Peace Love Joy

A very thoughtful gift received
today from Michelle. Thanks!
Wishing everyone a very happy and relaxing Christmas and holidays.

gift

Cut.

Sewn.

Turned through.

Filled with dried lavender and eco-friendly toy fill. 

new stockist

Milk Thieves in Wollongong have a whole bunch of my sewn designs. Kokeshi dolls, owls, cushions, bunting, tea towels, etc. Thanks Emma-Lee for including my work amongst all the other talented designers you support.

Location:

10A/157 Crown St

Wollongong, Australia, 2500

gypsy

Originally this was going to be the cover of a craft magazine. But it didn't eventuate. So, now I'm thinking craft panels and tea towels. Or I might even put it in repeat and do yardage.

to the gong

There's a new art and craft market in Wollongong next weekend and my work will be on display for sale. There will be cushions, tea towels, kokeshi dolls, matryoshka dolls and some owls. And if you are quick, you might even pick up this bunting. My very first attempt using hand printed fabrics and bias tape. I think I can see some more bunting making in my future. A few metres strung around the back deck will be perfect for summer parties.

early

I was conned by my youngest son to start decorating early. The usual rule in our house is no decorations until Dec 1. But he worked on me. And won. Just the one small tree, that will soon be joined with more tinsel and baubles.

Looking at these photos reminds me of another generous blogger I met last year. Mandy from Belle & Boo. She was both generous with her time (sharing advice on business) and her gifts. We enjoyed chatting for a few hours in a Newtown cafe and then a few weeks later friends, Monique and Chris, hosted a full-on 'Aussie BBQ' for Mandy and Russ. When they returned to the UK, Mandy posted me a few gifts including this print of the little boy in the background. Jack gets quite cranky with me that I haven't put it in his room. Sorry buddy, I like to see this print in the lounge room where everyone can enjoy it!

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.