SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Spring in our area of the world has definately been and nearly gone.  Warm, warm days but, sadly, a lot of bushfires surrounding us and the skies have been full of smoke.  We could certainly do with a little rain.  I see that the east coast of the USA are having floods so, no matter where you live in the world, mother nature is giving us a hard time! 

On to good things Ü.  We have the third block in the Pretty Posies BOM for you as well as a lovely little stitchery from Cath.  Our usual showcase of patterns as well.  Cath also apologises for not giving the painting instructions for her cute faces this post but will have it ready for the next one.

Cath is feeling very much "under the weather" this week with a bad dose of the flu and as we're both very busy ladies we have made the decision to post once a month (around the 15th of each month) rather than each fortnight.  We're disappointed to have to do this but it's the only way we can do everything that we have to.  We're sure you all will understand. 

This post our Guest Crafter is ME!  Ü  Felt a little strange asking myself the questions LOL but here we go.

I live in a small village called Forest Hill which is just off the Warrego Highway between Brisbane and Toowoomba, in the wonderful state of Queensland.  Mum taught me to embroider when I was about 8 and to crochet when I was around 13.  They were what I did for many years.  I took a patchwork/quilting course in 1983.  That was when “the rot” set-in!  This became my passion and still is although I have stretched out into other areas as well.  The designing started around about 1992 when I was teaching regularly and felt it wasn’t right to teach other people’s designs/patterns etc.  It was in 1998 when I released my first pattern and in 1999 had my first project published in Australian Patchwork & Quilting magazine.  

What do I create?...  Anything that needs a needle and thread.  Lots of projects utilising appliqué and embroidery mostly but some piecing as well.  That’s what I mainly do for the magazines but I also adore crazy patch, creative embroidery and handmade artist books when time allows me.  If you would like to see what else I do, go visit http://jansdesigns-jan.blogspot.com/

A tip I might like to share? …  I’m probably preaching to the converted BUT, always try to, at least, stitch on something for 20 minutes (or more) each day.  It will amaze you how much you get done if you do!  Also, because I’m a hand stitching girl, if you are ever hand stitching with a sewing thread ALWAYS thread the needle and then cut.  A shortish length is necessary to stop knots and twisting. 

 My favourite recipe?  I'm not a great cook and probably have way too many favourite recipes but I thought I would with you my favourite flower?  I tend to change from Pansies to Wisteria depending on which one I see first! LOL  We visited my husband's aunt last weekend and she's a great gardener as well as being a florist.  Her wisteria vine was out in flower and I just had to take a photograph.

Because we have lived in government or rental homes all of our married life and because of Ross's job (lots of transfers!) we've been able to plant one so I'm desperately waiting for him to retire (well not TOO soon! lol) so we can plant one.

Your favourite pastime other than crafting?  Music and reading would have to be my answer.  I also love going to the theatre whenever I can and whilst I love flowers etc I'm not a gardener but certainly appreciate everything Ross does in the garden.  Thank goodness he has a green thumb!

What do you see yourself doing in ten years time?  …  Hopefully exactly what I’m doing now but I’ll be 71 so maybe I might have slowed down a bit! Ü

Who is your favourite designer?  Has to be Australian Bronwyn Hayes – just love what Bronwyn does and have a large collection of her patterns to stitch when I retire! LOL She is very creative and also very sharing.  American, I love what Sue Spargo designs - her marrying of fabric, felted wool and embroidery embellishing is just stunning.

Pretty Posies BOM

Email Jan for the pattern and instructions Ü

Here is Cath's free stitchery...two cute little raggedy angels.

Cath's showcase patterns for this post are

Annie and Kitty

This is a cute prim pattern of a baby Annie and her Kitty. Both are wearing nappies. They are very easy to make and you won't want to stop at making only one set.

$12 Hard copy... includes postage.

$7 E Pattern......

Little Raggedie & Mini Quilt 

This cute little Raggedy comes with her mini quilt. There is a cute little stitchery of her in the centre, appliqué hearts and some very easy strip piecing.

$12 Hard copy... includes postage.

$7 E Pattern.....

Raggedy Wall Hanging

This wall hanging has a large Annie head and a large Andy head on it. Easy patchwork and looks lovely done in any colour way. The appliqué is very easy and suitable for a beginner.

$12 Hard copy... includes postage.

$7 E Pattern......

Here we have 4 very cute Raggedy note papers. I have designed these myself and they are my special offering for this post. You will be sent a clean copy and then you can print off as many as you like.

$2 .....

