Love Sewing Australia sampler

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

AUS $12.95 NZ $16.95

Quick & easy bags – we show you how!

Inside: E A SY STEP-BYSTEP GUIDES

INSPIRE IMAGINE CRE ATE

Stylish!

PERFECT PINNIES FAST & FUN GIFTS FOR KIDS

STUNNING DESIGNS USING YOUR SCRAPS

GORGEOUS RAINBOW FLOOR CUSHION

Plus! EXPERT ADVICE, TIPS, TRICKS & TECHNIQUES

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

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KIDS

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Pampering Set

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74Dreamcatchers

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Treat a teen with this on-trend make

Two Cute Purses

Break out the stash for these easy gifts

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Totes Amaze Bags

Stylish and handy holdalls

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HOME

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Spoil yourself with our Bring some contemporary style to value ideas mealtimes

Mother's Day Throw Pillow

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Funky Backpack

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

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 6 i

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INSPIRATION Meet master crafter Sarah Fielke

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LEARNING Learn the skills you need to master any make

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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 NEXT ISSUE A sneak peak at what’s in store for Issue 2!

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY Only $59.95 for six issues

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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 wwwquernuscrafts 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.

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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

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 t 1.25cm wide) grea e is ing, r i w i Foldback clips ing read 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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papers to their cardboard counter parts. One side will be cardboard and one will be paper. Leave to dry fully.

3 4 5

Bend the wire in half and crimp the loop into a point using the wire bender.

make two more creases to create a triangle with overlapping ends.

6

Holding your thumb on the point where the wire ends cross, twist the ends around each other to form a stem.

7

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.

8

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

i Style

Totes

Amaze Bags A handy tote bag never goes out of fashion and is ideal for shopping, carrying groceries and family trips to the beach

BY SUSAN DUNLOP

Bag 1 Bag 2 84 l Love Sewing Australia

Totes Amaze Bag

Bag 1

HOW TO MAKE: Seam allowances are included in cutting sizes. Use 1cm seam allowance throughout, unless otherwise stated.

1

Interface the main body front and back outer pieces and the top band panels, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2

Place a top band panel and a main body outer piece, right sides together and aligned to the main body top edge. Pin and stitch the top edge. Repeat with the other main body outer and top band panel. If using a patterned fabric for the top band, make sure the pattern direction is upside down so it is the right way up when opened out.

3

Press seam allowances towards the top band panels then, on the right sides of the top bands, top-stitch 5mm from the seams.

4

Place the prepared front and back outer pieces right sides together. Check that the horizontal seams correspond, pin in place then stitch down the side, along the bottom and up the other side.

ip To ptuttorial is

t migh first The so you is a th er easi t to give rting a n t s a w efore cket b o o g the p ag 2) B ( e t to

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To reduce bulk, snip across the bottom corners, avoiding the stitching. Press the seam allowances open. Turn right-side out, using something pointy to ease the corners out.

6

Take one of the handle pieces. With the wrong side facing up, fold in half lengthways, press then open back out. Fold the long edges to the centre crease, wrong sides together, so the raw edges meet, then press.

7

Fold the handle in half lengthways again, press and pin. Top-stitch a 5mm seam along both long sides. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 with the other handle piece.

8

Attach a handle upside down on one side of the outer bag, raw ends aligned with the top raw edge of the top band. Space each handle end 6cm in from the bag side seams.

Baste the handle ends to the outer piece, 5mm from the edge. Repeat with the other handle piece on the other side of the bag.

9

Place the main body lining pieces right sides together. Pin, then stitch the sides and bottom seam, leaving a gap of approximately 10cm in the middle of the bottom seam for turning through.

Snip across the bottom corners, avoiding the stitching. Press the seam allowances open and keep wrong-side out.

10

Place the outer bag inside the liner, ensuring that the handles are tucked down inside the layers. The outer and liner should be right sides together. Match the side seams and top raw edges. Pin the layers together, then stitch a seam all around the top of the bag.

11

Pull the outer bag through the liner gap, so that both will now be rightside out. Fold the raw edges of the liner gap in by 1cm, press, then hand-stitch the gap to close. Alternatively, machine-stitch close to the edge.

