EDITOR Sharon Calverley sharon@tucats.co.za CONSULTING EDITOR - TEXTILES Dana Biddle dana@tucats.co.za PUBLISHER Owen Calverley owen@tucats.co.za ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTIONS, EDITORIAL & GENERAL ENQUIRIES Mon-Thur 09:00 - 16:00 Friday 09:00 - 13:00 Switchboard: 044 691 3763 Fax: 086 427 4480 Subscriptions: subs@tucats.co.za Advertising: owen@tucats.co.za PRINTING CTP Cape Town RETAIL DISTRIBUTION RNA - Caitlin Starkey Tel: 011 248 3500 PUBLISHED BY Tucats Media cc PO Box 193, Mossel Bay 6500, South Africa www.stitches.co.za Sold in specialist needlework supply stores, craft supply stores, newsagents and selected supermarkets countrywide Available by digital subscription worldwide — While the publishers take every care to ensure that the contents of this publication are accurate, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions that may occur The Hello all I am always amazed at how fast my year goes and I am totally convinced that mine rushes past faster than everyone else’s year! Well, it does actually as I am already into Easter with this issue and will be working on the second half of the year’s issue by the time you read this letter It is, and always has been, strange when someone asks me "what are you doing for Easter, Valentines or even Christmas” and I think: “Oh - I did that two months ago”! What a strange life! With that in mind - we have been putting together projects that are going to take us into, can you fathom this, winter! The loveliest sweaters and hoodies and poncho to knit and crochet Knitting and crochet remains one of our top crafts because it can be done anywhere, by anyone at any time and you can create a unique item views expressed in articles are not necessarily those of the publisher, staff or contributors No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system by any means without the prior permission of the publisher Metal stamping is a new craft and you can make the most interesting décor and jewellery items You can Needlefelt a little piggy to decorate a piggy bank Needlefelting is very easy to learn and with a little bit of roving and a needlefelting needle you can create the most amazing items for practically nothing The copyright of designs featured in this magazine remains with the originators of the designs and such designs may not be used for financial gain in any way While every effort is made to safeguard original material, no responsibility for damage or loss can be taken for samples, manuscripts, illustrations, photos and transparencies while in our possession or in transit We have a vintage handbag to make that really takes recycling and “use what you have” to a new level Why buy when you can make your own? I am sure our sewers have a stash of fabric they can haul out and make their own shoal of fish to decorate their homes with Talking about fabric stashes: there is a cute raggedy ann to make for a special little girl Cay Momberg shows us how to use stippling to create unique pictures and Life is a Garden brings news on what to in the garden this time of year - get busy outside before the winter chills arrive The editor reserves the right to edit material submitted and also to reject any unsuitable advertising or editorial material © STITCHES & CRAFTS So, a lot to until the next issue - enjoy! www.dmc.com Made in France for 250 years Honoured by the world 56 12 24 Knitted Hoodie Scarf Knitting 24 Raggedy Doll Sewing Shade It - Stippling Technique Drawing 32 Bunny Planter “As it Goes” Vintage Bag Sewing 35 Bramble Pullover Knitting Block of the Month Crochet Knobbly Stitch 38 Indoor Chrysanthemums 12 17 Crafts for Kids Gardening 18 Ice Crystal Bracelet Metal Stamping 21 Crochet a Clutch Crochet 22 Poncho in Aran Knitting STITCHES & CRAFTS 18 40 April in the Garden Gardening 62 Africa Dear Jane Series Quilting 48 Hippo Finger Puppet Knitting 66 Moss and Cable Pullover Knitting 50 Ornate Letter: U Ribbon Embroidery 69 Starry Night Painting 54 Ruffled Collar Top Crochet 72 Piggy-Back Piggy Bank Needle Felting 56 The Humble Paintbrush Mixed Media Painting 75 Magnetic Bookmark Sewing 58 Embrace It or Change It General Interest 76 Shoal of Fish Sewing 60 Introduction to Hydroponics Gardening 80 Back Issues 66 48 STITCHES & CRAFTS Knitted Hoodie Scarf STITCHES & CRAFTS Pattern Writer: Dorothy Jacobs Photography: Eclipse Photography Model: Mila Herselman Requirements SCARF MEASUREMENTS: 5-6 yrs: 17 cm wide, 116 cm long 7-8 yrs: 19 cm wide, 132 cm long MATERIALS: l 7(9) balls African Expressions FREEDOM 50g in colour 51283 l 75 mm knitting needles l 4.5 mm knitting needles l One spare 4.5 mm