Christmas and Bags are my showcase offerings for this post.

Country Carpet Bag

My interpretation of the "Mary Poppins" bag.  I used wool pieces for the bag and felted wool scraps for the applique.  The ladybird is one of my handmade wooden buttons but the bag would look fantastic made from tapestry fabric bits or even denim!  Velvet would look great too....I really need to make more!  Ü

$12.00 AUD OR

$7.00 AUD for an Epattern...

Holly Season Tablerunner

Just perfect for your Christmas decorating!

$12.00AUD OR

$7.00AUD for an Epattern ...

MANHATTEN

Classy bag with a zippered closure.  Perfect for a day out shopping.  Works well in any fabric choice.

$12.00AUD OR

$7.00AUD for an Epattern...

Felt Baubles

This post's special is my collection of felt baubles for your Christmas tree.  A quick and easy project and fun to make!

$5.00AUD for Epattern only.

There we go!  Hope you enjoy the patterns and the freebies and we'll be back around the 15th October.  I've just previewed the post and the font seems all higgeldy piggeldy and I'm not sure why! lol  Apologies for that but Happy stitching until then!

SPRING IS HERE!!!

Spring has arrived in the valley and the days have been so beautiful!  Those of you in the northern hemisphere will be preparing for all the beautiful colours of autumn.  This time of year, for us, is full of quilt shows and spring flower festivals....lots of fun!!

Our Guest Crafter for this post is Nicki Tervo from Brisbane.  Many of you will have seen Nicki's ceramic buttons at lots of quilt and craft shows.  You can take a peek at her great range on
1.      web:  www.handcraftedbuttons.com.au
2.     blog:  www.nikkitervodesigns.blogspot.com
3.     facebook: Nikki Tervo

Nikki also has a range of patterns under the Brandy Gully umbrella.  When asked how she got started Nikki replied; "A potter by trade, I then had an industrial accident so took up making buttons to trade for fabric as I had just taken up quilting as a hobby.  My Gran lent me some money so I could buy a kiln and it all went from there.  That was 16 years ago…… (suddenly I feel old)"  Don't we all Nikki!

'"Ceramic buttons are what I am best known for but I love designing small easy projects that can be finished easily by any level of crafter.  The patterns have buttons on most of them but not all of them.  They are a real cross section of patterns as I love to make different things myself" was Nikki's reply when we asked her what she created.

Nikki's tip to share with us?  "Never unpick your work as that is like unpicking your history.  No matter how bad you think it is or how much some one else’s is better, right now this is the best you can be and you will get to see yourself improve and have the proof to show others just starting out.  Always share your knowledge freely and happily."  Wise words!!

Nikki's favourite recipe is a yummy one!  Coconut Ice.  Makes 12 large bars.  Into a saucepan put 6 cups of sugar and 1 ½ cups of milk.  Bring it to the boil while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.  Boil for 5 minutes on low.  Add 2 ¼ cups of coconut, and boil for one minute more.  Take off the heat and beat with an electric beater until very thick and creamy and ‘wave type ridges’ form in the mix. Using a shallow 1” deep by 12” long and 6” wide tray, wet the inside of the tray with some water and then pour out the excess water but don’t dry the tray.  Pour half the mix (and it will till be hot as you have to have tray ready and work fast) into the tray and smooth across the bottom of the tray.  Then using a pink food colouring, colour the rest of the mix in the saucepan with your wooden spoon until all one even satisfactory colour (too much colouring makes it look odd, you need it to be a lovely pink not a bright hot pink)  Spread this mix over the top of the white mix in the tray and smooth out.  Then use a wet knife while the mix is still warm and cut the mix through.  Cut it into whatever sizes you choose,  Keep wetting the knife as you go.  Once all the cuts are in, then put in fridge until set and cold.  Flip out of tin and the knife cuts should allow you to break it into the pieces with ease.  This is a great lollie for school fetes etc.  (For those of you who live outside Australia a "lollie" is a sweet or confectionary Ü)

When not crafting Nikki loves to spend time in the rainforest, gardening, spending time with husband and family and definitely drinking cups of tea and eating sticky buns with friends!

We asked Nikki what she thinks she will be doing in 10 years time:  "Not sure at this stage.  Still sewing and as clay makes my soul sing, no doubt I will still be making buttons.  The kids will be at the age of having kids, so that brings in a whole lot of new adventures.  John wants to tour around Australia in a campervan so he is madly trying to design a sewing room that will ‘work’ so that I will travel with him.  LOL" 

Our final question to Nikki was does she have a favourite designer:  "Don’t really have one. I love to make lots of things and lots of quilts.  I love making dolls, but they usually do my head in.  LOL I love making useful things and I love making really complicated quilts as well as really easy ones.  So I guess I love every ones things but don’t ever stick to one set designer."  Thanks to Nikki for being our guest designer this post.