12

Push the liner down inside the outer bag. Press the top edges of the bag.

Pin, then top-stitch all the way around the top of the bag, 5mm from the edge, keeping the handles out of the way as you stitch. Press the whole bag to finish.

LEVEL:

ii MATERIALS: i 66cm x 36cm (2/3yd x 1/3yd) main fabric (Bag 1 uses cotton print Dogwood Bloom in Pond from Modern Meadow by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit) i 99cm x 54cm (1 1/8yd x ½yd) contrast fabric (Bag 1 uses cotton plain Caribbean from Moda Bella Solids

by Moda Fabrics) i 90cm x 46cm (1yd x ½yd) medium-weight fusible interfacing (eg Vilene F220) i Matching cotton thread

CUTTING:

From main fabric i Cut two for main body outer front and back, 13in x 14in

From contrast fabric

i Cut two for main body lining front and back, 13in x 16 ½in i Cut two for exterior top band panels, 13in x 3 ½in i Cut two bag handles, 21 2/3in x 5 ½in

From fusible interfacing

i Cut two for exterior top band panels, 13in x 3 ½in i Cut two for main body outer front and back, 13in x 14in

DIMENSIONS: i Finished bag size approximately 30cm x 40cm (12in x 15 2/3in)

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i Style LEVEL:

iii

MATERIALS:

i 99cm x 84cm (11/8yd) main fabric (Bag 2 uses cotton plain teal from Moda Bella Solids

by Moda Fabrics) i 33cm x 39cm (1/3yd x ½yd) contrast fabric (Bag 2 uses cotton print Melody in Aqua from Poetica Collection by Art Gallery Fabrics) i 33cm x 27cm (1/3yd x 3/8yd for pocket lining (Bag 2 uses cotton plain Caribbean from Moda Bella Solids

by Moda Fabrics) i 33cm x 18cm (1/3yd x 1/4yd) medium-weight fusible interfacing (eg Vilene F220) i 66cm x 36cm (¾yd x 2/5yd) heavy-weight sew-in interlining (eg Vilene S13) i Matching cotton thread i 29mm (1/8in) self-cover button or readymade button

TOOLS: i Metal pressfastener & tool

CUTTING:

From main fabric

i Cut two for main body outer front and back, 13in x 14in i Cut two for main body lining front and back, 13in x 16 ½in i Cut two bag handles, 21 ¾in x 5 ½in

From contrast fabric

i Cut two exterior top band panels, 13in x 3 ½in i Cut one exterior pocket, 13in x 8 1/3in

From pocket lining fabric

i Cut one exterior pocket lining, 13in x 10 ½in

From fusible interfacing

i Cut two for exterior top band panels, 13in x 3 ½in

From sew-in interlining:

i Cut two for main body outer front and back, 13in x 14in

DIMENSIONS: i Finished bag size: 30cm x 40cm (12in x 15 ¾in)

Bag 2

Check that the horizontal seams correspond, pin in place then stitch down the side, along the bottom and up the other side.

HOW TO MAKE: Seam allowances are included in cutting sizes. Use a 1cm seam allowance throughout, unless stated otherwise.

1

Adhere the interfacing to the top band panels, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Pin the sew-in interlining to the reverse of the main body front and back outer pieces.

2

Place the exterior pocket pieces wrong sides together and aligned at the bottom edges. Fold over the top of the lining, so the raw edge meets with the top edge of the contrast fabric, then press. Fold over again so the lining now overlaps the contrast fabric, then press. Top-stitch a 3mm seam at the bottom folded edge of the overlapping lining.

3

With both fabrics right sides up, pin the lined pocket piece to the main body outer piece, aligned at the bottom edges. Stitch down the centre of the pocket piece to divide into two equal-sized pockets. Baste the sides and bottom edge of the pocket piece to the outer piece, using a 5mm seam.

4

Place a top band panel and a main body outer piece, right sides together and aligned to the main body top edge. Pin and stitch along the top edge. Repeat with the other main body outer and the top band panel. If using a patterned fabric for the top band, place with the pattern direction upside down so it’ll be the right way up when opened out.

5

Press the seam allowances towards the top band panels then, on the right sides of the top bands, top-stitch 5mm from the seams. Place the front and back outer pieces right sides together.

