Innehållsförteckning för February 2024/March 2024 från Australian Homespun

Welcome to the first issue of 2024! By now, the kids and grandkids should be back at school and you just might have some time to indulge yourself in reading some interesting articles and/or starting some new projects for the year! All the projects in this issue are wonderful, and I am sure you will find something appealing. However, as it is the February issue, we have the great pleasure to present the Homespun 2024 Block of the Month quilt. This year’s quilt has been lovingly designed by Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched using fabrics from the new-release, special Jubilee range from Tilda Fabrics. Turn to page 22 to see the gorgeous Sunshine & Lollipops quilt, we’d love to have you sew along with us through the year! The…

WORK YOUR SCRAPS We’re always on the lookout for new ways to use up scraps of fabric, so we were delighted to discover American crafter and blogger Claudia, who has created a series of articles and YouTube videos that she’s called “Working Our Scraps Off”. One of her projects provides an opportunity to take a break from your sewing machine and try your hand at decoupage. Just look at the gorgeous — and inexpensive — containers she’s created using fabric scraps and cheap glass bowls and jars. Claudia buys hers at what she calls “a dollar store”. Here in Australia, we’d probably refer to “a $2 shop” or “discount shop”. Go to www.createwithclaudia.com/2021/06/how-to-fabric-decoupage-a-dollar-store-glass-container for all the steps and the link to the YouTube video. IN PLAIN ENGLISH If you’re interested…

• Put the pattern right side up on top of a lightbox or a sunny window. Lay the fabric you have chosen for each shape, also right side facing up, over the shape. Trace the shape onto the fabric with a fine water-erasable fabric-marking pen. • Cut the shape out of fabric a scant 1⁄4in by eye outside the traced line. • Repeat to cut fabric for every shape in the design. • Shapes marked with a dashed line are overlapped by other shapes, so they need to be appliquéd first — you don’t need to stitch the edges that are covered. • Position the first shape on the background and hold it in place with a couple of dots of basting glue or appliqué pins. Knot the end of…

MATERIALS ⚪ 20 × 50cm (8 × 20in) rectangle Clementine solid fabric (flower #5) ⚪ 13 × 25.5cm (5 × 10in) rectangle Ruby solid fabric (flower #6) ⚪ 7 × 50cm (3 × 20in) rectangle Melon solid fabric (flower #3) ⚪ 7 × 50cm (3 × 20in) rectangle Bright Pink solid fabric (flower #1) ⚪ 25.5cm (10in) square Candy Pink solid fabric (flower #4) ⚪ 7 × 50cm (3 × 20in) rectangle Cheddar Yellow solid fabric (flower centres) ⚪ 13cm (5in) square each of Lime, Grass Green, Sprout solid fabrics (leaves) ⚪ 3.5 × 18cm (1½ × 7in) rectangle Ochre solid fabric (small flower centres) ⚪ 13 × 25.5cm (5 × 10in) Pomegranate solid fabric (small flower petals) ⚪ 60cm (⅝yd) black crosses on white print fabric (background and backing) ⚪…

MATERIALS ⚪ 30cm (⅜yd) each of seven dark floral print fabrics Julie used fabrics from the For Laura range by Devonstone Collection: DV5688, DV5689, DV5694, DV5695, DV5697, DV5698, DV5702 ⚪ 25cm (¼yd) each of four medium floral print fabrics Julie used fabrics from the For Laura range by Devonstone Collection: DV5692, DV5693, DV5696, DV5699 ⚪ 1m (1¼yd) pink floral print fabric (DV5690) ⚪ 3.3m (3.5yd) white solid fabric ⚪ 1.4m (1½yd) berry solid fabric (blocks and binding) ⚪ 4.8m (4½yd) backing fabric ⚪ Batting at least 240 × 240cm (96 × 95in) ⚪ Rotary cutter, ruler and mat ⚪ Mechanical pencil ⚪ Sewing machine with ¼inch foot ⚪ General sewing supplies Finished size: 184cm (72½in) square Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. It is recommended that fabrics be…

Thank you to Joni for modelling the sunhat and providing the photographs. MATERIALS ⚪ Lion Brand Rewind Tape Yarn Chunky, 100g/3.5oz, 200m/219yd: 2 skeins of Willow ⚪ Crochet hooks: Woman’s Medium — 5.5 mm (UK 5, US I/9), 6mm (UK 4, US J/10); Woman’s Large — 6mm (UK 4, US J/10), 6.5 mm (UK 3, US K/10.5) ⚪ Scissors ⚪ Stitch markers ⚪ Measuring tape ⚪ Yarn needle Sizing: Woman’s Medium: to fit a 56cm–58.5cm (22in–23in) head circumference Woman's Large: to fit a 58.5cm–61cm (23in–24in) head circumference Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. This is an intermediate-level crochet project. Australian/UK terminology is used; North American readers should consult a crochet manual to ensure they interpret the instructions correctly. ABBREVIATIONS Ch(s) = chain(s); dc = double crochet; HBhtr = herringbone…

