Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2016 i Australian Homespun

Materials • Assorted light-value print fabrics to total about 2m (2 1/4yd) • Assorted dark- and medium-value print fabrics to total about 2m (2 1/4yd) • 30cm ( 3/8yd) black print fabric (Border 1) • 1.2m (1 3/8yd) red print fabric (Border 2 and binding) • 3.4m (3 3/4yd) backing fabric • Batting at least 185 x 165cm (72 x 64in) • Assorted Perle 8 cotton threads and a large-eye needle (hand quilting) • Erasable fabric-marking pen • Rotary cutter, ruler and mat • Sewing machine with1/4in foot • General sewing supplies Finished size: 169 x 147cm (66 x 58in) 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 fabric 107cm (42in)…

You’re an Australian living temporarily in Germany, aren’t you? Are you enjoying the cultural change? Yes, we love living here in Germany. We live in a small town on the edge of the Black Forest, so being here instead of in big, bustling Sydney is very different. We only have traffic jams here when there are two tractors trying to pass each other on the main street! One of the biggest differences is the close proximity to other countries; we are within 30 minutes’ drive of the borders of both Switzerland and France. To drive for such a short time and be in a completely different culture can just boggle the mind. You’ve recently been visiting Portugal, where you found the inspiration for this project. Would you tell us about…

THE ART OF FURNISHING Once you’ve got the decorating necessities taken care of – somewhere to sit, somewhere to sleep, something to store things in – you can turn your attention to something to look at, other than a television screen. Enter Beverly McCullough, of Flamingo Toes (www.flamingotoes.com), who took her furnishings up the walls. The machine-embroidered appliqué subjects are sofas, chairs, chests-of-drawers and lighting. Designer decorating like this deserves framing! (If you’d like to see more, you can direct link through to this project at www.flamingotoes.com/2011/07/stitched-furniture-silhouettes.)…

Materials • One layer cake or 28 squares, 10in of assorted fabrics – see Note and Backing Tip (patchwork arrows) • 2.7m (3yd) light grey print fabric (patchwork background) • 1.1m (1 1/4yd) medium grey print fabric (appliqué background) • 1m (1 1/8yd) dark grey print fabric (sashing) • 70cm ( 3/4yd) black print fabric (appliqué arrows) • 75cm ( 7/8yd) white on black print fabric (binding) • 5.3m (5 7/8yd) backing fabric • Batting at least 265 x 220cm (104 x 86in) • Fusible web • Rotary cutter, ruler and mat • Sewing machine with 1/4in, free-motion/darning and walking feet • General sewing supplies Finished size: 246 x 197cm (97 x 77 1/2in) Finished block sizes: 9in square (half-square triangle); 9 x 18in (Arrowhead block) Note: Read…

Why this particular craft? Making items from fabric and thread is my favourite pastime. There is something very satisfying about cutting up fabric and sewing it together to create an original, one-of-a-kind item. I enjoy sewing and quilting and love to add extra details to my work with embroidery, patchwork and crochet. Have you tried plenty of others? There are few crafts I haven’t tried – as evidenced by my crafting room, where I have supplies to make practically anything I dream up. I’ve tried knitting, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, macramé, jewellery making, découpage, basket weaving and paper crafts, to name a few. If you weren’t doing this, what would occupy your free time? I work by day as an occupational therapist and then spend my spare time sewing, baking…

How many softies do you think you’ve made over the years? More than 100. I have been designing softies for approximately 10 years and more than 100 have made it to the release point. And there are many more that haven’t made the cut. How did this design come about – what was the source of your inspiration? I was thinking about a Wendy House (aka cubby) and, in my mind, a pig is the kind of toy you would find in the quintessential playhouse. She is part of a group of other toys that will be released in the future, one of which, Pockets the elephant, was featured in the February issue of Homespun. She doesn’t look much like a hardworking farm pig – too well-dressed for that. Where…

Materials • Patons Merino EXFM 8 ply 50g balls: 12 balls of Grey (2103) • Pair of 4.00mm (UK 8/ US 6) knitting needles • Cable needle • Spare 4.00mm (UK 8/ US 6) needle • Wool needle for sewing in ends • Small pompom maker or cardboard and compass Finished size: 25 x 170cm (10 x 67in) approx. Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. This is an intermediate 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 is from the same dye lot. To keep the scarf edges neat, join new balls of yarn seven stitches in from edge. The ends…