No teinterlining

g/ facin ilable to a is av ase from com h c g. r u p ndba a h .u www

Inter

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6

To reduce bulk, snip across the bottom corners, avoiding the stitching. Press the seam allowances open and trim back the pocket seam allowances. Turn right-side out, using something pointy to ease the corners out.

7

Take one of the handle pieces. With the wrong side facing up, fold in half lengthways, press then open back out. Fold the long edges to the centre crease, wrong sides together, so that the raw edges meet, then press. Fold the handle in half lengthways again, then press and pin. Top-stitch a 5mm seam along both long sides. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 with the other handle piece.

8

Attach a handle upside down on one side of the outer bag, raw ends aligned with the top raw edge of the top band. Space each handle end 6cm in from the bag side seams.

Baste the handle ends to the outer piece, 5mm from the edge. Repeat with the other handle piece on the other side of the bag.

9

Place the main body lining pieces right sides together. Pin, then stitch the side seams and bottom seam, leaving a gap of approximately 10cm in the middle of the bottom seam for turning through. Snip across the bottom corners, avoiding the stitching.

Press the seam allowances open and keep wrong side out.

10

Place the outer bag inside the liner, ensuring the handles are tucked down inside the layers. The outer and liner should be right sides together. Match the side seams and top raw edges. Pin the layers together, then stitch a seam all around the top of the bag.

Pull the outer bag through the liner gap, so that both are now right-side out. Fold the raw edges of the liner gap in by 1cm, press, then hand-stitch the gap to close. Alternatively, machine-stitch close to the edge.

11

Push the liner down inside the outer bag. Press the top edges of the bag.

Pin, then topstitch all the way around the top of bag, 5mm from the edge and keeping the handles out of the way as you stitch. Press the whole bag to finish.

12

Attach the front parts of the metal press-fastener to the centre of the front top band. Attach the back parts to the centre of the back top band. Sew a button in the top centre of the pockets for added decoration.

i Kids

Even the littlest of cowboys will appreciate this colourful shirt

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Rockabilly boy’s shirt

Rockabilly

boy’s shirt This adorable boy’s shirt has style and a cheeky bit of childlike fun.

Who says grown up clothes can’t brighten up a child’s day?

By Leigh Kanara HOW TO MAKE: All seams are 1/2in unless otherwise indicated. Lay out all of the pattern pieces before pinning and cutting to get the most out of your fabric.

1

Cut out the pattern pieces from the pattern sheet provided. Trace each onto strong cardboard to create long-lasting pattern blocks for future use or simply use the cutouts as your pattern pieces.

2

Fold each fabric right sides together, pin and cut around relevant pattern pieces (see cutting section). Remember to transfer any markings and labels to the fabric pieces (eg directional arrows, notches and text).

FRONT, BACK AND COLLAR When sewing pieces together, always have right sides together, unless otherwise instructed.

1

Stay stitch the neckline of back and front shirt pieces to prevent stretching. Match up Point 1 of the front yoke to Point 2 of the front shirt, right sides together. Stitch along the two sides to attach the front yoke to the front shirt piece. Overlock and An top stitch 1/4in from the optio overlock e n seam line on the right Frenc al. Run a r is n h side of the front shirt and seams, z d fell, r i all al olled hem gzag piece. Stitch the shirt terna s tives are back to the back yoke overl ocke to an (print fabric). d

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Level:

iii MATERIALS: i 70cm (¾yd) blue woven cotton fabric i 70cm (¾yd) paw-print woven cotton fabric i 70cm (¾yd) lightweight fusible interfacing i 4 clear buttons i 4 press studs

tools: i Pattern paper or tracing paper i Tailor’s chalk

CUTTING: From blue fabric i With right sides together, cut two from Pattern Piece 1 (front shirt) and two from Pattern Piece 5 (sleeve) i With right sides together, cut one each on the fold from Pattern Pieces 4 (collar), 7 (back yoke) and

8 (back shirt) i Cut one of Pattern Piece 8 (back shirt) From paw print fabric i With right sides together, cut two each from Pattern Piece 2 (front yoke), 3 (shirt button step/front facing), 4 (collar) and 6 (sleeve band) i With right sides together, cut one each on the fold from Pattern Pieces 4 (collar) and 7 (back yoke) From interfacing i Cut two each of Pattern Piece 3 (shirt button step/ facing) and 6 (sleeve band) i With right sides together, cut one on the fold from Pattern Piece 4 (collar) (back shirt)

SIZE: i To fit a five year old

finish

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i Kids

Try it with these You can personalise your shirt with other fun and child-friendly fabrics. Check out these colourful prints for more inspiration.

