Australian Homespun August/September 2021

MINI HOOP FLOWERS These sweet crocheted flowers are made over a curtain ring and include a bright button. Make your own by following the free pattern here: www.boyandbunting.com/p/hoop-flower CUTE KEY RINGS Pop over to this gorgeous Spanish website to find adorable amigurumi patterns designed by Bernadette of Tarturumies — website: www.tarturumies.com. You can find a link to an English version of the pattern to make these four keychain bears and many other sweet items at www.tarturumies.com/ english-version/our-amigurumis CURIOSITY & RITUALS OF THE EVERYDAY IOTA21, the first Indian Ocean Craft Triennial, is an international exhibition and festival program in Western Australia involving more than 200 artists working in craft. This new arts festival celebrates everyday rituals and preoccupations through the medium of craft and the handmade. The international exhibition of significant works by 37 leading artists…

With artistic talent and a vivid imagination, textile artist Letitia Thompson has crafted a charming world where bears are clad in patchwork overalls and hares leap off the page and into your heart. Inspired by fairy tales, song lyrics, old photographs and film, Letitia stitches characters with sunny personalities and stories to share. “In a way the stories felt even more personal than the artworks themselves,” shares Letitia. Alongside her drawings and stitched artworks, she will sometimes include a narrative about the featured character. “Often the stories about the characters emerge after I have created them, usually when I’m not even thinking about the work. It sounds a bit strange, but it’s like you have to wait for them to share their secrets with you. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t.” From…

MATERIALS • 16 squares, 5cm (2 1/2in) of assorted low-volume print fabrics• Scraps of pink fabrics in various small and large prints• 50cm (20in) square of batting• 55cm ( 5/8yd) backing fabric• 45cm (18in) square cushion insert• Sewing machine with 1/4in foot and walking foot for quilting• General sewing supplies• Perle 8 thread in light pink Finished size 45cm (18in) 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. PREPARATION AND CUTTING 1 From the scraps of pink fabric, cut strips in various widths and lengths. Widths should include 3/4in, 1in, 1 1/4in, 1 1/2in and 1 3/4in. 2 From the backing fabric, cut: • One rectangle, 10 x…

MATERIALS • 25cm ( 3/8yd) feature floral print fabric• 30cm ( 3/8yd) soft pink tone-on-tone print fabric• 35cm ( 1/2yd) soft green fern print fabric• 25cm ( 3/8yd) soft-yellow fabric• Variety of scraps in coordinating prints and colours for crazy patchwork blocks• Two 18cm (7in) squares of cream homespun• 35cm ( 1/2yd) medium weight fusible batting• Perle 8 thread in coordinating colours for hand embroidery and quilting• Embroidery needle• Lace motif and beads as desired• Fibre fill• Two magnetic sew-in clips• Add-a-Quarter ruler• Teflon appliqué mat or baking paper• Paper for foundation piecing• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat• Sewing machine with 1/4in foot• General sewing supplies Finished size: 23 x 21.5cm (9 x 8 1/2in) Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. A seam allowance of 1/4in is used throughout. It is…

As the COVID-19 restrictions have eased, have you been able to resume teaching face to face? I am passionate to share my love of English paper piecing, hand appliqué and hand embroidery and fortunately I am now teaching my regular face-to-face classes around Sydney and also through the online classes and patterns available on my website. I have been teaching for more than 20 years and have loved the friendships and comradeship gained through sharing slow stitching with my students. It’s so great to be able to be with my students in person again. I regularly share my students’ work on my social media platforms and love the interaction with quilters from all over the world. Many of Katrina’s patterns are available on her website, including lots of small projects and some…

MATERIALS • Anette Eriksson Eco Cotton XL 200g balls Ecru (M), Greymarl (C1). Refer to Measurements/Materials chart for requirements.• Circular needle 5mm (UK6/US8)• One pair of 5mm (UK6/ US8) knitting needles• One pair of 6mm (UK4/ US10) knitting needles• Yarn needle Note: Read all the instructions before you start. This is an intermediate skill-level knitting project. Quantities are approximate as they can vary between knitters. Check the ball bands to ensure all yarn of the same colour is from the same dye lot. ABBREVIATIONS cm = centimetres, dec = decrease, cont = continue, K = knit, P = purl, RS = right side, rem = remain/ ing, st/s = stitch/es stocking stitch = knit STITCHES USED Stocking Stitch Row 1 – Knit, Row 2 – Purl Repeat these two rows Double Moss Stitch Row 1 – knit 2, purl 2, Row…