the edges of the shapes to secure
them to the background and quilt
them at the same time. The faces
were an exception: for these she used
black thread to outline the faces and
added the eyes and mouths using
lines of free-motion stitching.21
Refer to Steps 19-22 on page
64 to trim and bind the quilt,
but use a scant^1 ⁄ 2 in seam allowance
instead of the usual^1 ⁄ 4 in.RACHAEL HYDE
What did you feel when you first started
sewing? Joy and happiness. My early sewing
memories are all happy. My precious Nan
taught me hand sewing when I was small,and I loved these times. She left us in
September 2016, aged 93, and I often think
of her while I’m sewing.
Has your response to your craft changed
since then? No, absolutely not. I love what
I do; I only wish for more time to make all
of the things my mind imagines.
What is it that keeps you creating? I have
so many ideas and not enough time to make
them all happen. I feel immense satisfaction
when I sew and an idea comes to life.
Do you teach your skills? es, I have a regular Y
group of 12 ladies who meet once a month,
usually at my home, sometimes at our
workplace. I am their support worker during
the working week, but over 12 months ago,
we decided to make our group meet and sew
on a regular basis in our own time. We also
go on many shopping trips for supplies. We
choose our projects together as a group and
help each other out, so that the whole group
can learn new skills and improve our crafting.
Do you do much online crafting work –
blogging, Instagram, Pinterest etc? Not
much. I always run out of time. I work full time
as a disability support worker and have a
large family. I’m also involved in various
community groups in our small country town
and am very committed to my personal fitness- running, in particular. However, I do love
browsing Instagram and Pinterest when
I can. There is so much talent around and
inspiration everywhere.
How diff erent is your stitching world now
from, say, five years ago? Pretty much the
same. I like to sew every day, if I can, even
if it is just for a short time. It allows me to
relax and switch off.
Do you make a lot of projects for your
children? Yes, I do. I have four children – two
daughters and two sons, aged 26, 22, 18 and- I made many quilts, bags, soft toys etc
when they were little and still make them the
odd quilt or two. I have recently become a
grandmother for the first time to a beautiful
baby girl. So watch this space – so many
ideas are swirling around in my head.
Have you been stitching since you were
very young? Yes, earliest memories are
sewing when I was only four. I had a battery-
operated Holly Hobbie sewing machine.
I wish I still had it.
What other creative outlets do you make
time for? I enjoy all crafts, and I’ll have a crack
at anything. I also love searching for anything
vintage – visiting local op shops, to see what
I can find and repurpose.
What do you wish for your creative future?
I wish to remain fit, healthy and happy, so
that I can continue to enjoy life and CREATE!
Gett ing to know ...
RACHAEL’S
BACKING TIPS
Consider using a flannel backing
on quilts for little ones – for this
quilt, I used a multicoloured
striped flannel. This quilt is a
great size for a child to snuggle
under, and flannel makes it even
cuddlier. To break up a single
backing fabric, piece together
leftover fabrics to make a strip
or panel. It not only uses up
scraps, but adds extra colour and
interest to the back of the quilt.Homespun 105HSP1810_p100-105_Hedgehog Heaven PROJECT.indd 105HSP1810_p100-105_Hedgehog Heaven PROJECT.indd 105 8/21/2017 10:15:26 AM8/21/2017 10:15:26 AM