knitting needle l stitch holders l place markers l Darning needle l x cm cardboard rounds with 2.5 cm hole in the centre (pompom template) TENSION: 24sts x 28 rows = 10 cm over Twisted Stitch Pattern using 4.5 mm needles ABBREVIATION: beg – begin(ning) cont – continue dec – decrease foll(s) – follow(s)ing inc – increase k – knit patt – pattern p - purl rep – repeat R(W)SF – right (wrong) side facing st(s) – stitch(es) tog – together T2R (twist sts right) – knit into front of 2nd st on left-hand needle, then knit into first st, slip both sts off at the same time T2L (twist sts left) – knit into back of 2nd st on left-hand needle then knit into first st, slip both sts off at the same time W&T (wrap and turn) – short rows, work to specified sts in pattern, bring yarn to front (back) of work between needles, slip next st to right-hand needle, bring yarn round this st to back (front), slip st back to left-hand needle, turn work patt – pattern ss – stocking stitch NOTE: needle cast off – Right sides of work facing, holding the needles togeth-er, use a 3rd needle to cast off, working sts from both needles together STITCHES USED: STOCKING STITCH: Row 1: (RSF) Knit all Row 2: (WSF) Purl all Repeat these rows GARTER STITCH: Knit every row TWISTED STITCH: (multiples of 4sts) Row 1: Knit all Row & 4: Purl all Row 3: *T2R, T2L rep from * to end Rep these rows Pattern POCKET LININGS: (knit 2) Using 4.5 mm needles, cast on 32(36) sts Work 40 rows of ss Place these sts on stitch holders LEFT SIDE OF SCARF: Using 3.75 mm needles, cast on 40(44) sts Knit rows, change to 4.5 mm needles Row 1: (RSF) Knit all Row 2: K4, purl to last 4sts, k4 Row 3: K4, *T2R, T2L rep from * to last 4sts, k4 Row 4: As for row Rep these last rows times more = 40 rows Next Row: (RSF) K4, place next 32(36) sts onto stitch holder or thread onto a contrast yarn Patt African Expressions yarns are available countrywide in most good yarn stores To find your nearest stockist contact them on 041 486 2433 STITCHES & CRAFTS across pocket lining, K4 Cont in patt as set until work measures 37(43) cm, ending with a WSR.** Next row: K4, Twist stitch to end, place marker Cont as set working first 4sts in garter stitch When work measures 58(66) cm ending with 4th Patt row, place these sts on the spare 4.5 mm needle RIGHT SIDE OF SCARF: Work as for left side to ** Next row: Place marker Twist stitch to last 4sts, k4 Row 2: K4, purl to end Cont as set until work measures 58(66) cm With right sides of scarf together cast off using the needle method POCKET BANDS: Using 3.75 mm needles, (RSF) join yarn to sts on stitch holder, knit rows, cast off Slip stitch lining to inside of garter stitch borders Sew pocket band edges to scarf HOOD: Using 3.75 mm needles, cast on 120(126) sts Knit rows Next row: (WSF) Knit, inc12(10) sts evenly = 132(136) sts change to 4.5 mm needles, work twisted stitch until work measures 21(23) cm, ending with a WSR Next row: Patt to last 5(6) sts W&T Rep last row Next row: Patt to last 10(12) sts, W&T Rep last row Cont working 5(6) sts less on each row until 30(36) sts on each side, ending with a WSR Patt to centre of hood = 66(68) sts on each needle Fold in half with right sides tog Cast off, using needle method FINISHING: Place centre seam of hood and scarf together, front edges of hood to markers Sew in place STITCHES & CRAFTS POM-POM: Place cardboard rounds together Thread blunt needle with long length of doubled yarn and this through centre hole until hole is filled Cut through outer edge of circles between cards Tie length of yarn very tightly round centre, leaving ends Remove cards and clip any uneven ends Use ends of tie to sew on to hood SC & *1ST TO 4TH SIZES ONLY: Cast off 3sts at beg (neck edge) of next row = 17(19, 21, 23, -, -) sts Next row: Patt ALL SIZES: Cast off 2sts at beg (neck edge) of next row, then at same edge of next 0(0, 0, 0, 1, 1) alt row = 15(17, 19, 21, 23, 25) sts Dec st (= work 2tog) at same edge of next alt row = 14(16, 18, 20, 22, 24) sts Cont straight until work measures 38(42, 45, 50, 53, 55) cm from beg ending with a WSR, then cast off all sts for shoulder SHAPE SECOND SIDE OF NECK: Next row: RSF, rejoin yarn to and pick up sts from holder, cast off next 11(11, 13, 13, 15, 15) sts, patt to end = 20(22, 24, 26, 27, 29) sts Next row: patt Work as for first side from * to end FRONT: Using mm needles cast on 51(55, 61, 65, 69, 73) sts and k rows Cont as folls: 1st row: RSF, k1, (p1, k1) 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times, p2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, k9, p2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, (k1, p1) to last