Australian Homespun February/March 2022

Welcome to our first issue of 2022. We are delighted to continue to share fun and fabulous ideas to make for yourself, family, friends and home. We also enjoy introducing you to talented craftspeople and designers. In this issue, we share articles about three different designers. In Selvedge, we introduce you to Australian textile artist, Jill Ffrench. We also introduce fabric designer Rachael Flynn and fabric and interiors designer, author and quilt and kit designer, Kaari Meng of French General. Kaari has designed the 2022 Homespun Block of the Month. The medallion-style quilt features fabrics from her latest fabric range, Bonheur du Jour, and we share a sneak peek on page 46. I’m sure after reading Kaari’s story you will be inspired to join in this wonderful BOM when it launches…

HEART STITCH This knitting pattern is a type of Fishtail stitch that pulls long loops up from stitches in previous rows. This sweet pattern resembles hearts, and on page 50 you will find the pattern to knit a pram-size blanket for a new baby. 2022 BLOCK OF THE MONTH We are excited to share that the 2022 BOM will be released in the next issue (April 2022). Turn to page 42 of this issue to read all about the designer, Kaari Meng from French General. Plus, you can see a sneak peek of the gorgeous BOM quilt that Kaari has designed for the BOM. QUILT PATCH In this issue, we’re publishing a sweet embroidery pattern that you can use to decorate your jeans. See page 66. Another way to customise jeans is to add patchwork…

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 19–20 Barwon Heads Seachange Quilters’ Quilt Show Barwon Heads Senior Citizens Centre 5A Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads More information: Heather 0400 602 561 New South Wales February 2 – March 13 Newcastle Journeys: The Silk Road and Beyond: Judy Hooworth Timeless Textiles Gallery 90 Hunter Street, Newcastle More information: (02) 4926 5888 anne@timelesstextiles.com.au April 22–24 Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Quilt Show (previously Springwood Community Quilt Show) Wycliffe School Hall, Rickard Road, Warrimoo More information: www.bluemountainsquilters.com June 29 – July 3 Homebush QuiltNSW Quilt Show The Dome, Sydney Showground, Homebush More information: www.quiltnsw.com July 15–17 Beecroft Eastwood Patchwork Quilters’ Quilt Show Roselea Community Centre 643–645 Pennant Hills Road, Beecroft July 21–31 Warwick Jumpers & Jazz in July Warwick…

With bright-blue tones, intricate embroidered details and sweet expressions, Jill Ffrench’s splendid fairywrens live up to their name. Along with robins, magpies, galahs and honeyeaters, they are just a few of the birds in Jill’s flock of textile sculptures, and each one is beautifully crafted and full of personality. Living close to the Mountain Ash forests in the Dandenong Ranges, east of Melbourne, textile artist Jill enjoys watching and listening to the local wild birds, however her fascination with winged creatures began much earlier. “Growing up, we kept birds at home and I was always having to handle them and keep an eye on the babies as they hatched and anticipate the colours that would grow through their new feathers,” she recalls. “Birds do not communicate their emotions directly. Understanding them…

MATERIALS • 15 fat quarters of assorted pink and blue print fabrics• 25 squares, 5in (12.5cm) of assorted feature pink print fabrics (A), fussy cut if desired• 70cm ( 3/4yd) binding fabric• 1.8m (2yd) sashing fabric – see Note• 25cm ( 3/8yd) sashing inserts – see Note• 4.5m (5yd) backing fabric• Batting at least (203 x 221cm) 80 x 87in• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine with 1/4in foot• General sewing supplies Finished quilt size: 188 x 205cm (74 x 81in) Finished block size: 12in square Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. A seam allowance of 1/4in is used throughout. It is recommended that fabrics be 100% cotton, pre-washed and well ironed. Requirements are based on fabrics 107cm (42in) wide. Michele has fussy cut strips of a printed fabric for her…

MATERIALS • Two 20 x 30cm (8 x 12in) sheets light beige flecked 100% wool felt• 12 x 20cm (4 3/4 x 8in) creamy white 100% wool felt• 5 x 7cm (2 x 3in) black 100% wool felt• 5 x 7cm (2 x 3in) green 100% wool felt• 60cm ( 5/8yd) light-green linen fabric (cushion front)• 60cm ( 5/8yd) floral cotton fabric (cushion back)• Fusible web• 35cm (14in) invisible zipper• 50cm (20in) square medium-weight fusible interfacing• Mechanical HB pencil• DMC Stranded Embroidery Cotton: Black (310)• Embroidery needle• Two 10mm ( 3/8in) black safety eyes• 41cm (16in) square cushion insert• Awl or doll needle to pierce felt• Baking paper• Red crayon• Water-soluble fabric pen• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine with invisible zipper foot• General sewing supplies Finished size: 41cm (16in) square Stitches…