Friday, December 23, 2011

Soft landing


I'm enjoying a sunny morning two days from Christmas, and as a special treat we had breakfast out down in Apollo Bay this morning.
It's dawned on me that I've got until the end of February to just stay local and enjoy the town, and the holiday feeling, and the visitors.


I've spent a bit of time this month getting ready for the weekly Saturday morning market on the Apollo Bay foreshore.


We've got a steady flow of friends due down through January, so I wanted to have time to spend with them without having to run away to my workroom to sew.


So I have a big pile of new cushions all ready to go to market.


Although, they look so nice all lined up on our bench out on the back deck I might be tempted to just sink into them with a magazine and a drink...

Friday, December 16, 2011

Ready?

.

And just like that, I've nearly reached the end of my Melbourne market year.
With one more trip this weekend, I've got lots to look forward to.
Another dinner out and stay in St Kilda (with a birthday timed perfectly), a last-one-for-the-year catch up with my market friends at the Abbotsford Convent on Sunday.
And then, instead of packing up and coming straight home, I'm going to keep heading east for a quick visit with my friends the gorgeous Mookah girls over in Inverloch.
What a nice way to run down into Christmas!

Shirt & Skirt Market
Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Sunday December 18
10am - 4pm

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A present for you


Loving this Santa, aren't you?
I'm overcome with Christmas jollies I think.
With one more road trip before I can call it quits on the travelling for this year, I'm looking forward to Christmas day and the January beyond.
I know I still have a bit of shopping to do, and if you do too, then I've got an early present for you, but you'll need to be quick!
Until midnight tomorrow if you fancy something from the Frankie & Ray online shop, then use the code ONEDAY (yes, in capitals) at the checkout, and I'll be happy to take 20% off everything, and I promise to post it to you in plenty of time for gift giving too.
Or, maybe you just need a treat for yourself....

Saturday, December 10, 2011

ho, ho, ho


It's that time of the year again!
It sneaks up on me every time. Every year I promise myself I won't get caught next year.
(so remind me won't you)
I always think I'm going to have a quiet month, and then before I know it, I'm madly running around ordering fabric and tees, and making a daily dash down to the post office!
Thank goodness for the patience and support of my suppliers. I can sleep easy knowing that everything I need for January is on it's way.
I'm loving the idea of some Frankie & Ray things under people's trees for Christmas. I hope they all bring a smile to the girls they're going to.
These belts are lined up waiting to be packed off first thing on Monday, a couple as presents for others, and a couple as a present to the lovely girl who's made the order. I'm a firm believer in buying yourself something for Christmas!
Ah, December. 
You were supposed to be the lull before the January coastal madness!
No market this weekend, but I'll be back on the road for a final Melbourne fling for 2011 next week!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

From one end to the other


All the way at the other end of the Great Ocean Road is the charming little town of Barwon Heads, famous as the home of Diver Dan (sigh), Cadel Evans (winner of Le Tour!),  fellow blogger girl Lizey Lou, and lovely clothing designer Nerida Hansen too.
Something worth bottling in that sea air maybe?
In the modern way of things, Nerida and I met at a market, found each other on facebook, and a nice friendly relationship has followed. Hooray for technology!
And now, I'm delighted to say that Frankie & Ray tees are making their way down the coast to Nerida's shop in Barwon Heads, just in time for the Summer.
A perfect match, from one end of the coast to the other!


Nerida Hansen
3A Bridge Road
Barwon Heads

Edit: Nerida's little pop-up shop is now closed, but what a great Summer it was! 

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Once more


I was supposed to be having a day off from the market going today.
But, I had the car all packed for the Apollo Bay Indoor Market (where the lovely Beth will look after everything), so when the weather seemed ok this morning, I thought, what the heck....


...it's the last chance to be down on the foreshore before Christmas!
I had a lovely morning. There were quite a few locals out and about, and an interestingly large number of European and English tourists.
One of my tea towel cushions is off to the UK, insert and all. The new owner was smitten with it as a souvenir of her holiday, and she's going to use it as a pillow on her journey home on the plane.
Another lovely local lady has bought a cushion for her daughter who is returning home after 2 years living and working in London. That one had a map of England on it.
I love how people make a connection to the tea towels I've used, and when that happens there's never too much thinking about the purchase. Plus, I get to hear some delightful stories!
Of course, I couldn't have managed this morning without my hardworking assistant....




ps. All these photos are for you, Wendy!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

As promised!


