Elm Grove Patchwork

A workshop with the Quilt Crow Girls

Last Friday I was privileged to attend a 'Working with Wool' workshop with the amazing duo of Leonie and Deirdre of The Quilted Crow in Tasmania. 

I have a great love of wool.....if you have followed my blog you will know of my pet sheep Aurthur, George and Harold....and I have stocked felted woven wool for some time, although the colours I have been able to purchase have been rather limited and although I have been dying the wool, it does take time.

Leonie and Deirdre have now teamed up with Marcus Fabrics, and together they are producing an amazing line of woollen fabric in the most beautiful colours.

The project I worked on was 'Aunt Betina's Parlour', a pattern designed by Deirdre Bond-Abel.

I left class with all my pieces stapled down and the stitching begun.

It was wonderful having the chance to be touch and feel all the amazing quilts that these girls have made.

These quilts with wool applique are just special quilts. They have a beautiful weight making them the perfect choice on a cold wintry night, and the extra time and hand work involved seems to put even more love into them. I have come home with a whole new passion, and a determination to make lovely woolen applique quilts that my family will treasure.

I will be back soon to share more about what I saw at Quilt Market on Saturday and what delights I have in store for you now and into the New Year. 

Happy Quilting,

Lenora.

PS. ELM GROVE PATCHWORK will be CLOSED on SATURDAY 29th NOVEMBER as I will be taking the shop on the road to the Applique Guild of Australia's Applique in which is being held at the Belmont Masonic Hall, Geelong. 10.00am - 4.00pm. Members and visitors are welcome to attend. Guest speaker is Judy Newman of a Very Fine House Designs.

100% Wool Fabrics

Over the past fortnight I have had deliveries of 100% wool fabric. It has taken a little while for me to get through the felting process, but I am currently up to date. (Word has come that another five bolts are on the way, but at this present time, as we speak, I am up to date!).

These are the commercially dyed colours I have purchased. A dark brown, mustard and tan are still to come.

I have also purchased some plaid and hounds-tooth, which I am working my way through dyeing.

I am really enjoying the dyeing process. Each batch I dye, I learn something new. I think dyeing is very much a learn-as-you-go subject; although a few years back I undertook some textile design subjects and the colour theory I learnt has definitely been a help. Initially I was working with very strict formula's, now I am working at different strengths and to be honest a little bit of this and little bit of that and if it doesn't look right a little bit more of something else.

What do you think?

I have been talking to the lovely Leonie from the Quilted Crow in Tasmania, and I have in stock some of her and Deidre's patterns and their book.

Working with felted wool is quick and easy and perfect for little gift items.

 

If you are in the area pop by and have a look at the display I am building inside the shop. If you are not in the area I have the patterns listed online, and I will soon be adding a whole wool section where you will be able to order individual pieces and bundles. 

Lenora.

 

Wooly Sunshine

If you have been following along with this blog and my old blog, you will know that I have a little fascination with wool. Eighteen months ago I successfully convinced my husband to fence off a small disused area so I could run three sheep; Arthur, George and Harold.

(Aren't they lovely!)

I love all things wool, from my merino Spencer's and leggings, to woolly scarfs, jumpers and vests. 

About eighteen months ago, I rediscovered wool fabric. (I had purchased some years ago, but for some unknown reason, it never really took hold of me.)  Lovely for applique and embellishing small projects, I was a little frustrated not to be able to find the colours I wished to work with. so I decided to explore the possibilities of dyeing. I purchased some wool dyes and books, and set about learning the process. The more I read and explored, the more complicated the process seemed, and slowly it all crept to the back of the cupboard.

In recent weeks my thoughts have returned to wool (it is an addiction I am sure), and I have slowly started reading the books again.

With the sun shining beautifully yesterday, and a lovely warmth in the air, I was inspired to finally getting out my dye pot and just start dyeing.

And this is the result. I am quite impressed, even though the pink you see was actually meant to be red!

I am keeping a journal to record weights, measures and methods, so that I will be able to replicate any of the colours I invent. I also have ordered some commercially dyed fabric which hopefully will be arriving soon. And yes, the sketch pad is out.

Lenora x.

Ps. Remember me telling you of all that rain we have had. Thought I would share a little snap taken from our out-paddock. Needless to say the cows wont be drinking at the trough for some time.