st, k1 2nd row: P1, (k1, p1) 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times, k2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, p9, k2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, (p1, k1) to last st, p1 3rd row: P1, (k1, p1) 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times, p2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, C4B, k1, C4F, p2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, (p1, k1) to last st, p1 4th row: K1, (p1, k1) 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times, k2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, p9, k2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, (k1, p1) to last st, k1 5th row: K1, (p1, k1) 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times, p2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, k4, MB, k4, p2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, (k1, p1) to last st, k1 6th row: As 2nd row 7th row: P1, (k1, p1) 9(10, 11, 12, 13, 14) times, p2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, k3, MB, k1, MB, k3, p2(2, 3, 3, 3, 3) sts, (p1, k1) to last st, p1 8th row: As 4th row Rep these rows until work measures 35(37, 40, 45, 48, 50) cm from beg ending with a WSR, then shape neck as for back to end SLEEVES (both alike): Using mm needles cast on 31(33, 33, 35, 37, 37) sts and k rows Cont as folls: 1st row: RSF, p1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts, (k9, p1) twice, k9, p1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts 2nd row: K1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts, (p9, k1) twice, p9, k1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts 3rd row: P1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts, (C4B, k1, C4F, p1) twice, C4B, k1, C4F, p1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts 4th row: As 2nd row 5th row: P1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts, (k4, MB, k4, p1) twice, k4, MB, k4, p1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts 68 STITCHES & CRAFTS 6th row: As 2nd row 7th row: P1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts, (k3, MB, k1, MB, k3, p1) twice, k3, MB, k1, MB, k3, p1(2, 2, 3, 4, 4) sts 8th row: As 2nd row Next row: RSF, p Next row: K Last rows will now be referred to as reverse stocking stitch (rev st st) Cont in rev st st, inc 1st at each end of every 4(4, 4, 5, 5, 4)th row until there are 41(43, 45, 47, 51, 55) sts Cont straight until work measures 17(19, 20, 23, 25, 26) cm from beg ending with a WSR, then cast off all sts NECKBAND: Sew right shoulder seam RSF, using mm needles, pick up and k29(29, 31, 31, 31, 31) sts around front neck and 28(28, 30, 30, 30, 30) sts around back neck = 57(57, 61, 61, 61, 61) sts Beg with 2nd row, cont in dmst patt for 4(4, 8, 8, 8, 8) rows, then cast off all sts in patt Sew left shoulder seam and neckband ends TO MAKE UP: Place markers 13(14, 15, 16, 17, 18) cm down on either side of shoulder seams Fold sleeves in half lengthways, then placing folds on shoulder seams, sew sleeves into position between markers Sew up side and sleeve seams Block work to measurement, cover with a damp cloth and allow to dry SC & Starry Night by Ronel Flemming Swart STITCHES & CRAFTS 69 I can imagine that in the time of Vincent van Gogh, the ladies dressed like this and today we can appreciate the beauty of their gowns as much as we appreciate the beauty of his famous painting Starry Night This is more an artwork for a little girl"s bedroom Requirements l Stretch canvas of your choice l Various brushes l White pencil to sketch with l White transfer paper to transfer pattern onto dark background DECOART PRODUCTS USED: l Americana " segmented swirls’ stencil l White acrylic paint l Ultra blue l Burnt umber l Marigold yellow l Vivid violet l Hi lite flesh l Mocha l Honey brown l Primary yellow How to Prime the canvas with a mixture of gel and dark blue paint This seals the canvas and you use much less paint by following this tip Leave to dry before proceeding You can now paint your background as you wish I preferred a dark background to show up the lighter colour dress Once dried, I lightly brushed in the stencilled design Once the canvas has dried, either transfer the pattern onto the surface or sketch in with a white pencil SPECIALITY PRODUCTS USED: l Drying time extender l Ultra fine glitter paint - turquoise l Craft twinkles - champagne l Craft twinkles - crystal For the top part of the skirt, I dotted in the first layer of her skirt Here more white - I added bling, just because I love shiny colours The Crystal Twinkles really lifted the colours here for me I also added dots, with the back of