N ew
ISSUE 1 • APRIL 2014
Make this cute boy’s shirt – full pattern inside
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Fabulous MAKES TO TRY TONIGHT! Fresh! MODERN QUILTS
INSPIRE IMAGINE CRE ATE
AUS $12.95 NZ $16.95
Quick & easy bags – we show you how!
Inside: E A SY STEP-BYSTEP GUIDES
FAST & FUN GIFTS FOR KIDS
STUNNING DESIGNS USING YOUR SCRAPS
GORGEOUS RAINBOW FLOOR CUSHION
Plus! EXPERT ADVICE, TIPS, TRICKS & TECHNIQUES LSA01.cover.indd 1
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Welcome EDITORIAL Editor: Debra Hudson debra.hudson@practicalpublishing.com.au Commissioning Editor: Rebecca McCallion Sub-Editor: Bethany Armitage Technical Editor: Kate Oszko Designer: Lynn Horsepool Photography: Colin Bushell www.colinbushell.com Advertising: Jann Wilson jann.wilson@practicalpublishing.com.au Tel: 07 3855 3281 CONTRIBUTORS Pamela Cox, Susan Duncan, Mel Forrest, Magdalena Franco, Bridgeen Gillespie, Leigh Kanara, Rebecca McCallion, Anorina Morris, Joan Norfolk, Kate Oszko, Su Pennick, Linda Robertus, Dan Walmsley
SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions Manager: Linzi Wilkinson linzi.wilkinson@practicalpublishing.com.au Online: www.practicalpublishing.com.au Tel: 07 3160 9940 PUBLISHING Publisher: Gavin Burrell Group Publishing Director: Rob Wilkinson Head Office Australia Practical Publishing International Pty Ltd GPO Box 1457, Brisbane, Qld Australia 4001 Tel: 07 3855 3281 www.practicalpublishing.com.au European Office Practical Publishing International Ltd St Christopher House, Stockport Cheshire England SK2 6NG Tel: +44 (0) 844 561 1202 www.practicalpublishing.co.uk
Welcome
I am delighted to introduce our first ever issue of Love Sewing Australia. This brand new magazine has been devised to bring you what we believe isn’t available in any other title – all the very best fabric and sewing inspiration, gorgeous home décor projects, the latest colour and pattern trends, simple and stylish dressmaking, adorable children’s designs, and modern patchwork and quilting. Like you, the team behind Love Sewing Australia love sewing! We’re passionate about sharing the enjoyment and fun of creating handmade pieces. So, as well as our fabulous projects, each issue will be jam-packed with encouragement, tips and motivation to spur on your creativity and skills. Our designs are refreshingly achievable and straightforward and are backed up with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step guides. We also love building up our craft stash for free, so we’re including a bonus gift for you with each issue. We hope you enjoy our first one – it’s a sign of our fabric obsession that a notebook cover must look like patchwork! Our next issue will be on sale in two months. In the meantime, please join us on Facebook and Pinterest to see what we, and fellow crafters, are making. And check out our amazing subscription offer – you can get a year’s worth (six issues) of the magazine delivered to your door for less than $60, so you never miss a copy. Happy stitching!
Debra
Debra Hudson, Editor
Make tea time a real treat with our colourful cosy on page 54
Distribution Australia: Gordon & Gotch Tel: 02 9972 8800 New Zealand: Gordon & Gotch Tel: +64 (0) 9979 3000 England: Comag Tel: +44 (0) 1895 433600 South Africa: Magscene Pty Ltd Tel: 27 11 805 502 Email: tarrynf@magscene.co.za Published by Practical Publishing International Pty Ltd. ISSN: 2203-3149 For overseas distribution enquiries, please contact Andrew Randall Eight Point Distribution – Australia Andrew@eightpointdistribution.com.au Telephone: + 61 (0)2 9960 5710
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i Contents
Contents
What teenage girl could resist this lovable bag? Page 21 Ideal for all ages Page 30
Projects i QUILTING
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Sugar Stars Quilt
Build your patching skills with this fresh, modern design
42and Coasters
Floral Table Runner
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STYLE
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A floral and feminine project for mum
HOME
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KIDS
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30
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Pampering Set
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80
74Dreamcatchers
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Treat a teen with this on-trend make
Spoil yourself with our Bring some contemporary style to value ideas mealtimes
Mother's Day Throw Pillow
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Funky Backpack
Two Cute Purses
Break out the stash for these easy gifts
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Totes Amaze Bags
Rainbow Floor Cushion
Relax in colour and comfort
Patchwork Kitchen Set
Cook in style with our co-ordinating designs
Embroidered
Sweet dreams are made from embroidery hoops!
