something that will be dear to the baby. How did you come up with the idea? My youngest sister announced that she and her husband were expecting their first child. This was very exciting news in my family, and I immediately started to think of a quilt design that would celebrate this new baby. When we found out the baby was going to be a girl, I knew that the design would have to be very pretty and girly, and…

Materials • Two squares, 40cm (16in) light blue linen (background)• DMC Perlé 5 Cotton in Light Coral (352), Very Light Avocado Green (471), Violet(553) and Light Topaz (726)• Small wool felt pieces in light and dark turquoise (appliqué)• 5mm ( 1/4in), 8mm ( 5/16in) and 10mm ( 3/8in) diameter sequins in assorted colours (feathers)• Clear seed beads• White machine-sewing or beading thread• Needles: beading, milliner’s (straw) and crewel• 30cm (12in) embroidery hoop• Two 20cm (8in) square stretched canvas frames• Two squares, 20cm (8in) white polar fleece or thin batting• 1.8m (2yd) of 25mm (1in) wide grosgrain ribbon (neatening the back)• Erasable fabric-marking pen• Freezer paper• Craft glue• Staple gun• General sewing supplies Stitches used: Backstitch, bullion stitch, chain stitch, French knot, open detached chain stitch, satin stitch, split stitch, straight stitch Design sizes: Owl 14 x 11.5cm (5 1/2 x 4 1/2in); peacock 15 x 19cm…

Stockists AUSTRALIAN CAPIT AL TERRITORY Hobbysew Belconnen BelconnenPh: (02) 6253 0011belconnen@hobbysew .com.auwww.hobbysew.com.au Motif By Hand CracePh: 0402 622 919motifbyhand@gmail.comwww.motifbyhand.com NEW SOUTH WALES Fabric Pixie GoonellabahPh: 0415 826 994deanne@fabricpixie.com.auwww.fabricpixie.com.au Hobbysew Kings Park Kings ParkPh: (02) 9621 4000kingspark@hobbysew .comwww.hobbysew.com.au Hobbysew Top Ryde Top RydePh: (02) 9877 5067topryde@hobbysew.comwww.hobbysew.com.au Lyn’s Fine Needlework Baulkham HillsPh: (02) 9686 2325sales@lynsfineneedlework.com.auwww.lynsfineneedlework.com.au My Sewing Supplies KiraweePh: (02) 9542 3513info@mysewingsupplies.com.auwww.mysewingsupplies.com.au Nesting Needles Coffs HarbourPh: 0400 055 989lisa@nestingneedles.com.auwww.nestingneedles.com.au Patchwork on Parker CootamundraPh: (02) 6942 1104jock-commins@bigpond.com Picton Patchwork & Quilting PictonPh: (02) 4677 2802troy@pictonpatchwork.com.au Post Offi ce Patchwork GlenbrookPh: (02) 4739 9555popatchwork@eftel.net.auwww.postoffi cepatchwork.net.au Rainbow Patchwork LismorePh: (02) 6622 3003info@rainbowpatchwork.com.auwww.rainbowpatchwork.com.au Stitch Between The Bridges TamworthPh: (02) 6765 4138stitchbtbtamworth@gmail.com Stitched n Framed Port MacquariePh: (02) 6581 3338jenny@stitchednframed.com.auwww.stitchednframed.com.au The Stitchers Cupboard CamdenPh: (02) 4655 8348sales@thestitcherscupboard.com.auwww.thestitcherscupboard.com.au Wild Cotton Fabric MirandaPh: 0421 901 976 , 0413 523…

Materials • 45cm (17in) square of mint green wool felt – see Simone’s Fabric Tip (elephant)• 10 x 15cm (4 x 6in) rectangle of light grey wool felt (back of ears)• Fat quarter light grey linen (dungarees)• 15 x 25cm (6 x 9in) rectangle of novelty print fabric (pockets and hatband)• 9 x 12cm (3 1/2 x 4 1/2in) rectangle of yellow stripe print fabric (hat)• 9 x 12cm (3 1/2 x 4 1/2in) rectangle of lightweight fusible batting (hat)• One 20mm ( 3/4in) turquoise felt ball (hat)• Two 6mm ( 1/4in) English glass doll’s eyes• Upholstery thread (eg Gütermann) for attaching the eyes• Fibre fill• Freezer paper for patterns• Turning and stuffing tools• Long doll-making needle• Sewing machine• General sewing supplies Finished size: 30cm (12in) Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. This softie is not suitable for children under…

Why this particular craft? I love to work with my hands and so quilting satisfies this as well as my love of colour, my fabric obsession and my joy at putting together something that is completely unique to me. Have you tried plenty of others? Yes, some; I’ve dabbled in garment sewing and I’ve done a bit of sketching and painting. Any funny stories along the way? Let’s not talk about all the half-sewn garments stashed away. I seem to have a mental block when it comes to finishing them. I swear I’ll never start another clothing item, then I’ll see a gorgeous pattern and some beautiful fabric, and oops, I’ve done it again! If you weren’t doing this, what would occupy your time? I’m a midwife by trade but…

