Perfect timing

I needed a clock for my studio wall and had it in mind to find a retro one but after some Ebay frustration on missing out on a couple of bids I turned to the ever reliable craft mecca, Etsy, and was very excited to find the range of doily clocks by andfuthermore . Mine has just arrived (I chose an orange background to match my bunting by My Girl) and I just adore it.

Stitches and Craft rolls into Brisvegas

If you are in Brisbane then it is likely you've already heard that the Stitches and Craft Show starts tomorrow and runs until Sunday at Southbank. As previously posted, Thea from Thea and Sami created the fantastic peacock print that is featured on the Strut your Stuff satchel. Thea requested the satchel in a slightly larger size for her own use (pictured above) and of course I obliged! She is going to have the satchel on display at her stand 156 (incubator section) so feel free to go along to say hi and check out the design and her amazing fabrics in person.

(p.s. I am always happy to customise my designs so don't hesitate to contact me about my made to order service)

Look at moi

I do love a bit of stationery and I do adore a bit of personalisation - hence I have lots of love for oimoi. They have just relaunched their e-stationery service and you can send a free sample to try it. I have bought one of the paperweights in the past (admittedly when the exchange rate was a tad kinder) and they make the most special gifts (with gorgeous packaging to match). They have a huge range of paper stationery as well as trays that can be personalised - noice!

Lest we forget

Seven years ago I had the privilege to travel to Gallipoli for the Anzac Cove Dawn Service. It is something I will never forget, not only because of the solemnity of the occasion but also because of the thousands of young Australians who were there. We were all united in our honor and grief for what happened on that soil and what our country men and women have done and continue to do for Australia in areas of conflict since that time. The other strong memory of that trip was the graciousness of the Turkish people and the beauty of their country which I was only able to enjoy because of the freedom I have as an Australian in today's world for which I am very thankful. Lest we forget.

(photo of Anzac Cove from www.e-turkey.net).

Tangle tango

Today was one of those days when my thoughts were tangled - I was in the mood to create some new things but had other tasks that needed attention. In digging through my cottons box I pulled out this mass of threads entwined around some reels at the bottom which I thought was quite beautiful (or perhaps that makes me feel better instead of thinking about tidying up the cottons).

Have you any wool?

Just released on the website are the first 4 bags in the '12 bags full' collection for winter. These are all one only original designs featuring handknitted wool panels. Priced at just $80 (including Australian domestic shipping) these designs will be a unique addition to your wardrobe and are a classic Lyssy May look!

Flexible Friend

I like to think I am doing my bit for the world by not putting another car on the road. I sold my car in 2000 before I went overseas and just never got around to getting another one. Sure, it can be tough relying on public transport but I am very excited about the idea of carsharing that is available in Melbourne. Above is my local Flexicar, Goldilocks. I take her out when I have some major zipping around to do and when I don't need her, I happily enjoy the trams and trains where I can sit with a book and an ipod and let someone else worry about the traffic.

Bonding exercise

Since Easter I have been in the process of sealing the concrete floor in my studio which is quite chalky (not very good for someone who drops things like fabrics a lot!). Fellow 'Ironsider', the lovely Susan from spin spin handmade helped me out with sourcing a suitable sealant (which turned out to be Bondcrete) and we both attacked our work spaces and now I am very excited to have a (virtually) dust free studio so I can start to display my bits and pieces (like above) and get ready for my first open day.

Metro girl

Many moons ago fellow designer, Heather Meyer (of buttons by heather) and I had a conversation about using street maps (like I had been recycling as wallets) as buttons. After much collaboration and experimentation the buttons are now available on the metro girl range. I love supporting local designers and suppliers which is also great for reducing the 'carbon footprint' on how far they've travelled to reach me and Heather is such a wonderful talent (I am very lucky that she is also currently moving into Ironside Studios and so the conversations can continue flow about ideas for bespoke buttons).

Mini makeover

Thanks to the lovely Tarn Radford (graphic designer extraordinaire) Lyssy May has had a little botox (not quite an extreme makeover) to mark the move to Melbourne and to celebrate the new exciting things ahead. The stripes have made way for a bit of a doily look (just like the feature wallpaper I had on the walls in Morningside for those who remember!). The website has also had a nip and tuck (please excuse any old wrinkles I am still ironing out).

