New Homespun Magazine Design

Last week I was busy sewing a new design for Homespun Magazine. The lovely Catherine from Homespun requested a design that would compliment my Christmas in Italy quilt. So of course the design needed to include little hand appliqued cottages nestled amongst the snow.

I was lucky enough to have some off cuts of the same fabric range I used for this quilt, so this new project compliments the quilt beautifully. Although I cannot give too much away I can show you a sneak peek of the project which will appear in the 2012 November issue of Homespun Magazine.

A cute little project that is quick and easy to sew up just before Christmas.

Look out for this Christmas project and lots of others in the November issue of Homespun Magazine.

New Christmas Projects

Over the last few weeks I have been busy designing some new Christmas projects. I know it is only April, but we Australians love celebrating Christmas in July. It gives us a chance to enjoy a roast dinner without melting in a pool of sweat. Australian sewers also embrace the chance to begin their Christmas sewing projects, hoping that this will alleviate the rush that tends to come with the lead up to Christmas. Well that's the plan anyway.

So while my new Noah's ark project is being finalized and the pattern tested, I have been thinking about all things festive and thought I would share with you some of my new creations. I have been playing with some beautiful hand dyed wool felt and these little birds are part of a set of three.Our family dog Jacko has also been admiring them so I am being careful to hang them well out of doggy reach!

I also couldn't resist the temptation to make a cute winter cabin. There is also a felted Christmas tree to complete the set which is still under construction. It is decorated with miniature brass bells and a timber star. Trouble is I haven't found the perfect star to go on top yet, so left it out of the picture. It looks very quaint here amongst the little white blossoms.

Whilst looking for some Christmas fabrics in my stash I uncovered a bolt of Prairie cloth which has formed the basis of these hand embroidered Christmas stockings. The texture and lovely cream colour works well with some Redwork detailing. I bought this spotty ribbon some time ago which was also put to good use

And here is something for the tree, I've made a set of five cathedral window decorations, three of my favourites are shown.. These were so much fun to make and the good news is that they are quick end easy.

The patterns for all these projects will be available soon.

I have one more Christmas project on the drawing board which I hope to share with you next week. So I had better get off the computer and back to my sewing studio. Chat with you again soon, but before you go leave a comment and let me know which project you like the best.

Noah's Ark Project Continues

When I began to research Noah and his wife for my Noah's Ark project, a few characteristics became very clear. From looking at pictures I was reminded of the fact that Noah and his wife were simple, humble folk.So dressing them as such was important. It was also very clear that Noah was to have a flowing white beard and a Staff.

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So I went to work and here is what I came up with.

 

  I found some hand spun natural wool in my drawer which I used for their hair and Noah's beard.

I also had some hand dyed wool felt in coordinating greens which worked well for their robes which I decorated with some simple embroidery.

Here they are on the Ark

The animals are almost ready to embark.

The excitement is building. Say tuned!

PS I am currently finalizing the pattern for this project which will be made up of a set of three patterns. I also plan to have some starter kits available which will take all the had work out of finding the materials for this project. More to come soon.

Noah's Ark Project Continues

Hooray the giraffes have finally been found, 

grazing amongst the leaves. 

They are now heading towards the Ark.

Noah has been extremely busy building the Ark, 

and of course his lovely wife has been by his side 

every step of the way. 

They are extremely shy but I have convinced them to make an 

appearance very soon. 

Things are getting exciting now because the 

gangplank has been lowered.

Noah was very pleased to find a suitable felt material for the 

roof which has been hand dyed. 

Looks a bit like thatch.

His wife convinced him to add some decoration along the edge of the 

roof as a finishing touch.

 He reluctantly agreed.

 

More to come soon.

Warmly Lenna

PS Yes hubby was right about the shape of the Ark, it looks much better don't you think?

My Miss 12 was very concerned about how the animals would enter the Ark until I informed her that the front of the roof flaps back so that the animals can all jump inside. She was delighted by this and thought that all the animals would have heaps of fun doing this. She was also relieved to hear that the animals would all be safe and sound inside when the storm clouds brewed.

Noah's Ark Project Continues

Good news the Ark has been erected and appears to be water tight. Bad news I cannot take a good photo of it today because it is too cloudy.

Instead I thought I would share these Noah's Ark jokes with you.
They put a smile on my face so I hope they can do the same for you.
The first is how I am feeling at the moment trying to get this project finished. I have a gang plank to build and two Giraffes in pieces ready to be sewn together.

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And these also made me chuckle.

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Back to work I go!

Noah's Ark Project Continues

Good news everyone, Zebra has found true love and can now get on the Ark.

Noah has also been busy laying the planks and fashioning the window panes.

 The Ark is almost ready to erect.

The animals are getting very excited.

But where is Noah and his lovely wife?

Coming soon!

 

Noah's Ark Project Continues

This week, progress on my 3D Noah's Ark project has been somewhat slower. The Giraffes have not been found, and the Zebras seem to be very shy. Although I am pleased to report that a cardboard template for the Ark has emerged. I have to admit that this is the first time that I have been very grateful to Master 15 for his serious cereal consumption. It has left me with a pile of cereal boxes to work with. Teenage boys and  cereal seem to go hand in hand. Each week I have a replenished supply of cardboard to work with.

On inspection, Hubby the handy man and builder type member of the family, is not happy with the Ark shape. He has convinced me (reluctantly) that the Ark should be the same shape at the front and back. At the moment mine is square across the back, a bit like a fishing trawler. Before I go back to the drawing board, what do you think?

Here is a photo of my Ark. If you look in the background you will notice a very shy Zebra.

Later, I managed to persuade him to come out and say hi.

Here he is, unfortunately on his own. Although after this week I hope to have  a mate for him. 

He cannot get one the Ark otherwise.

Off to find the Giraffes now... and to rebuild the Ark.

more to share with you next week.

Warmly Lenna