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…

Embroidered Landscapes by Judy Wilford, $49.99 This superb hardcover book documents the processes and techniques involved in designing and stitching realistic landscapes. Author Judy Wilford walks you through the equipment and materials you need, how to observe your local landscape and draw, then stitch, a design inspired by it, the specific stitches to use for landscape elements – trees, hills, water, sky etc – and finally, mounting and framing. Superb photographs illustrate the detailed text. Judy’s work is based on Australian landscapes, although her methods can be used for any terrain. Highly recommended. Published by Sally Milner Publishing. Available in craft and book shops. Phone (02) 4835 6212 or visit www.sallymilner.com.au  for stockist enquiries. Granny Squares & Shapes by Susan Pinner, $39.99 Susan Pinner has created some wonderful…

suck it and see! CROCHET FOR DUMMIES No, don’t take offence – they are actually for baby dummies! They are one of Patons Crochet Cuties patterns. Intermediate-level crocheters can whip these up in no time (in Regal 4ply cotton) so that they can be pinned to the child’s clothing. No more comforters dropped on the street. The pattern book is available from your favourite craft outlet, or contact Patons for your nearest stockist – call 1800 337 032 or visitwww.patonsyarns.com.au. FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE Okay, so a few crocheted acorns aren’t what you’d call life’s essentials, but boy, do they have charm. And a rainbow collection of them will speak volumes about your handmade style and creativity. Annemarie, from annemarieshaakblog.blogspot.nl, is responsible for ‘growing’ this little batch. (They are…

MEGAN NEDDS When you look at this cheetah in mid-chase, you’re struck by its realism. You’re taken along on its hunt for prey – its eye fixed on its quarry, its posture streamlined and its movement sleek and effortless. Similarly, a quick glance at the needle-felted foxes has you caught up in their play. You are right there with the little calf as it finds its feet for the first time. The bunny, you’d swear, had just popped up from its warren and was orienting itself before hopping off to rabbity adventures, all miraculously perfect with its spotted coat, long, listening ears and stretch of whiskers. Now consider that their creator, Megan Nedds, fashions these immaculate animal representations into mere 7-12in forms. They might be small but they are absolutely,…

Why this particular craft? I love working with colours and fabrics. I get excited cutting up the fabrics and seeing what effect it has. Have you tried plenty of others? Plenty! I’ve been a knitter since the age of five, when my grandmother taught me. I have also been a dressmaker, home decorator and cross-stitcher, amongst others. I tried tole painting and découpage because I love the look of it, but came back to my needles and threads. Any funny stories along the way? I really wanted to make a quilt and could not get my head around the time needed to make one. I found a book called Country Quilts in a Day. That’s it … only a day! Of course, it took a whole lot longer than a…

Why this particular craft? I love all sewing but especially patchwork and free-motion quilting. I enjoy doing any type of Christmas crafts and stitcheries and hand stitching bindings onto my quilts. Have you tried plenty of others? I’ve pretty much had a go at everything from knitting to scrapbooking, crochet to folk art, but always return to my sewing machines. Any funny stories along the way? I tried my hand at crocheting 18 months ago for the first time. I attended a class, but after three hours’ tuition, I only managed to produce a tiny knotted tangle of yarn, not at all resembling the granny square we had been taught. However, my 24-year-old daughter also attended the same class, and she is now totally ‘hooked’ and has made many wonderful…

“The colours reflect my love of things that are bright, modern and feminine.” “You love and enjoy sewing and quilting more if you’re working around the things you like.” You’d have to be living on another planet not to have noticed the recent surge of interest in charting family histories. There are now television programs on the subject and websites that can put you almost instantly in touch with your ancestors. But some people can simply track their lineage in stitches. Jemima Flendt is one of them. She comes from a creative lot, going back generations and, as the current link in the family chain, she’s now passing her skills and knowledge of sewing and quilting onto her daughters – just as tradition dictates. “My grandmother used to teach me…

Materials • 1.2m (1 1/4yd) natural linen (block backgrounds) • 1.5m (1 3/4yd) multicoloured floral print fabric (sashing and border) • 45cm ( 1/2yd) red floral print fabric (binding) • Fat eighth each of eight floral print fabrics (houses) • 2.8m (3 1/8yd) backing fabric • Batting at least 165 x 135cm (64 x 54in) • Rotary cutter, ruler and mat • Sewing machine •1/4in presser foot • General sewing supplies Finished size: 146 x 119cm (57 1/2 x 47in) Note: Read all instructions before commencing the project. A seam allowance of 1 /4in is included throughout for the patchwork. It is recommended that the fabrics other than the linen, be 100% cotton and all be pre-washed and well ironed. Requirements are based on fabrics 107cm…

