Bushka Blitz!

Shannon from My Girl has confessed to Lyssy May that she is going through a bit of a Babushka Doll phase and I couldn't be happier for her as I can decorate the store with her beautiful creations. Above is a row of 'Bushka Babi' Dolls all made from vintage fabrics.

And then there are the key rings...


And of course a little girl's singlet...


I can't wait to see what this clever cookie brings to show Lyssy May next!

Material Obsession

One day at Lyssy May I decided that I had way too much fabric and decided to sell some remnants in my store. Piles and piles of prints, checks, stripes and spots were strewn in my work area but order has slowly being restored! If you are a keen crafty or sewing person and are in the area it is worth popping in for a rummage through the remnants - there are some bargain pieces for just 50c which would be great for a little project like toy making or quilting. But don't feel sorry for me at shedding a few kilos of fabrics - there are plenty more that I couldn't part with!

(Re) Livin' in the 70's

I have a treasured stash of original 1970's McCall's craft magazines that I often take a look at for either inspiration or a laugh at the matching his and hers knitted outfits that grace many of the pages. There are some pages, however, that should be shared because of the brilliant designs on them so I have decided to turn them into little wallets (like my street map design). These are all one off originals that will be in store but feel free to let me know if you're interested in having one made just for you!

Back in my old hood...

On Sunday I took a road trip up to Toowoomba to visit family and I also had the chance to swing by my friend Sally (of djbebe) and visit her market stall at the Queen's Park Craft markets. I found Sal sheltering from a crazy cold wind along with her crafting buddy Carly on their combined stall (above). Their gorgeous wares were miraculously not being blown all over the park! I noted some treats that I am hoping will make their way to Lyssy May's shelves this week - so stay tuned.

The Queen's Park markets is where it all started for me in December 1993 - I had some rag dolls and a few other odds and ends and it was definitely when I caught the bug for selling my handmade things. It was a nice moment to see my friend also starting out selling directly there - go Sally!

Thea & Sami

Lyssy May loves working with local designers and is proud to stock products by Thea and Sami . At the moment I have some cute 'Housewife Material - NOT' shirts in store as well as a new

range of linen tea towels and aprons. Thea's distinctive designs are becoming synonymous with true Queensland style and I recently had the privilege of spending some time checking out the upcoming spring/summer clothing collection and a few pieces will be bound for my wardrobe for sure!

Thea's Brisbane studio also is available for screen printing classes so if you are keen to do something a bit different then you should grab some friends for a creative day out.

A Party for Alice

Not long ago at Lyssy May a beautifully designed range of postcards and greeting cards arrived from A Party for Alice. The artist behind the label, Fyona, has created a whimsical array of illustrations along with poetry that graces some of the designs. We are always excited to find another creative person that we are proud to stock in our little store!

Mother and Daughter at Oopsidaisi

A few weeks ago I wrote about designer Sam McLean whose gorgeous things are always popular amongst Lyssy May customers. This week a new parcel of the lovely Oopsidaisi hair ties arrived which I love displaying with this vintage china that has a cross stitch pattern on it. (I bought the bowl in a set of 4 at the Paddington Antique Market here in Brisbane. It is a great place to lose an hour or two).

Sam's daughter and her friend have combined their talents under the label 'Emma and Tahlia' to create the prettiest of memo pegs (above) which arrived just in time for a lovely gift for Mother's Day. Looking at the choice of colours and patterns on these pretty pegs I would say that these two talented girls will have a label to watch!

Prescious Punk

Just in at Lyssy May are these cute singlets by Shannon of My Girl. Her 'Precious Punk' range is a funky look for little girls and boys with attitude. Shannon has also created bunting in an array of designs from sweet shabby looks to some that compliment the punk vibe (pictured with the singlets).

My Girl is inspired by Shannon's 3 daughters and the label is fast gaining a local reputation for producing cute and quirky looks. I also have some of the adult singlets in stock which has some great appliqued table cloth motifs on them which are still very wearable in Brisbane where it is a nice 27 degrees today!

Soft Hearted

New to Lyssy May are these funky brooches by Silke Savran of Kaffee Studio, Brisbane. Silke's textile work focuses on the use of natural materials and these eye catching brooches are made from untreated wool that has been handfelted and coloured with vegetable dye. The designs are just what a winter jacket is crying out for to add some interest - my favourite is the heart!