frankie & ray

And that was January

2012-01-31T13:46:00.000+11:00

Phew. January's been busy.

It's gone fast and slow if that makes sense.

And I've loved every visitor, every swim, and every market Saturday.

There's a funny end of Summer feeling about town this week.

It seems everyone's thoughts have turned to kids going back to school, and all the beginning of the working year things that need to get done.

The carnival's packed up and gone from the foreshore, there was nobody on the beach walking this morning, and getting a park in the main street is a case of choose your spot for the first time in a month!

It's a little bit melancholy.

But I know soon enough we'll have the February travellers here to enjoy what's usually the nicest weather of the year on the coast.

To lift my spirits today, two big fat parcels of new fabric arrived in my post office box.

Beautiful soft corduroy, in gorgeous Autumny colours.....skirts!

Addicted

2012-01-25T19:01:00.000+11:00

I couldn't stop at one.

I'm dreaming brightly coloured and patterned linens and cottons!

Someone should have warned me.

This one's surplus to requirements, but by golly, I'm loving making them.

You can find this one in the shop!

Smitten!

2012-01-24T14:33:00.001+11:00

What, you may ask, am I doing inside on this most ridiculously perfect Summer day?

I couldn't keep my fingers off my little tea towel project, that's what!

I used some Ink & Spindle fabric I had plenty of for the backing.

I decided not to quilt, but just to topstitch the two layers of fabric.

I'm so pleased about that, the weight and thickness is perfect.

I found this sensational set of instructions on how to bind quilts (and look at those corners!).

I did find a wee little hole in one piece, now covered with an unusually placed label.

And here it is in it's new home.

I love it, and I think I understand now why they say patchworking is addictive....!

Having a crack!

2012-01-22T14:49:00.000+11:00

Ok, so I realise I've been on a tea towel bender.

It's the time of year when I'm making lots of cushions and bags for the weekly market.

Using so many of them lately has meant lots of offcuts to add to my stash of tea towel pieces left over.

I always keep the ones that appeal to me, even if they're an odd small size.

So, last week when I was obsessing over some patchwork, I thought there's something I could use those pieces for!

After all, the colours and images I love.

And, I had them there already....

And here's the result so far!

This is destined for a corner of my sofa that sits right up under a west facing window. It's suffering in the afternoon sun from a bit of fade, and I think this might do the trick for a little protection.

There are some corners in that bottom row that definitely don't stand up to close scrutiny!

But, I'm feeling pretty pleased with this little arrangement for a first go.

I need to decide now if I just want a cloth throw with a backing and some topstitching, or do I go the whole hog and try the full quilting thing?

A birthday, a bag, and more tea towels

2012-01-18T18:06:00.000+11:00

In the heat of yesterday afternoon, it was a pleasure to go downstairs to my cool workroom and get to work sewing some more tea towel bags.

This bag was actually destined to be a birthday present for one of my local gal pals. Sal's a total sweetie, a maker of some lovely resin jewellry and bowls, and a market/coffee/drinks buddy, who along with another girl, has really helped a city girl transplanted to the coast to settle in to life down here.

After some texting and being vain enough to read the reply without my reading glasses, I ended up making a bag with the wrong year on it! Ooops.

Ah well, it was kind of funny at the time, and I'm on a promise to make another with the right year on it (1974).

Who needs a friend like me who can add a year to a girl's age so carelessly?

Everything has a happy ending today with this bag and 2 others newly listed in the shop this afternoon.

I'm sure it'll find a good home!

The disappearing week

2012-01-13T16:46:00.000+11:00

I realise it's only been three days since I was here last, but this week seems to have vanished on me.

I've left all my market preparations until the last minute this week.

It's mostly been more cushions again, including a very enjoyable custom job revamping a sweet little op shop cushion that really was in need of a nearly total makeover to make it suitable for a little girl's birthday present.

I also found myself very short of some styles of t-shirts, so they've been topped up too.

Still revelling in the amazing colours and images of some gorgeous vintage tea towels.

But, if I'm to be completely honest, I am getting a little bit over sewing on the buttons.

(my goodness, I am going to treat myself to a manicure at the end of this month)

I've also found myself patchwork spotting.

I'm always hugely inspired by Wendy and her gorgeous work.

This beautiful image is from my fave magazine Australian Country Style, and is the work of Maggie and Sparrow.

Delicious.

I'm yearning to quilt, but I'm a bit daunted by how to work with all that fabric on such a large scale.

One day I'm going to overcome my fears and give it a go.

That sounds like a new year's resolution doesn't it? And I didn't think I had any to make this year.

In other things that need attending to around here, number one on my list is a slightly overdue letter to my Aunty. I know she pops in here from time to time for a visit, so if you're reading, my dearest and favourite Aunt, you won't have to wait long, I promise!

January so far

2012-01-10T11:25:00.000+11:00

It's hard to believe that today is only the 10th of the month.

January's been full of so many good things so far.

Beach weather, friends to stay, happy market mornings, acting like a tourist in our own town, fish and chips for dinner...

I managed to squeak in a visit to our fantastic Apollo Bay Art Show before it closed last Sunday.

This show punches above it's weight every year with so many great pieces all for sale. It was great to see so many red dots on so many works.

And after a walk around the hall, this little painting caught my eye, and now it's hanging happily where I can get a glimpse of it everyday.

We're guestless again today, and I'm looking forward to a little quiet time this week, hopefully another swim or two, another market morning on Saturday, and maybe a little catch up sewing too!

The gap

2012-01-05T09:57:00.000+11:00

I'm just about to put a little bit of effort in and get the house ready for our next lot of visitors who are due down around lunchtime today.

Thank goodnesss it's a little bit cooler, although I can't believe I've just said that.

The beach has been delicious.

A little gap day was very welcome. Sometimes you just need to have a night of mindless television and not actually talking to anyone!