Organic The Fleet Blue $20/m www.funkyfabrix. com.au

Jungle Club White Dinosaurs $20/m www.fabricjungle. com.au

catch the raw edge of the back yoke facing.

Press the seam towards the sleeve.

4

With fabric right sides together, sew the front and back underarm seams.

Overlock these seams closed and overlock the shirt’s hem.

5 2 3

Stitch the shirt front to the back yoke at the shoulder seams.

With right sides together, stitch the top of the collar (print fabric) to the top of the under the collar (blue fabric). Under-stitch on the blue side and press. Still with right sides together, stitch the sides of the collar.

Trim corners and turn collar right side out, pushing out the peaks of the collar to make them sharp.

4 5

Overlock the curved edge of the shirt button/step front facing (Pattern Piece 3).

Using a 1/4in seam, join the shirt button step/buttons front facing (fused) to the front of the shirt. Match the step’s notches before pressing to define the button step’s folded finish.

6

Join the shoulder of the back yoke facing to the shoulder of the shirt button step/ front facing piece.

7

Stitch the base of the collar (front and back pieces) together using a long stitch 1/2in from the raw edge.

8

With right sides together, sandwich the collar in between the shirt facing and the shirt garment (starting and finishing at the button step/front shirt join) and stitch the

three components together through all layers.

Turn right side out, ensuring that the corners of the button step are pushed out crisply, and press.

9

Fold under the base of the back yoke facing by 1/2in and top stitch in place, trying to sew directly onto the existing seam that joins the back yoke and back shirt piece.

This action will conceal the raw edges of the existing seam and the back yoke facing.

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Top stitch 1/2in from the seam through all three layers (back shirt piece, back yoke and back yoke facing). This should create a stitched line near the edge of the folded base of the back yoke facing.

SLEEVES

1

Using a 1/4in seam, right sides together, sew the long edge of the contrast band to the sleeve base. The band’s shape will match the sleeve base if orientated in the correct position.

2

Understitch the seam to the contrast band side and press. Also press back the band’s base 1/4in seam allowance to allow a folded edge to be pin-stitched to the sleeve.

3

Sew each sleeve into the correct armhole.

Overlock the seams, and take care to also

With the wrong side of the sleeve facing up, pin the pressed base of the feature band to the sleeve. Pin stitch the base of the band on to the inner sleeve and press. Turn back the feature band by 1 1/2in and press.

6

With right sides together, and aligning notches to mark the button step, join the base of the shirt facing to the hem, turn the facing through to the inside of the shirt and press.

7

Pin up the hem at the side seams and centre back. Sew a 1/2in hem. Press.

PLACKET

1

Starting from the hemline of the shirt, and using tailor’s chalk or pins, mark button positions for four buttons at 3 1/2in intervals along the centre front line, which is 1/4in away from the folded edge of the button step.

2

Attach buttons to the left button step only.

These buttons will be purely decorative, not functional.

3

Directly underneath each button, stitch press stud halves to the underside of the left of the shirt, and apply their counterparts to the centre front line of the upper side of the right button step. Functional press studs will make it easy for a young child to dress themselves.

4

Press the entire garment and hang, ready for a special occasion.

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Rockabilly boy’s shirt

Let him pick his own printed fabric to ensure he loves the finished product even more

After completing a Visual Arts degree and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Technology, Leigh has been able to realise her life-long aspiration of designing and producing her own collections. She is thrilled to finally embark on a career that fosters her love of classic silhouettes, vintage details and the creative outlet that textile print design and fabric manipulation offers.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/35S149EKanara Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/leighkanara

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i Home

Rainbow

floor cushion Everyone will love this giant, colourful cushion, ideal for inside the house or lounging on in the garden

BY LINDA ROBERTUS

HOW TO MAKE: CONSTRUCTION

1 2

Take one set of 30 rainbow strips and cut each diagonally in half.

