aprons and hammers

My beloved Sam

2012-01-30T11:09:00.000+11:00

Sam's work has been at the India Art Fair this past week, enthralling the vast crowds and generating a lot of press.

It's no secret that he works DAMN hard on everything he creates, and we are often caught in the last-minute chaos of primping and packing.

The baby and frogs, called Small Things, is his most recent work, and is so beautiful in all its plump skin textures and contours. When Hazel first saw it she went nuts, animatedly talking about 'baby baby baby'.

Turns out that someone special was also captivated by it, and so we say goodbye to another piece.

Hurrah for art! And for babies and green frogs - what a combo!

It is done!

2012-01-21T14:20:00.000+11:00

Yes, I'm behind the times, colour-coded books is so 2011.

But I always come to things in my own time, and after many months lamenting the mish-mash appearance of books-by-genre, I'm much happier with this view.

How do I find the book I'm after? Well I have a photographic memory, and so I just see the spine and know where to find it. I've re-discovered a few gems too, and have ditched a lot of dust jackets in favour of the colour underneath.

It's funny to notice what colours are on the spines, who is in charge of that decision? I'm happy that there are so many green and yellow spines in my collection, bored by all of the black and white, particularly loving the gold and silver.

Gorgeous and/or green

2012-01-19T16:58:00.000+11:00

My girl in her awesome bathers. Nothing better than a paddle pool on a 35 degree day, kept them entertained for hours!

My boy is gummy again! Hazel pushed out his second top wobbler, it was a bit like a cat-flap for the last few days, really gross!

Our gargantuan 1.375 kilo zucchini, we have used it in a cake, in a pasta and still have some left. A gorgeous plant to grow, such huge leaves and pretty flowers.

My soon-to-be-delivered Tree Top Green Asics. Oh boy I want them to hurry up!

High-vis mayhem

2012-01-18T13:40:00.000+11:00

Somehow all of this.......

....has turned into this!

This Thurs and Fri I'm doing a bike accessories workshop, using high-vis materials from Reverse Art Truck, organised by The Squeaky Wheel.

I've come up 3 or 4 projects, starting with a belt, which is pretty easy. I've stitched the lengths together (first image) and we just rivet on the buckles.

The next project is a mandala on the front wheel of the kids' bikes (they are all teenagers), so this may take a bit longer. After much trial and error I've finished mine, and hope it stays together in the heat. Am pretty darn happy with the result though!

I've also made a shield/plate for the front, inspired by a BMX race-plate. Leo's bike is modelling it in the 6th and 7th images.

We just whipped up a few keyrings, and I think I'm done, now I have to pack my bags and load up the bike for the ride into town tomorrow. Wish me luck!

The easy birth of a sandal

2011-12-20T16:46:00.000+11:00

Well, a pair of sandals, obviously.

Hello navy blue soft-as-soft sheep leather sandals.

Made in a few hours here and there over three days, that's so satisfying!

I have some red sheep somewhere, maybe I can make another pair before flying to Adelaide on Friday - hang on, I have some silver aswell.....

On my bedside table

2011-12-16T10:10:00.001+11:00

The Creative Women's Circle began as a networking group, run by my dear pal Dearne Herrenberg, who got very busy and handed over the reigns to graphic designer Tess McCabe. Events are held throughout the year, usually a guest speaker who tells their story, providing know-how, advice and inspiration to a crowd of enthusiastic gals.

Tess is an ideas lady, and a bit of an achiever, producing this nourishing little blue book, Conversations with creative women, interviews about the careers and creative lives of 15 Australian women.

Such beautiful details, she has even made a letterpress scissors bookmark! I love a good bookmark.

Two of my very favourite ladies, Maryann Talia Pau and Pip Lincolne, are present, and although I have known each of them for a while, and have had many in-depth personal conversations with both of them, I have never quite heard the stories they share in this book.