I managed a few more cushions for market on Saturday.

There's a little bit of a local flavour in these ones.

I didn't really realise until just now.

And, it seems they're all a little bit blue as well.

See you in a little while!

Distractions

2012-01-02T15:08:00.000+11:00

I've been off air for a bit.

Busy and distracted! But in a good way.

Too busy and distracted to take my camera anywhere this week, so I'm recycling my beach feet photo from the year before last....that's ok isn't it?

You get the drift!

What's been happening in your new year?

We've had friends to stay, and other friends who are staying in Apollo Bay. Which means there's been dinners, and drinks, and walks, and cards, and days of lazing about drinking coffee and eating panforte, and all manner of fantastic holiday stuff.

The weather's been amazing too, so we've even been swimming. Which is more than we did in the miserable wet Summer of last year.

I'm loving January.

I'm looking forward to a little gap in the visitors this week so I can get some sewing done. The cushions walked away from my market stall last Saturday, all off to new couches and chairs and holiday houses.

I have no resolutions to make and break, but perhaps I can find something a little more interesting to show and tell in the next week!

Happy New Year!

Soft landing

2011-12-23T11:42:00.000+11:00

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...

Ready?

2011-12-16T11:45:00.000+11:00

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

A present for you

2011-12-14T18:56:00.000+11:00

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....

ho, ho, ho

2011-12-10T10:55:00.001+11:00

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!

From one end to the other

2011-12-06T13:50:00.001+11:00

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!

Once more

2011-12-03T16:22:00.001+11:00

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!

As promised!

2011-11-30T13:05:00.001+11:00

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!

A week of possibilities

2011-11-28T10:37:00.001+11:00

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!

Rain, hail, or shine

2011-11-24T14:51:00.000+11:00

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!

Dressland

2011-11-23T15:17:00.000+11:00

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.

Travelling circus

2011-11-18T12:34:00.001+11:00

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.

Shirt & Skirt Market

Abbotsford Convent

1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

10am - 4pm

Shop girl

2011-11-15T15:57:00.001+11:00

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!

Just a walkin' the dog...

2011-11-10T10:49:00.001+11:00

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.

Want a little peek?

2011-11-07T10:23:00.001+11:00

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!

Next (Melbourne) stop!

2011-11-02T22:41:00.001+11:00

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!

A day off, and out

2011-10-27T16:58:00.000+11:00

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.

Sweethearts

2011-10-25T11:06:00.000+11:00

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.

The Textured Leaf.

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.

This is personal

2011-10-21T12:45:00.000+11:00

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.

Floral

2011-10-19T10:57:00.000+11:00

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.

Spring markets

2011-10-14T10:29:00.000+11:00

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!

Shirt & Skirt Market

Sunday October 16

Abbotsford Convent

1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

10am - 4pm

Monday

2011-10-10T14:08:00.000+11:00

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 already

2011-10-05T10:44:00.000+11:00

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!

Hot cold

2011-09-29T13:23:00.000+10:00

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!

Skirt nostalgia

2011-09-26T15:57:00.000+10:00

Loving this skirt, from Tilly.

The Frankie & Ray skirt-a-thon continues, so perhaps I've got skirts on the brain this week.

I was just taking a little afternoon tea break from the sewing, and taking a little wander around when I came across this heavenly summery skirt.

It's taken me straight back to my high school needlework class, and the planning for that essential wardrobe item for a teenage girl - the knee length wrap skirt, preferably in a print just like this one. Or maybe with a palm tree or two. Or a hibiscus flower. Oh, the choices, the colours, the possibilites!

I can remember all that delicious anticipation of just how fabulous the finished garment was going to be.

I'm feeling quite young again, or maybe a bit old!

Right back into it

2011-09-21T14:25:00.002+10:00

Well, hello!

I've been away from here for a bit, and that's because 2 lovely markets in perfect weather on the weekend left me raring to get back to the workroom. Properly. After fluffing about in a bit of a post holiday daze.

The new season always seems to arrive with a bang, and I'm catching up after coming home with only 2 skirts left to my name.

I can never tell what's going to be the big seller.

I'm pleased to also be a bit short on dresses too. It's always makes me a little nervous putting something new out for people to either like, or not!

I'm also eagerly awaiting the arrival of some of this gorgeous new fabric.

Aren't those colours just the best?

I've decided to not go to the post office today just in case it's not here yet. I'm so itchy to get my hands on it, I couldn't stand the disappointment if it hasn't arrived!

What are my plans for it? Maybe you'll have to wait with me too!

Perfect weather for a frock

2011-09-15T10:50:00.000+10:00

Another day, another frock.

Any excuse!

And this week there are several excuses...

Firstly, this on again, off again Spring is going to turn on the weather we've all been waiting for this weekend.

It'll be warm, actually warm enough to think about ditching the boots and jumpers. Yes, that's right. You might even be tempted to think about a flippy, flirty frock!

And, if you fancy, you can come along and see them at one of the two markets I'll be at this weekend.

First up on Saturday, one of my favourite little markets, the super friendly and sweet Maribyrnong Makers Market, where there'll be lots of lovely things to peruse, and a sausage sizzle to keep your strength up.

And then on Sunday, in the gorgeous surrounds of the Abbotsford Convent, I'll be back after a Winter break at the Shirt & Skirt Market.

I'm looking forward to another glorious day of Spring weather, and catching up with all of the market friends I haven't seen for ages.

Phew, what a weekend!

Opening the doors today!

2011-09-13T11:11:00.000+10:00

I'm often asked the question 'do you sell online' when I meet people at the markets.

Well, the answer is yes!

Frankie & Ray goodies have long been available over at the thoroughly marvellous GeorgieLove, and you can still pop over there to buy a number of things.

But now, there's somewhere new to go as well.