MATERIALS ⚪ One layer cake or 27 squares, 10in of assorted fabrics – see Note ⚪ 1.5m (1¾yd) white solid fabric (background) ⚪ 1.4m (1½yd) pink tone-on-tone print fabric (border and binding) ⚪ 3.8m (4⅛yd) backing fabric ⚪ Batting at least 180cm (70in) square ⚪ Pencil ⚪ Rotary cutter, ruler and mat ⚪ Sewing machine with 1/4in and free-motion feet ⚪ General sewing supplies Finished size: 158cm (62in) square Finished block size: 9in Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. It is recommended that fabrics be 100% cotton, pre-washed and well ironed, however, you may prefer not to wash the pre-cuts to avoid them fraying. Requirements are based on fabric 107cm (42in) wide. Seam allowances of ¼in are used throughout. Kate used the Color Me Happy range by Vanessa Christensen for…

These are just a few of them … JULIE FENN I have designed and made more than 250 quilts, which are regularly loaned out as samples to patchwork shops that sell my patterns. I have been fortunate to win awards at the annual Melbourne Quilt Showcase. As well, my quilts have been published in Homespun and Quilters Companion. Lately I have had the pleasure of working with fabrics from the Tilda collections and Two Green Zebras. Occasionally, I participate in a mystery block of the month and more recently doll quilt swaps just for fun. After all this time I still love the process of designing and making quilts as well as helping others along their quiltmaking journey. PROJECT: Sweet Surprise — page 60 HELEN STUBBINGS I live in Hobart, Tasmania.…

As textile sculptor Bryony Rose Jennings describes, it was a mad moment when she and a friend decided to construct a life-size patchwork donkey for a seaside exhibition. Over a few days and nights, and using materials on hand, the donkey sculpture covered in beautiful patches of fabric and full of personality came to life. Since the success of this first piece, Bryony has created a menagerie of remarkable textile sculptures, from sweet birds perched on spools to floral mice and ornate foxes, all made from reclaimed and repurposed fabric and haberdashery. Bryony works from her home studio on the south coast of the UK and likens her workspace to a ‘nest’ of fabric treasures. “My room is a really eclectic space; it has wall-toceiling shelving along one side, which…

This quilt has a number of blocks using simple machine piecing, such as Nine-patch blocks and Snowball blocks. Very rarely do I use different shaped templates. I mostly just cut squares, which I piece together or sew along the diagonal to create triangles. When machine piecing, I always use a ¼in seam allowance. A ¼in machine foot makes piecing more accurate. I use a Perspex quilters’ ruler, cutting mat and rotary cutter to cut squares, then I piece them using chain piecing (ie piecing two squares together one after the other in procession), so as to make piecing faster and to prevent thread wastage. Many of my pieced triangle blocks have been made by sewing two squares, right sides together, diagonally from corner to corner along a drawn line, then…

MATERIALS ⚪ 25cm (¼yd) each of eight assorted blue and green fabric prints (A) ⚪ 2.75m (3yd) white solid fabric (B) ⚪ 2m (2½yd) teal print fabric (C) ⚪ Batting at least 203cm (80in) square ⚪ 4m (4½yd) backing fabric ⚪ Rotary cutter, ruler and mat ⚪ Sewing machine with ¼in foot ⚪ General sewing supplies Finished size: 183cm (72in) square Finished block size: 12½in square 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 fabrics 107cm (42in) wide. Seam allowances of ¼in are used throughout except where otherwise stated. CUTTING 1 From each of the eight assorted blue/green print fabrics (A), cut: • One strip, 3in across the width of the fabric. Crosscut them to…

MATERIALS ⚪ 70cm (¾yd) cream tone-on-tone fabric (appliqué background) ⚪ One fat eighth pink tone-on-tone fabric (corner hearts)B ⚪ One fat eighth tightly-packed floral print fabric (Broderie Perse flowers on hearts and wheelbarrow) ⚪ 30cm (12in) square of nine different print fabrics (pieced border) ⚪ 90cm (1yd) green tone-on-tone fabric (inner border, outer border, binding, rod pocket) ⚪ 25cm (10in) square of nine different coloured fabrics (centrepiece appliqués) ⚪ 1.1m (1¼yd) backing fabric ⚪ 107cm (42in) square of batting ⚪ 80cm (⅞yd) fusible web ⚪ Ceramic marker ⚪ 15cm (6in) square of template plastic or tracing paper ⚪ Permanent marker pen ⚪ 70cm (¾yd) fusible embroidery stabiliser ⚪ Olympus stranded cotton embroidery floss: Dark Salmon Pink (165), Light Green (210), Leaf Green (235), Soft Green (261), Apricot (531), Lemon (551), Yellow (553), White…