Also included are Kristen Doran, Lucy Feagins, Marian Hosking, Clare Lancaster, Cristina Re, Kate Vernon, Masayo Yasuki, Serena Lindeman, Grace Camobreco, Lou Pardi, Seja Vogel, and Tess Lloyd and Maja Rose. Phew!

( Please excuse my dodgy scanning!)

The intriguing Polli team.

It's a words book, not a picture book, but includes title pages for each subject, designed by 15 different illustrators, a great way to give a few extra people some big-ups!

I took this book to sleep school with Hazel recently, and although we were only there for one night (meant to be three, snotty daughter not allowed to stay and share her leaky nose with the other babies) I devoured it in any spare time I had, relishing all of the stories and career paths, the advice of both what to do and NOT to do.

I have always had great relationships with teachers in my life, as I am quite an avid student. Looking back I can see that I've had a stream of creative mentors over the years: my high school art teacher Mr Caskey, my sculpture lecturer at Uni George Popperwell, my chalk-and-cheese shoemaking teachers Simon O'Mallon and Tim Skyrme, Johanna Preston during the time I made shoes for her label, and my capoeira teacher Lorem Dias.

I guess I consider this to be a book full of mentors, which is just what I need right now. I have been a bit disconnected from my craft and from the larger world of teachers and practitioners, which is one of the pitfalls of working from home. Any one know of a good mentor for me right now?

One of the crucial lessons learned at sleep school was to look after myself. The staff at Tweddle urged me to take at least 15 mins to myself as soon as Hazel is asleep, no cleaning, no domestic duties, just me and a cup of fine tea and some equally fine reading material, or whatever it is that takes MY fancy.

So here I am, kids are out at school and daycare, and I have a hot date with my sewing machine. I'm making sandals to wear in Adelaide over Christmas, I am supremely aware that it is a rare skill, and that I happen to have it. Yay for shoemaking!

Yay for this book and the restorative effect it has had on me.

Yay for all the teachers in the world, especially all of mine.

Finally, yay for Tess McCabe, she gets a gold star!

Inspirations

2011-12-14T10:20:00.003+11:00

Via etsy!
Fabulous chair......also from etsy.

Allona Goren. Fresh at Craft Victoria.

Idle hands

2011-12-14T10:17:00.000+11:00

Ordered for the holidays! Via BookDepository.

Eye candy

2011-12-11T11:19:00.004+11:00

If only I had oodles of free time, I would be sitting in a comfy chair crafting away from these books.
Via ebay and Camberwell Market.

Somewhat tardy

2011-11-29T22:32:00.003+11:00

Ahem, while I have been dealing with sleep deprivation over here, my dear friend Pip has been her usual busy self. She is a real dynamo, as you have probably realised, not only does she have two new books out, she is also on the telly, and recently released her very first online mag, Good Stuff.

As one of the contributors I am rather chuffed to be included in such a classy production, and hope that you go over to have a read, Pip is hoping for a cool 1 million page views in a month! She is also putting out a call for advertisers keen to get into the next issue, out in March 2012.

Here I am!

2011-11-19T20:01:00.003+11:00

Lovely to drop in and visit Craft Vic, my home away from home.

Beautiful exhibitions on at the moment, and the shop is well stocked in the lead up to Christmas.

The new Craft Vic brochure has some surprises too, yours truly gracing three different pages.

Playing show & tell with Maryann. My sis is standing right next to me!

My beloved shoemaking tools; two pairs of pincers, a tack lifter and some sharp-ass tacks!

Bottom right is my Florentine stitched pincushion, amongst other things in a box of tricks.

These images were taken at our Gallery Three residency by Jorge de Araujo. Thanks Jorge!

Cheesy but good?

2011-11-14T15:38:00.003+11:00

I have seen these shoes advertised on public transport somewhere in Melbourne, and although they are by a fast-fashion label, RMK, and although they have a loathsome heel, there is something about them that I quite like.

Well I know what the likeable something is, it's the adventurous colours and shapes. I hope I am not offending you Mr Steve Phillips, but they are reminding me of you.

That is all.