Materials • Assorted fabric scraps to total approximately 75cm (3/4yd) (star points and setting triangles)• Three squares, 20cm (8in) of assorted black print fabrics (star block backgrounds)• 19 squares, 20cm (8in) of assorted print fabrics (star block backgrounds, four-patch blocks and border cornerstones)• 20cm ( 1/4yd) each of four print fabrics (borders)• 30cm (11in) square of beige print fabric (setting triangles)• 30cm ( 3/8yd) brown stripe print fabric (binding)• 1.1m (1 1/4yd) backing fabric• Batting at least 110cm (42in) square• Size 10 or 11 milliner’s/ straw needles• Template plastic and permanent-marking pen• Graphite and a white or silver fabric-marking pencil or a chalk pencil• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine with 1/4in foot• General sewing supplies Finished size: 90cm (35 1/2in) square Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. A seam allowance of 1/4in is included throughout for the…

Why this particular craft? I like embroidery because it gives me the opportunity to experiment and have fun with colour, design and texture. While there is a place for ‘serious’ embroidery, I think everyone should be encouraged to have a go at drawing with thread. In my mum’s generation, it was taught at school and used on everyday household objects, but it’s so much less common today. This was what encouraged me to develop a range of modern embroidery kits aimed at beginner stitchers of all ages. These two designs are also based on the principle that embroidery should be fun and pretty. I can’t wait to see how everyone interprets them differently. Have you tried plenty of others? You could say I have Craft ADD. As soon as I…

Materials • Patons Totem 8 ply 50g balls: three (four-five-five) balls of Charcoal (4329) (M); one ball each of Icypole Orange (4377) (C1) and Champagne Pink (4362) (C2) all sizes• One pair each of 4.00mm (UK 8/US 6) and 3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) knitting needles or size needed to give correct tension• Two 12mm ( 1/2in) novelty flower buttons• Wool needle Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. This is an easy skill-level project. Use only the yarn specified. Other yarns are likely to produce different results. Quantities are approximate as they can vary between knitters. Check the ball bands to ensure all yarn of the same colour is from the same dye lot. Instructions and yarn quantities for the smallest size are given first with the other three sizes…

Ashford Wheels & Looms Ph: 1800 653 397, website: www.ashford.co.nz/yarn. Asia Discovery Tours Sydney, NSW. 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. Australian Machine Quilters’ Festival Ph: 0448 256 214, email: info@amqfestival.com.au, website: www.amqfestival.com.au. Benson, Leanne – see box at left. Bernina Australia Ph: 1800 237 646, website: www.bernina.com.au. Birch Haberdashery & Craft Ph: (03) 9450 8900, website: www.birchhaby.com.au. Bird, Natalie – see box at left. Black Possum Fabrics Tea Gardens, NSW. Ph: (02) 4997 0866, website: www.blackpossumfabrics.com. Blessington Ph: (02) 4337 3737, website: www.blessingtongroup.com.au. Brother Australia Ph: 1300 880 297, website: www.brother.com.au. Capricorn Link website: www.capricornlink.com.au. Care2Create Woodvale, WA. Ph: 0412 534 379, website: www.care2create.com. Carol’s of Midland 47 Farrall Road, Midvale, WA 6056. Ph: (08)…

Sparkling acces-sari Not everyone has a sari or two going begging in their wardrobe, but you can pick up these wonders of silk, embroidery and beads quite cheaply at markets and on eBay – and look what Bollywood glamour they bring to your wardrobe and home. Let’s start with the fashion-accessory side of things with this glowing orange scarf. All you have to do for this nifty piece of recycling is to choose the best part of an old sari, cut it out in a strip and hem the edges. Done! If you want to carry the theme through to more outfits, then consider edging or trimming a dress or tunic with other sections of the cut sari, so you make max use of the garment. Bling it on! Any…

For most of you, Natalie Bird, of The Birdhouse, needs no introduction at all. You will already be familiar with her up-there-with-the-best reputation – well deserved after building a stitching career out of fl awless creativity and sheer hard work. Natalie is a go-to designer for those seeking inspiration. Her work marries ideas and technique with a ‘seamlessness’ that others can’t We are delighted that she came on board for this year’s special Block of the Month – and we think you will be equally thrilled when you embark on this adventure in quiltmaking. But fi rst, let’s get to know Natalie a little better … I was blessed with a very creative and infi nitely patient mother, who encouraged me to try all sorts of arts and crafts. I…

