A little something Thea whisked up...

As you may have already guessed I am a big fan of the textile work of Thea (of Thea and Sami fame) and I am loving this new range! I can greatly identify with Thea's dilemma of working as a designer in your own small business which often leaves little time in the day to actually devote to designing so I am always excited to see her new designs. Her latest collections focus on organic homewares and are just beautiful. Yum!

Also if you are in Brisbane check out the details of the Thea and Sami open studio on November 14.

Bright as a Peacock

They are here for spring! The beautiful peacock print created by Thea & Sami and exclusive to Lyssy May is now available in a new range with lots of colour. See the collection at lyssymay.com.

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)

Stitches and Craft

The lovely Thea has been in town for the Stitches and Craft show where she had a stand as part of the incubator section. So much talent was on display and Thea's fashion and fabrics were an instant hit with the Melbourne crowd and I had fun helping her out a few hours a day. As tiring as such an event can be we shared a lot of laughs and met some wonderful crafters . I bought some goodies which I will again share in coming posts (I also haven't finished the Brisbane YDM show and tell yet!).

One thing that I saw that truly was amazing and an obvious labour of love was this beautiful selvedge dress by Jodie of Ric Rac. To see a photo is one thing but to view her work in person was such highlight of the Show for me. I also purchased one or 2 goodies from her stand but am keeping that under wraps as people who read this blog will be getting them!!

New employee

Meet Minnie-May. Today was her first day at Lyssy May and whilst she was pretty quiet I think she will fit right in. I have long wanted to have a mannequin to use for display and photography and I am very pleased with the latest addition to the team. Minnie's first big job will be to help out Thea on her Incubator stand at the Melbourne Stitches and Craft show next week. I am sure Thea will have something gorgeous for her to wear!

Take a peack

Many moons ago (so it seems) Thea and Sami had a conversation with Lyssy May about creating some bespoke fabric designs and after a lot of excited email exchanges I am happy to announce that the beginnings of the collaboration are now available in the form of either the denim satchel above or cord tote below.

My brief to Thea was - 'something with peacocks and a retro feel' and the design she created was spot on and way beyond my expectations! I have more designs to come using a larger single placement print of the design but I really do love the repeat created with the birds facing each other and their tails overlapping. The denim satchel is a fave of mine in the collection as I love the way Thea has printed on the reverse of the denim which I then used for the flap.

The tote is in black and red cord which Thea experimented with using to great effect. The bag above has a panel strip on one side and is in all its repeat glory on the opposite side. Visit the latest collection page at Lyssy May to click on either design for more details.

If I were in Brissy this weekend...

... I'd be checking out the Young Designers Market at Southbank on Sunday! This time around they will be on the nearby lawns which I think will make a fabulous setting. Be sure not to miss the stands belonging to my buddies - Hot Toffee, Jaime Beattie and Thea and Sami. They will have brilliant handmade gift ideas for you this Christmas. Buy Australian Made and make a kangaroo smile!!

And as I am in Melbourne this weekend I hope to make it to the Malvern Magnolia Square market to take a little break from the sewing machine. Last week I made it to Magnolia Square in Brighton, followed by the Sisters Market in Brunswick and then on Sunday for good measure I went to the Melbourne Design Market at Federation Square. All of them with such amazing things to check out and all had very different vibes although I did note a some stallholders backing up from Saturday to be at Federation Sq on Sunday - hats off to your dedication as I know how tiring a one day market can be let along doing up to 4 days in a row!

Screen Goddess

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours visiting Thea (of Thea and Sami) at her screen printing studio where she creates her wonderful textiles and designs. Thea is busily preparing her Autumn/Winter 09 collection to appear at Fashion Exposed in Melbourne next month where she as been selected to appear as a Debut designer. This is a fabulous achievement and recognition that Australian fashion is heading in an exciting direction where eco friendly designs are concerned.

Pictured is one of the spring/summer designs which I couldn't resist ordering and know will be a great dress for summer.

Thea has a great set up in Capalaba and it is possible to attend one of her workshops to learn how to screen print and she is also able to work with designers to create their own fabrics etc. I am excited to announce we will soon be collaborating on some new fabrics for the Lyssy May range so stay tuned!

High Societea

I often feel left out the cold in the world of 'lattes and skinny caps' as I just can't seem to handle coffee (although I can eat buckets of coffee cake). But yesterday I was in my element as I went to one of my favourite places in Brisbane, High Societea at Clayfield - it is there that tea reigns supreme. This was my third visit and not only did I indulge in a beautifully presented high tea but I also was there as part of a group of ladies lucky enough to be invited by Thea of (Thea and Sami) to talk about her plans for her upcoming ranges and the exciting things happening in the eco-fashion industry. The conversation was stimulating, the cakes and savouries were spot on, and the tea ...sublime!

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.