It's time for Cath's Teddy BOM this post and we're sure you will enjoy stitching him!
Cath's patterns for showcase are listed below.

My latest Pattern is the Raggedy Twins... They are very easy to make and look lovely sitting together on your shelf. They are small dolls, but cute. Full face painting instructions are in the pattern.

Hard copy $12... including postage.

e pattern $7

Beach Babe.

This Raggedy is fun to make. She is free standing and has bare feet. Also included in the pattern is her swim ring and her pull along duck. This doll can be made by a novice doll maker. A real cutie.

Hard copy $12... including postage.

e pattern $7

Lady Bug Annie.

Another small but cute Raggedy. This time she has her pet lady bug with her. Full face painting instructions are included. Easy to make and you won't want to stop at only making one.

Hard copy $12... including postage.

e pattern $7

Cath's Special

Annie & Chooky.

 This is one of my favourite patterns to make. Annie is once again free standing. This is easy to achieve and full instructions are in the pattern. Both dolls wear shoes. Annie is wearing toddler shoes and Chooky is wearing doll shoes. Chooky also has her favourite toy with her... a pull along chook.....

e pattern only...... $5

Teddie BOM #2

A note from Cath,

This is the second block of the Teddy Swag. You make it exactly the same way as the first one is made. So please e mail me for instructions to block one if you do not have them already.

Also e mail me for the instructions to stitch this Teddy. Please take note I will be away from Friday9th until Sunday the 18th.

If you have ever seen Cath's cute, cute, CUTE faces on her Raggedies you will love her free tutorial this posting.  Here 'tis!

Here are three cute and easy Raggedy faces to paint onto your dolls. Just enlarge them before you print them off to suit the size of the doll's head. Most printers have an enlarge button.

To trace the face onto the doll you need to trace around the head shape on your chosen fabric. Then place the page with the faces on it on the light box. Place your head fabric on top of this with the drawn side down facing the paper. You will be able to see the outline of the head through the fabric, because of the light. Line the head up with the face and then trace the facial features onto the fabric.

When you have done this, you will turn the fabric over and sew on the drawn line , making sure you have double fabric. When you cut out the doll and turn it the right way out, the facial features will be in place on the head.

Use a sharp lead pencil to trace with. A soft lead will work better. 4B is a good one. Make sure that the eyes are half way down the head, as this is where our eyes are on our faces. If you place the eyes higher than the halfway mark, you tend to get a face that isn't as cute looking. Stuff the doll really well as this makes it easier to paint the face on.

I will give painting instructions in our next post.

Jan's patterns for this post are another combination...

Christmas Messages

Be ready in time for Christmas!  Christmas Messages are quick and easy to finish and look great in your entryway or a great gift for family and friends.

Hard copy $12...(includes P&H)

e pattern  $7

Birdhouses & Beehives Banner

Another in my banner series.  This time an extra stitchery and small wall hanging. 

Hard Copy $12... (includes P&H)

e pattern $7

 Country Patch Bag

This has been a very popular bag and was also published in Country Threads magazine.  A great size for that day out and would work in any fabric choice and you could also make it with denim and even leave the applique off the front!

Hard copy $12..... (includes P&H)

e pattern $7

My special for this posting is my Friendship Tote.  A combination of stitcheries and lovely Aunt Grace fabrics.  The ruffles make it even prettier and the handles even have stitching on them too!  Looks good in any range of fabric though!

e pattern $5

My free stitcherie for this post is two for the price of one! Ü

Try the usual:  Right click; save to your hard drive and then print!  If that doesn't work, email me.  Ü  

Our lucky follower to comment for last post is Deb from Maine!  Email me Deb and I'll organise your prize!  Ü

We hope you have enjoyed your "read" and always let us know if there's anything special you would like us to write about.  One of our followers has asked for some info on what can be done with the  wonderful embellishing machines available now.  I'm working on a tutorial for that so keep your "eye" out for it!

Until next time......Happy Stitching,

TIME TRAVELS SO QUICKLY!!!

I can't believe that two weeks have gone by since the last post!!  I'm sure it's not because we're all getting older?  Mind you, I HAVE celebrated another birthday recently so maybe it is!  Ü  We're hoping that everyone is enjoying their stitching and eager for the next installment of the Pretty Posies BOM and the other freebies.