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Rockabilly Boy's Shirt
A bright, bold look for a little cowboy
Rainy Day Mobile
Create an adorable nursery accessory
Robbie the Robot
A softie with a difference
Stylish and handy holdalls
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Love Sewing Australia
Follow your dreams Page 74
Surprise a special little boy with this fun shirt Page 26
Brighten up your next dinner party Page 42
Try a more futuristic toy Page 70
Community 6i
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Inspiration Meet master crafter Sarah Fielke
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10i
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Learning Learn the skills you need to master any make
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11i
90i
98A sneak peek at
News Our roundup of the latest crafty happenings Fabrics We’re inspired by the Pantone colour of the year Pinterest Mother’s Day gifts, handy ideas for stashing pesky bobbins, a DIY project and more
Books Expand your library with our recommended reads
Blogs Build your online crafting community
Never miss an issue!
Shopping Check out some great online buys
i
Next issue
what’s in store for Issue 2!
52
Subscribe today Only $59.95 for six issues
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i News
Wild Onesie Week! Wild Onesie Week is happening from the 2nd – 8th June 2014 and what better way to support this cause than to make your own endangered animal onesie? WWF are challenging all Australians to head to work or school dressed as an endangered animal during Wild Onesie Week to help raise money towards saving endangered animals. Limited edition official WWF onesies are available to purchase online – choose between a giant panda, elephant, tiger, turtle, hammerhead shark and orangutan. If you take up the challenge of creating your own onesie, you could help raise awareness about our own endangered species, like the koala, Tasmanian devil and northern hairynosed wombat.
We’d love to see pics of your onesie creations! Send photos to rebecca.mccallion@ practicalpublishing.com. au or write to Rebecca McCallion, Practical Publishing, GPO Box 1457, Brisbane QLD 4001 and we’ll pick the best to show in Issue 3.
Visit www.wowwwf.org. au for more information or to register and create your own sponsorship page.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Zoo sy of Australia Image courte
Image courtesy of WWF
Love Sewing loves...
Here is the latest news to keep you up to date with the world of craft and sewing. This issue we’d like to inspire you to start a new crafty challenge. Why not join a quilt-along or participate in one of these creative sewing challenges?
2014 ASG Inc Convention Sewing Challenge Sew Our True Colours, the name given to this year’s Australian Sewing Guild competition provides a true indicator of the challenge that must be met. Participants are required to construct a one-of-a-kind garment of which at least 50% must include ASG’s colours – purple, green and blue. Four pattern choices have been provided from the Simplicity and New Look range and the chosen pattern can be altered, providing the basic elements can still be seen. The three categories this year include Day Wear, Special Occasion Wear and Convention
Collection. Winners of the first two categories will receive a Bernina 215 sewing machine and winners of the third category will receive a Bernina 330 sewing machine. One debutant prize is to be awarded in each category for first time entrants only and winners will receive a bias maker from Simplicity Australia. Entries will be displayed and voted on at the 13th National Australian Sewing Guild Convention, held in Sydney from 28th September – 4th October 2014. For more information on how to enter, visit www.aussew.org.au/sewingcomp.php
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Love sewing loves
Three to love:
Textile Creatures Yumi Okita has amazed many creative crafters with these textile representations of moths and other insects. The detail, textures and material combinations used in these projects makes them almost look like the real thing.
Win a free copy!
It seems the possibilities of textiles really are endless!