For a while, I've wanted to be able to offer a few things that you can't buy anywhere else (other than the markets that is), and now, here they are. Over at the brand spanking new Frankie & Ray shop.

Hooray!

Frocking up

2011-09-10T14:23:00.000+10:00

Now I've started making dresses, I can't seem to stop!

I'm telling myself I'm being good and getting prepared for the next couple of busy market months.

Sadly, I only had enough of that lovely blue and turquoise floral cotton for one whole dress, but plenty left over to put to good use making pockets.

The negative of the original is the result, and a happy combination I think.

Now all we need is some frock up weather.

Tuesday inspirations

2011-09-06T15:58:00.000+10:00

My latest colour crush!

I find myself incredibly drawn to this particular shade of blue.

Denim blue, slate blue, dusty blue.

But then again, there's something about green that makes it my favourite still.

All these lovely pictures are from Purl Soho and Calico & Ivy, wonderful places to fill in a bit of time just looking on a Tuesday afternoon.

Hello Springtime!

2011-09-01T10:48:00.000+10:00

I hope I'm not jumping the gun, or jinxing myself, but I've made a bit of a start on some dresses for the warmer weather.

Let's face it, I'm ready to shoo Winter out the back door and not see it again until next year.

And what better way to celebrate the start of a new season than with a new market?

This Sunday will see the very first Moriac Makers and Growers Market, down a country road just outside of Geelong. Jasmin, the organiser has rustled up a wonderful selection of stallholders, and there'll be lots of great produce and food as well as some great handmade.

Why not celebrate Father's Day with a country drive?

ps. I have it on good authority that every Dad will get a free piece of cake!

Newling Reserve, Hendy Main Road

Moriac.

9am - 2pm

It's English, hari-hari?

2011-08-30T13:14:00.000+10:00

Another day, another Sri Lanka story!

Do let me know when you get bored, won't you?

One of my favourite things about the country was the gorgeously quirky English we found everywhere.

This is just scraping the surface of the funny signs we saw. I think my favourite was the saying on the back of the 3 wheeler tuk-tuk taxi. And, if you look closely, it also says in small writing above the rear lights 'life is nice with a wife'! Can't argue with that.

Home sweet home

2011-08-29T13:20:00.000+10:00

Hello again, back again in Skenes Creek.

It's nice to be home!

I am in the afterglow of a fantastic holiday and now I'm contemplating the 6 piles of washing that need to be done, the empty fridge, and the pile of mail...all in the slightly befuddled state that you get when you lose a night somewhere over the Indian Ocean between Colombo and Singapore!

Nothing like the domestic to bring you back down to earth with a thump.

To ward off any post Sri Lanka blahs, I've been trying to choose a selection of photos to show you here, and have just ended up spending too much time not being able to decide!

So perhaps today we'll just start with this one, the happiest elephant fountain I've ever clapped eyes on, in the cutest, kitschest little park in the heart of Kandy, where we discovered that this was the place for young lovers to have a little cuddle and share their lunch.

Sweet!

Postcard from Galle

2011-08-21T20:38:00.000+10:00

A room just like ours at The Fortress Hotel. Can I move in I wonder?

Greetings everyone!

It feels mighty odd to be typing this all the way from beautiful Sri Lanka. The miracles of modern living!

I couldn't resist the offer of using a laptop and having a little check in on everyone...

Meanwhile, we are in love with this country.

There are spices, and tea plantations, and sensational foods, and crazy, crazy traffic, and balmy sea breezes.

The people are friendly and put us all to shame by speaking English everywhere.

We've been driving around the country, and Galle is our last stop before home next week.

I'll have plenty more to show and tell when I get back. See you then!

The island formerly known as Ceylon

2011-08-10T12:40:00.000+10:00

Preparations for making a quick getaway are in full swing here today.

Let's just say that I'm an anxious traveller, so I'm double and triple checking everything.

I'm annoying myself, and can't wait until we're out the door tomorrow morning.

We'll be flying over the Indian Ocean to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka for a couple of weeks.

I'm looking forward to perhaps learning to drink their most famous export, Ceylon tea, and enjoying the lush tea garden landscapes. There's bound to be some curry, and some heat, some good old fashioned sight seeing, and some time just catching up on some reading by a beach.

I feel better already!

Is this Spring?

2011-08-08T15:05:00.000+10:00

1. White flower 2. Silk Scarf 3. Rebe dress

4. Pretend 5. Ottoman Poppies dress 6. Little forest fabric

We've been having the most beautiful Spring-like mornings down here this week, I've just collected a few images that say better than words how I'm feeling about this coming change of season, even if I might be a little early!

Baggage

2011-08-04T10:45:00.003+10:00

Travelling in style!

In a week the old bloke and I are off for a bit of a holiday.

It's been a couple of months in the planning, and the to do list is slowly getting smaller.

We're down to the fun stuff now after dealing with the vaccination shots, the insurance, booking the animals into their holiday homes, and all the other endless little things that need to be organised...

I'm up to the important business of deciding what I absolutely must pack to take with me for a two week trip.

Do I really need those sandals as well, or will I end up spending every day in thongs?

I quite fancy travelling in the old fashioned way with lots of luggage, but only if I had someone to carry it for me!

Instead, I'm attempting a new record in travelling light, hoping to squish everything into an overnight sized bag.

Thank goodness I won't be needing jumpers, or coats, or boots, but what about the shopping?

Piccadilly Market

2011-07-28T13:07:00.001+10:00

One more market before the end of Winter!

My first time at the fantastic looking Piccadilly Market in Geelong.

Not too far from Melbourne, and close to home for me!

This is the time of year when there's seriously at least a month of cold and frosty weather still to come, so I'll have some woollies with me to keep you going through August and into those first chilly months of Spring.