This posting our Guest Crafter is Joy Coey who lives in Brisbane, Queensland.  Joy's blog and web site is www.joypatch.blogspot.com   www.joypatch.com 

"I always wanted to try patchwork, especially after seeing a friends sampler quilt, I thought it was just beautiful. I finally had a try about 10 years ago when I thought I’d make a quilt for my daughter’s 18^th birthday. I hand pieced the blocks and …… well it took MUCH longer than I’d anticipated lol. In the months ahead I managed to learn a bit more about patchwork through books and magazines and help from my friends, and my very first UFO (Tahlia’s “18^th” quilt) waited patiently while I did. She finally got the quilt (finished on the machine) for her 23^rd birthday!! Since then there’s been no stopping me – I just love my patchwork :-)!!" was Joy's answer to the eternal question of how she got started on her road to "obsession"!

When asked what she liked to create Joy replied with a smile; "I love to create all sorts of things, mostly useful items as I’m not one to have something tucked away in a cupboard. I like to be able to enjoy the things I’ve made – whether they’re bags or sewing kits or quilts. If they wear out … well I’ll have to make some more :-). Most of my quilts are made quilt-as-you-go, I find it so much easier, and I also love to work with pre-cut fabrics sometimes too (jelly rolls, charm packs, layer cakes etc), as seeing the variety of prints and colours that all go together so well never fail to put a smile on my face :-). Lately I’ve been making some different sorts of totes – my ‘Bucket of Buckets’ and ‘Honeybun Fun’ sets are so handy, and I’m really having fun with those. I’ve also got a new pattern out called ‘Doctor Bag’ – it’s just like the old fashioned Mary Poppins carpet bag and it’s just perfect for me as you can fit SO much in it lol!!!"

Joy's tip is something we should all live by "Not very original – but the old 'Measure twice, cut once' is my mantra J:-)"

The age old favourite of most families is a good fruit cake and Joy has shared her favourite recipe with us.

EASY PEASY FRUIT CAKE – From Joy Coey

470G tin crushed pineapple – or (I prefer) a tin of traditional fruit salad
1 small packed mixed fruit
1 cup sugar
125g butter
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
2 eggs
1 cup Self Raising flour
1 cup plain flour

Line a deep 20cm round or square cake pan with glad-bake. Combine undrained, tinned fruit, mixed fruit, butter, mixed spice, sugar and bicarb soda in a saucepan. Stir over heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to the boil and simmer uncovered for about 3 or 4 minutes.. Allow to cool. When cold add eggs and sifted flours, mix well. Spread the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake in a slow oven (about 160 degrees) for about 1 hour or so. Cake is cooked when a skewer comes out clean. Cover and leave in tin until cooled completely. Remove from tin leaving lining paper intact. Refrigerate in airtight container up to a week.

There must be something about crafters with husbands who are motorcycle fanatics!  Joy's reply when asked about other pastimes was; "A few years ago my dear husband decided to get his motorcycle license. At first I was horrified and swore I’d never get on the back of a motorbike. Eventually I could see how much he was enjoying it and really wanted to join him. We’ve never looked back, we’re having a fabulous time on the weekends when the weather is fine. We ride off on the motorbike to some country markets, or out for lunch – or even just for coffee, and we’re having a ball!! I really didn’t imagine I’d be doing that when I’m 50 but I’m so glad I am J."

Another reply that we can relate to! Ü  When we asked Joy what she hoped to be doing in 10 years time?  "Hopefully more of the same thing I’m doing now. I find a lot of relaxation in my stitching. Who knows – ten years from now I might even finish my hexagon quilt (that I’ve been working on since 2006) lol!!??!!"

"Simply too many to name J, our Australian designers are fabulous and I love them all – to pick just a few would be impossible lol!!" was her answer to who her favourite designer is.

Our thanks to Joy for letting us into a part of her life - make sure you visit her blog and web site.

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Cath has a "sneak peek" at a new pattern to be released on the next posting - They are just sooooo cute!!! 


Cath's patterns for showcase this posting are:

Lily & Lucas:

Lily & Lucas are two cute boy and girl bunnies. They each wear toddler shoes and look so cute. They are easy to make and have complete face painting instructions included in the pattern.

Hard Copy.... $12 AUD [postage is included]

E pattern.......$7 AUD

Wee Raggedy:

This is my smallest Raggedy doll I have designed. She is so quick and easy to make and using just scraps of fabric. She makes a lovely little doll for one of your dolls to hold onto......