Stitching for the Kitchen For all you home decor creationists out there, it’s time to get excited! We are giving away a copy of Stitching for the Kitchen: 30 Easy Projects for the Heart of Your Home by Gooseberry Patch for one lucky winner. It includes some fantastic projects with full size patterns. Read the full book review on page 90. We’d love to see photos of your favourite creative home sewing project, so we’re asking you to send them in with the story of their creation to enter. Let us know what inspired you or whether some unexpected hurdles popped up along the way. Entries should be sent to mail@practicalpublishing.com.au or Love Sewing Australia, Practical Publishing, GPO Box 1457, Brisbane QLD 4001
Check out more examples of Yumi’s impressive work at www.creativitea.org/ inspiration/3d-crafts/yumi-okitatextile-creatures/ Love Sewing Australia l 7
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Wide Fit Fabrics
Finding wide enough fabrics from which to cut an entire quilt back has become a little easier now that the 108in-wide fabric collection has had a few additions. Riley Blake Designs has released 108in chevrons and spots in a variety of colours, and Robert Kaufman has a new 108in wide ‘Spot On’ fabric available in eight colours. To see the full range, visit www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/spot_on_wide/ and www.rileyblakedesigns.com
Tell us what you think! As this is the first ever issue of Love Sewing Australia, we want to get to know you so we can bring you the projects and features you love in every issue. We’ve put together a readership questionnaire, which you can find at
www.surveygizmo.com/ s3/1543053/SewingSurvey-2014-AUS By completing the online survey, you’ll automatically go into the draw to win a free subscription to the magazine!
Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative
After an absolutely mammoth fundraising effort that began in 2006, the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) has finally come to a close. The AAQI was founded by quilter Ami Simms, whose mother had Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout the grassroots charity’s eight years in operation, it has appealed for donated quilts through the Priority: Alzheimer’s Quilts project. These were then auctioned off and sold to raise money for vital research. The AAQI also sponsored the US touring exhibit of quilts ‘Alzheimer’s Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope’, as it aimed to raise further awareness.
In the exhibit, 182 quilts displayed the names of 10,000 Alzheimer’s sufferers on the wrong side of the fabric. This left the quilts looking faded and dull, with the vibrant side of the fabric hidden and inaccessible, much like the world of Alzheimer’s sufferers. The hard work and dedication of all those involved led to more than $1.1 million being donated to over 15 research studies on the disease. Although the AAQI is no longer asking for public participation and will be closing their website this year, they will continue to monitor the research programmes that have been funded by donations until they are concluded.
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Love sewing loves 2014 Fat Quarter Shop Quilt Along
This year, the Fat Quarter Shop has teamed up with Moda Fabrics to present the Wishes Quilt Along. The quilt uses the Wishes by Sweetwater fabric for Moda, and the 12 quilt patterns needed to create the ‘Wishes’ quilt will be provided for free by the Fat Quarter Shop. Each pattern will be accompanied by a tutorial video. The first four patterns and tutorials are already available for download and the remaining eight will be released monthly until the end of the year. Although the patterns are free, donations are encouraged and will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Moda Fabrics and the Fat Quarter Shop will join together to match donations up to $10,000. The Wishes fabric collection is available from www.fatquartershop.com/modafabric/wishes-sweetwater-moda-fabrics/ For patterns and tutorials, check out the dedicated Fat Quarter Shop blog at www. fatquartershop.blogspot.com.au Image courtesy of www. fatquartershop.blogspot.com.au/p/wishes-quilt-along.html
Aurifil Designer of the Month 2014 May 2014 to become National Sewing Month
Image courtesy of www.auribuzz.wordpress.com
Pat Sloan, fabric designer and wellknown quilter, is hosting the Aurifil Designer of the Month programme for 2014. Fourteen designers have been chosen for this year’s challenge, including Scott Hansen, Michele Foster and, designer of the January block, Brigitte Heitland. Each month, the chosen designer will be interviewed and will share which important person inspired their block design. ‘Wishes’ by Sweetwater seems to be the fabric of the year, with Aurifil also choosing
fabrics from the collection for this year’s challenge. Each month, one designer will create a modern 12in block using the chosen fabrics and one fabric from their stockpile. The public is encouraged to recreate each designer’s block in the monthly sewalong and, each month, a random winner will receive a full box of Aurifil thread. Check out the first four blocks at www.auribuzz.wordpress.com
September has lost its status as National Sewing Month after many years in the limelight. This year, May has been nominated as the month for celebrating the joy and happiness that sewing brings to many around the country. The Australian Sewing Guild aims to raise awareness through a nationally unified campaign and to obtain maximum exposure and recognition by focusing their efforts on one month of the year. As usual, these four weeks will be filled with fun activities in many communities around Australia.
