satchel back shape where marked
on the pattern. Machine stitch across
the end of each strap several times
to ensure a secure join.42
Pin the darts in the satchel
front shape as you did with
the darts for the cat, and sew them.43
With right sides together,
match the satchel front shape
with the bottom and side edges of
the satchel back shape. Machine sew
around the matching edges.44
Turn the satchel right side out.
Sew a sequin and seed bead or
a decorative button on the tab on the
satchel to suggest a ‘latch’ – although
it won’t actually serve as one.Fish
45
Cut the length of chain lace
or twine into two 3in lengths
and one 6in length. Tie a small knot
very close to each end of the two
shorter lengths.46
Match two fi sh shapes cut from
the same felt. Slip the knotted
end of one of the shorter lengths
between the layers where the fi sh’s
mouth would be. Use two strands of
embroidery fl oss in a colour to match
the fi sh, blanket stitch around the
edge of the fi sh, starting near the
mouth and capturing the lace/twine
‘fi shing line’ in this seam. Just before
you return to your starting point,carefully stuff the fi sh; then complete
the stitching to close the opening.
Secure the thread, but don’t cut it.47
Insert the needle into the fi sh’s
mouth, exiting at one eye.
Thread it through one black seed
bead, then back into the entry point,
exiting at the second eye position.
Repeat to add the second black seed
bead. Then pass the needle backwards
and forwards through the head several
times from one eye position to the
other to secure the eyes and slightly
indent the fi sh’s cheeks.48
Bring the needle out through
the mouth area, secure it, then
fi nish it off as you did with the ears.JENNIFER GOLDSMITH
How often do you start a new project do you
think? In my mind and on paper, probably
every other day. Of those, a design emerges
every month or so. I usually have a few
projects bubbling away in the back of my
mind, on bits of paper or as notes in my
phone. When I’m playing with a new idea,
I write down everything that comes to mind
about it – fabrics, shapes or even an inspiring
turn of phrase that I’d like to incorporate as
part of the critter’s character. After that,
it’s a gradual stripping away of ideas until
I have something workable, desirable and
not too over-engineered.
Do you have the new design completely
formulated in your head before committing
it to paper and fabric? My designs always
start to ‘breathe’ for me on paper. They’re
rough sketches, lines and shapes. I draw a
character from diff erent angles to help me
decide where seams should fall and the way
limbs should attach. From there, they become
a material prototype ... or a ‘sketch in cotton’,
as I think of them. It’s here that I find which
of those lines work and which don’t. Nine
times out of 10, it’s where I shave a
considerable amount from overly round belly
shapes ... I never seem to learn that my
generous waistlines in drawings don’ttranslate as well when stuff ed. A few times,
I’ve struggled over head shapes and, in
frustration, started my prototype before
settling on the a firm shape. I’ve always
regretted this later. Instead of the right head
shape magically appearing, these designs
wander around, rather than forge ahead.
They get there in the end, though, even if
they do spend a little while off to the side
while I ponder them a bit longer.
Do you avidly follow other designers online
and in magazines? I love to see what
designers make and share with the world.
The internet is a wonderful tool to meet and
connect with creative people the world over.
It’s always inspiring to follow makers who use
different media and methods to me. The
wonderful thing about crafting is the endless
possibilities. On the other hand, I wonder
sometimes if following others too closely isn’t
a double-edged sword. It can make you feel
as if you’re achieving less than you actually
are ... a ‘compare and despair’ kind of thing.
What is your least-favourite part of
designing and making a project? Everything
after the final sample is made, really. When
it comes to pattern writing, I tend to write
as I speak (too much), so I have to do a LOT
of re-writing to get a more concise pattern.
This can sometimes be a challenge for me,
especially when there just don’t seem to be
the right words or phrases to tell others
what my hands are ‘just doing’.
Have you been stitching since you were
a child? I don’t remember the first stitch
I made. I just always remember sewing being
something that happened around me. All of
the women in my family are able to sew ... and
they do it really well. It just seemed like
something everyone does.
Do you remember your very first craft
‘triumph’? If so, what was it and did you keep
it? When I made my daughter’s bed yesterday,
I slipped a simple pink floral slip over herpillow. I know that it was the first project
I ever made at high school, and it’s still in use
today. Is that a triumph? I think it’s at least a
little one. I do remember the first toy I made.
It was a traditionally jointed teddy bear. I still
have it at home.
Did you have professional training in
stitching crafts? Not really. Beyond everything
Miss Ewins taught me during Year 7 Home
Science, the only other instruction I’ve had was
when I made that first teddy bear. Mostly, I’ve
embraced sewing by watching others, reading
and cobbling things together myself, which
is my favourite way to learn. A mistake is only
a mistake if you fail to learn from it.
Do you do your creative crafting in solitude
or do you prefer to be surrounded by others?
My workspace is right in the heart of our
home. There are no doors to close or curtains
to pull across it – it’s just there for all to see.
Family life goes on all around me all the time,
and I apologise to everyone who comes into
our home about the mess and the threads.
I do find that pattern writing is much harder
if there’s noise, though. That’s a job best left
for when everyone else is at work and school.
What products can’t you resist buying in
patchwork and haberdashery stores? I love
good cotton fabric, the quirkier the better,
but I’m most prone to going overboard when
I find a good selection of wool felt. Felt is
incredibly versatile, and being in simple solid
colours, it never fades from fashion as some
fabric prints can, so it’s very easy to justify
adding to my felt stash.
Have you got an unfulfilled stitching dream?
I’m quite happy with going where the mood
takes me at the time. It’s one of the best
things about what I do. Although ... as I write
this, there are school holidays on the horizon.
I’m looking forward to spending time with
our daughter and exploring the possibilities
of popping a few of our drawings into
Spoonflower and seeing what it has to offer.Gett ing to know ...