selvedge

If you haven't yet been delighted by the pages of this wonderful magazine check it out here. It's a real treat.

Random Stripe Generator

I have just come across this wonderful little helper. The Random Stripe Generator was written as a script to help generate a visual and pattern of random stripes to knit. It's such a great resource and easy to use too. Have fun!

Denyse Schmidt Quilts

Earlier this year I attempted to make my first quilt for my good friend Anna's baby. I wanted something simple and not to difficult so I turned to Denyse Schmidt. I can't remember how I found the site, but I bought the book because I loved her simplicity. I love to visit this site as she makes the often times complex task appear simple.

Konstantin Grcic

We just bought a new couch at my place, and I'm on a furniture kick. I found this on the Moroso site. It's by Konstantin Grcic and I think it would sit really nicely next to our new couch. If the floor was an option I'd take that too!

The Presence of Things, Sense, Veneer and Guise

The Presence of Things, Sense, Veneer and Guise is a touring exhibition in conjunction with NETS Victoria. It features the work of 14 artists inspired by the collection of the Victorian Embroiderers Guild. The work above is by Kate Gotching and called Production line 2006 (paper , starch 350 x 800 x 120 (approx) and was inspired was a c1800s white Irish needle lace flounce. Another great outing to get you out of the city this winter. Dates listed below.

Latrobe Regional Gallery, Morwell 24 June – 6 August 2006
Castlemaine Art Gallery 14 August – 17 September 2006
Wangaratta Exhibitions Gallery 29 September – 22 October 2006
Ararat Gallery 18 November – 7 January 2007
Mildura Arts Centre 18 January – 4 March 2007
Warrnambool Art Gallery 17 March – 13 May 2007

It's Jamima!

You may well remember Jamima from Playschool. Well she's available in pattern form to knit! You can find the whole book of characters here, or just head over here to get the pattern asap.

a final Gesture..to a fading strip

Unfortunately, Gestures Antiques (Barkly St, St Kilda) will be shutting up shop towards the end of July, which saddens me greatly (there will be no more of that incredible gift wrapping ladle). Eliza and I did however, quench our thirst for the perfect tea cup and saucer set down there this afternoon.

Everything in the store is 50% off.....plus there's more stock to come. So head on down to pay your final respects and pick up a bargain. God knows every house needs more tea cup and saucer sets, not to mention 'girly knick knacks,' even if you do have to hide them from your boyfriend.

Wooden knitting needles

Melinda bought me some of these as a present and I love them so much I keep them on display in my home all the time. You can find them too at Wilkins and Kent, 230 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

(hello to all the lovely staff there too!! I've been slack but I'll be back to visit soon. mk)

Jeana Sohn

This is the work of Jeana Sohn, this site is a must see. Very sweet.

Cicely & Colin Rigg Contemporary Design Award 2006

Mari Funaki
born Japan 1950, arrived Australia 1979
Space between 2005-06


The "Award for Excellence"is currently on at The Ian Potter Centre until the 3 September. This years exhibition features 19 Victorian jewellers, reflecting their strength and divesity. It is the richest and most prestigious prize ever offered to a contemporary designer in Australia, with a prize of $30,000. Each exhibition is devoted to a particular design discipline. The past three exhibitions, in 1994, 1997 and 2001, represented ceramics, metalwork and textiles respectively. You'll see work there by Mari Funaki, Dan Scurry, Marian Hosking, Sally Marsland and the list goes on. If you want to be inspired be sure to put this on your 'To Do List'.

(while on the subject of jewellery a special thank you goes out to the 'Little Fella's' mum, Jenny for the gorgeous package I recieved in the mail yesterday. So creative, I love it!)

Spacecraft

When you're next in Melbourne how about checking out the new Spacecraft store in the newly renovated GPO building on the corner of Burke & Elizabeth Streets?

Spacecraft is the brainchild of textile designer Stewart Russell and collaborator Donna O’Brien who relocated from the UK in 2000. You can find the inspiring Spacecraft store on the second floor next door to Akira Isogawa. Their line of printed textiles includes bedlinen, bags, fashion and interior pieces along with their famous backing cloth canvas's. Enjoy!

Heather Bailey

I've just come across this blog this morning, how beautiful. I just had to let you all know.

She also offers a free pattern for the booties.

marta's yarns

Over the weekend I visited Marta's Yarns. This shop has everything from knitting yarns, patterns, wool tops, crochet supplies, hand-dyed wools, Addi knitting needles, recycled silk and much more for all textile artists. They also have a wealth of knowledge to get you motivated or tricks and tips to help you along the way. It's well worth a visit.
If you're there on a Wednesday around lunch time, why not pop into Monash Caulfield's, Faculty of Art & Design and attend one of their free Art Forums.