This year, the catch phrase is “sewing mayhem”, which captures the expectation that sewing rooms around the nation should be overflowing with fabric and threads of every imaginable colour and patterns of all shapes and sizes. In South Australia, National Sewing Month will be celebrated with a fashion parade and high tea on the last day of the month. For a full list of events in all states, see www.aussew.org.au/ sewsept.php
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i Fabrics
Love Fabrics
We’re all well aware by now that the Pantone colour of the year is Radiant Orchid, or at least we should be. Why not use this fabulous hue in your next project? To enthuse you, we’ve gathered together some gorgeous fabrics, including Tula Pink’s fabulous new Fox Field collection and striking prints from designers such as Joel Dewberry and Heather Bailey. For more inspiration, visit www.hawthornethreads.com
Damask in Violet, by Joel Dewberry for Westminster/ Free Spirit True Colors collection
Swallow Study in Lavender by Joel Dewberry for Westminster/ Free Spirit Bungalow collection
Happy Dot in Dusk, by Tula Pink for Westminster/ Pony Play in Dusk, by Tula Pink Free Spirit Fox Field collection for Westminster/ Free Spirit Fox Field collection Pointed Lace in Dusk, by Tula Pink for Foxtrot in Dusk, Westminster/ Free Spirit Fox Field collection by Tula Pink for Westminster/ Free Spirit Fox Field collection
Sparkles in Orchid, by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Paradise collection
Chevron in Orchid, by Heather Bailey for Westminster/ Free Spirit True Colors collection
Nature Elements in Orchid Bloom, by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Nature Elements collection
Large Floral in Fuchsia, by Andrea Victoria for My Mind’s Eye Butterfly Dot in Orchid, by Heather Bailey for Westminster/ Free Spirit Lottie Da collection
Sealing Wax in Amethyst, by Anna Maria Horner for Westminster/Free Spirit True Colors collection
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Love pins Pretty vintage purses
These vintage purses are so cute and stylish that we just had to share them with you. They are a great example of how a simple pattern can be modified to create three unique looks. A free PDF on how to make them can be downloaded from www.smalltowncraftfair. blogspot.com.au
We love:
Bobbin Storage Ideas Tangled thread can be absolutely infuriating when you’re in the middle of a project. Here are some handy tips to keep those unruly bobbins under control
Floral golf tees
This is a great way to neatly store bobbins with their matching thread. As an added bonus, it will bring a ray of sunshine to your sewing room, even during the winter months. For more storage inspiration check out www. sewmanyways.blogspot. com.au
Yay for pillow beds!
What a fabulous idea! These floor cushions are great for kids and as easy to transport as a sleeping bag. Not only that, they are super easy to make. Simply fold a twin size sheet in half and sew into five compartments. Then insert a pillow into each. Use zips to close each opening or simply leave them open.