my brush Stripe in darker pink underneath the top layer For the third layer, use ultra blue and then just highlight with white touches For her hair, first dark brown, then some honey brown Highlight with marigold and white Our lady must wear a crown, so under-paint with white, then yellow and lastly, some champagne SC & Twinkles Ronel Flemming Swart ronelsart@gmail.com 70 STITCHES & CRAFTS Always work from the back to the front, start by painting in her "flesh" colour I used Hi Lite Flesh and mocha I decided to paint the whole dress a mixture of whites and blue with pink tints in (You can redesign your dress from this step onwards as you wish.) STITCHES & CRAFTS 71 Piggy-back by Charlize Stone Piggy Bank Needlefelt this cute piggy to decorate a tin money box 72 STITCHES & CRAFTS The other day I read this quote: “The only exercise I’ve done this month is running out of money.” Does that sound familiar? Because it certainly does to me! Make this cute “Piggy Bank” for yourself, your child and your loved ones - it is never too late to start saving and you are never too old to have a “Piggy Bank”! Attach the little snout to the face Requirements lWool roving: baby pink and a Needle felt flat triangular shaped ears, leaving fluff on the bottom end for attaching the ears to the head tiny amount of grey lNeedle felting sponge lFelting needle (all purpose) l6 mm Glass eyes lStrong thread lMoney tin lBlue cardstock / washi tape /stickers for decorating your tin lTacky glue How to Start by needle felting the head (A diagram of each body part is included as a guide.) Roll a small amount of wool into a ball and poke it with the felting needle until the ball is felted nice and firm, then shape the head according to the diagram provided Use a small amount of pink wool to needle felt a snout Make indentations on the front of the snout and insert a small amount of grey roving in each indentation for the nostrils Use strong thread to attach mm glass eyes on either side of the face Insert the thread through the wire loop of the glass eye and then thread both ends through the needle Insert the needle where eye should be and push it through to the back of the head then secure the eye by tying the thread a few knots Felt some pink roving over the ends to hide them Needle felt the mouth and carefully attach it underneath the snout The base of each ear must be curved when it is attached to the head - see photo The arms and legs are the same size, make and reversed Attach a small amount of grey wool on each end to form the hooves Needle felt an indentation on top of each hoof STITCHES & CRAFTS 73 Take a little more than twice the amount of roving used for the head and use it to needle felt the body into the shape of a pear, giving him a little belly Needle felt the head onto the body keeping it slightly turned to the left or right depending on which side of the tin you want your pig to sit attach the arms and tail tacky glue instead of a glue gun, because that gives me a little more time to place his feet exactly where I want them When you are sure his legs are secure and will not move out of place, you can attach the arms in the same way, pulling them nice and tight so that the head rests against the tin Your pig is now finished, so put him aside and start decorating his “bank” If you cannot get his little head in the perfect position, apply a small amount of glue to the side of his face and press it against the tin I wanted my money tin plain, so I cut out some blue cardstock to cover the tin, but you can use anything to cover and decorate yours Attach his hind legs first making sure he can sit on his own Then 74 STITCHES & CRAFTS Apply small amounts of glue to the pig’s feet and place them on either side of the tin I prefer using This “Piggy Bank” is the perfect gift to encourage any child (or adult) to start saving Just look at him how can you refuse giving him a tip? Until next time SC & by Dana Biddle Magnetic Bookmark This is a bookmark with a difference! It not only marks which page you’re on, but also your place on the page Not only to be used for reading, but it is especially good when you’re working from a graph i.e., knitting or cross stitch This one is made to work well with the larger pages of craft books, but you can always adjust the length to work with other books too It's is a super fast item to make over the weekend and makes a great gift! Requirements ! Fabric – I used a scrap of ShweShwe but any stiff fabric will work ! Matching thread ! (2) cm x cm flat magnets How to Cut a 43 cm x cm strip of fabric Fold in half lengthwise, right sides out Stitch the bottom edge closed with a decorative stitch Insert a magnet into each side of the tube you have made, making sure that they are the right way round Close the short seams and stitch above each magnet to hold them in place Easy peasy! STITCHES & CRAFTS 75 A Shoal of Fish Over the December holidays my husband and I went up to Addo Elephant Park On the way there we stopped over at a guest house that had lovely wooden fish displayed on the wall I absolutely wanted some fish, but mine had to be made from fabric! 