Friday, December 31, 2010

On my wall...Ray, no Frankie


Really, I think I've been waiting for an excuse!
Thanks Wendy for giving me one.
My favourite boy (of the four legged kind) perfectly captured by Mischa Merz, a talented friend I used to work with. She was keen to try her hand at painting a greyhound, and I was keen to get a picture!
This amazing girl is a writer, a boxer, and an artist.
Is the sign of a good portrait that the eyes follow you around the room?
These big brown ones do!
Otherwise, on this last day of the year I've been doing a little cooking for dinner with some friends tonight, and waiting for the cool change to arrive.
It's too windy to go to the beach, and too hot to do anything else.
Wherever you are, have a wonderful new year, and thanks for joining me in my adventures this year. It's been a joy to be in this space!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Playing around with pockets


With no pressing need to go anywhere or do anything much this week has given me a bit of time to explore a new pocket idea.
I was loving this fabric as pockets on a ticking stripe skirt a little while ago, but ran out of the stripe.
I've been wanting to try one big patch pocket on a skirt for a while, so this seemed like a good way to make use of my fabric, and try something new as well!
First try resulted in a pocket a little bit too small, but I'm happy with the proportions of this one.
Now I just need to make a couple more to take to market this Saturday!
It seems I'm very good at giving myself things to do....

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Going slow


I've been really enjoying this week.
The town has suddenly filled up with after Christmas crowds, the sun is out at last, and there's a real holiday feel about the place.
I love this time of year!
The cinema is up and running in the Mechanic's Hall, the carnival is all set up on the foreshore, city friends are here unwinding for a few weeks, and we're loving having no schedule to stick to.
I'm just staying local for a little while, and if the weather's ok, you'll find me down at the local market on Saturday mornings.
Otherwise, I'll just be pottering about!


Santa's even been spotted here in Skenes Creek having a little sit down and a rest after his busy month.
I hope someone takes him round a cuppa and a nice piece of fruitcake!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Lucky me

I ordered a little something from Two Degrees the other day.
This is the other little business of my clever friend Anne.
I can't go into any more detail here, and don't tell the old bloke!
Anyway, when the most enormous parcel arrived in the mail yesterday, I couldn't believe it.


Inside were a few fine knit jumpers, including this very special, very vintage, beautiful blue and brown floral one.
See the label? It reads 'Made in Italy for Myer's'.
What a treasure indeed.


Some glorious pieces of kimono silks.
I love all those pinky reds, and I think the spots might just be my favourite.


A vintage souvenir tablecloth in absolute mint condition.
I can see this going to the beach for a picnic in the next week or two!
(too special to cut up)


And, as if all that weren't enough, there's this gorgeously wrapped present as well.
I'm saving this one for Christmas Day.
Thank you Anne, you've spoilt me rotten!
Lucky me!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Christmas comes early

Well, good morning!
Pia and I survived the wild weather in Melbourne yesterday to celebrate our last market together for 2010.
Thankfully, we got through the whole day with no incident until a thunderstorm hit right on 4pm, drenching all of us, and our stuff!
We exchanged our Christmas gifts, didn't eat ice-cream, but drank a few coffees and enjoyed a last catch-up with the market girls before the end of the year.


Here is the latest addition to my slightly kitch, and growing collection of greyhound stuff!
I love him!
Pia keeps raising the bar in the present stakes. She's the best.


I have nothing much planned for today.
I just need to address the slightly soggy pile of things unloaded last night and dumped on the spare bed to dry out.
Somehow it won't feel quite like Christmas until I'm sitting out on the deck in the warm evening, listening to cicadas, drinking a wine and eating cherries!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Crazy, but happy!


Every year I forget how crazy this week in December gets.
I've been to the post office twice today already....
I certainly am not complaining, it makes me very happy to think of all the Frankie & Ray goodies going off to new homes to spread some Christmas cheer!
Around all the trips to the post office this week I've been sewing like a mad woman to have some nice things to take along to Melbourne for my last city market for 2010.
(And hooray, I'll have some more of the popular grey t-shirts pictured above.)
I'll be looking forward to seeing all my Shirt & Skirt market pals one more time this year, and Pia and I might even celebrate with some ice-cream!


Shirt & Skirt Market
Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Sunday December 19
10am - 4pm

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Will I or won't I?


I've been working with some more fabulous vintage tea towels today.
It's a bit of everything this week, replacing sold stock and getting ready for my last Melbourne market of the year this weekend.
I love this tea towel so much I've been having a discussion with myself about keeping this bag.
You can never have too many all purpose bags.
I've got one already I use for my knitting.
Perhaps this could be my sewing bits and pieces bag.
Or a bag to take my towel, magazine, and hat to the beach.
Or I could take it to the local market here to put my paper, eggs, jams and veggies in over the Summer...
Enough reasons? I think so!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Done!