More from the shoot

I have just received more pics from the photoshoot from a couple of weeks ago....

through the door at Ironside Studios

Gypsy Caravan (background courtesy of Volker who was busy painting custom made lighting)

a nice little look back in the mirror

me on an angle (the studio doesn't slope like this)

Lagartera Embroidery

Whenever I travel I like to try and find some sort of authentic craft from the places that I visit. Over the weekend I found a leaftlet (above) amongst my craft book collection and was reminded of Lagartera embroidery which I chased down when I was in Seville a few years back.

According to the leaflet (J & P Coats Ltd 1967):

Traditionally, Lagartera Embroidery is worked on linen and is characterised by lively colours, an absence of animal motifs, and the use of geometric motifs suggesting a strong Arabic influence. The women of Lagartera, a village and district in central Spain, used to meet in groups to embroider to make their own dresses and house linen, and it is still custom for brides to have a dowry of this work (as at 1967 that is!)

I found a beautiful shop selling linen and embroidery and was thrilled when I asked the lady about Lagartera to be shown a great selection of the handstitched work. I bought a tablecloth and matching napkins (detail shown below) which I liked for its combination of stitching and drawn thread work. They are yet to be used but definitely deserve a nice afternoon tea for their christening.

Happy Easter

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend and spending quality time catching up with people and doing the things you are are lucky enough to do given the recent sad things we see on the nightly news both here and around the world.
(image from 'Ondori no.1 embroidery', 1971, Tokyo)

Easter wish list

Lately has been so busy that to be contemplating a few days to myself seems very luxurious. I think I will use the time wisely....

Starting with a bath using my favourite bath salts from India Hicks Island Living

followed by a pot of my favourite real tea from Whittard of Chelsea
whilst lounging around in pj's by Peter Alexander. Bliss!

Sweet treat for the wall (not the waistline)

Having made very short work of a packet of milk scorched almonds from Haigh's Chocolates (I was there strictly looking for Easter gifts but how can one resist the aroma!?) perhaps a low calory option like a beautiful vintage advertising poster from Antonio Ruggerino Galleria will keep me out of trouble for the rest of the week.

Quick...unpick!

Just a note to salute the humble 'seam ripper' or 'quick unpick' as I have always called them (that's what they were called in grade 8 home economics). Quite often I reach for this sewing tool when I am at my crankiest because I have just stitched something wrongly so its probably nowhere near as celebrated as it should be. The best one that I have ever used is by Clover (pictured) and is available at all good craft and sewing shops - the cheapie ones just don't cut it I'm afraid!

Andrea Williamson

Am in love with these beautiful knitted designs by Andrea Williamson of the Shetland Islands, UK. A touch of winter has arrived today making me in the mood to sit with a cuppa and one of her beautiful blankets over my knees.

That minty magazine taste

Good news - issue 2 of Peppermint magazine is here. Just like the first issue it is packed with eco fashion and goodness which illustrates that you can have an environmental conscience without sacrificing style.

Nosing around Northcote

I am determined to work through my to do list on Melbourne suburbs I wish to visit and last Sunday I ventured to High St Northcote which is great for independent shopping. One favourite was in the woods which stocks some beautiful and quirky things such as this wall hanging made from recycled wood.

I also checked out I dream a highway where I was probably just a little too excited to discover they stock one of my favourite Brisbane labels - dogstar. Yay! They also have an amazing range of independent handmade goodies and I left with 2 plaited leather belts which I always find hard to find in the right style for me.

Finally I had a bit of fun trying on some clothes at Souk Lifestyle. It is so nice when you find a store that has done all the hard yards and put a stack of fantastic Australian made and designed clothing in one spot. The question is did I decide on the Obus dress or the Morrison skirt or the Green Eyed Monster skirt or the body by dainy sawatzky top? Lucky they have another store at Armadale (which is also on the list)...

Photo Shoot

Last week I took the time out to have some professional pics taken of some of my latest range (more will be revealed very soon). It is something that always seems to be either too time consuming or too expensive to do when you have a small business but it is definitely worth it - plus I enlisted a model at a very reasonable rate! The shot above is taken in the laneway outside of Ironside Studios which is the perfect backdrop for the peacock satchel design. Photography is by Stephen Damen.