Kensington gem: Elevenses

I do love a day when a little highlight can make you smile and feel a bit special. One such moment was when I visited Elevenses recently for a cup of their yum organic english breakfast tea and a cinnamon donut on the way to the studio. My cup came complete with my very own complimentary handmade fabric cup holder. Perfect for saving my hands from the piping hot tea and for brightening up my day!

Partying on

I am now back in Melbourne having avoided being 'dusted in' by 24 hours. My last few days in Brisbane were just lovely - one highlight being the Racecourse Road Street Party and catching up with Shannon of My Girl (see here for her wrap up). It was great to see all the beautiful things created by Shannon and the other BrisStyle crafters and designers. I was particularly smitten with the fabulous creations of Sandrine (histoire de soiehi) and couldn't resist placing an order as a treat for myself!

The day before I'd continued my gift shopping odyssey and managed a trip to Paddington to see my newest stockist there - Four Hearts in Latrobe Terrace (opp Spoon). You must pop in to see Debbie if you are over that way - she has in stock some chopstick designs as well as some peacock print designs plus the popular little miss designs.

I am now back to the sewing machine and catching up with what's been happening in my absence. Thanks to all my beautiful Brisbane friends for the chance to relax and have a chat and to Brisbane itself for putting on its reliable glorious sunshine - fortunately I arrived back to a lovely spring afternoon yesterday so the transition back to Melb weather wasn't too shocking!

Tourist in your own town

Whilst I wish I was at this afternoon's Ironside Open Day I can't complain about being back in Brisbane for the week and lounging on a deck in the sun whilst I write this.

I have enjoyed doing the things that I never did when living here like lying on the grass at Southbank for a couple of hours (pure luxury to be doing nothing!). It's been great to catch up with Nicole from Hot Toffee, Thea from Thea and Sami (who spoilt me with a gift of one of her wonderful new loads of fishes teatowel designs - stay tuned for her revamped website too) and to check out what's been happening in the retail scene like the new look Woolloongabba precint and the lovely nook in Westend. I've also been doing lots of coffees in my old 'hood of Bulimba where I dropped in to see the always cute House and Doll and long standing favourite gift shop, Coming Up Roses.

There is still a couple more brunches to squeeze in with friends before I return with my suitcase weighed down with a few too many holiday treats!

Ironside open studio this Sunday

This Sunday afternoon (20/9) the doors of Ironside Studios (where I am based) will be open for everyone to have a chance to come and meet the various artists and designers and check out what they are working on. Unfortunately I will be away this weekend so Lyssy May's studio won't be open for business this time but I encourage you to come and check it out! 4 Chelmsford St, Kensington (short walk from the train station).

What a crafty Rie is she!

A couple of weeks ago I received a lovely suprise parcel from Crafty Rie as part of her pay it forward commitment which I was lucky enough to sign up to! Such a special collection of beautifully crocheted flowers, stunning jewellery, a lovely handmade card and a yummy chocolate (not pictured as devoured straight away) were all generously passed on from this talented crafter. I promise to honour my commitment and continue to pay it forward in a posting very soon when I restore some order and progress to my daily happenings.

Thanks so much Rie!

Deck Chair Collection

New to lyssymay.com for spring/summer - the deck chair collection. Featuring bespoke buttons of tangled yarns created exclusively for the range, the designs can give a preppy edge to street wear or a classic cool look for the racing carnival season. Check them all out here!

Tramtastic

As mentioned before, my transportation needs rely on a mix of public transport and the fabulous flexicars. Locals are often sympathetic that I have to deal with the Melbourne transport system but I have to admit that I am a massive fan of the tram and even find the trains pretty good on balance (but I rarely take them on at peak hour!). I love the flexibility that the trams offer and they make it a lot easier if you live in the inner city to cope without wheels and help reduce a little of my carbon footprint (although nothing beats my favourite mode of transport - the City Cat!).

Having to always be in posession of a tram ticket I have added another cardholder design as part of the metro range which features the handmade map button. Get on board!

Springing into action

Hello! I'm here - I've just been doing lovely Melbourne things like shopping, eating and keeping warm (with a little sewing thrown in).

Shopping: Victoria Mason jewellery. I picked up a cute pair of Nice biscuit earrings at one of my favourite haunts, Little Salon.

Eating: Like puddings? My friend Amanda and I discovered the BEST sticky date pudding at Kojo Brown, Richmond. We actually hyped it to the point where Nicky insisted we stop by there on the way home from a night out for her to pass her own judgement. Here the girls are after midnight (note that its never too late for a cup of tea!).

Sewing: Well, not just sewing but also having fun working on a new range of brooches. Here's a sneak peak at the 'Pattern Girls'. These ones pictured can be found exclusively at Punch Gallery, Balmain.

Back soon - promise!