On my bedside table

2011-11-05T16:32:00.007+11:00

OK, I have a lot of books about shoes. Why would I need anymore? Well, this one had to join my library for two reasons: the photos are HUGE, and there are so many I have never seen before! Another bonus is that the text is brief; it's not an essay with teensy pics, rather it's a picture book with great captions.

Here are some of my faves.

This is my favourite style of embroidery, Florentine flame stitched. Part op-art, part geometry, it plays to my love of symmetry and precision. Made in Britain, circa 1760.

Manchu peoples of China, C19th. Loving that blue velvet, in such good condition for a shoe of this age.

Apparently these are slippers, American, from 1892. Fabulous style and colour, they look so soft.

From 1914, an interpretation of the Turkish slipper. Awesome silhouette, made by Pietro Yantorny, an Italian shoemaker who was 'the most expensive' of his time. He was an amazing craftsman.

Steven Arpad - Bloody Genius. These are prototypes from around 1939. He made footwear for Balenciaga, Delman and Irving Miller. The accompanying sketches are gorgeous.

Arpad again, these are for Delman. Loving the brocade effect on leather.

SIMPLICITY! BLUE LEATHER! SILHOUETTE! Need I say more. Italian, 1950s.

Hello Genie! Gold kid slippers by Pucci, to be worn with free flowing pajamas from his 1964 collection.

These are by Byron Lars, an ankle boot from 1994, inspired by traditional japanese footwear. I am such a fan of tabi socks, I have over 20 pairs and wear them with different thongs/split toed shoes.
Messrs Blahnik and Hirst, 2002. 'Dot' boots.

Stitch therapy

2011-10-30T11:31:00.004+11:00

This week I have had no media monitoring to do (that's my day job), so I've been seizing the opportunity to get out into the studio. Whenever Hazel is asleep I grab the baby monitor, a pot of tea and the telephone, and head out to my sewing machine.

There's no time for fidgeting, for faffing, for dreaming and looking wistfully out of the window. The only way I'm going to get things done is to BLOODY WELL GET CRACKING! I have had some long-neglected projects on my desk, patent leather bunting to be precise - I know I know, the bunting craze has been and gone, but I avoid jumping on things when they are hot, preferring to come around to them in my own good time.

Plus I have never seen leather bunting, so hey wow, it might just be an original thing.

I have been going mad lately with kids, life, domesticity, so these stitchy moments have been well-needed for my sanity. That's the thing about sewing leather: every time the needle slices into the work it feels so final, so complete, so much like I'm building something. So as trivial as bunting may appear, this stuff is the elixir of my life. I'm going back to basics, constructing things simply and deriving that immense satisfaction which I haven't been finding in anything lately.

Leather flags + bias binding + rhythmic stitching = happy Emma.

As much as I love my leather machine, the wheel was falling off the edge of the narrow binding, and so the work wasn't feeding properly. With trepidation I pulled out my domestic machine, a beloved old Elna (thanks Rose!) and hoped that it would be up to the task of sewing leather. Success! Now I am one of those women with two machines set up, what a sweat shop I'm running!

This antique floral cowhide is soft yet robust, such a beautiful pattern, rescued from a bin by a dear friend. I have gone a bit overboard and made bunting in 2 sizes - these images are of the smaller version. I can't believe I'm using brown, it is a colour forbidden from my repertoire, but it goes so well with this leather, and is making me strangely happy, so why deny it?

Stitch stitch stitch, it's bliss. I'm looking for my daily fix now, as the small girl denies sleep and screeches from her bed. GO TO SLEEP HAZEL, MAMA NEEDS HER THERAPY!

On my bedside table

2011-10-26T14:17:00.003+11:00

This is what makes me truly happy, a surplus of FABULOUS reading material. To be honest, not all of these are on the bedside table; some are on the kitchen table for perusal over toast and a cup of tea, some are in the lounge room draped over the side of the couch. I am a binge reader, trying to consume it all at once in a frenzy.

