Australian Homespun December 2021/January 2022

Welcome to our special Mindful issue. With all the anxiety and concerns of living through a pandemic, including the numerous lockdowns, many Australians (and people around the world) are experiencing higher levels of stress. So, we have curated a collection of projects that will offer some solace, advice and activities that encompass the notion of wellbeing and mindfulness. We asked our contributors to design projects with this in mind, and we also asked them how they are coping through these times. Most of the projects are hand sewing; the slower method is a more calming practice. And we include a few machine-sewn quilts, with appliqué and embroidery thrown in, and two very bright quilts to alleviate your mood. Also machine sewn, is a fabulous yoga mat bag designed by Ali Phillips, that…

EMBROIDERED BAUBLES Keep Christmas memories alive, and celebrate the spirit of giving with beautiful Christmas ornaments. Stitch the flat panel and then attach to an ornament for a gift that will be used for years to come. You can find the free design download at: www.juliehalldesigns/ pages/free-designs FEDERATION FAIRIES Margaret Clark was one of Australia’s most celebrated illustrators during the Art Deco era. Many of her magical fantasy illustrations appeared in children’s magazines and advertising. Her designs and work, preserved by www.federationfairies.com.au, is among the most iconic of Australia’s children’s classics. Some of her designs have been brought to life on fabric in the new Federation Fairies range by Devonstone Collection. Check out the fabric collection at: www.twogreenzebras.com/ category/2064-federation-fairies-october-2021 GO WITH THE FLOW Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi first introduced the concept of ‘flow’ in 2004. Flow…

As the country opens its borders, and learns to coexist with Covid, many local guild quilt shows will be able to go ahead with their in-person events. 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 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 December 2–5 Melbourne Australasian Quilt Convention Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, Melbourne More information: www.aqc.com.au/about-us February 18–20 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…

From a kaleidoscope of butterflies to a field of wildflowers and an iridescent peacock — the winged, feathered and colourful have captured Beth Hoyes’ imagination. In her embroidered artworks, she replicates the delicate patterns and rich colours found in nature while exploring the symbolic meaning and folklore of different creatures. Butterflies, in particular, are especially significant for Beth. “I was drawn to the symbolism of butterflies being transformative creatures, which resonated with me when moving from the UK to the USA and the adaptability needed in experiencing a new culture and setting,” she says. Beth moved to Denver, Colorado, four years ago, where she was introduced to a whole new environment of inspiration, including campervan trips to the Rocky Mountains with her husband. “The mountains are beautiful and full of nature,…

MATERIALS • 30cm (12in) square of bone coloured natural linen fabric• 30cm (12in) square of lightweight fusible interfacing• DMC Stranded Embroidery Floss: Mid Brown (433), Blue Green (502), Ultra Very Light Beige Brown (543), Dark Moss Green (580), Light Drab Brown (612), Light Beaver Grey (648), Dark Orange Spice (720), Mid Old Gold (729), Very Light Terra Cotta (758), Dark Beige Brown (839), Hunter Green (3346), Mid Yellow Green (3347), Very Dark Antique Blue (3750), Light Terra Cotta (3778), Terra Cotta (3830)• Fine permanent-marking pen or erasable fabric-marking pen• Embroidery needle• Machine-sewing thread to match the linen fabric• 20cm (8in) embroidery display hoop• General sewing supplies A kit is available for $29 — it includes DMC threads, pre-transferred stitchery pattern on linen and woven iron-on stabiliser. Contact Amy Kallissa to order. Contact…

How important is it to you to sit in a favourite chair and slowly stitch during the pandemic? For me personally, stitching has always been my happy place and my own form of therapy. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, I’ve noticed that my anxiety levels have increased. There are so many more uncertainties in life and a general feeling of displacement now. It’s been so important during these times to regularly take a step back, sit in my favourite chair and stitch. Even if it’s only for 10 minutes, I can have a moment of clarity where I can regain a tiny bit of control and still get a sense of accomplishment — even if it’s just one lazy daisy!…