Akira Isogawa

Akira Isogawa is based in Sydney and has a great showroom in the new GPO building in Melbourne. Which is were you can find this collection and sometimes even spot him too.

Patterns of the Day!

Three patterns for the day because I couldn't choose one.

Iggy and Lulu

Iggy and Lulu is the most lovely line of ceramic jewelry I've ever come across. She also looks after the boys with a line of cufflinks. Definitely worth a look.

Anna Von Mertens

I can't remember how I came aross Anna Von Martens but I absolutely adore her work. How inspiring! Please go to her website and check out her 'As Stars Go By' series too.

Natalie Lleonart

This is the work of Australian jewellery designer Natalie Lleonart.

hand made hand bag by Elizabeth Djakurrurr

The Bula'bula Arts Aboriginal Corporation present Out of the Dilly Bag - and into the Canoe. An exhibition on canvas, print, fibre and sculpture from the Ramingining Community, Central Arnhem Land in Northern Territory. The exhibition is being held at Bright Space, Contemporary Arts Venue in St Kilda until 8 July.
The exhibition coincides with the screeing of Ten Canoes a film by Rolf de Heer (..Bad Boy Bubby, The Tracker, Alexandra's Project..) and the Ramingining Community. It's no action film but it's a story with a definite sense of humour that sweeps you along. The landscape, well what can I say, it's a stunning part of the world. You'll be mesmerised by it.

bring on the sun

I'm going to distract myself from the winter blues by knitting this gorgeous summer play suit by Kate Gilbert. If you need any help getting started have a look at the video clips on KnittingHelp.com They have 150 free knitting videos, a fantastic pattern section and forum. It's an incredible knitters resource started by Amy Finlay. Thank you Amy, I love it (and even learnt a new stitch yesterday, whaaahoooo).

Knit A River

Knit A River is a campaign to bring about water and toilets for the estimated 1.1 billion people in the world without access to clean drinking water and toilets. The people at Knit A River are asking you to knit a 15x15cm blue square of any blue wool you like and send it to them. The finished river blanket will travel with the the orginisation Wateraid to all campaigning events across the world.

the pedicure sock!

Active New York knitter Ruthie has come up with this brilliant solution to the freeze factor when getting your next winter pedicure. You can access the pattern here at Knitty.
(hey Dyan, this one is especially for you. This could revolutionise your life & Liz might like a couple for the salon. What do you think?).

Victorian Tapestry Workshop

Here's an outing for you, why not head down to South Melbourne to visit the Victorian Tapestry Workshop? You can take a guided tour and watch the weavers at work. I've been before and it was a great afternoon. They also sell the most amazing selection of wools to start your own project.

Established in South Melbourne in 1976 the Victorian Tapestry Workshop is regarded as a world centre for contemporary hand-woven tapestry. A not-for-profit organization that receives financial support from the State Government of Victoria, most of the tapestries produced by the Workshop are large-scale commission pieces designed for display in a mix of public and private venues such as corporate headquarters, art centres, museums, banks, hotels, schools, universities and hospitals. The Workshop itself is the loveliest old glove factory around. It really is a must see.

Bodily pleasures

While on a late night, cool, crisp walk around my neighborhood (to walk off the last slice of chocolate cake) I discovered the beloved BODY are having a Sample Sale. For those of you who have yet to discover this little gem it's well worth a look at any time.... a sample sale could be just the motivation for those of you who have to cross the river (Body was also voted one of the 5 Top Melbourne Boutiques. Congratulations!).
Body, 413 Inkerman Street st St Kilda East (near the corner of Hotham)

PS. While you're in the hood, Hudson and lu lu on Carlisle St are also having a sale. If it's a sunny winters day continue down to Dollhouse, 23 Carlisle St (near Barkly) and by then you should have well and truly burnt a hole in your pocket, but boy will you be looking the business.

Cute Top Warning

Thought this cute top would be a great little project for all you beginner sewers out there. I know I'm going to be sporting one in a cafe near you very soon. The site is called Fitz Patterns and it's Australian.

Something for Kate

Kate if you're out there, I found this site for you. They have an Oz distributor too.

Don't forget The Show

This is the link to the Royal Melbourne Show's Arts and Crafts Competition information. You too could win a ribbon and certificate of your very own! So you all better get your entries ready. There are 20 pages of craft catagories to have a go at, including my favorite - Class 162 - "Most Attractive Article Made From Barbed Wire."

For the Boys

Ahh... the World Cup. The late nights, the screaming excitable men... Maybe making him this may distract him in commercial breaks?

Pink Lady

How good is this! The pattern is free from the Panda Wool website

Anna Davern

Muster (detail): mild steel, recycled licorice tin, 2005
80 x 55 x 10 mm

This is the work of Melbourne artist Anna Davern. It was a part of her exhibition held at Craft Victoria in 2005 called Beaut. There was a whole wall covered in all these little tin kangaroos in different sizes. Just beaut!