Materials • 90cm (1yd) novelty print fabric (outer bag) • 1.4m (1 5/8yd) alphabet print fabric (lining) • 60cm ( 3/4yd) solid white fabric (embroidery background) • 30cm ( 3/8yd) yellow print fabric (handles) • 60cm (24in) square of lightweight fusible stabiliser such as Weaveline • DMC Stranded Embroidery Cotton in Medium Red (304), Very Dark Baby Blue (312), Very Dark Blue Violet (333), Medium Brown (433), Tan (436), Light Cranberry (604), Dark Beaver Grey (646), Medium Delft Blue (799), Ultra Dark Beaver Grey (844), Medium Rose (899), Dark Parrot Green (905), Light Copper (922), Light Mocha Brown (3782) and Straw (3821) • Embroidery needle • Zipper at least 15cm (6in) long (optional internal pocket)• 1.3m (1 1/2yd) batting• Fine-pointed fabric marker such as Zig or Pigma• Rotary cutter, ruler, mat• Sewing machine with standard…

First published in a magazine – In 2003, I did my first magazine project, which was a stitchery swag, featuring three angels, Angel Expressions Swag. First book – In 2005, I published my first book, FairyLand. I had so much fun, designing and sewing the projects and then using my skills as a graphic designer to put the book together. Opened a shop – In 2006, I opened my shop, Thread & Ginger, at Victoria Point, in Brisbane. My friend, Caryn Shotbolt, came into the business in 2009, and we loved working together in the shop, running classes and playing with fabric every day. We closed the shop in 2011, to concentrate on other pursuits, which meant I was able to give more time to designing, travelling to workshops and…

1 HOWARD 2 BUNDABERG 3 BUNDABERG 4 BUNDABERG & GLADSTONE 5 GLADSTONE 6 BILOELA 7 ROCKHAMPTON 8 ROCKHAMPTON 9 EMERALD 10 BARCALDINE 1. Howard VANCOOTENS HOWARD DRAPERY Where’s Howard: Howard is a small, rural town located in the Fraser Coast region, just 25 minutes from Hervey Bay and 20 minutes from Maryborough. Where in Howard: 71 Steley Street. We’re located just down the street from our local Friendly Grocer Store. Who plays host: Owned and run by Trevor Whitby and helpful staff member Mandy. Worth visiting because: Established over 40 years ago, we are a must-visit destination for any crafter or visitor to the area. The store houses more than 6,000 bolts of fabric for patchwork, and all the accessories a patchworker needs – from pins to backing fabrics and…

THIS MONTH’S DESIGNERS’ CONTACTS PROJECT 1: LIGHTNING FLASH Wendy Whellum Legend and Lace Website: www.legendandlace.com PROJECT 2: AZULEJOS ALMOFADA Prue Scott Email: prudence_scott@hotmail.com PROJECT 3: DISHING UP THE PAST Jennifer Reynolds Jenny of Elefantz Email: jennyofelefantz@bigpond.com  Website: www.elefantz.com Craftsy: www.craftsy.com/user/1146564/pattern-store PROJECT 4: MOVING FORWARD Rachael Hyde Email: rachael_hyde @yahoo.com.au  Facebook: Rachael Hyde PROJECT 5: FOUR ALL INTENTS & PURPOSES Lisa Cox A Spoonful of Sugar Email: aspoonfullofsugargirls@ gmail.com  Website: www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ aspoonfullofsugar Facebook: www.facebook.com/ aspoonfulofsugardesigns Instagram: @aspoonfulsugar PROJECT 6: PEGGY TURNIP Simone Gooding May Blossom Website: www.mayblossom.com.au , www.evieandthebear.com PROJECT 7: HOUSES OF LIBERTY Sedef Imer Down Grapevine Lane Email: sedef@downgrapevinelane.com  Blog: www.downgrapevinelane.com PROJECT 9: FROM COVER TO COVER Natashia Curtin Smee Designs Email:…

Qld – Brisbane May 27-29 Redcliffe Henzell St Quilters’ biennial show; Redcliffe Showgrounds, Scarborough Rd. There will be traders’ stalls and raffles. Open Fri and Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 9am-2.30pm. Entry $5, which includes morning or afternoon tea. Funds raised from the show will go towards making quilts for various charities, hospitals and districts. Qld – Country May 14-15 Peachester Mountain Quilters’ Club Quilt Show ‘On Fire’; Peachester Community Hall, Peachester Rd. The show will offer displays, traders’ tables and craft stalls, and refreshments are available for visitors. Proceeds from raffle quilt will go to Sunshine Linus Group. Open Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 9am-3pm. Entry $5. More information: Phone Anne Dunne on (07) 3203 5297 or 0408 721 118. Vic – Melbourne May 7-22 Wandin Patchwork Quilt Exhibition; Warratina Lavender Farm, 105…

