What Are You Stitching?

There is a certain uniqueness and creativity when sewing together fabrics to create one large design. An endeavour that may use up scraps from old projects or fabrics saved for just the perfect occasion. 

We’ve found some stitchers in our What Are You Stitching? files who have created their own patchwork designs that perfectly showcase the superb results this process can achieve.

‘I thought you might like to see the Crazy Patchwork coat I have just finished for my 4 ½ year old Granddaughter Katy.’

‘I made it using my sampler technique patches that I created for my City & Guilds exam many years ago, plus others, so each patchwork block is unique. Katy is already learning to sew and loves doing it. We can sit for up to an hour whilst she tries out cross stitch and oversewing felt animals.’

‘It was amazingly simple to make by just cutting out the coat pattern in a very fine wadding and laying that onto fine muslin. The patches were then added to the wadding and all the embellishment, embroidery and quilting stitches worked. Edges were turned in and then small, folded triangles added before the lining was sewn in. It was sewn completely by hand, except the seams of the coat and lining.’

You were right, Jacquie, we did want to see it! The coat is a beautiful labour of love, as is passing on your passion for needle and thread to your granddaughter. The folded triangles are splendid, your eye for detail has really made this coat one in a million.

‘I am one of five girls in my family. Our Mother was a dressmaker and when each one of us turned 13, she taught us to sew and helped us through each new project we wanted to make. I was always grateful for her time, patience and use of her sewing machine. I went on to make curtains for three houses, many clothes and saved a huge amount of money. In our mother’s later years I was able to sew for her and it felt like I was repaying her kindness.’

‘One day I was walking past a curtain and upholstery shop and noticed some of the sample books were reduced to $4 because the sample fabrics were discontinued. They were beautiful fabrics of velvet, heavy silks and damask; all colour coordinated. I bought two books with blues and browns.’

‘It took three days to piece and coordinate the pattern pieces to have a measure of balance. The lining cost more than the samples. I used beautiful brass buttons I bought at a market for $5 about three years earlier and was saving for a special garment.’

Lucky you walked past the shop when you did, Jillian, talk about a bargain! Your coat is lovely. The colours and patterns have been positioned marvellously. We’re sure you’ll get many compliments and lots of people asking, where can I get one?

‘I made this crazy patchwork cushion just using up scraps of material and oddments of tatting that I had no other use for.’

Recycling, cleaning, and a wonderful result? We think you’re on to something here, Mattie! 

Have you stitched a coat? Do you like creating patchwork pieces? Have you found any bargain materials for your projects?

Whatever you are stitching, we’d love to see it! Email photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com