A new idea is a funny thing.
I can't leave it alone until it either works, or doesn't.
And, believe me, they don't always!


I'm feeling pretty pleased about this new shirt though.
Which is good, because I've got lots of other things I need to get done before this weekend!
And, I'm battling a little bit of pre-Christmas lazyness.
I can't wait for a few days of sleeping in, sitting around in my jarmies until noon, perhaps a swim after lunch....you get the picture!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Sunday afternoon

I found my old pinking shears today.
They were all a bit rusty and stiff, and the old bloke took them away and gave them some tlc.
They came back as good as new!
(Gotta love a man handy with scissors)
Of course, I had to have a play around with them.



First some leaf shapes.


Then some circles.
Hmmm.


Perhaps on the front of a t-shirt?



Or maybe the neckline?


I think I'm liking this!
I'm not sure I'm completely finished.
I'm thinking 3 different fabrics perhaps?
I need to tweak my stitching too.
But, I think I'm on the way to something a bit new.
All in an afternoon's play!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

I heart Christmas!


Our driftwood 'tree' is up!



Decorated with these crocheted hearts by my clever friend Crayon Chick.


I have a few packs of mixed monsters from Wendy June to send to family and friends.


A couple of gifts for lucky me.
2 clever and witty prints from Printspace.
And...


Something swirly and blue to dangle from my ears on Christmas Day from Sarah Rothe.
Best of all, everything handmade - with love!

Monday, December 6, 2010

St Kilda scenes

Magnolia Square is all over for 2010.
I loved every single minute of my time in the magnificent St Kilda Town Hall.
I have hardly any voice left after all the talking with lovely customers, and, of course, all my market buddies....!
Here's a few photos from my little corner of the space.


The rather glamorous stage.
Yes, that sofa certainly looked tempting!


Frankie & Ray stall space all ready to go.


My gorgeous neighbour, Nicole, from Fudge by Rich.
(modelling her new Frankie & Ray t-shirt like a true professional)
I loved being next to Nicole and her fantastic hardworking helpers, Aleesha and (the other) Nicole, over the weekend.
They were fun, we looked after each other's coffee and stall break needs, and my goodness, get yourself some of their fudge.
I can personally recommend every variety! But, especially good was the creamy vanilla demolished with some new season cherries....or then there's the fig & walnut, or the decadent chocolate...

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

It's nearly time to...


The sewing machine's been turned off, I've tidied up the workroom, and there's a huge pile of colourful stuff waiting to be labelled and packed away all ready to take to Melbourne.
It's been a big year with some big markets, but I'm really looking forward to Magnolia Square this week.
The St Kilda Town Hall is a beautiful venue, and I come over all a bit excitable looking at the list of stallholders.
I'm so looking forward to catching up with some market friends and seeing what lovely things they'll have on offer.
Ooooh. Maybe a little bit of shopping?
My neighbours this time will be the beautifully colourful Alouette, and the seriously tempting Fudge by Rich.
Lucky for me there'll be something yummy next door to help keep my strength up for the 4 days of trading!
You'll recognise me by my chocolate moustache.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Purrrrfection!


I'm not entirely sure why I'm still up, sitting here browsing the www, nibbling on Green & Black's organic dark chocolate and generally putting off going to bed!
But, look what I found over here.
I am such a fan of Rob Ryan, but truly had no idea of the breadth of his talent.
Now, if I could just wake up on Christmas morning to find these sweet kitties in my stocking, I may never need another present ever. 
Really.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

My creative space...


...is still about making skirts.
This is the last one in this stripe.
Did I hear a sigh of relief? Must have been me!
I didn't have as much of this fabric as I thought, so unless I can source a bit more, this is it. 5 only.
Still, it's quite good to have a small run of something, chances are you won't be turning up somewhere to find someone else wearing the same thing!


While I've been sewing, I've been enjoying looking at a creative space of a different kind.
The garden has gone beserk with all the rain we've been having, and the foxgloves have been amazing this year.
To be honest, there's not a huge amount of creative effort that goes into the garden, it's a look after itself sort of space, but all the more lovely for it I think!
Happy Thursday, and more creative inspiration over here!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

9 sleeps away...


Or perhaps that should be 9 very short naps...!
Can't wait.
And to all my friends who are heading over to Adelaide Magnolia Square this week, safe travelling and a great event to you all!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Carnie folk



I'm a bit knackered today.
Gosh, I enjoyed my weekend though.
Couldn't have asked for better weather, or nicer markets, or any more chat with friends.
My friend Beth says we market sellers are 'carnie folk' (carnival workers) with 'sunburnt noses and dirty feet'.
I don't know about dirty, but I have blisters that will keep me in thongs for the rest of this week at least.


