I tend to call things sewn on my machine handmade, but truly handmade items are handsewn or created with yarn and sticks. I found the motherlode of true handmakers here in Mackay when I joined Mackay Fibre Arts. Some of these ladies have been meeting and crafting together for 30 years - now that's a long-term friendship!
Just some of the group exhibit from Mackay Fibre Arts
They told me they always win first prize for their group exhibit at the Mackay show. I was a little sceptical when I saw the standard of other entries, but true to form, they did of course take out first prize, closely followed by MFA's sister stitch and patch group.
Is it any wonder I'm a bit embarassed to show the MFA ladies what I'm working on? My machine stitching skills are fine but I've still got 30 years to catch up on handsewing!