But, if you need to cheer yourself up with the idea that there'll be some warmer days just around the corner, I've got that covered too with some perfect weight cotton t-shirts, and my favourite hemp and organic cotton skirts too!

Something for everyone you might say!

Sewing for me

2011-07-27T14:10:00.001+10:00

I spent yesterday afternoon working on a new frock just for me.What a luxury!

We're heading off soon to somewhere hot for a little break, lucky us, and I decided I might just need something new to take with me.

After I bought this floral cotton voile I worried that I could end up with something that looked a little bit too much like a nice nightie. Hmm. Not quite what I had in mind.

So I added a little bit of op shop found aqua bias binding to the neck, and a big chambray pocket to the front.

I reckon it's come out ok, and it has me dreaming of Summer, cool loose cottons, and maybe some more frocks for the warmer weather!

Sunday

2011-07-24T13:57:00.003+10:00

I'm having a lazy Sunday.

Which won't be the case next week, when I'll be at my first Piccadilly Market in Geelong.

I've been looking at who else will be there, and making a little wish list!

I'll be bringing some new things along, including these emerald green shirts, which are reminding me that Spring won't be too far away (I hope!).

Running away to the city

2011-07-20T10:06:00.001+10:00

Emilie Floge captured in all her glory by Gustav Klimt.

Today I'm running off to town to be a tourist for a day.

I can't wait to see the Vienna Art & Design Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.

I first learnt about the wonderful work of Gustav Klimt when I studied Interior Decoration many moons ago now, and I was instantly smitten by the use of colour and pattern in his work.

I expect to drive my friend mad with a fair bit of ooohing and aahhing!

To put the icing on my little trip there'll be dinner afterwards, and a visit to one of my favourite stockists tomorrow morning before I head home again.

See you when I get back!

Etsy love

2011-07-16T12:28:00.003+10:00

Can I resist this clever, clever lapel pin?

What better way to spend a sunny Saturday morning?

I've just been wandering around Etsy, and have bought a little something as a present for a friend...so no peeking!

But, while I was there, look what I've found.

With our daphne blooming it's fragrant head off, I'd love to be able to carry a little bit of it around with me all day!

It's a treasure trove over there!

ps. I bought it!

Alors!

2011-07-14T12:00:00.000+10:00

This marvellous image comes from here.

So many things to love about the French...

Champagne!

CanCan!

D'affonois!

Brioche!

Le Tour!

Croissant!

Haute Couture!

Renault?

The old bloke and I were going to have croissant and cafe au lait this morning, but to be honest, we forgot.

Perhaps we can make it up with something French and sparkling this evening?

And in honour of the tricolore, I've made a new cosy that seems to have a decidedly French attitude....

Market day

2011-07-11T14:22:00.000+10:00

The girls at Boutique Markets put on a gorgeous day yesterday. Cold it might have been outside, but we were warm and cosy inside the lovely Hawthorn Town Hall.

I met some great new people, and caught up with a few market friends I haven't seen for a while. It was terrific to be 'back on the horse' after a bit of a break!

I love it when a market has a much more accomplished photographer than me taking fantastic pics of the day.

It's great to be able to share these much nicer photos than I could hope to take!

Make sure you pop over here to take a look at the whole album.

Pleasure and business!

2011-07-08T10:36:00.000+10:00

Hooray for Friday!

I've been waiting with excitement for today to roll around for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, I'm heading off to the Dandenongs to spend a couple of nights with a very good girlfriend and her family. I can honestly (and cheekily) say that she is my oldest friend. We met before we even started school.

Living so far away from each other means we don't get to catch up that often, but it's always a pleasure when we do!

And then, because she's such a good friend, she won't mind at all when I get up very early on Sunday morning to head down to the beautiful Hawthorn Town Hall for the first ever Melbourne Boutique Markets.

I've been away from the markets for a couple of months, and I'm bursting at the seams with excitement to have a day out with some new things. Not to mention a chance to browse some of the great things that'll be there.

Definitely worth rugging up and getting out of the house for!

Tea cosy hats

2011-07-05T13:23:00.000+10:00

Hello there!

Yes, it's me, travelling as incognito as I can manage.

Have you ever tried to photograph yourself? What a palaver...

It was the only way to properly show off my new hats though.

A new idea can be like a crush....I fret, and lie in bed thinking about it, and can't concentrate on anything else until I can get it out of my system. Then once I do, I can lose interest, or start to wonder if it's actually as good as it was while it was still in my head.

I'm still wavering about these, but I'll take them out to Boutique Markets on Sunday and I'll nervously wait to see what people think.

A bit like taking that new love out for a first date.

The girl who mistook her tea cosy for a hat

2011-07-03T11:10:00.000+10:00

If you’ve popped in here for a visit lately, you’ll know I’ve been knitting tea cosies.

Lots and lots of tea cosies!

I’m so very close to being finished with the second part of the big order going to Raw Materials new cafe and foodstore in Hawthorn. The 12 little ones have gone, and now I’m working on 12 big ones that’ll be for sale in their new store.

It‘s exciting, and lovely, to be working on such a large order. But, I have been thinking if just maybe there’s a more time efficient way to be making these (read – quicker).

Any handknitter out there, or crocheter, will tell you that while we love our craft, it’s a time consuming passion indeed. Best done in front of the tv on a comfy chair with no rush!

So, of course, at a time I can least afford to be mucking about with new ideas, my creative muse popped in for a visit. Perhaps I could try and work some of that jumper ribbing I’ve been saving into a cosy design....

And so I did.

Then, while admiring my handiwork, I must confess to thinking that it kind of, looked a little bit like, could possibly be... a hat...?

So, in the privacy of my own bedroom, I tried the cosy on. Go on, wouldn’t you!?

And now I’m in the throes of nutting out a pattern using some of those lovingly hoarded jumper ribs and some handknitting to make some woolly and warm hats....