And these are the culprits.
I love these sandals.
They have ric rac, and gingham, and buttons.
But the first wear of every new warm season they make me pay for their gorgeousness.
And paying, I am.

Friday, November 19, 2010

My weekend road trip

Right-o, time to pack the car with oodles of goodies.
I'm off to the big smoke for not one, but two, fabulous markets this weekend.
Saturday will see me here....


I always look forward to this market, it's chock full of gorgeous handmade things, and I'll get to catch up with some market friends too.
And on Sunday, Pia and I will be sipping a coffee in the sunshine at Shirt & Skirt.



More friends to catch up with, maybe some Christmas shopping to be done.
And best of all, the weather forecast is looking like it's going to be a glorious market weekend!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

My creative space


Hello! It's Thursday again.
Doesn't that roll round quickly?
It's been a skirt-a-day around here, so to save you from looking at yet more pockets, I've squeezed in a tea towel bag or two this week!
Honestly, I've needed a bit of light relief from pockets and zips myself.
More fantastic old linen, great colours, perfect for lugging about whatever you fancy.
I'll be heading over here to see what the other clever people have been up to this week!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Not really new


Hey, the sun's shining!
And, here's a new-old t-shirt making a brief reappearance.
Having a rummage through my fabrics turned up some of this bird print I truly thought I'd run out of.
So, after several years absence I'm very happy to bring a small number of these navy shirts back.
I'll have them with me this weekend, and for as long afterwards as they last!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Happy talk


I had a lovely surprise phone call yesterday.
Not for any reason in particular, just a dear friend calling for a good old fashioned natter.
It's got me thinking that in these days where we're more likely to email than talk, it was so wonderful to have a whole luxurious, rambling hour on the phone.
Our lives are chalk and cheese really.
We live down here in the very south of the country, she's up in the sunny north.
She's your numbers girl, I do cryptic crosswords.
She has 2 fantastic kids, I have none.
I always have to cook exactly to a recipe, she'll toss something in if it's 'close enough'.
She loves her corporate life, and I play around with fabric and wool.
We'll actually be in the same city at the same time this weekend, and I can't wait to catch up with her in person!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Loving Thursdays


I'm loving Thursdays.
I'm finding myself looking forward to the weekly show and tell that is My Creative Space.
I love seeing what all the players have been up to in the week.
It's also putting a spring in my endeavours, helping me to keep motivated in the run up to a busy market time!
This week's all about pockets, and skirts to go with the pockets.
These pockets are made from the off cuts from fabric I've been using for some shirts.
I hate throwing any left overs away, and in one of those aha moments, I realised this is actually a pretty nice match with the navy stripe cotton.
A little bit French, n'est pas?

Monday, November 8, 2010

Waiting


Waiting for new swing tags....
Waiting for more business cards....
Waiting for a fabric order....
I can't tell you the disappointment of finding only 2 bills in my post office box.


Friday, November 5, 2010

Windswept


Windswept is the title of this little print by Linogirl.
Which is kind of how it's been here today.
Blowing hard from the east.
My neighbour says an easterly is 'good for nothing but putting salt on your windows'!
Anyway, I am hoping that it blows itself out tonight and we wake up to a perfect Spring day tomorrow.
The market here was a washout last week, and the local girls are looking forward to a morning of chatting, drinking a coffee or two, and getting a little bit of sunshine.
There are lots of my crafty friends all getting ready for a market somewhere this weekend - Daylesford Makers Market, Rosebubs Recycled and Retro Market, The Gallery Market, to name a few.
And, if you're in my neck of the woods, come on down to the foreshore and say hello!
A good market weekend to everyone!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Working in multiples


There's been quite a bit happening here this week.
Lots of nice new Liberty cotton belts.


A fresh batch of tea cosies.
These look a little like a strange coral!
(Packed away all ready to be sent to the Little Shop of Handmade)


This one's staying behind with me.


Oh, and there's been some more of the chambray skirts too.


And, after visiting Caravan, I realised there's been a bit of blue at my place this week!
See some more creative goodness here.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Horsing around

I love a bit of horseplay, don't you?
I am a bit of a fan of the horseracing - but not the jumps, mind.
Melbourne Cup day tomorrow, and I've been thinking about all things equine.


This horse print on vintage text is setting my heart all a-flutter.



And, I'd be feeling like a pretty filly in this t-shirt from Hamb.


I might be declaring my hand with this sweet ring too.
My little wager for tomorrow's big race - Harris Tweed.
How could I resist a horse named for a fabric?