Stenciling !

Patchwork & Quilting Magazine, March 2008

I'm delighted to have contributed to the March issue of P&Q ! As you know, I'm a little biased when it comes to recognising stenciling as a traditional (if mainly forgotten) quilting technique... and I was fortunate enough to have a Stenciling How to featured in this issue too. Nightshade is also featured and there's a great stenciling project (if I do say so myself!).

I've had a few emails from people wanting to know where to start with stenciling - good question! I created the stencil project in P&Q for those interesting in trying out stenciling, as well as those wanting to go one step further...this stencil can be used as a stand alone block or made to contribute to a larger quilt (coming soon in a future issue)...so if you've wanted to look into stenciling and maybe putting your hard work to good use a little later on, this issue is for you.

Of course, feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I'd love to hear from you.

Stencil Workshop Requirements List

Hello to all of you who will be joining me for the

Table Runner Stencil Workshop

Feel free to email me or send on a comment if you have any questions about this workshop
Please make sure you bring everything you need to make this workshop a success

Why not try a stencil quilt yourself?
In this workshop you will learn one of the oldest and most charming, yet forgotten techniques in quilting : stenciling.

This Stenciled Table Runner demonstrates how the simple yet rewarding process of stenciling can be used to create beautiful and elaborate designs.

It is easy and the finished appearance is similar to that of appliqué. Although not attempting to displace beautiful appliqué, stenciling can create a similar look in a fraction of the time.

Come Prepared. To ensure you are able to fully participate in this workshop, please ensure you bring your own supply of required supplies.

In a day workshop you will :
· Discuss examples of design ideas
· Learn how to cut stencil from freezer paper

· Learn fabric preparation and colour mixing

· Stenciling— ‘ How To’
· Fixing to set the paint
· Outlining technique for stencils
· Ideas and handy tips to get you started on your own designs

Requirements list:

• Plain (background) fabric 130cm length x 46cm width. THIS IS THE SIZE OF THE FINISHED BLOCK. You may want a little extra fabric, just in case.
• White or a very pale fabric is recommended (for succesful stencilling, a non competing print is important). 100% cotton is recommended. If you are using homespun or calico, it is recommended that you pre-wash the fabric.

• Reynolds Freezer paper x 2 metres approx
• Craft knife (or scalpel) with self healing matt or cutting board
• Sharp scissors
• Pen, pencil, eraser
• Stubby paintbrush for stencilling
• Wad of paper towelling
• Several clean plastic tubs for colour mixing (empty margarine containers are ok)
• Clean jar (for rinsing brushes)
• Masking Tape
• 1 metre x Baking (grease proof paper)
• 2 x Jo Sonja Artist Acrylics of choice ( I personally use and recommend this brand)
• Faber castell PITT artist Pen in fine line, waterproof Indian Ink for outlining. Whichever outlining pen you opt for, first test for colour fastness by washing.
• Some extra fabic for patch testing
• Jo Sonja Textile Medium (optional)

You may opt to purchase your own Jo Sonja Textile Medium, however as a whole bottle is wasteful if you're not going to be using it after the workshop, I will provide just enough for you to use on the day for a small cost.

Quilters Convention, Melbourne

On sunday, I went along to the Quilter's Convention in Melbourne. It was great to see so many people there, it was a 10 minute queue to get in!

Here's a pic of Nightshade hanging in the quilt display.

Website S-T-I-L-L Under Construction

February already!

It's been a few months since my last update - I've been too busy designing and sewing and quilting non stop.

This is a pic from my upcoming quilt Waltzing Pinks ... I'm still looking for a new domestic machine as mine is really tired from being overworked, but until it stops dead and refuses to stitch, I'll keep on.

I had several quilts on the go I just finished last week and am already working on a few more. Normally, mid year is my busiest quilting time, but this year I've been flat out early on...so hopefully I'll have some spare time to fix my website soon.

Thank you for your emails commenting on my website...there's been some technical issues which I will get around to sorting out. In the mean time, feel free to contact me here!

The -finally- Perfect Pavlova

After a few years of annual attempts, my daughter's have finally achieved success with this cake!

Getting it right has become something of a family attempting tradition. They've tried every possible recipe, and each cake was too hard, too soft, too marshmellowy, too flat, too high, too airy or cracked. But this year's pavlova was just right! We're all delighted. Here's a photo!

Ps,

holiday mode means I feel too relaxed to design, piece or quilt. Happy New Year!