Australian Homespun October/November 2021

This issue is brimming with creative spring projects! A jolt of creativity is just what we need after the winter months, and we are sure you will find something that sparks your interest inside. We share another crocheted and felted softie from Letisha Kirkland – after the huge success of her bunny earlier this year we are delighted to share Ruby the Reindeer – you are going to love her! Our other yarn crafts include a child's knitted dress and a crocheted cushion cover. There is an adorable collection of patchwork quilts to make in this issue. Lesley McConnell shares Happy Little Bluebirds – a traditional Irish Chain pattern enhanced with sweet bluebirds and hexagons; Samantha Dorn shares a ‘plaid’ design made in sweet sorbet colours; and Marilyn Bell shares a vibrant…

CROCHET CANOPY The Plaza de los Marineros in El Rompido, in the municipality of Cartaya, Spain, has been covered with a crocheted sunshade made by 40 local women as part of the ‘Sorority Cartayera, the network’ project. The canopy is made up of 320 pieces. Activities such as this help the locals through the pandemic, allowing them to keep busy and to stay in contact with one another. CLASSIC GRANNY SQUARES With their vintage look and air of nostalgia, these granny squares make a classic hot-water bottle cosy. To find this and more patterns, visit www. thepatchwork heart.co.uk NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HIGH GRANNY CROCHET Di Leonardo Colacicco of LC23 is an Italian fashion designer who likes to collaborate with sneaker brands. In the past he has collaborated with Diadora with a Peanuts theme and…

Tasmania November 5–7 Hobart Tasmanian Quilting Guild Annual Showcase Island Quilts The Goods Shed Evans Street Victoria November 11–14 Melbourne Victorian Quilters' Showcase Exhibition Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf More information: exhibitions@victorianquilters.org November 11 – December 18 Box Hill Australian Quilts in Public Places Exhibition Box Hill Art Space, Box Hill Town Hall 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill More information: exhibitions@victorianquilters.org 18–20 February Box Hill Ruby Jubilee Members’ Exhibition Australian Quilters Association Box Hill Town Hall 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill More information: www.australianquiltersassociation.com New South Wales November 13–14 Campbelltown Campbelltown Patchwork and Quilters’ Guild Exhibition Campbelltown Civic Centre, Queen Street, Campbelltown More information: Denise 0425 226 379 Due to Covid, some of the planned events may be postponed or cancelled. Please check with the individual organisers to ensure the event is going ahead on the dates printed here.…

The Janome CoverPro 3000 Professional has been launched! The new and improved model boasts exceptional capabilities such as the Top Cover Stitching with the choice of triple top cover stitch, narrow 3mm stitches or wide 6mm stitches. The Top Cover Stitch Guide with spreader is built-in and the Fine Mode Switching Lever changes machine settings to sew lightweight fabrics, both of which are an industry first. Additional user-friendly features include built-in needle threader, retractable sewing light for improved visibility and thread chain off at the end of stitching. These features, combined with the heavy-duty professional design, will redefine the sewing experience for users, allowing them to be more creative, more productive and precise. Hiroshi Ikuta, Managing Director of Janome Australia said, “The CoverPro 3000 Professional is a genuine step-up in terms of…

Australian artist Robyn Rich loves spending time at the green grocer, cake shop and veggie patch. Not to devour the edible goods, but to take in the shapes, textures and colours found there. It’s here where she gathers inspiration for her fabric sculptures. Robyn turns everyday, perishable items into lasting works of art. Her creations are testament to her skill, talent and patience, which is especially evident in one of her most eye-catching pieces. Robyn stitched thousands upon thousands of French knots to create her cauliflower fabric sculpture. “I think I was doing them in my sleep,” says Robyn. “Each little floret was made up of many separate circles of fabric, which were then stitched with French knots, formed into the right shape and cauliflower.” The FFrench knots realistically form…

MATERIALS • 16 pastel fat quarters* (blocks)• 1.1m (1 1/4yd) tiny floral print fabric (block background)• 70cm ( 3/4yd) solid light blue fabric (block sashing)• 10cm ( 1/8yd) floral print fabric (block centre)• 60cm ( 5/8yd) solid pink fabric (sashing)• 15cm ( 1/4yd) solid dark pink fabric (sashing centre)• 10cm ( 1/8yd) solid mustard fabric (cornerstone)• 60cm ( 3/4yd) binding fabric• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• 4m (4 1/2yd) backing fabric• Batting at least 200cm (77in) square• Sewing machine with 1/4in foot• General sewing supplies Finished size: 180cm (71in) square Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. Requirements are based on fabric 107cm (42in) wide. It is recommended that the fabrics be 100% cotton, pre-washed and well ironed. Seam allowances of a scant 1/4in are used throughout. CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS 1 From each of…