Either way, it will mean the cover can be removed and washed. Never mind the kids, we want one for ourselves! View them here at www.casualcrafter. net/2013/07/14/page/29
Love Pins
Pinterest is the place to be for crafty ideas. Enjoy some of our favourite pins here
Branch out
Instead of hiding away a tangled mess of thread and bobbins, why not create a lovely display feature like this? Use extra long nails so bobbins can be stored with matching thread. Visit www. homemadepins.com to check out more clever storage solutions
Embroidery floss travel box
Teeny tiny bag
Why is it that things are so much sweeter in miniature? This delicate bag opens up to reveal a small sewing kit. The website is in Portuguese but there are plenty of pictures to help you bathe in its teeny tiny cuteness! The pattern is available to download from www.moldesparaartesanatoemtecido.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/ bolsinha-costurinha.html
Use these gorgeous bobbin cosies for embroidery floss or regular cotton thread (useful when hand sewing). For the full tutorial, visit www. thezenofmaking. com/2012/02/ tutorial-embroideryfloss-travel-box
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i Pinterest
The Best of Mother’s Day
on Pinterest
Not sure how to best surprise your mum on Mother’s Day? Let our best of Pinterest picks inspire you Felt heart
Little Sewing Mice
We think these little sewing mice with their spools of thread are simply adorable. They even have an extra tiny spool of thread wrapped in their tail – how sweet! They are handmade by Kirsten Miller of Quernus Crafts and come in gift boxes with a certificate of authentication, great for Mother’s Day. Contact Kirsten at www.quernuscrafts shop.co.uk
The sewing-themed embellishments of this felt heart make it a perfect keepsake for mums who love to sew. You could even stitch a personalised message on the back. Contact Peet Roeven at www.scrapalbum.blogspot.com.au or visit www.elinepellinkhof.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/ peet-inge.html
Sewing supplies
Homemade gifts are the best, especially on Mother’s Day when you want to show your mum how much she means to you. These sewing kits in a jar are just lovely and can be adapted to suit your mum’s taste. See the tutorial online at www.paperjewels.blogspot.com.au /p/great-gifts.html
Fabric envelope
This is a brilliant idea for a long-lasting keepsake that will forever remind your mum of what she means to you. Stitch your own message or copy this cleverly thought out address. The full tutorial is available at www.sewusefuldesigns. com/p/free-patterns.html
Pleated Pillowcases
These pillowcases by Alicia Thommas are simply gorgeous. Check out the full tutorial online and make your own version for a thoughtful gift on Mother’s Day. Visit www.sew4home.com/ projects/bed-linens/mothers-dayfabriccom-pleated-pillowcases
You’re sew lovely Lavender-scented loveliness
This handmade gift idea demonstrates how one embellishment can lead to the creation of a whole project. Natalie Kaprielian at Sewing Room Secrets based this project around her handmade Suffolk puffs or Yo Yo’s and will be wrapping it up for her mum this Mother’s Day. To see how it’s done visit www. sewingroomsecrets.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/mothersday-gifts/ and look out for the Suffolk Puff tutorial.
This unique card is perfect for Mother’s Day with its vintage theme and clever play on words. It has been left blank inside so you can personalise your message. It’s available to buy from www. etsy.com/au/shop/ happyrose
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Love pins
Love DIY These adorable, handmade needle threaders by Nicole Greeley are a great little project to try at home. Design your own and gift them to creative friends 1
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Materials & Tools i Aleene’s Turbo Tacky Glue (or another tough crafting glue) i Rubber cement i Wire bending tool i 0.3mm beading wire i Thin cardboard (another use for that recycled cardboard!) i Scrapbook papers i Paper punch (at least eat 1.25cm wide) is gr g, e r i n i Foldback clips ing w readi Bead eedle th s shape i Scissors it n
To p t
ip
for retains back as it n pulled eye whe ugh the With your paper punch, thro
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cut out two pieces of thin cardboard and scrapbook paper.
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Using the rubber cement, affix the scrapbook papers to their cardboard counter parts. One side will be cardboard and one will be paper. Leave to dry fully.
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Cut a piece of wire to approximately 6.5cm long.
Bend the wire in half and crimp the loop into a point using the wire bender.
About 1.5cm down from the folded point, make two more creases to create a triangle with overlapping ends.
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Holding your thumb on the point where the wire ends cross, twist the ends around each other to form a stem.
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Place glue on the cardboard side of both punched shapes. Line up the wire piece so that the stem is in the glue and the triangle sticks out from the base of the shape.
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Join the two punched shape halves together to form one shape, with the wire protruding from the bottom. Once fully dried, you have a reusable needle threader - and a customised one too!
Nicole Greeley has had her finger in something creative ever since she can remember. Visit her online to try more of her DIY projects www.facebook.com/ThistleandLeaves www.thistleandleaves.com www.etsy.com/au/shop/ThistleandLeaves
To p ti
p Use the fo ldback c lip to put pre ssure on s the two halv es give a tig . This will ht bond and keep the wire from moving Love Sewing Australia l 13
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