I've had fun with these!
The best part of making these tea towel bags is the choosing of which ones to use. 
I've made five new ones, and they are all in the shop today.
Quick sticks, these are all one-offs!

Monday, November 28, 2011

A week of possibilities


It's Monday morning, and I'm not quite sure where I should start this week!
It's been more than a month of just keeping ahead of things, and lots of driving. Not that I mind. I love a road trip, and a visit with city friends, and all the markets I've been at.
Saturday was looking a little challenging at Maribyrnong Makers Market. To say that it rained somehow doesn't quite give the right impression of how the weather turned out. It poured, teemed, bucketed....!
But, I was set up under my market umbrella, and staying dry. It was actually too wet to pack up, so I just settled in to wait the weather out. And then the most amazing thing happened.
People started arriving armed with their umbrellas and good humour, and they just carried on as if the rain wasn't happening at all!
This is what makes this market my favourite Melbourne market - it's so well supported and anticipated that even a flood of rain wasn't going to stop anyone from shopping! And I have to thank the fantastic organisers for that.
And now here I am at the beginning of a few weeks of not travelling, and I'm thinking I might just have a play with some of my tea towel collection for some new bags. All of a sudden I'm down to just one in my stock.
Stay tuned, there might even be some to go in the shop later this week!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Rain, hail, or shine


Well, lets face it, the forecast for Saturday is looking slightly dodgy for a market day!
But, don't let that put you off, and keep your fingers crossed.
I'm hoping it might not get too wet, or that we get a few breaks in the weather, or, if we're really lucky, the weather boffins might have it completely wrong, and Melbourne will turn on an absolute stunner...but bring a brolly just in case!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Dressland


I've refreshed my frock fabrics in the last week, and there's nothing better than having some lovely new patterns and colours to work with.
In fact, a new fabric is like a red rag to a bull to me, I just have to get straight into it with the scissors and thread.
I'm still living in the world of dresses. 'Dressland' according to my friend Pia! I'm loving making them, and seeing how the fabric translates into the garment. Satisfaction guaranteed!
Sadly, there was only enough of this one for just one solitary frock. I opted to make it up in a size medium, so perhaps it'll be like that glass slipper waiting for the right girl to slip it on.
Find it, and some others, and all the rest of my goodies at the last market in my big run of weekly events this Saturday at the most fabulous Maribyrnong Makers Market.



Friday, November 18, 2011

Travelling circus


I'm feeling a little like a travelling circus this month!
I love packing up the car with all my stuff and hitting the road for another market.
Last week St Kilda, this week the Abbotsford Convent.
The weather forecast is smiling on me so far, not too hot, not too cold, not too windy....just right!
I've spent a few days topping up a few of the gaps, and I'm ready to go again.
This weeks appearance, Shirt & Skirt Market, one day only!
See you there.


Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
10am - 4pm

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Shop girl


I'm coming down to earth after a really wonderful weekend.
I so much look forward to every Magnolia Square, and not just because it's a beautiful environment to spend a few days, but also because I get to spend more time than usual with some of my market friends. It's such a luxury to have time to catch up for more than a few hours.
Add to that staying with my St Kilda hostess with the mostest, her bloke and their greyhound, dinner out at En Izakaya, and I'm a happy shop girl.
Big sellers this weekend were the new dresses - St Kilda is all frocked up!
Also, these lovely soft and silky new green tees.
I've taken the opportunity of a couple of slow down days to load some more Frankie & Ray goodies into the shop, so pop on over and have a browse!


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Just a walkin' the dog...


Walking the dog...


just a walkin' the dog...


if you don't know how to do it...


I show you how to walk the dog....
(with apologies to the Rolling Stones)

This little bit of madness brought on by spying this piece of gorgeousness this morning over at  Rob Ryan!
(and can be purchased here)

ps. See you in St Kilda! Where? Magnolia Square of course.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Want a little peek?


The countdown is well and truly on now for Magnolia Square at the St Kilda Town Hall. 
Oh yes, this weekend is it!
Would you like a little look at some of things I've made?
Well, head over here for a little sneak peek then!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Next (Melbourne) stop!


