New Bunny Pattern in Homespun Magazine

This month (August) I'm very proud and excited to have a project featured in Homespun magazine.
I've even made the front cover!

The team at Homespun have done it yet again with a wonderful magazine packed with inspiring projects from leading Australian designers such as Leanne Beasley of Leanne's House, Lynette Anderson of Lynette Anderson designs and Bronwyn Hayes of Red Brolly. To be amongst such amazing talent is such a privilege.

If you haven't grabbed a copy of Homespun Magazine you are really missing out on a treat. There are so many projects that I would like to sew that I don't know where to start.

Here's a picture of the cover so that you can look out for it.




















And here is my new Miss Daisy Bunny project up close.


















Miss Daisy certainly looks at home in the lovely cane chair the Homespun team managed to find for her. She looks very relaxed in the garden amongst the lavender doesn't she?














My two daughters are already arguing over who gets to have Miss daisy when she returns home to us. My youngest is determined she should life in her bedroom since the last project I made was a writing journal for my eldest. (Keep your eyes out for that project appearing soon in Country Threads).

We are very lucky to have such wonderful, professional and always inspiring craft magazines at our fingertips here in Australia. My storage pantry is over flowing with them because I cannot bring myself to part with a single one.

This August issue is definitely no exception, although it will take pride of place on my coffee table for a few weeks before going to the pantry. That way I can ponder over the projects and articles a little more.

Until next time, happy stitching!
Warmly Lenna

New Block of the Month Pattern from Little Green Cottage

It's always exciting when I have a new block of the month pattern to share with you all, and this project is no exception. My new quilt "Cottages in Common" has been designed especially for those passionate about hand sewing.

Inspiration for the design came from a circular street in Hobart, Tasmania called Arthur's Circus. It is a unique street made up of quaint Whalers cottages from a bygone era. The cottages have now been lovingly restored and captivated my heart when I first discovered them. If ever you travel to Tasmania, Australia be sure to visit this "must see" street. The cottages are tiny and are almost identical, but "oh so cute". The street can be found in Battery Point.

Each of the cottages I have depicted have been hand appliquéd around an exquisite garden common. The cottages themselves have their own cute little gardens and accompanying Bluebirds.
I have chosen to colourwash paint the gardens as well which gives a more realistic feel to the gardens. This involves applying colour to the fabric before hand embroidering. It's a technique that I really enjoy and love sharing with people. It allows your creativity to shine through and most people are amazed at how easy the technique is to master.

This block of the month pattern is made up of 12 patterns that are fully illustrated and include handy hints throughout to make your sewing journey hassle free. I have spent many hours on each of these patterns to ensure they offer sewers friendly, easy to follow, step by step instructions.

If you have been looking for a block of the month pattern that is unique and offers something different then here it is.

Sit back and enjoy this presentation I have put together for you. Please be patient while the program takes a few moments to load. For best results wait until the program is fully loaded and then select to view in full screen. To close the program select the ESC button on your computer.

Hope you enjoy!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I enjoyed sewing every minute of this original quilt and I know you will too.In fact I almost didn't want it to come to an end!
Thankfully another design idea has popped into my head so I had better start sketching.

For more information about this block of the month pattern visit the Stitching Cow website
by clicking here

Pattern are available in e-format and can be downloaded to your computer today!

Until next time happy stitching!
Warmly Lenna

Project for Country Threads Magazine

I've just returned from the post office after having posted off a new project to feature in Country Threads Magazine in November. As usual I left it all until the last few days and then madly rushed around trying to get everything done.
After working on my new block of the month patterns all week, it was lovely to do some sewing for a change. My work area is like a conservatory with lots of glassed windows and I enjoyed soaking up the winter sun as I stitched to my heart's content.

It was also wonderful seeking out my fabrics.
Visiting the local patchwork and quilting shops is always a treat and my recent visit was no exception. Here's a few of the treasures I found.






































When I arrived home with my new purchases I felt just like an excited school girl.

As I made myself a cuppa and pondered over the possibilities in front of me I decided to antique some of my fabrics.

I thought I would share the process with you.

Here's my trusty companion. As you can see it is well used. I prefer to use Parisian essence for dyeing my fabrics. It gives a warm brown tone. A solution of tea can also be used although this will give a yellow/brown effect.
































Wet your fabrics first so that they take up the dye evenly. Make up the solution by adding a few cups of boiling water and a cap full of Parisian essence.

















Here's my fabrics soaking, every now and again give them a stir.

Here they are drying on my old timber clothes horse.




















I guess you're wondering by now what I have designed for Country Threads Magazine. Truth is I shouldn't really tell you until the magazine is released, in November. Although I don't think it would do any harm if I gave you a glimpse.













Here's a closeup, as usual I have included some panels of hand embroidery.




















I also raided my hubby's leather making tin and found some leather cord, it matched perfectly with
some buttons out of my button jar.

And so another design is finished. You'll have to grab a copy of Australian Country Threads Magazine (November issue) to see more.

Until next time happy creating!
Warmly Lenna
Little Green Cottage
http://www.stitchingcow.com

Little Green Cottage Designs

Little Green Cottage represents timeless and beautiful patterns designed by Lenna Green.

It is with pleasure that I am able to showcase some of these original designs here for you to enjoy.

You'll be enchanted as you discover some of my most popular patterns. Take a few moments to experience this photo presentation created especially for you.

The program will take a few moments to load. Please be patient, the short wait will be well worth it.

For best results view in full screen, select Esc to close program.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

These exquisite patterns are only the beginning. I personally invite you to view my complete pattern range.

Click here for more patterns by Little Green Cottage

Warmly Lenna Green