Scrap by the yard The owner of this workroom was so chuffed with her patchwork wall that she decided to mirror the effect in the design of her sewing-machine cover. Onto a background of red-and-white polka dots, she added simple patchwork squares. You’ll also notice that strips of coordinating fabric have been sewn together then cut into a circle to make a seat pad. The result of these small decorative additions is that the elements of the room marry perfectly, carrying the creative ideas from one side of the space to the other. A patched work of art! Patch as patch can Here’s a cute idea using paper offcuts and wallpaper samples to make a patchwork wall. Our thought is: if you can do this with paper, you can do…

Materials • 40cm (16in) square of Permin 32-count natural/ undyed evenweave linen (cross-stitch background) – see Note • 40cm (16in) square of coordinating blue and white fabric (cushion back) • DMC Stranded Embroidery Cotton: three skeins each of Blanc (white) and Grey Blue (161); two skeins of Dark Navy Blue (823); one skein each of Very Light Cornflower Blue (157), Medium Very Dark Cornflower Blue (158), Pearl Grey (415) and Medium Antique Blue (931) – see Note • Size 24 or 26 tapestry needle • Machine-sewing thread • 50cm (20in) cushion insert • General sewing supplies Stitches used: Backstitch, cross stitch, quarter cross stitch, running stitch Finished size: 37cm (14 3/4in) square Design areas: 10.5cm (4 1/8in) square each tile; 21.5cm (8 3/8in) square full design on 32-count fabric Note:…

How would you describe your particular craft style? The heart of my stitchery designs (hopefully) reflects the authenticity of who I am as a person: a homemaker, pursuer of gentle domestic arts, nature-lover, Christian. Did your distinctive style happen over time or was it immediate when you started stitching? Over time. At first, I dabbled a lot, having no idea where I was with regards to style, because it was all so new. Nowadays, I’m comfortable in my Jenny stride and feel no regrets shredding good sketches that don’t truly ‘fit’. And I’m not averse to cutting a half-stitched design into pieces for the same reason. Are you good at all the crafts you’ve tried? Ha ha ha!! No way! Back in the early 2000s, I wanted to try folk…

Allie’s mum taught her to sew at age seven. Twenty-two years later, it’s all she can think about. She’s “passionate about keeping creativity the top priority” in her life. Allie wants to make garment sewing less daunting, so she curates a great selection of sewing patterns, resources and fabric to take the frustration out of making your own clothes. Her business, Indiesew, is an online sewing community for modern stitchers. The aim of the business is to provide high-quality sewing patterns, always created by independent designers, and release apparel fabrics in collections that are season appropriate and on-trend. Indiesew members have added nearly 1,000 creations and pattern reviews to take the guesswork out of purchasing an indie sewing pattern! Allie Olson, Indiesew can be contacted at: Website: www.indiesew.com Email: info@indiesew.com…

You’re about to launch your first fabric range, aren’t you? What’s it like? I’m super excited about my first fabric line, which I have designed for Riley Blake. It’s called ‘Sweet Orchard’, a cheerful floral and fruity line, in pink, aqua and grey, with yellow and green accents. In designing the line, I have taken a lot of inspiration from repro-style fabrics, with lots of classic patterns, such as doilies, stripes and dots featuring throughout the range. As a quilter, I love to work with certain styles of fabric that are sometimes hard to find – bias stripes in pink, aqua and red is one example. So it was amazing to have the opportunity to design my own fabric. Have you always wanted to design your own fabric collection or…

How would you describe your particular craft style? ‘Askew’. Diva cockatoos, vacuumed cats, Santa falling off a roof; I tend to find opportunity for the ridiculous in most situations. Every now and again, I behave myself and do a ‘straight’ design – but I do love having a giggle, even if stitching and appliqué haven’t historically been a comedic art form. Did your distinctive style happen over time or was it immediate when you started stitching? ‘Funny fat-faced people’, as my sister calls it, has always been with me, but I think it’s been a personal journey to embrace that difference and work with it, rather than trying to fit in with something more serious and traditional. I didn’t think being ‘silly’ would work with stitcheries, then I released Subversive…