LOVE LETTERS It’s Valentine’s month, and Stephanie Segall has gone one better than the standard flirtatious and syrupy prose of regular love letters. Her approach is much more literal. We’re infatuated with this adorable felt letterbox spilling handmade envelopes. Stephanie made these for her son, so he could feel part of Valentine’s Day, but we think the appeal of this idea stretches way beyond childhood. If you want to feel the love, go straight to the tutorial at www.imagineourlife.com/2013/01/16/felt-valentine-play-set. And for more inspiration, check out Stephanie’s Imagine Our Life site at www.imagineourlife.com.…

You make dolls as well as softies, don’t you? Which is your favourite to work on? I don’t make a lot of dolls really, but I’ve made a few in the past. I prefer to design animals, because they evoke memories of the storybooks of my childhood. This little elephant is one of the sweetest designs ever. How did you come up with the idea? I was thinking about a Wendy house and, in my mind, an elephant is the kind of toy you’d find in the quintessential playhouse. He’s part of a group of other toys that will be released in the future, one of which – a little piglet called Peggy Turnip – will be published in a future issue of Homespun. Where is he off to –…

How did you start your quiltmaking career? I started quiltmaking way back in 1994 while expecting my second child. I accompanied a friend who wanted to learn. I loved all the colours and patterns and was hooked. What would you do without this craft? Other craft; at the moment I’m learning ‘broomstick crochet’. Crochet was probably the first craft that I ever did. Our Grade Four class was making Halloween decorations, and I had to crochet the spider web. What are the stitching/design tools you couldn’t live without? • Adobe Illustrator: I draw all my appliqué quilts in Illustrator. I have a background in web and graphic design, so using Illustrator and Photoshop are central to what I do. I also occasionally use EQ7 for pieced quilts. • Different needles:…

Before you begin Check your table’s dimensions – this cover was designed to fit a standard card table, but it can be adapted for any square or rectangular table. Add1/2in to the height and 1in to the length and width of your table’s dimensions for seam allowances. The cutting measurements given here include the seam allowances. If you are using a larger or smaller table, the fabric quantities will also need to be adjusted accordingly. Materials • 1m (1 1/8yd) spot print fabric (roof)• 3.2m (3 1/2yd) aqua pinstripe fabric (exterior walls)• 3.2m (3 1/2yd) red floral print fabric (interior walls)• Assorted large and small print fabric scraps (windowpanes, door ties and appliqué)• Navy machine-sewing thread (appliqué stitching)• Fusible web such as Heat n Bond• Compass• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine• General sewing supplies Finished size: 86cm (34in)…

TOUR GUIDE 1 ESPERANCE 2 ESPERANCE 3 BUNBURY 4 ARMADALE 5 WILLETTON 6 WILLAGEE 7 MOUNT HAWTHORN 8 MORLEY 8 MIDVALE 1. Esperance PATCHES N THINGS Where’s Esperance: Just west of the western corner of Israelite Bay, Esperance is 700km southeast from Perth and 400km due south from Kalgoorlie (the Golden Mile). It takes about seven hours to drive from Perth, one and a half hours by air and three days by cruise ship – so many choices! Where in Esperance: Suite 1/120 Dempster Street. Driving in from the north on Coolgardie/Norseman Highway, it will turn into Dempster Street, so just follow your nose to McDonald’s, and we are diagonally opposite the McDonald’s. Go through the door for Bernie’s Carpets, which is a family business we share our premises with.…

BLOCK OF THE MONTH: FOXLEY VILLAGE Natalie Bird The Birdhouse Email: thebirdhouse@bigpond.com Website: www.thebirdhouse.com.au Blog: www.thebirdhouse.typepad.com PROJECT 1: THE RAINBOW COLLECTION Sue Pinner Susan Pinner Granny Squares Blog: 8thofthe8thofthe8th. blogspot.co.uk PROJECT 2: POCKETS THE ELEPHANT Simone Gooding May Blossom simone@mayblossom.com.au www.mayblossom.com.au  www.evieandthebear.com PROJECT 3: SUNRISE JOY Leanne Benson Sewn by Leanne sewnbyleanne@gmail.com www.sewnbyleanne.com.au @sewnbyleanne www.sewnbyleanne.etsy.com PROJECT 4: PEAS PLEASE Charlotte Scott Charlotte Scott Quilt Design Blog: www.theslightlymad  quiltlady.blogspot.com Email: theslightlymadquilt  lady@gmail.com PROJECT 5: AMITY’S GARDEN Jemima Flendt Tied with a Ribbon Email: tiedwitharibbon@gmail.com Website: www.tiedwitharibbon.com Blog: www.blog.tiedwitharibbon.com Instagram: @tiedwitharibbon Facebook: www.facebook.com/  Tiedwitharibbon PROJECT 6: WINEDALE STARS Jennifer Murray 5foot1quilts Blog: www.5foot1quilts.com.au Instagram: @5foot1quilts Pinterest: pinterest.…