Hard Copy.... $12 AUD [postage is included]

E pattern.......$7 AUD

Rilee & Moo Moo:

This cute Raggedy has her best friend with her.... Moo Moo the cow...... Both dolls are easy to make and have full face painting instructions included in the pattern.

Hard Copy.... $12 AUD [postage is included]

E pattern.......$7 AUD

Tom & Kitty:

Tom & Kitty are so easy to make and are so cute. A must have pattern for the cat lovers.

$5  Epattern only

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Here we have a free stitchery pattern from Cath.  Remember the usual story; right click on pic; save to hard drive and print.  Ü

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Jan's patterns for showcase are a mixture of a bag, an apron and a retro table runner.

Cairns Central

A beaut bag to take shopping.  A shoulder strap as well as an interesting handle make it suitable for everyone.  Make it with the wonderful Kaffe Fasset range of fabrics or a more traditional selection.  The shoulder strap is removable by the addition of "parrot" clips.

Hard Copy.... $12 AUD [postage is included]

E pattern.......$7

Food for the Soul
Country Apron

Pumpkins and Sunflowers provide "food for the soul" - pumpkins for our hunger and sunflowers to fill that need in our soul for beauty.  A useful apron as well as adding that country touch to your kitchen decor.

Hard Copy.... $12 AUD [postage is included]

E pattern.......$7

Flower Power

A table runner with a "retro" look and would work with any range of fabrics.  My love of ric-rac and buttons shows through with easy piecing in the centre and applique "flower power" at each end.

Hard Copy.... $12 AUD [postage is included]

E pattern.......$7  

Country Garden Banner

One of my earliest banners but still extremely popular.  Typical country items - a cream can, birdhouse, watering can, pot of flowers and a fence!  Lots of dimensional flowers and buttons plus embroidery.

$5  Epattern only

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Jan's free stitchery pattern this post is another of her Stitchery Gift Cards.  This time a pot of flowers.  Email Jan if you would like the pattern and instructions. 

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Jan is providing the free tutorial this post.  It is her "Needle Notes" - a short tutorial on the use of needles when stitching.

Needle Notes with Jan Knight.

We use needles in our work all the time and most often we don’t give enough thought to what needle we use.  Just as a tradesman has different tools for different jobs, we too must use the right needle for the project.  Using the right needle makes the stitching much easier as well as protecting the thread from stress.  Stress of the thread will make it appear furry, thin out and eventually break when you don’t want it to!  Match the size needle (the smaller the number the thicker and higher the number the finer) to the thickness of thread you are wishing to stitch with and the fabric you are stitching on.  The thread should move freely through the eye and the needle should make a big enough hole in the fabric for the thread to pull through easily without stressing either the fabric or the thread. 

Listed below are some of the needles we use the most and their uses:

Crewel

These come in a variety of sizes (generally ranging from #10 down to #3) and have a long eye, a reasonably fine shaft and a fine, sharp point but are thicker at the eye than at the point.  These needles are used for normal embroidery using a variety of embroidery threads.  Just make sure you match the eye/thickness to the number of embroidery floss strands or other thread.

Straw

Straw needles also come in a variety of sizes (generally ranging from #10 down to #1) and have a small eye and the whole needle is the same thickness for the total length.  Straws are also sometimes called Milliners and are just perfect for “bullion stitch” AND “colonial or french knots”.  These needles take all the difficulty out of both these stitches as you wrap the thread around the same thickness as you wish to pull through.  If you were to use a crewel needle you are trying to pull the thick part of the needle through the wraps which are around the finer part of the needle.  If you have ever had trouble with bullion stitch this is probably why!

Chenille

These also come in a variety of sizes (generally ranging from #18 to #24) and have a large eye, a thicker shaft than crewels and a sharp point.  These needles are used for much heavier embroidery threads, silk ribbon embroidery and wool embroidery.

These needles listed above are only “the tip of the iceberg” in the needle world but I find they are the most common ones that I use for my stitching.

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OOOOPS!!!  Nearly forgot the Pretty Posies BOM!!!

Here it is!  Suffolk Puffs, buttons and embroidery.  Email Jan if you would like the pattern and instructions.

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 We hope we have given you lots of "food for thought" and don't forget to leave a comment to be in the draw!!!  Maree was the lucky winner for last post and she won a copy of Cath's Raggedy Twins.  Until next time, happy stitching and stay safe.