hands on workshops
These hands on workshops are designed to be small and intimate, usually 3-8 participants, so that everyone receives individual attention. Larger numbers can be catered for depending on the workshop. The workshops can be conducted in my home, your home or in a church hall, community meeting room or retreat centre - anywhere there is a space, a couple of chairs and tables. I am based in Toowoomba but I am very happy to journey to you. My husband and I love travelling in our little caravan! If you live outside of Toowoomba, why not get in touch to see what I can do for you and your friends. As you can imagine, some conditions will apply.
talks and demonstrations
explanations
Rag rugs
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Rag rugs are sometimes called toothbrush rugs. They are so much fun to make and are a great way to recycle old sheets and doonas. No sewing is involved. You can opt to leave your "rug" the size of a dinner plate which can make a fabulous hot pot stand or you can continue to make a full size rug in your own time.
In this workshop you will learn how to:
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You will need:
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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visible mending - boro inspired
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This form of visible mending is inspired by Sashiko, a form of Japanese embroidery and Boro, a traditional style of patchwork used in Japan for mending.
In this workshop you will learn how to:
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You will need:
I will supply:
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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Basic Machine sewing
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Projects choices for this workshop:
Total newbies
I know how to thread my needle and sew a seam - What next?
Workshop times will vary according to projects. Depending on the project you will learn how to:
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You will need:
Total Newbies Time: 2 hours Cost:
What next? Time: 3 hours Cost:
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Hexagon Patchwork
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Hand quilting a paper pieced hexagon project is a relaxing, portable exercise, that gives you a great sense of accomplishment when finished. For this workshop you can use your hexagon flower to decorate a tea towel or pillow case. Your enthusiasm may lead you to make even more flowers to join together to make a quilt.
In this workshop you will learn how to:
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You will need:
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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Felt Softie
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Design and sew your very own unique felt softie. If you would prefer, some simple patterns will be supplied.
In this workshop you will learn how to:
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You will need:
I will supply:
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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Macrame
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Macrame has made a comeback! We will start by making a knot sampler and conclude with a macrame jar hanger that can be filled with battery operated fairy lights.
In this workshop you will learn how to do a:
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I will supply
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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Crochet - Granny Squares
Crochet - Hexagons
Strip Quilt as you go
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The quilting technique, 'Strip Quilt As You Go' is not only a great way to use up scraps but enables you to quilt several layers together in one go.
We will be making a simple hot pot stand. In this workshop you will learn how to:
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You will need:
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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Origami
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Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes. The origami projects to be completed in this workshop include: an envelope, a bunch of tulips and if time permits, a crane.
In this workshop you will learn how to do a:
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I will supply:
Time: 1 hour Cost:
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Tunisian Crochet
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Tunisian Crochet, also known as Afghan Crochet, creates a look that is a combination of both knitting and crochet, while borrowing techniques from both methods.
In this workshop you will learn how to:
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You will need:
I have wooden tunisian crochet hooks made by my husband available for purchase for $5 each. If you would like to purchase one please let me know when you book. Time: 2 hours Cost:
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Stitchery
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Stitchery is a specific form of embroidery that involves following a line of a pattern which has been transferred onto fabric using back stitch, creating an outline of a picture.
Each participant will also receive a free stitchery pattern designed by my husband, David. Two of his designs are featured in the picture. In this workshop you will learn how to:
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I will supply:
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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Cross Stitch
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Choose a simple pattern to cross stitch and then attach to a card. What a wonderful gift to show someone they are special!
In this workshop you will learn how to:
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I will supply:
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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t-shirt yarn
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T-shirt yarn is made from old t-shirts and is perfect for chunky knitting, crochet, weaving and macrame. It is a great way to recycle old t-shirts and saves them from ending up in landfill. After making a ball of continuous yarn we will turn some of that yarn into an infinity scarf requiring no sewing at all.
In this workshop you will learn how to:
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You will need:
Time: 1 hour Cost:
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Embroidery
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Create a fabric embroidery sampler book to document the stitches that you learn in this workshop. In the beginners workshop you will learn ten basic stitches. Later, if you wish, you can also participate in an advanced workshop and add more decorative stitches.