In  a little more than a week I'll be back in St Kilda for Magnolia Square.
Thinking about that today, I got that lovely little tingle of excitement you get about looking forward to something you just know is going to be great.
I can't wait to catch up with lots of clever people I know, and meeting some new ones too.
I wasn't planning on being anywhere else before then, but if the weather lives up to the forecast I'll take the opportunity to have another Saturday morning down at my local Apollo Bay market as well. 
I do love a good morning out in the sunshine after all!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

A day off, and out


On a whim the old bloke and I ran away to Lorne today.
Sometimes we forget that we live in such a beautiful part of the world, and what a luxury it is to dash off for a drive around the Great Ocean Road on a weekday.
I needed to give the sewing machine a rest, and get out into some sunshine.
The Lorne Sculpture exhibition is on, so that was a good enough excuse.


Some of my favourites.
And, the old bloke playing up...seriously, do they ever grow up?


We met Betsy on the foreshore, and both of us wanted to take her home with us.


Perhaps finding an old van to do up could keep the old bloke out of trouble?
And, we couldn't leave until I'd dropped some new stock in for Liz at Flying Fishes either.


Don't forget to come and see me at the Apollo Bay market on Saturday morning if you're in my neighbourhood! Keeping my fingers crossed for weather as delicious as today.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Sweethearts

The old bloke came home yesterday after his annual pilgrimage to Sale to visit his sister and brother in law.
I kind of like it when he goes away for a few days, although it's sweet when he comes home.
I took the opportunity to get stuck into some serious sewing and I've been crossing things off my list with relish!
With Melbourne Cup day exactly a week away, and the first long weekend (for many!) after Winter, I'm really looking forward to coming back to my local market on Saturday.
Yesterday, my friend Fiona nominated me for the Liebster Award. 


Fiona is a beautiful girl with a great big laugh to match her heart who writes the Naturopathic Health blog. Seriously, if you meet Fiona you'll know that she's the very best advertisement for naturopathy. She positively glows with good health.
And I know she disapproves of my caffeine habits!
Anyway, what is this all about then? 
Liebster is both a word (German for dearest or beloved) and an honour, it is bestowed by those in the early stages of writing a blog (less than 200 followers) upon 3 - 5 bloggers they admire.
When nominated we should:
1. Link back to the blogger who awarded us.
2. Tag 3-5 blogs to receive the award.
3. Inform them of their nomination.
4. Display the Liebster Award image on our blog.

Ok then, so here we go!
My Liebster awards go to (drumroll please)....


The lovely ladies over at Mookah
These sisters never fail to make me laugh with their antics! They've made a seachange like me, and they spend their days making damn nice fabric, skirts, cushions and all manner of good things with a coastal feel. We love to swap notes on the seaside life.


My friend Crayon Chick
We met years ago when we were dipping our toes into the market life, and now we spend our days covered in bits of fabric fluff, bits of yarn strewn about the house, and spend odd hours in our workrooms. 
Pop over and drool over Michelle's beautiful photography, and her eye for composition and colour.


Another Fiona from Squirt Baby.
I love Fiona. She has a wicked sense of humour, and amazingly beautiful curly blonde hair. She manages to look after her brood and spend time making gorgeous clothes for girls and boys. She's a fellow knitter, and her tension is a joy to behold. Her blog is often funny, sometimes sad, and always inspiring.


Wendy! Incredibly, I used to work alongside this lovely lady's husband, and we didn't actually get to meet until long after I'd left that job. As soon as we got talking we realised how much we had in common. 
I guarantee you'll be hooked on Wendy's blog, The Textured Leaf, at first read. She manages to let us peer through the window on her busy and sometimes chaotic life full of kids, grandchildren, and lots of sewing. Seriously, this woman has the best touch with a doily, and an inspired eye for recycling fabrics that most of us wouldn't look at twice!

Sweethearts all of you.
Lots of love, Jo.

Friday, October 21, 2011

This is personal

A cousin, that cousin's lifelong friend, a best friend's mother, another cousin's wife, a friend of the family, and now a personal friend of mine.
All strong and beautiful women. 
All diagnosed with breast cancer.
October is breast cancer awareness month, and this coming Monday is pink ribbon day.