Arrange each set of diagonal strips in a pleasing order. Sew together the first two strips using a 6mm seam allowance., aligning the narrower ends. Press the seam to one side and trim the piece to 38cm.

LEVEL:

iii

fusible webbing (eg Vliesofix)

MATERIALS:

TOOLS:

i 1 rainbow jelly roll (Mystique from Leutenegger was used in this project) i 1.2m (1 ¼yd) fabric for the cushion bottom i 1m (1 1/8yd) white fabric for the piping i 4–5kg cushion stuffing i 5.5m (6yd) piping cord (7mm width) i 30cm x 15cm (12in x 6in) piece of

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two sets of 30 strips, each measuring 6cm x 55cm

i Rotary cutter, ruler and mat i Thread for piecing and quilting i Sewing machine with ¼in foot and piping foot i Pinking shears (optional)

From the white fabric i Cut 5cm strips on the bias

CUTTING:

From the piping cord i Cut in half to make two, 275cm pieces

From the jelly roll i Cut 30 strips in half and trim off the selvedges to make

From the bottom fabric i Cut two, 28cm x 20cm rectangles

No tes 100%

ci cm abri All f on, 100 hed t t a o c -w s , pre , unless e d i d w irone e and ther wis o d state DIMENSIONS: i Diameter: 85cm (33 ½in) i Height: 20cm (8in)

Rainbow Floor Cushion

Remember to kick back and relax with a good book when you've finished your comfy cushion

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1

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Sew the next two strips together, press and trim as before. Sew the pairs right sides together, beginning at the narrower end.

Ensure they are aligned at the narrower end.

Press the seam in the same direction as the other seams.

4

Continue in this way until all 30 diagonal strips have been sewn together to form one half of a circle.

5

Repeat to make the other half of the circle. Sew the circle halves together.

There will be a hole in the middle with a diameter of approximately 11cm.

6

Fold the circle in half and then half again to make a quarter circle. Using a ruler or a piece of string, place one end in the centre

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and find the shortest distance to the edge of the circle. Mark this distance all the way around the quarter circle.

Trim all four layers to this line and open out. The trimmed circle should have a diameter of approximately 88cm. This is the cushion top.

7

Lay the cushion top right-side down on the bottom fabric (right-side up), pin in place and cut the bottom fabric to the same size as the cushion top. From the remaining bottom fabric, cut two circles with a diameter of 15cm. With right sides together, sew the two small circles together around the outside, using 1.5cm seam allowance.

Leave a small gap to turn right-side out.

Rainbow Floor Cushion

Use this picture as a guide for laying out your coloured fabric strips neatly

T

o p tip The m your ore accu r easi cutting i ate asse er it will s the mble be to y whee our fabr ic l late r

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Rainbow Floor Cushion

8

Cut a circle of fusible webbing slightly smaller than the small fabric circle and fuse it to one side of the fabric circle.

Centre the fabric circle over the hole in the cushion top. Fuse in place and topstitch around the edge.

9

From the second set of 30 jelly roll strips, cut 43, 20cm strips and sew them together along the long edges. Sew a bottom fabric 28cm x 20cm rectangle to each end. Pin the ends together to form a circle.

Sew a 1.5cm-wide seam, which should be approximately 1in long, then backstitch and re-stitch to reinforce this short seam. Leave a gap and stitch the end of the seam in the same way. The gap will be used to stuff the cushion later. This is the cushion side strip.

10

Join the white fabric 5cm bias strips to make two long bias strips of 274cm each. Centre the piping cord on the wrong side of one strip, then fold the fabric over the cord and match the raw edges.

Attach the piping foot to the sewing machine and adjust the needle so that the stitching line falls as close to the piping cord as possible without sewing through it. Leave 5cm unsewn at the beginning of the piping, then stitch through the bias strips to enclose the piping cord. Repeat with the second length of piping cord and bias strips.

3

Before completing the circle, trim the end of the piping cord so that it does not overlap the beginning of the cord. Do not trim the fabric at this stage.