76 STITCHES & CRAFTS These are super easy to make and add a fun aspect to a sea theme décor You can hang them as I have, or simply display in a basket! Requirements ! Fabric off cuts You decide if you want to make scrappy fish or fish with a colour theme I am going to use white, cream and various sea colours You can use 100% cotton or different types of fabric for texture ! Doll stuffing - always use the best quality you can find ! Ribbon or ric rac to go around the necks ! Assortment of buttons for eyes ! Neutral coloured sewing thread ! Sewing needle ! Sailmaker needle and thin jute ! Key ring ! Pen or pencil to draw around templates ! Firm cardboard ! Pritt glue stick ! Paper scissors ! Sewing machine and usual sewing accessories How to Copy the patterns onto copy paper then cut out the individual fish Glue the fish onto firm cardboard and cut out For the thin fish: From the white or cream coloured fabric (head) cut a strip 8½" wide x 3" high From the sea coloured fabric (body) cut a strip 8½" wide x 9" high Stitch the head to the body Press seam towards the darker fabric Stitch ribbon/ric rac over the seam line Fold in half right sides together and press Pin around edge so that the fabrics don't move Position a fish template on the folded fabric Draw around the template with a pencil or pen of your choice Stitch on the drawn line, leaving an opening for turning 10 Clip and trim any corners, especially the tail area then turn right side out Push out shape Take your time to push out the tail, it is a tight fit with the small fish Seam allowance: ¼" 11 Stuff well then close opening by hand STITCHES & CRAFTS 77 12 Attach a button to either side of the head Be adventurous with the buttons - place one on top of the other! 15 Follow the same procedure you did for making the smaller fish Finishing up: Thread a length of thin jute onto the sailmaker needle You will have to decide on the length as you want some fish to hang lower than the others Thread through the top of a fish and knot Continue until you have strung all the fish Tie a key ring onto the loose ends Knot off then trim off excess Hang up and enjoy SC & 78 STITCHES & CRAFTS n From the sea coloured fabric (body) cut a strip 12" wide x 10" high Leave ope 14 From the white or cream coloured fabric (head) cut a strip 12" wide x 4" high Leave open 13 For the larger fish: Copy the two halves Cut out and tape together on line Leave open The fish display that inspired this project! Tape head and tail together STITCHES & CRAFTS 79 Missing a few issues ? Some back issues of our magazines are still available 80 Issue 100 Issue 101 Issue 102 Issue 103 Issue 104 Issue 105 Issue 106 Issue 107 Issue 108 Issue 109 Issue 110 Issue 111 Issue 112 Issue 113 Issue 114 Issue 115 Issue 116 Issue 118 Issue 119 Issue 120 STITCHES Issue 49 Issue 50 Issue 51 Issue 52 Issue 53 Issue 54 Issue 55 Issue 57 Issue 58 Issue 59 63 - S&C Dec/Jan 2019 64 - S&C Mar/Apr 2019 Issue 60 61 - S&C Aug/Sept 2018 SA Postal address: R45.00 62 - S&C Oct/Nov 2018 | Neighbouring African States: R75.00 All other countries: R92.00 (ALL PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE) Stitches: Craftwise: 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 59 60 Stitches & Crafts: 61 62 63 64 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 118 119 120 PLEASE EMAIL YOUR ORDER TO: subscriptions@tucats.co.za or FAX to 086 427 4480 Name and surname: _ Postal address: _ Post code: Tel: _ Email: _ Payment Method: EFT to Tucats Media cc, FNB branch 210314, current account 545 000 38764 ... Embrace It or Change It General Interest 76 Shoal of Fish Sewing 60 Introduction to Hydroponics Gardening 80 Back Issues 66 48 STITCHES & CRAFTS Knitted Hoodie Scarf STITCHES & CRAFTS Pattern Writer:... so that it is in line with the head seam and stitch the ponytails to the head 28 STITCHES & CRAFTS Using a long strand of yarn stitch the hair to the back of the head, weaving the stitches through... mark where the opposite side of the press stud must be fitted Check that it doesn't pull too tight - you need a bit of "space" at the top When happy with the positioning, fit the other side of