Over here, I decided I wanted to do something.
So, here's the deal. 
I've made a lovely new warm weather scarf, made from a mix of  recycled and new cottons, and some light weight cream wool knit thrown in for good measure. 
It'll look gorgeous with a shirt or t-shirt, tossed around your neck, or worn like a shawl, just to keep the chill  away on a cool Spring or Summer evening, or morning, or anytime at all.


I'm putting this up for sale right here, with the proceeds to go to the Cancer Council.
Here's the detail of how I think this might work.
Leave a comment with your bid, I'll keep this going until midnight of Friday, November 4, so there's plenty of time!
I'll ask the winner to email me a copy of their donation receipt, and I'll post the scarf anywhere in Australia.
The finer details!
Scarf measures 164cm in length and is 18cm wide.
Made from recycled and new cottons and fine knit recycled 100% wool.
Recommended retail price $50, but start it off anywhere you like, who knows there might be a bargain to be had.
Feel free to spread the word!
And thank you.




Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Floral


You might remember this lovely piece of vintage fabric from a while ago.
Because I find it impossible to throw anything away, I've been hoarding the offcuts for some time.
And, because it's Spring, and the garden is looking so pretty....


...and the sun is out, and it's warm for the second whole day in a row....I dug those pieces out and, hurrah!, there's enough for some pockets.



Friday, October 14, 2011

Spring markets


My personal time warp continues this week. 
Friday already? Surely yesterday it was Monday.
I'm sure it's something to do with daylight saving.
I realised yesterday that my full diary of markets for the rest of this month and next actually kicked off last week, and that has sent me into a small making frenzy.
Which will probably become a large making frenzy. And possibly a lot of list making and revising.
For the next 6 weeks, you'll be able to find me at any one of 5 markets, and that includes the gorgeous and eagerly awaited Magnolia Square in St Kilda. 
So, there's plenty of opportunity to get a little something new for yourself, or maybe even an early start on the Christmas shopping. My apologies for that mention, I know it's still October!
This week's market is the fabulous Shirt & Skirt at the Abbotsford Convent.
If the weather is as lovely as it is here this morning, we'll all be grateful!

Sunday October 16
Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
10am - 4pm

Monday, October 10, 2011

Monday


What's happening at your place today?
I had a terrific weekend, which included seeing a film on Friday night, the very bitter sweet Beginners. Oh, Ewan, you set my heart all aflutter...
Be warned, this is a handful of tissues movie. I loved it.
Then there was dinner out, and a lovely morning at the brand new Little Village Market. Thanks to those friends who popped in to see me, that was the icing on my cake!
Being an earlier finish than I'm used to meant getting home in time for cocktail hour and a relaxed dinner with the old bloke.
A few of these neckscarves went off to new homes, leaving me with less than I'd like to keep in stock.
I've been making a huge mess of fabric and jumpers in my workroom to get some new ones together, and here's a little taste from the latest batch. 
I don't know about you, but I'm loving that orange vintage kimono silk.
I can't get enough of some bright happy colours for the coming season!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Wednesday already


Here we are in the middle of another week already. Is it something to do with daylight saving that's making the days fly along? We're loving the sunny evenings down here.
We have had a lovely long grand final weekend with our city friends (including their handsome hound) down for some birthday celebrations, late nights, and a hand or two of 500. It's felt like being on holidays all over again!
I'm busy getting ready for a trip up to town this weekend for the very first Little Village Market.
It'll be a little trip down memory lane for me to be back in Elwood, the old bloke and I lived in a gorgeous old flat there way back when. We loved the big trees in the streets, the walk to the beach and the shops, and the feeling of living in a village. If I ever find myself living back in Melbourne, this is where I'd choose to be.
I just know this little market will be great, there's all the things I look forward to with great stalls, good food, and live music as well. All in a venue that Melbourne seems to do so well, a charming little hall in the middle of the Elwood village. See you there!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hot cold


Whatever this crazy Spring weather is doing, I think Summer might have arrived in my workroom.
Waiting for this new fabric was an exercise in patience, but now it's here and I've been putting it to use on the most lovely of t-shirts I've had for a while.
Perhaps the colour might just have something to do with it? But, also they are made from a blend of organic cotton and bamboo. Truly, I can't make the photograph do justice to how soft, light and silky these are, so you'll just have to come and find them at the market.
And, because I can't seem to help myself...


...there are more new dresses rolling off the machine as well!