Australian Homespun February 2023/March 2023

Welcome to 2023, welcome to summer and welcome to part one of the fantastic 2023 Block of the Month! Following our lovely 2021 BOM A Letter to my Daughter by Natalie Bird, we are delighted to be sharing another of Natalie's whimsical patchwork designs for this year's BOM. Owl & Hare Hollow is inspired by Natalie's love for the countryside with its winding country lanes, tea and scones in the garden, watching the flowers sway in the breeze, the bees dancing above, and a house on a hill watching over it all. Sharing the same name as Natalie's new fabric range, Owl & Hare Hollow will feature exclusive stitcheries, labels and a special border print! Find your nearest stockist for these gorgeous fabrics on page 37. In addition to this exciting launch,…

Even those of us who aren't avid fans of British musician/ pop star Harry Styles are probably aware that he caused something of a fashion frenzy on social media when he was photographed in a patchwork crochet cardigan. Users of the TikTok app documented themselves learning how to crochet and recreating variations of the cardigan at home. To date there have been more than 100 million views of #harrystylescardigan! The cardigan was created by designer JW Anderson and the pattern to make your own is now available on the company's website at www.jwanderson.com/gb/cardigan-pattern And as an indication that the cardigan has achieved icon status, the original has been acquired for the Fashion Collection at London's Victoria & Albert Museum. Over and over again Have you fallen in love with an appliqué pattern in…

COURAGEOUS CRAFTING In a display of power and hope, family members and secondary survivors of historic abuse by members of the clergy have told their stories in an Australian-first book. The Story of the Quilt of Hope was launched in Ballarat, Vic, late last year; it's a collation of tales from people who took a stand to make their voices heard. The book follows the creation of the Quilt of Hope, a quilt made of 80 hand- and machine-stitched panels embroidered with messages and symbols. It was created by more than 80 Catholic parishioners in Ballarat, the mothers of survivors of abuse who contributed to the quilt between 2010 and 2019. It was envisioned, designed and made by Beryl Andersen and Carmel Moloney. The quilt now resides in the Museum of Australian…

Please notify us at least four months before the event. Victoria Through to March 19 Ararat The Lady Barbara Grimwade Collection Ararat Gallery Textile Art Museum Australia (TAMA) 82 Vincent Street, Ararat More information: gallery@ararat.vic.gov.au January 13-15 Warrnambool Warrnambool Quilt Show Brauer College 37 Caramut Road, Warrnambool More information: www.victorianquilters.org/event/warrnambool-quilt-show January 27-April 1 Bairnsdale Textile Biennale Bairnsdale Gallery 2 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale More information: (03) 5153 1988, info@eastgippslandart March 4 Terang Terang Quilt Show Presbyterian Church Hall High Street, Terang More information: Margaret (03) 5592 1354 or marmac51@hotmail.com Queensland January 27-March 11 Logan Helen Miller Exhibition Limited-edition digital prints, theatrical masks and costumes and a collection of signature ready-to-wear silk dresses. Logan Art Gallery Corner Jacaranda Avenue and Wembley Road, Logan City More information: www.logan.qld.gov.au/artgallery England Through to April 16 London Africa Fashion Victoria & Albert Museum London, England More information: www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/africa-fashion…

In the south-eastern region of Pakistan lies Tharparkar, a rural ‘green desert’ area and home to many talented artisans. They include the now Sydney-based artist Maham Mustafa Talpur, who continues to be inspired by the folk culture and traditional crafts of her hometown. On her trips back to Tharparkar, Maham visits local farms and villages and always admires their beautiful textiles and craftsmanship, spending all day listening to stories and learning about embroidery. “I have always given priority to the revival of local and traditional crafts in my village that belong to our historical ethnicity,” says Maham. “I want it to be known around the world how great this work is and how much effort goes into making these colourful works in our culture and all other cultures.” Maham's style of embroidery…

Welcome to the gorgeous 2023 Block of the Month designed by Natalie Bird. The design features 48, 8in blocks presenting a collection of pieced, appliqué and stitchery blocks —&from sweet little hexagons to Dresden Plates, Coff in Wheel blocks and lots of delightful elements. Each part will include a collection of the diff erent techniques to keep you engaged and challenged! This issue includes the full materials list for the entire project. The fabrics used are from Natalie's most recent fabric collection — Owl & Hare Hollow —and two previous ranges — Blume and Grow and Birdhouse Basics. You can make this quilt from your stash or perhaps some new purchases — whatever pleases you. If you wish to make it in the same fabrics that Natalie has used, including the…