BARBARA PARKER
Why this particular craft?I’ve been sewing almost
all my life, in one form or another. At a very early
age, I was allowed to use Mum’s old treadle
machine and, once I got the hang of the treadle
and sewing coordination, I was hooked. That was
the beginning for me, and I haven’t stopped since.
I think that I might suffer withdrawal symptoms
if I didn’t sew nearly every day.
If you weren’t doing this, what would occupy your
time?I really don’t know, but it would have to be
something to keep my hands occupied. It feels asif something is missing if I don’t have a piece of
work in front of me, whether it be machine sewing
or hand sewing. It just doesn't feel right.
Who taught you your crafting skills? My mother
was my first teacher, for the basics of crochet,
knitting and embroidery, which was quite often
done in the evenings when she had time to sit with
me. I’m one of seven children, so she was always
busy. I also couldn’t wait for sewing classes at
school, and still have some of the work from those
days. Later on, I worked in a factory, sewing, but
I didn’t call that ‘work’, it was more like my hobby,
and I was getting paid for it!
What does this craft mean to you?Sewing is
therapy, contentment, peace and pleasure. And,
when a project turns out well, a sense of
achievement. It’s not unusual for me to lose all track
of time in my sewing room and wonder why I feel
a bit on the hungry side at three o’clock.
Is it hard to find time to do it or is it a profession?
Now in retirement, I have time to sit and sew, and
have a keen interest in patchworking and quilting,
which is fun. And it always amazes me just what
you can create from a piece of material.
From where do you draw inspiration?From other
quilters, crafters and books and especially from the
very talented ladies of the Tin Can Bay Quilters and
the Tin Can Bay Craft Club, who are always willing
to help and guide you with any project. You need
never feel lonely if there is a one of these clubs
in your area. Join up! They’re so much fun.Where do you live and work? Since moving
to the small seaside village of Tin Can Bay, Qld,
in retirement and joining the craft and quilting
clubs, my days are filled with all things sewing
and craft, and occasionally the dreaded housework.
My sewing room (I must admit I have extended that
to the garage and the spare room) is my haven.
And the stash is constantly growing.
Do you teach your skills to others? There’s a
wealth of knowledge and expertise at the clubs that
I’ve joined, and everyone passes on or teaches their
special talents to others, from beginners to experts.
How would you describe your style? What makes
it unique?I don’t think I have a style or something
unique, but I do like to make use of leftover scraps,
hence the bias tote bag. I found the bias binding
(which I have had for ages) at the bottom of a box
and came up with the idea to make the bag. The
best tip someone told me was to save your scraps,
they can be so useful, and they were right.
Any embarrassing botch-ups along the way?
Plenty. If it can’t be salvaged, it’s in the bin!
What do you do with your finished pieces?My two
daughters are the recipients of a lot of my work,
including quilts, wallhangings, soft toys and
anything else I think they might like. They say they
love them–hope they are telling the truth!
What’s your advice for beginners?Start out slowly,
doing small projects, and gradually build from there.
And maybe join a club; it’s a good way to learn from
others and to make new friends along the way.Gett ing to know...
37 Holmes Rd, Moonee Ponds 3039
Telephone: 03 9375 3575
Email: [email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/
TranquilityCraftsnSuppliesTranquility
CRAFTS ‘N SUPPLIES
‘bountiful harvest’
This simple quilt measures 35^11 ⁄ 2 ”x44^1 ⁄ 2 ”
(90cm x 114cm) and is an adaptation of “Life is a
Patchwork of Friends” quilt card from Wildcraft Farm.Kit for quilt – which includes quilt card,
stitchery fabric, charm pack, pearl cotton and
binding fabric: $57.00 plus p&h.“Life is a Patchwork of Friends” quilt card:
$10.95 plus p&h.Homespun 83HSP1511_p076-083_A Little Bit Biased Project.indd 83 9/23/2014 12:05:06 PM
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