If I can just get that cosy order finished.

Kapow!

2011-06-30T13:33:00.000+10:00

Red!

And that might just be all I have to say about this one.

Cosy, cosy, cosy

2011-06-27T14:09:00.000+10:00

I've been bedded down on the couch with my knitting needles lately.

I can think of worse things to be doing than keeping busy with some yummy brightly coloured yarns, the fire going and the sun shining.

I've waved farewell to these little cosies today.

They're off to their new home, a cafe due to open in August (stay tuned for details!) where if you order a pot of tea, the pot will come dressed in a little bit of Frankie & Ray bright woolly sweetness.

Oh, and I was pondering what would be the collective noun for cosies?

A comfort, a splash, or maybe even a brew?

Something new

2011-06-21T15:17:00.000+10:00

I know I said I wouldn't be back in Melbourne for a market until Spring, but it seems the more I make a plan, the more things change!

When news of the launch of Boutique Markets at the Hawthorn Town Hall arrived in my inbox I was a little intrigued.

These markets are run by the same people who organise the wonderful Mathilda's Markets, so I know it'll be full of gorgeous things, and in a lovely venue as well.

Then, I realised I was going to be in Melbourne town on this weekend, so the moon and stars have aligned to see me back behind the market table earlier than I thought!

Watermelon, coral, peach...

2011-06-16T16:36:00.000+10:00

I'm besotted with this colour this week.

And in the crazy topsy turvy world of clothing, I'm starting to think about some new things for Spring and Summer. How mad is that?

The market roll

2011-06-12T13:55:00.001+10:00

What are you up to on this long weekend Sunday?

I've just listed with The Market Roll, a fantastic new site that lists more markets in and around Melbourne than you can poke a stick at.

Apart from the old bloke trying to have a conversation with me while I've been trying to concentrate, it was easy for a slightly techno-phobe like myself to manage!

Let's see how it goes.

Baby, it's cold outside

2011-06-08T15:56:00.000+10:00

Skenes Creek wouldn't be the only cold place in the world this week I'm sure.

And I guess it's all relative, so when my friend phoned from WA and told me it was only 18 over there today, I had to stop myself from scoffing at her and starting a bidding war on the temperature!

We had a little dusting of snow on what we call 'the hill up the back' yesterday, and I'm driving the old bloke mad complaining about the weather.

I'm not leaving the house again today, so god bless Ugg for their boots, the fire's going nicely, and I have some (more) knitting to do.

Stay warm where you are!

Reincarnation

2011-06-02T14:05:00.001+10:00

I get all sentimental over the strangest things.

I found this jumper in the rather posh Red Cross op shop in Hamilton on route to Penola the other week.

It didn't grab me straight away, but then I had a closer look.

And the label won me over.

I remember this from somewhere in my childhood. Probably from my mother's or grandmother's wardrobe.

I think if you had something from Aywon, it was a bit swish and special.

I came over a bit sad at the demise of all those Australian made labels that just aren't around anymore, and that was it, I just had to buy it.

Then I got a bit squeamish about cutting it up, but I've kept coming back to it.

So, I thought the way to do this is to document it, get it off my chest, and get on with it.

As soon as I took the photos I felt better, and even better again once I got the scissors into it.

And now I'm really pleased I've been able to turn this unloved echo from the past into something special to give it a new life!

Winter sunshine

2011-06-01T12:22:00.000+10:00

With no markets booked in for at least the next 6 weeks or so I was feeling a little bit out of sorts this week.

It's been a busy year, and I'm just coming to terms with the idea of staying put for a little while.

It's quiet down here on the coast, and Winter has arrived this morning with nose tingling cold, but brilliant sunshine.

The fire is keeping the house toasty warm, and I'll be happy to find a patch of sun to sit in with my knitting.

All these cold mornings have everyone reaching for their scarves!

Roads of South Australia

2011-05-27T15:10:00.000+10:00

9 days.

More than 2000km travelled.

Great to see some new sights, especially the Murray filling the Coorong and Lake Alexandrina, reaching all the way down to the barrages at Goolwa.

Pouring rain on Kangaroo Island.

Sunshine in Port Elliott and Robe.

Beach walks, books read, sleep!

Road trip

2011-05-16T18:08:00.000+10:00

This week we'll be packing the hound into the car and taking off for a little holiday.

We might have missed the best of Autumn weather, but some good books, a few walks, some dinners out, and a bit of lazing about will suit us just fine!

Penola...

Goolwa...

Kangaroo Island...

Robe...then home!

Once more

2011-05-14T09:46:00.000+10:00

Don't be put off by the Wintery weather this morning, my friends at the Bureau of Meteorology tell me tomorrow is going to be, well, not too bad!

This will be my last Melbourne market until Spring, so come on along for some cold weather goodies to tide you over until the weather gets better again.

Shirt & Skirt Market

Abbotsford Convent

1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

Sunday May 15

10am - 4pm

Getting my act together

2011-05-11T15:15:00.000+10:00

It's taken a bit of time, and it's been a bit overdue...but I'm feeling all professionally turned out!

I started with some swing tags and business cards, and liked them so much I decided I should get my act together and get everything looking the same.

I'm here to say a big thank you to my friend Michelle, who did all the hard work and found a lovely little label company...then generously shared her contact with me.

And then, to my clever friend Anne, who not only makes amazing one-of-a-kind clothing, but also runs a design studio, Ennis & Perry, who got my gorgeous new sign ready in time for it's debut at Magnolia Square the other week.

Yay to you, girls, I love the generosity of the circle I move in.

It's all about the scarf

2011-05-05T14:10:00.000+10:00

From now until August, scarves take over my life.

Long ones, short ones, knitted ones, fabric ones.

I love them all!

And, that's just as well I suppose.

I'm having oodles of fun making these longer jumper & fabric scarves this week.