4

ASSEMBLY

Fold the bias fabric under to create a finished edge, then wrap it over the other side at the start of the bias strip to complete the circle. Trim the bias strip at this stage, if necessary. Pin the fabric in place and complete sewing the circle.

Pin the cushion bottom to the cushion side strip, right sides together, easing where necessary. Insert the piping between these pieces, matching all raw edges. The unsewn end of the piping should line up with the open seam in the cushion side strip.

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2

With the piping foot still on the machine, begin sewing 5cm from the beginning of the piping. Sew through all layers, as close to the piping as possible.

Trim the seam to 6mm using a pair of pinking shears.

Repeat this process to insert the piping between the cushion top and the cushion side strip.

7

Turn the cushion right-side out. Stuff the cushion and sew the seam in the side strip closed by hand.

Linda Robertus is an accomplished quilter who loves to experiment with colour and printed fabrics. You can find out more about Linda online.

Blog: www.lindarobertus.blogspot.com Email: linda.robertus@practicalpublishing.com.au

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Love Sewing Australia l 35

i Shopping Cotton Storage Bin Crochet Pattern

Fabric Flower Pattern Tutorial

$4.53 These bins make such a lovely set.

They fit perfectly inside one another and are the ideal size for organising any sewing room. The pattern can be downloaded instantly and provides instructions for all three sizes. www.etsy.com/au/listing/62802702

$10.23 This gorgeous fabric flower by Julie Creus would look great as an embellishment on a bag or decorative cushion. The tutorial comes with a 6in and 4in pattern and instructions for making flower buds. You can find more designs in Julie’s store at www.etsy.com/au/shop/LaTodera

Love to shop We’ve gathered together some great online buys that we think you’ll love. Why not make one of these fabulous items as your next project?

Tiger Boy Appliqué Embroidery Design

$5.68 This happy, friendly tiger would look great on a boy’s jumper or backpack. The appliqué design fits 6in x 10in, 5in x 7in and 4in x 4in hoop sizes. www.etsy.com/au/ listing/121882298/

SUGAR Skirt DIY Tutorial PDF Pattern $7.95 This skirt pattern by Little Bird Lane accommodates sizes 12 months to size 14 youth and comes with a handy tutorial that allows you to adjust the size to fit anyone from dolls to adults. This is a great pattern to use up some of those leftover fabric scraps. www.etsy.com/au/listing/125501338/

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Hot Under the Collar Hot Water Bottle Cover

$49 Keep warm this winter with these one-of-a-kind water bottle covers. Each design is unique, being made from upcycled felt jumpers. Simply unbutton the top to remove the water bottle. www.bluecaravan.net/gayeabandon/item/ hot-water-bottle-cover-melon-orange-and-red

Laminated Urban Birds Fabric

$18.16/yd This funky bird fabric has a soft, protective polyurethane film laminated to its face to create a fabric great for making raincoats, bibs and tablecloths. www.etsy.com/au/ listing/105358302/

i Next Issue

Next Issue Issue 2 of Love Sewing Australia will be out just in time for winter, so we have plenty to keep your body warm and your hands busy during the cold months to come.

Ellen Randall’s embroidered cloche should be just the thing to make experiencing the cold that much easier to bear. After all, winter is no fun without a lovely new hat to wear!

Elizabeth Healey shares her boro-inspired cushions in an upcycled denim project that will help use up some fabric from that ever-growing scrap pile, not to mention a few old shirts you might have lying around. These are sure to cosy up your couch or favourite chair.

To keep the little ones warm this winter, Sue Reynolds has knitted a gorgeous baby blanket in blue, cream and grey and, to keep them entertained, Claire Waring has designed a delightful sock panda that even has a tiny scarf.

E 2ING ISSU E SEW

OF LOV ALIA AUSTR

COMING SOON

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Of course, we will have a special free gift just for you, so keep your eye out for Issue 2, or better yet, subscribe now to secure your copy early!

If you’re still shivering, then our two quilt projects will sort you out in no time. Jane Rundle has created a quilted blanket for snuggling up on the couch and Jeanette Bruce has gone all out with a twin size bed quilt in fabulous Anna Maria Horner fabrics.