In the beginners workshop you will learn how to hand sew using:
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I will supply:
You will need:
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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Basic mending
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Are you one of those people with pants legs that are too long, a stapled hem that has come undone and buttons that are missing? Then this workshop is for you! Not only will you learn basic mending skills but also how to do basic clothes alterations such as turning pants into shorts. Just a word of advice though...I don't do invisible mending, only practical, easy and basic mending.
In this workshop you will learn how to:
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You will need:
Time: 1 hour Cost:
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knitting
sauerkraut
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Sauerkraut is a great fermented snack and side dish which not only has some amazing gut health benefits but is surprisingly simple to make. It is probiotic-rich and so helps to strengthen the health and balance of your digestive system. Traditionally sauerkraut was made with cabbage however there are so many different variations that you can make. It is fun experimenting with all the different combinations that are possible.
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You will need:
Time: 2 hours Cost:
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simple living 101
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Simple Living means different things to different people. In this talk I will outline:
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Decluttering
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Depending on the size of the group, this will be an open discussion about decluttering. We will talk about topics such as:
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Reducing waste
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After watching the amazing ABC TV series presented by Craig Reucassel, "War on Waste" (2018), my husband and I were inspired to reduce our level of waste by making a number of changes in our home and in the way we shop. This talk will have heaps of tips, tricks and products to help you reduce your single-use plastic waste, food waste and disposable product use. |
upcycling fabric
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If you are interested in finding out how to reduce fabric waste, this talk will give you lots of ideas as to how to recycle old clothes, sheets, blankets and doona covers and create unique items such as quilts, dresses, bags, rugs and jewelry. I will demonstrate how to make yarn from an old t-shirt and show examples of how clothes can be altered to produce a whole new look without blowing the budget. I love sewing, making things, being creative, living sustainably and not spending a lot of money. Recycling fabric allows me to do all of that! |
s. l. o. w.
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We live in a fast-paced world that is addicted to convenience - fast cars, fast food, fast fashion, fast internet speed. How is this affecting our society, our health and our relationships? Slow living is a counter-cultural antidote to a life spiraling out of control. It is an intentional life-style choice to live in a more balanced, meaningful and sustainable way that is simpler and slower. Slow living creates space to breathe deeply and savour the present moment. This does not mean that you are living your life in slow motion. It means that you are living consciously, following the 'less is more' philosophy. This talk will give you a host of practical ways to slow down so that you have the time and energy to do what is important and vital for you and your loved ones. |
urban beekeeping
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David and I have been urban beekeepers for two and half years and have harvested close to 150kg of honey in that time from our two hives. We call our honey "Garden Blend". Although we don't have all the answers we have learnt a lot about bees and beekeeping. For expert information we rely on the Southern Beekeepers Association to help us out. In this talk I will outline:
You will also get to taste test our honey! |
Gut health recipes
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Due to adopting a refined sugar free diet and having lived with a daughter with coeliac disease and a gluten intolerant husband who has also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, I have learnt more and more about the importance of gut health and how what we eat effects all parts of our body including our brain and immune system. In this talk I will give you some background about the importance of gut health and how we can use food as medicine. I will demonstrate how to make sauerkraut, kombucha - fermented tea and gelatin gummies. You will be able to have a taste test and take home some scobie to start your own kombucha. |
living gratefully
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The benefits of living gratefully are astounding. It has been scientifically proven that being grateful has physical, psychological and social benefits. Gratitude can be a tool which can help us to thrive even in difficult circumstances. It often follows that thankfulness fills us with joy and a deep sense of contentment. Appreciation for what we have been given flows into a greater desire to help and care for others. Our eyes are open to see the gifts of life all around us and we are drawn to express appreciative sentiments to those we encounter in our day-to-day lives, thereby creating a ripple of gratitude. In this talk I will outline some research and benefits of giving thanks, share stories of how people have been impacted by an attitude of gratitude and explore a multitude of ways that can assist us to live gratefully. Let’s start a gratitude revolution! |