A new parcel of lovely Liberty makes the process all the more enjoyable of course...

Home sweet home

2011-05-02T11:17:00.000+10:00

After a fantastic time in good old Melbourne for Magnolia Square, I'm home!

My hometown put on the best of Autumn weather, and the Malvern Town Hall looked so beautiful with the space full of so much gorgeous stuff.

Yet again I left home without my camera, but when I realised it wasn't with me, I thought that if that was the only thing I'd forgotten to bring, then I'd be ok with that!

So, all I can share is some pics of my spoils....

My new favourite top. I've worn it twice already.

From my friends at Klei. The best market neighbours, we always have such a nice time!

This photo doesn't do justice to this lovely porcelein ring from Shabana Jacobson. I made myself buy the orange one instead of the green, but I'm glad I did. I love it!

(I don't think my next career will be as a hand model, do you?)

Stocking up on cute and irresistable cards from Printspace.

I just love having a big pile to choose from.

Other goodies?

Fudge. None left.

Jam Lady Jam - Apricot and cardamom. Can't wait to crack into that for my breakfast toast!

Lots of great catching up with the crafty girls, and thanks to the special customers who came to say hello too. It's great to get out of the workroom for a bit of chat!

Sneak peek part 2

2011-04-26T13:06:00.000+10:00

It's been a big couple of market months that started way back in March with the Labour Day long weekend Apollo Bay market, a trip or 3 to Melbourne for Finders Keepers and Shirt & Skirt, a lovely Easter Apollo Bay market close to home, and now I'm rounding it all off with Magnolia Square this week.

What better way to wind it all up before a more sedate pace through Winter?

(Yes, that may have been the sound of me sighing....)

Of course, in the midst of a total workroom frenzy, I always seem to want to throw something new into the mix!

Sneak peek...

2011-04-21T12:22:00.000+10:00

Would you like a little sneaky look at what I've been up to?
Hot off the machine, all ready to go!

Find them at Magnolia Square next week.

Getting ready

2011-04-20T15:58:00.000+10:00

Easter first!

It promises to be a gorgeous Autumn long, long weekend down here.

Come and say hello at the Saturday morning market in Apollo Bay if you happen to be in my part of the world.

Then next week...

Magnolia Square at the beautiful Malvern Town Hall!

Tomorrow!

2011-04-16T11:33:00.000+10:00

I'm running around this morning chasing my tail, as usual.

I'll be packing the car and trying to get myself organised in a minute so that tomorrow I can enjoy some gorgeous Autumn weather at the Abbotsford Convent with Pia!

I'm quite looking forward to a day sitting in the sunshine with my knitting...

Shirt & Skirt Market

Abbotsford Convent

1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

Sunday April 17

10am - 4pm

15 minutes!

2011-04-13T14:42:00.000+10:00

Yes, it's true.

I've been lurking about the newsagents waiting for this....

And this week it appeared!

I'm feeling a little chuffed, a little humbled, and just a bit proud.

Big thanks to Phoebe McEvoy of Inside Out, who was so nice to deal with.

(it's the yellow one!)

The best weekend of the year

2011-04-08T11:56:00.000+10:00

Well, it's snuck up on me this year!

The Apollo Bay Music Festival is on this weekend!

The tents are up, the sun is shining, and we'll have a full house with visitors by tonight.

I'll be down on the foreshore for the market in the morning, if the weather holds as nicely as it has all this week that is...

I've only just had a chance to have a little look at the program, and I've got my wish list happening.

Megan Washington tonight, Vika Bull with the Hornets, Dog Trumpet, The Scared Weird Little Guys and the festival special, The Songs of Vanda and Young all on tomorrow.

Can I resist an act called The Lounge Hounds?

Oh, and then there's Georgia Fields too...

Sunday morning is always great with a gospel session to ease us into the final day.

And somewhere in there, I just know I'll find a surprise too!

Autumn

2011-04-06T17:49:00.000+10:00

Goodness, isn't this weather just the best?

I could almost forget that Winter is coming....

...if it weren't for all the scarves going out all about town.

North, south, east, online!

I'm thrilled to have a new shop in the heart of groovy St Kilda, The House of Balaklava on Carlisle Street.

I've walked past this fabulous shop many times when I stay with my St Kilda hostess, and they always have a dramatic and eye-catching window display!

I'm so lucky to be dealing with the nicest shopkeepers around town, they all do a fantastic job, and are always so understanding of the juggle of supplying something that is handmade, by me.

On colour

2011-04-04T16:31:00.000+10:00

I've had a colourful day today.
First, lovely Wendy decided to take the plunge and buy a little present for herself, a Pea handknit scarf.
She was after something a deep eau de nil.
I'm hoping what I call Pea is just the right shade!
It's one of things I love about each new season of scarf knitting, giving them all a name.
It reinforces the sense of creation I have about them, if that makes sense!
Anyway, a new yarn arrived today, and this one has me stumped.
It's a brownish purple, very lovely indeed.
It's kind of muted and soft, yet rich in tone. Kind of like the purple you'd find in an old faded oriental rug.
Trying to give it a name had me doing a bit of searching for inspiration, and I stumbled over a list of all the crayola crayon colour names and history.
Really. There's nothing you can't find out there in internet-land.
They started in 1903 with all the basics, named just so. Blue, green, orange...
And the list ended with colours added in 2003 - inch worm, wild blue yonder, mango tango!
Perhaps I just need to stick to something basic?
Mulberry anyone?
ps. Wendy's having a little bother naming her lovely blue cardigans, perhaps pop over and give her a hand!

Friday jumper wrangling

2011-04-01T13:26:00.000+11:00

How can something so lovely be so d*** difficult to handle?

This one nearly did me in, there's been cursing, and grumbling under my breath.

There's been lots of steam pressing and pinning.