MATERIALS ⚪ Ricorumi Cotton DK (light worsted, 8 ply): Cream (002) skin, Raspberry (013) back of head and hair, Wine Red (029) hair, fringe and skirt, Salmon (021) underwear, Light Green (046) top, White (001) skirt ⚪ Sport-weight cotton yarn (fine, 4 ply): Peony Leaf (086) strawberry top and skirt ⚪ 2.5mm (US1.5/UK14) crochet hook ⚪ 2.0mm (US0/UK12) crochet hook (for strawberry top only) ⚪ Fibrefill (toy stuffing) ⚪ Yarn needle ⚪ Straight pins ⚪ Black embroidery floss (face details) ⚪ Embroidery needle ⚪ Small amount of light pink yarn ⚪ Stitch marker (optional) Finished size: 22cm (8½in) tall Note: This pattern uses US crochet terminology. For equivalent Australian/UK terms, refer to the table. The yarn used is DK weight cotton yarn (light worsted, 8 ply). Adjust hook size to suit the yarn…

HOOK, PROD, PUNCH, TUFT: CREATIVE TECHNIQUES WITH FABRIC AND FIBRE Lynne Stein This colourfully illustrated guide introduces new and established crafters to the traditional skills of hooking and its close relations prodding, punching and tufting. Textile artist Lynne Stein gives advice on materials, tools and equipment, and provides step-by-step directions for 20 projects exploring playful design and quirky creativity, including rugs, cushions, bags and personal accessories. There are also lots of helpful hints on sustainably repurposing fabrics, yarns and other precious and useful items that might otherwise be discarded. A brief history of the traditional textile craft of rag rug making and other techniques and ideas for their inclusion in community projects all demonstrate the vast potential for experimentation, self-expression and creativity within these processes. Published by Bloomsbury ANYONE CAN…

NSW ACT Crafty Frog Shop 4, 107 Marconi Crescent, Kambah 2902 Ph: (02) 6296 6240 shop.crafty.frog@gmail.com craftyfrog.com.au Open: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–3.30pm The Sewing Shoppe 6/51 Tennant Street, Fyshwick 2609 Ph: (02) 6239 1214 sales@sewingshoppe.com.au www.sewingshoppe.com.au Open: Wed–Sun 10am–4pm SYDNEY Banksia Yarns 3c East Market Street, Richmond 2753 Ph: (02) 4505 1615 shop@banksiayarns.com.au www.banksiayarns.com.au Open: Mon–Fri 9.30am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–1pm Bumble Bee Designs Ph: 0414 264 953 bumblebeedesignsboutique@gmail.com www.bumblebeedesignsboutique.com Open: Online 24/7 Lyn’s Fine Needlework 2/9 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills 2153 Ph: (02) 9686 2325 lynsneedlework@aol.com www.lynsfineneedlework.com.au Open: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–4pm Stitch 485 Willoughby Road, Willoughby 2068 Ph: (02) 9958 6038 hello@stitchshop.com.au www.stitchshop.com.au Open: Mon–Sat 10am–4:00pm SOUTH WEST SYDNEY Sew Can I Shop 3, 21 Lavin Crescent, Werrington County 2747 Ph: (02) 9623 4570 sewcani@yahoo.com.au www.sewcani.com.au Open: Mon 9am–4.30pm,…

Let us know about your events – email details to dsegaert@umco.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. Victoria March 29 – April 1 Bendigo Bendigo and District Quilters’ Biennial Exhibition A Parade of Quilts St Andrew’s Uniting Church Hall, 26 Myers Street, Bendigo More information: Christine Bourke 0400 543 069 New South Wales April 27–28 Queanbeyan Queanbeyan Quilters’ Exhibition of Quilts Bicentennial Hall, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan More information: queanbeyanquilters@gmail.com May 3 – June 23 Windsor The New Quilt 2024 Hawkesbury Regional Gallery 300 George Street, Windsor More information: thenewquilt@quiltnsw.com August 23–25 Wangi Wangi Wangi Quilters’ Club Biennial Quilt Show Wangi District Workers' Club 11–19 Market Street, Wangi Wangi More information: wangiquilters@gmail.com New…

PART 1 Welcome to the 2024 Homespun Block of the Month! The quilt is full of cupcakes and party hats, monkeys, ducks, cats and elephants enjoying time with their favourite friends at tea parties with bunches of flowers, sunshine and lollipops. In this first instalment, we share the materials required. Anni has used Tilda Jubilee and Farm Flowers fabric ranges. A kit of the required fabrics can be purchased from our sponsored shops, which can be found on page 37. Alternatively, you can use fabrics from your stash. Turn to page 25 to see the section of the quilt that will be presented in this issue. You will sew Nine-patch and Two-patch blocks, Snowball blocks and a triangle border, as well as two appliqué blocks and stitcheries. Proudly brought to…

