williamsews

  My Great-Grandparents left their home town, Newton Airds (now named Newtownards) in County Down, Ireland, and travelled to Australia on the Southern Ocean, setting out in March 1868 – it was a six or seven-week journey. His name was William and his wife, Jane Lawther–my family has been stuck in a name rut for generations…so many Williams! Anyway, I travelled to the UK in the 1960s, lived there for many years and never visited Ireland – I always thought I would have plenty of time and was too busy enjoying all that ‘Swinging London’ offered but I returned to Australia and never made it, so that was lost to me. These are the remains of their Irish cottage at Emu Flat in Victoria (photo by local photographer, Steve McNeil). They had eleven children. William ‘Willie’ Rainey Jane Lawther Rainey This won’t be a genealogy site but still about sewing of course, as well as everyday things. I don’t sew as much as I used to, so thought it was time to move on a little. Regards, Will.

  I made up a quilting pattern that uses small pieces of fabric because I don’t like waste and it can be used in different ways, which is interesting. Patterns among patterns, there are other possible variations as well. Another one, this is not so interesting. I ran out of fabric when I made these blocks and it was one block short and of course, couldn’t find the fabric again…but it will probably be years before the quilt is finished anyway. Cold, windy and not at all springlike today, great weather for sewing. Take care, Regards,  Will.

  A pinched nerve in my leg is making it impossible to sew, it’s been over a week and have had to give in and see a doctor and that means physiotherapy on Tuesday. I bought a walking stick a while ago in preparation for old age, the chemist range is clinical – practical but ugly, I’ve now had a chance to use it (A chance I would happily live without). It’s inlaid with brass. The head looks how I feel. Apart from that, this is first hint of Spring; an Earlicheer (Early & cheery) Jonquil, I had to pick it, the perfume from just one bloom fills the room. So, nothing happening, a length of white polycotton is pressed and ready to cut, I hope I still remember how to make a shirt.

  I can’t believe it, I haven’t sewn for weeks and don’t miss it. Perhaps after so many years it’s burnout. Macramé is the latest, and the Jacaranda outside the back door is weighed down with hanging pots. I’m in a rut with the design but they are rather relaxing to make. It’s mid-winter and my favourite time in the garden; no mosquitoes and no sun hat, I’ve planted a few roses, this usually happens in August but they were in the shop, so why not? They’re doing well. I’ve started one small sewing project, an apron. I live with a watercolourist and he is in need of a new one. It’s raining today, so no gardening. Take care, Will.

  Check. It’s taken a while to finish this shirt; too many distractions. Anyway, it’s done, the fabric is a loose weave and a little difficult, plus I find dark colours hard to work with. I used glue and quilting clips to hold the tails as the fabric was bulky and didn’t want to behave. I am certainly glad it’s finished, it hung around (literally) for far too long. On to the next project. I had a Covid shot last week,; AstraZeneca and no ill effects, the system was quick and efficient, I rang to make an appointment and had the jab that evening. The weather is growing cooler, it will soon be winter…the shirt was finished just in time. That’s it for today, take care. Will.

 I haven't been able to sew for a while and it's great to start again. The shirt I shall be making is for winter (which is almost here). It was a remnant from a charity shop - I didn't think much of it until it was started but now I like it. Only the collar so far, for me, it's always the trickiest bit and best done first. It has been raining non-stop today, so perfect for sewing - May is the last month of Autumn, so winter is on its way, my favourite season. Back to the machine. Take care, Will.

 I have developed sewer's block with the Levi jacket; the muslin is basically finished and it is alright but I don't feel like continuing with it right now - the collar method is strange and I shall probably look at other patterns and see if I can make it easier. This is it so far: It's an old sheet, so the fabric doesn't have much body, it does fit, it's an '80s pattern so it's a bit full but that'll be good for winter with knitwear underneath. Anyway, I decided to look at some of my quilting and templates; I have two favourites, the 9-Blade Fan and Drunkard's Path. Originally, I wanted to make a fan but couldn't find a template, so I made my own and it worked out well. The only trouble was that it needed to be in something tougher than pattern cardboard if I wanted to make a lot of them...so, back to searching online and I discovered just what I wanted from Fons & Porter. It consists of three pieces, the la...