Those edges were determined to roll under, but I won!

Take that you silky fine knit.

2 days in the shed

2011-03-29T15:11:00.001+11:00

Another fantastic Finders Keepers down at the Docklands.

I forgot my camera again in my excitement to get on the road, so I'm borrowing a photo from the Design Files, who also have a great wrap up of the event!

It was...

Great company, lots of talking, catching up with the girls from the 'gang' (thanks Morgan!), and some others I don't get to see that often.

Marvelling at the view from the water side of Shed4.....especially that circus tent set in that incredible industrial landscape. Did anyone else notice that?

I felt like I was looking at a Jeffrey Smart painting!

Sneaking away for not enough time to try and look at all the amazing things on offer.

Being lucky enough to do a bit of market trade with my friend Anne, and coming home with another incredible piece of clothing like no other. Bliss.

3 fabulous nights staying with my good friends in Melbourne, and being looked after like a queen.

Who else would put me up, send me off with a packed lunch, and cook me the best dinners in town after a long day on the concrete floor? Thanks Julie, you're the best!

Can't wait to do it all again.

This weekend!

2011-03-24T10:39:00.000+11:00

Only 2 more sleeps until the doors open on this fabulous market.

After a big day today labelling and packing, I'll be ready to hop in the car tomorrow morning and head off.

I can hardly wait to see all the wonderful stuff that'll be there, and catch up with some friends I haven't seen for a while!

Shed 4 can be a little tricky to find, make sure you take a look here for all the detailed directions you'll need.

Sidetracked

2011-03-22T15:01:00.001+11:00

My word, how cute and quirky are these?

A great big parcel of more postcards from Georgie Love to give out to all and sundry at the markets arrived today.

I'm trying to work to a list this week in the final run-up to Finders Keepers this weekend, but you know, I've never been very good at addressing the things that really need to be done. I'm fluffing about round the edges fighting the urge to do something completely off that list-of-things-that-must-get-made-this-week.

Like making myself a skirt out of green pinwale cord that's really meant to be used for belts...

Walking past our spare bedroom, I happened to glance in, and this is what I've just seen...

What a life.

Melbourne again

2011-03-18T12:29:00.000+11:00

This week has sped up as it's gone along.

I really thought today was Thursday. Nope, Friday it is.

And lunchtime at that!

And on top of that, it's been a whole month since I've been in Melbourne.

Really?

Anyway, this Sunday I'll be back at the beautiful Abbotsford Convent for Shirt & Skirt with my pal Pia.

After getting rained on at the last two markets, we're keeping our fingers crossed for a nice Autumn day.

Yes, please!

Shirt & Skirt Market

Abbotsford Convent

1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

Sunday March 20

10am - 4pm

Reminders of Japan

2011-03-16T12:02:00.001+11:00

Every Autumn my garden erupts into a mass of pink flowers. Beautiful Japanese windflowers.

People have been known to stop in the street to admire the display.

I have more mixed feelings, occassionally thinking they're just too much, they don't allow anything else to shine.

Every year I pull them out by their roots, every year they come back as strongly as the last.

This morning as I've been sewing, I've been looking at these tough as old boots beauties outside my workroom window. I've been noticing the Japanese influence in the design of the fabrics I'm working with.

Reminding me of the awful news coming out of Japan every day.

Hoping that the Japanese people can be as resilient and tough as these delicate flowers.

Bananarama

2011-03-10T13:46:00.000+11:00

My love affair with all things yellow continues this week.

If I can't have real sunshine, then I'll make my own.

More creative sunshineyness to admire over here.

Happy birthday GeorgieLove

2011-03-08T19:06:00.000+11:00

The super delightful Sally over at GeorgieLove land is celebrating her shop's 5th birthday very soon.

I'm very proud to say I've been on board with this fantastic online shop of total handmade loveliness almost from the very beginning, and that Sally may possibly be the nicest shopkeeper in the entire world.

Yes, truly.

And to celebrate birthdays, autumn, and all things scarflet, if you pop over to HERE before March 13 and leave a comment, you can be in the running to win a Frankie & Ray hand knit scarfie.

Oh, and don't worry, the red one sold pronto this morning, but if red is your thing, I can send one of those over for the winner.

Hop to it!

Finders Keepers!

2011-03-07T22:32:00.000+11:00

Oh, I'm a little bit late putting this up...but, I am very excited to be part of this great market again.

Take a look at who else is going to be there.

How many sleeps?

Colour crush and op shops

2011-03-04T10:40:00.000+11:00

I've been a bit absent from this space this week it seems.

We did have a little day trip to Camperdown for a visit to the op shops.

My favourite one there is called the Sunshine Shop. How sweet is that, and the ladies are gorgeous.

It's the old school type of op shop, meaning that you need to sit on the floor and sort through the shelves to find your treasures. And we did!

I think we could all use some sunshine today don't you?

from here

and here

I love this too.

Have a great weekend.

Learning something every day

2011-02-27T12:59:00.001+11:00

I've had a bit of a weekend of firsts - first sale on Etsy, first special order for my lovely Etsy customer, and now this morning I learnt I've been included in this rather gorgeous treasury full of other bird inspired goodies.

I'm feeling a bit like a rejuvenated old dog with new tricks to show off!

Easily distracted

2011-02-25T15:59:00.000+11:00

This new fabric arrived in the mail yesterday....

...and this wasn't on my list of things to do today!

Rolling out the new things

2011-02-23T15:34:00.000+11:00

So, here we are at the tail end of the Summer that wasn't.

It's been feeling so much like Autumn this week, I'm prepared to cut my losses and embrace it!

Another reminder is that I've been sending out some new things for the coming season.

This week you'll be finding these new t-shirts, along with the grey ones, and some scarves at I Dream a Highway.

One more swim and I'll be ready, I think.