2Birds

Have a look at this lovely website, 2Birds, hatched by local girls Steffani Eagles & Vanessa Partridge. They produce a range of unique accessories from bags, belts, scarves and they even have a section for him (yes, that lovely boy who comes to pick you up in the freezing weather and buys you granny presents....we love him) but back to 2Birds, why not hold your own bubbles and birds party?

Friend for Sneak

This post is especially for our lovely friend Jen. You can find this kit at Fred Flare

This amazing work is by Melbourne based designer/tapestry weaver of more than 20 years, Robyn Mountcastle. I had the good fortune of meeting Robyn last year in her studio. Her recent work has been mainly for Ceremonial and Ecclesiastical settings and her colour sense is second to none.

Scarf Festival

Just to let you all know that the Craft Victoria Scarf Festival is on right now. I think we should all make a big attempt at entering next year as you can sell your work and win prizes, as well as go to heaps of seminars and classes. Read more about the Scarf Festival here.

Junko Mori

Junko studied 3D design in Tokyo and went off to become a welder. This soon followed with a stint studing in the UK were she now lives and works. You can check out her lovely wedsite and works here.

hello kitty

Anyone looking for a cute coat hanger pattern?

Hanging out with your Kiddleys

Kiddley is a great site all about bright ideas and fun things to do with your kids, and it's Australian. Fun times.

Counter

Just in case anyone is looking for a creative, different gift as a special present for a loved one. We suggest heading on into the city to Craft Victoria. The store is open: 11am to 5:30pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 31 Flinders Lane, Melbourne (right up the Spring Street end). Happy Shopping.

back to your childhood

How exciting is this! the V & A have developed a website were we can play all of your favorite childhood games on line, you can even build your own theatre. I think I'm going to be on here all day, my eyes are as big as saucers..... with pure joy!

a couple of our favorites

Daniel Ablethorpe, the proprietor of Artisan Books is on the hunt for in-store exhibitors at 159 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy (Melbourne). In particular, Artisan is aiming for a show of Sculptural Knitting & Basketry and another one titled Red/Read for August which would involve Artists Books. The exhibitions are open to all, though some cut-off days are closing in quickly, so be quick and make your enquiries here.

On my way home from Kew today I popped into Patchwork House (77 Curch Street, Hawthorn Vic 3122 Ph 9819 3441) which is a mecca for the fabric enthusiast. If you've never had the pleasure of feasting you eyes on the quality and quantity of inspiring prints..then get yourself on down there soon. Anne Ford, the proprietor of Patchwork House took over the business 3 years ago and has doubled the range. The store was originally started 23 years ago in a side street off Church Street. Now there are 3 rooms of fab fabrics and a workroom out the back where they hold regular quilting classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights. These are a few of the prints I purchased.

Repro Depot

This link is especially for Kate and anyone else who is a fan of great prints. The site is called Repro Depot and has fabrics, buttons, ribbons and patterns for sale. Very cool.

our second completors night

Tonight we held second craft completors night. We're growing. We doubled in size and this also resulted in a double helping of treats for us to eat. Kate baked some gorgeous yo-yo buscuits and Melinda cooked a chocolate and almond cake, which were both to die for.
Dyan was a late comer and decide her craft of choice was to be...... 'nail art' and proceeded to french polish both toes and fingers with the help of her master crafter 'Shef'.
Michelle's scarf has doubled in size, Eliza is practising x-stitch for her entry into the Royal Melbourne Show, Melinda completed her scarf, Lisa (with baby on board) put the finishing touches on a couple of baby blankets while Kate took up a scarf she had started two years prior. Having difficulty remembering her place she opted to phone a friend for help (here's cheers to our fellow crafters).

Flourless almond Chocolate Cake
Serves 9. preparation time 20 mins (plus standing time) cooking 1 hour

1/3 cup (35g) cocoa powder
1/3 cup (80ml) hot water
150g dark chocolate, melted
150g butter, melted
11/3 cup (275g) firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup (125g) almond meal
4 eggs, separated
1 tblsp cocoa powder extra

Preheat oven to moderate heat (180c/160c fan forced). Grease a deep 19cm square cake pan; line the base and sides with grease proof paper.
Blend the cocoa with the hot water in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the chocolate, butter, sugar, hazelnut meal and egg yolks.
Beat the egg whites in a small bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, then fold into the chocolate mixture in two batches.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan; bake in a moderate oven for about 1 hour or until firm. Stand the cake for 15 mins; turn on to a wire rack, top side up, to cool. Dust with sifted extra cocoa or icing sugar.