Australian_Homespun_December_2014

Preparation and cutting

1

Trace the bulb pattern from the

Pattern Sheet onto tracing paper

and cut it out on the line.

2

Pin the bulb pattern to the 13

assorted print fabrics in turn

and cut them out along the edge

of the paper.

3

From the linen-look fabric, cut:

• One rectangle, 45 x 140cm
  (17^3 ⁄ 4 x 55in).

4

From the cotton print fabric, cut:

• Two strips, 45cm (17^3 ⁄ 4 in) across
  the width of the fabric (backing).

5

From the grey solid or print

fabric, cut:

• 13 rectangles, 1^1 ⁄ 4 x^3 ⁄ 4 in (bulb
  bases).

6

From the green fl oral print

fabric, cut:

• Four strips, 4.5cm (1^3 ⁄ 4 in) across
  the width of the fabric. Cut the ends
  at a 45-degree angle and join the
  strips into one long length. Press
  the seams open.

7

Feed the long strip through

the bias maker according to the

manufacturer’s instructions and

press as it emerges. Fold it in half

with the long folded edges matching

and press again.

Assembly

8

Referring to Diagram 1, mark the

placement for the bulbs and cable

onto the linen-look fabric. The bulbs

are 10cm (4in) apart and alternate

on each side of the cable. The cable

runs lengthwise along the centre, but

placement of the cable and bulbs are

approximate – see Cintia’s design tip.

9

Cut a 3.4m (3^3 ⁄ 4 yd) length of green

yarn and fold it in half so it’s

doubled. Pin the folded end to the

centre of one short edge of the runner.

Twist the yarns to create the effect

of twined electrical cables to the

fi rst bulb position. Twist a short

section of one strand on itself to

make a little ‘branch’ about 3cm

(1^1 ⁄ 4 in) long and pin it in place.

Now twist both strands again to

the next bulb position and repeat

the ‘branch’ process.

10

Continue twisting the yarn

and making the branches

at each bulb position, then pin the

ends of the yarn at the opposite

end of the runner.

11

Thread the sewing machine

with green thread to match

the yarn. Use straight stitch to sew

the cable in place – it should still have

a loopy 3D look when it’s stitched.

12

Spray the back of the bulb

shapes with adhesive

according to the manufacturer’s

instructions and position them about

2cm (^3 ⁄ 4 in) from the ends of the yarn

branches. Angle some of them for

a more realistic effect.

13

Thread the sewing machine

with a colour to suit the fi rst

bulb and select a wide zigzag stitch

with a short length to form a satin

stitch – test it on a scrap of fabric

fi rst. Sew around the long sides of

the bulb with the stitches mainly

on the shape – there’s no need to

sew across the short end because

it’s covered by the base.

14

Repeat Step 13, changing the

thread colours as needed, to

satin stitch around all 13 bulb shapes.

15

Spray the bases with adhesive

and position them to cover

the ends of the branches and

bulbs. Satin stitch around them

in matching thread.

16

Trim the selvedges off the

two strips of backing fabric,

and join them along one short edge.

Diagram 1

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

Step 15

87 ⁄ 8 in

4in

4in

Homespun 37