Back in the city

2011-02-18T11:43:00.000+11:00

It feels just like last week I was looking forward to a couple of months of hanging out down here on the coast, and pfff, here it is the third week of February already.

That can only mean one thing, and that's my first Melbourne market for the year, the fabulous Shirt & Skirt at the Abbotsford Convent.

So many friends I'm looking forward to catching up with - see you on Sunday ladies!

Shirt & Skirt Market

Abbotsford Convent

1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

Sunday February 20

10am - 4pm

And if you feel like a bit of food for thought for your weekend, pop on over to the Georgie Love blog and have a read of Sally's well considered and articulate post on this.

Make a comment, join the debate.

I do think it's important.

My creative space

2011-02-17T16:02:00.001+11:00

Working on more of the new skirts today.

I had company!

And even though this might have nothing to do with creative spaces, I've just come back from driving into the post office. Neil Diamond's Crunchy Granola Suite was on the radio and I just had to turn it up loud to sing along!

Then I looked out the car window and there were 5 big black cockatoos flying alongside me for a while.

Sometimes moments in your day can be wonderous.

See what other lovely people have been up to over here.

Nicely balanced

2011-02-15T17:57:00.000+11:00

Today's been one of those rare days where I've managed a bit of everything.

A gorgeous morning saw the old bloke and I take to the local golf course for a whack around 9 holes in the sunshine. We're hopeless, but we're not letting that stop us.

Then we stopped at our favourite local deli, Wickens, for the best coffee in town. We bumped into a couple of friends there and had a nice chat.

Then after a bit of lunch we took the hound down to the beach for a quick swim.

Home again, and a few hours at the sewing machine working with some great new fabric and I've finished a skirt that'll be making an appearance in my range soon.

This is a new hemp and organic cotton 'denim' I've been waiting to get my hands on for a while.

It feels a little bit like a cross between linen and silk, it's kind of crisp and smooth at the same time.

It's kind of lighter weight than I thought it would be, but perhaps that's a good thing? Good for warmer weather, and ok for Winter with some boots and tights.

I love the result!

If only every day went so smoothly!

Let's pretend

2011-02-10T15:43:00.000+11:00

It's a little tricky getting enthusiastic about sewing some new Winter woollies in this tropical weather, but the new season is coming, and stuff must be made!

Let's pretend there's a little chill in the air, and a mist on the fields.

We can see our breath as we walk, probably in sturdy boots, and the dogs are happy to get a bit wet romping about in the damp grass....

Our cheeks are all rosy with fresh air and exercise, and a roaring fire and a bit of afternoon tea awaits.

We'd be needing a nice scarf to keep warm, and how about a bit of slightly old fashioned, but pretty, floral cotton paired with a good argyle pattern wool?

I can almost feel Autumn coming can't you?

Take a look over here for more crafty creative goodness.

Hooray for grey

2011-02-07T17:39:00.000+11:00

Everybody loves grey.

Add a bit of Liberty and it's even more lovable!

And you can get one right now from GeorgieLove.

Thanks Sal!

Fog in Summer

2011-02-04T17:23:00.000+11:00

Ok, I'm cheating.

I've borrowed this fabulous photo from here, but it is our little harbour in the fog, just as it is here this afternoon.

I'm amazed at how the wild cyclone that crossed the coast all the way up in far north Queensland can have such an effect on us all the way down here at the other end of the country.

It's warm and sticky, the air is moist, and the radio's crackling with all the electricity in the atmosphere.

I confess to loving this type of weather!

I'm trying to read the weather forecast tea leaves for market day tomorrow, but I think I may just have to get up and take a squiz at what's going on in the morning.

In the meantime, I'm going to the fridge for a beer.

Throwing my hat in the ring

2011-02-01T18:11:00.000+11:00

I've put my toe in the water, thrown my hat in the ring, and have taken a punt!

A market I've been very keen to give a go for a while.

This year the timing's perfect, the old bloke's keen for a road trip (and a holiday), so today I've put in my application, and we'll see what happens!

Friday evening on the coast

2011-01-28T18:12:00.000+11:00

Friday is kind of the beginning, rather than the end, of my 'working week' with another Apollo Bay Saturday morning market tomorrow.
The car's packed, and let's hope I get out the door without forgetting my skirts again this week!
I've had to do a u-turn and come right home again the last 2 weeks to get them.

The forecast is looking sensational down here, not too hot, no wind. I hope everybody doesn't head straight off to the beach.
Although, maybe I would!

I'm having a beer and joining in with Wendy again this week.

It seems right to show a favourite print by one of our local artists, Pat Shannon, who you'll also find down at the market most weeks.

I really think she's captured our rugged and rather wild coast in this picture. There's a pair to this one hanging on the other side of our dressing table mirror, but perhaps I'll save that one for another week!

Happy weekend!

Possibilities

2011-01-27T13:04:00.000+11:00

Just collected from the post office this morning, this ooh and aah inducing parcel of Liberty cottons.

Sometimes I make an order with a particular project in mind, and then the fabric arrives and a whole new possibility presents itself.

I can't stop looking at, and patting these!

I'll be dreaming in Liberty for this week while their purpose reveals itself.

Others will have more definite things to show you over here!

Keeping on top of things

2011-01-24T15:02:00.001+11:00

Remember this gorgeous little pile of kimono silks so kindly sent to me at Christmas by my friend Anne?

With a bit of cutting, and piecing, and sewing, I've turned a couple of them into this...

And this...

I honestly couldn't pick a favourite between these two, but I do love the pale pinks and creamy colours sharpened up with a bit of charcoal in the top one!

And then, I love the bit of pattern similarity between the red and grey floral silk and the cotton in this one.

It might seem a bit mad to be sewing scarves in Summer, but the calendar of markets I have coming up in the next several months has startled me into a bit of action!