MATERIALS ⚪ 25cm (10in) square of black and white printed fabric (background) ⚪ 15 × 10cm (6 × 4¼in) of patterned fabric ⚪ 7cm (3in) square of yellow fabric (circle) ⚪ 21cm (8½in) 2cm wide trim ⚪ 10cm (4¼in) 1.5cm wide lace ⚪ DMC satin stranded thread: Very Light Tan (S739), Snow White (S5200) ⚪ DMC stranded embroidery thread: Ecru, Dark Garnet (814), Dark Hunter Green (3345), Medium Pine Green (3363), Dark Straw Yellow (3820) ⚪ Bohin crewel embroidery needle: size 7 ⚪ Invisible thread . Amanda used BottomLine by Libby Lehman ⚪ 3.5cm (1½in) diameter button ⚪ 13 × 8cm (5½ × 4in) iron-on stabiliser ⚪ 5cm (2¼in) square of iron-on batting (circle) ⚪ 13 × 8cm (5½ × 3½in) iron-on batting (daisy stitchery) ⚪ Frame with 20cm (8in)…

QUEENSLAND COLLECTION American company Knitting Fever supplies their yarns to many countries across the continents. One of their ranges is called Queensland Collection. This collection is inspired by the landscape and natural beauty of the Australian continent. The range is available from various yarn stores around Australia. With types such as Adelaide, Cairns, Coastal Cotton, Uluru, Rainbow Beach, Myrtle and more and yarns such as cotton, wool, blends, linen, silk, cashmere and recycled yarns there is a type and yarn that is just perfect for your next project. You can find these ranges at Banksia Yarns: (02) 4505 1615, www.banksiayarns.com.au and Crafty Frog: (02) 6296 6240, www.craftyfrog.com.au QUILTING AND KNITTING Fox’s Cottage started in 2015 as a bit of an experiment and has now grown to encompass a very large range of…

MATERIALS ⚪ 1.2m (1¼yd) white fabric (A) ⚪ 35cm (⅜yd) blue stripe fabric for binding (B) ⚪ 90cm (1yd) backing fabric (C) ⚪ Assorted scraps of brown, grey and black fabric ⚪ Batting at least 91 × 110cm (36 × 42in) ⚪ Paper for foundations ⚪ Paper-backed fusible web: 42 × 33in (17 × 13½in) ⚪ Sharp scissors ⚪ Rotary cutter, ruler and mat ⚪ Sewing machine with ¼in foot ⚪ General sewing supplies Finished size: 92 × 76cm (36½ × 30in) 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 fabrics 107cm (42in) wide. Seam allowances of ¼in are used throughout. This project uses foundation piecing and the instructions assume a good working knowledge of…

Create your dream table-scape with colourful embroidered placemats. The Strawberry Thief offers templates to easily create the perfect wavy edge. Have fun with a variety of stitches to embellish the gingham checks. Experiment with different embroidery patterns and colour combinations to make your set unique and brighten up your home! Visit The Strawberry Thief blog for a printable template and step-by-step instructions: www.thestrawberrythief.com.au/embroidered-placemats…

Australian Yarn Company Ph: (03) 5442 4673, website: www.ausyarnco.com.au Banksia Yarns Ph: (02) 4505 1615, website: www.banksiayarns.com.au Batik Oetoro Ph: (02) 4943 8808, website: www.dyeman.com Bernina Australia Ph: 1800 237 646, website: www.bernina.com/en-AU Bumble Bee Designs Ph: 0414 264 953, website: bumblebeedesignsboutique.com Clover Manufacturing Email: info@clover-mfg.com. Websire: www.clover-mfg.com Crafty Frog Ph: (02) 6296 6240, Website: www.craftyfrog.com.au Dragonfly Fabrics Ph: (08) 3889 6024, website: www.dragonfabric.com.au Fabric Pixie Ph: 0415 826 994, website: www.fabricpixie.com.au Faeries in my Garden Ph: (07) 3869 0808, website: www.faeriesinmygarden.com.au Fox's Cottage Ph: +64 6 363 5880, website: www.foxscottage.co.nz Handzon Ph: +64 3 423 3544, website: www.handzon.co.nz House of Patchwork Ph: +64 9 420 6355, website: www.houseofpatchwork.co.nz Hugs 'n Kisses Ph: (03) 6200 1304, website: www.wequilt.com.au Janome Website: www.janome.com.au Knot Knitting Ph: 0411 452 591, website: www.knotknitting.com.au Kornacraft…