Nov 13, 2010

more pink


This one is quite a bright pink, not my usual shade and to be honest it's taken me a bit to get used to. Being a mum of two boys, means I'm not exposed to all the shades of pink that exist in the world. But I've become 'friends' with this shade. It feels fresh and summery (and makes me want to eat lollies). Printed on Organic GOTS certified 100% cotton. Filled with Eco-Friendly Corn Fibre (www.innergreen.com.au).


I've been thinking a lot about printing lately. As my business has grown I'm very happy to be still printing in Australia. It means my profits are smaller than if I went overseas. But the advantages far out weigh earning more money. I know my printers. I speak to and visit them regularly and can call them my friends. I know how they work, how they are treated, their working conditions and that the money I spend on these fabrics help out local businesses. So a big thanks to everyone who has purchased my fabrics and supported screen-printing in Australia. It's a very small industry that could easily be squashed by companies OS. I'm so glad that hasn't happened.

13 comments:

Tanya said...

Thanks for those words Kristen, it's nice to hear from you, the designer why you make certain business decisions and what impact that has. I value the 'localness' and appreciate your explaination. It's good sometime to see in black and white 'when you pay $x this is what you are getting and when you pay $y this is what you are getting. I admire you sticking with your values rather than the quickest route to more money.

Sharon (Stitches on Mars) said...

Hi Kristen,

I agree with you about supporting local industry and designers too. I love the designs that come out here and many Australian designers are high on my favourite list. Thank -you for yours.
Btw I quite like the pink too, though like you with sons, you tend to avoid pinks, lavenders etc
Hugs, Sharon

Jodie Gray said...

The pink reminds me of musk sticks - yum!!! And, I am reminded that I'm meant to do a sniff test on the corn fibre for you!!!??? Must do that soon!! J x
PS. The ladies are very pretty!!

Louise said...

Well with a house full of girls we know our pinks and this is a beauty! Love the combination - very fresh and pretty. Love it as always! xx

Mon Alisa Design said...

I love these Kristen! x

Anonymous said...

gorgeous designs and colours Kristen, have a lovely weekend.

x

Miss Milla's said...

Yes, pink is hard when you are a mum of boys. I know how you feel there.
And I would just like to thank you so much for keeping your printing and production in Australia. I believe that we have amazingly talented people here in Australia and we should all be proud of what we can achieve here in our own country. I just wish that all products, everywhere in all stores in Australia were clearly marked as being owned and Australian made. I tell you, I would not care about the price and would pick Australian made every time.
So again, thank you for being so proudly Australian made, and as a stockist of your fabrics, I can assure you that I love your designs and will continue to buy Oz made whenever I can.

Belinda said...

Yay! The pink is here. You know I almost buy one of everything you do, but this one is a real winner for me..... perfect for my little pink girl

Lisa said...

Bella & I LOVE the pink, and it's gone straight into my pile of things to make for our new little girl.

Elisha said...

I have girls and I can't stand most pinks either. I think that one is gorgeous though!

ellie said...

I totally hear you with the printing locally in Australia thing. I love being able to support Aust printed fabrics - not just for the beautiful quality and designs, but for the fact that it's up to us to try and revive our dying textiles industry here. Hopefully somewhere in the future things will change, and the "real cost" of getting things made OS will be realised, compared to made in Aust. Yah to you for sticking to your morals. I'm loving the ogranic cotton + corn fibre fill too.
I do quite like the pink. Being a mum of a very girly girl (she likes mermaids and fairies and unicorns and pink and purple!) there's a fair bit of pink stuff, but your little babushka girls have more of a mature/grown up rather than sickly sweet feel. Love them with the green.

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

It's all so much nicer when things are local & you can say yes, to the "did you make this yourself" to handmade lovers!!
If you need help with pink, i'm your gal, 3 girls makes for an experience, then my boy's favourite colour is pink, well not so openly discussed now he's nearly 7. Love Posie

bkhdesign said...

I agree support Australia made!
Like your new dolls! bettina xo