From the top we have:
100 Shoes - Completely worthy of its own post, I will be onto that soon. Gorgeous pics, love love love.

No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency - Mr Alexander McCall Smith can do no wrong, he is prolific and I am enjoying this series. Loving the HBO series being screened on ABC1 at the mo, esp Jill Scott as Ma Ramotswe, cape sleeves and beautiful colours.

The Slap - I'm re-reading this, a character per week as I watch it on ABC1. Loved the book, am equally loving the series, and it's great to re-visit the book, fleshing each episode out a bit more.

Make Hey! - Ms Pip Lincolne has done it again, so much colour, cheer and inspiration. I don't even sew fabric, but she has got me considering it, that bicycle seat cover could be good!

Dumbo Feather - I adore this mook, the new editorial team have done us loyal readers proud, this is always a nutritious read.

Frankie - Seems jam-packed with more pages this issue, has anyone else noticed? Compulsory market research, generally a bit too whimsical for my tastes, but some great content. We love the poster/wrapping paper/calendar, I have a linen press lined in different papers from Frankie.

Research

2011-10-20T19:11:00.003+11:00

Egypt

Hungary

Afghanistan - yes that is a bicycle seat cover

Macedonia

Niger

Hungary

Italy
Guatemala

Mohop

2011-10-14T12:16:00.005+11:00

A word on the timber sandals I wore in yesterday's post, they are by the fabulous Chicago label Mohop. Annie Mohaup is an architect who started making these amazing sandals herself, eventually they became so popular that the orders were backing up, and now she has outsourced the production.

I ordered mine a few months ago, I have the low cherry slides, and I adore them because they are so easy to customise. When you order them you have a choice of ribbon packs, with 5 different ribbons included in each pack. There are neutrals, solid colours or stripes, and she also offers sari ribbons. Some days I wear them with navy ribbons, some days red, some days as a slide, other days as an ankle tie. I wear them with socks, tights or bare feet, they are the BEST!

Her postage is fast, her designs are so comfy, so put them on your Xmas list!

Our Thursday

2011-10-13T14:35:00.004+11:00

Libraries

2011-09-29T11:48:00.002+10:00

One day I will have a dedicated room just for books.

Hazel removes all the book from our shelves, on a daily basis, I have almost given up on reshelving them.

I do get a bit cross with the constant leaf litter of books all over the floor, but she is so sweet when she brings you yet another book to read. She looks up at you enquiringly and gives the book to you and then climbs onto your lap for a story. And repeat!

Sam and I have been talking about what our dream house would be like: I am a maximalist, he is a minimalist, so I guess built in storage is the answer for us.

FLAMING PRADA!

2011-09-23T10:56:00.002+10:00

Images thieved from Scott and Garance

Funky footwear

2011-09-22T13:44:00.002+10:00

Hazel's awesome yellow leather sandals with turned-up toes courtesy of Paula and Footscray. I have serious sandal envy!

Kokonuti

2011-09-13T15:21:00.003+10:00

I have slowly unpacked my bags from Craft Vic, everything is back in it's place and I have a Queen in my studio, standing proudly in the finery which Maryann and I made. It's strange to go from seeing Maryann everyday to not seeing her at all - I MISS YOU LADY!

So here are the finished wedges, called Kokonuti, pronounced similarly to Coconut Tea, which is the ceremony our Queen was dressing up for. The wedge cover is woven pandanus, commonly used throughout the Pacific, with ribbon stars threaded into the weave. The insole is covered with pigskin suede, soooo soft, the strap is woven from leather strips and green satin ribbon, with studs made from a shiny red seed that I will find out the name of. The toe stars are also leather, and the sock has a cute detail of some Samoan shell stamps. How's that for an alliterative sentence?!

For more amazing pics of our final days at CV, including one of me looking angelic wearing a flower wreath go here. Thanks to Kim for all the pics and to all at CV for their support and giggles.

Phew!

Out of the frying pan into the fire - that's how we roll.

From one busy artist parent to another, our family deadline for Sam's show is tomorrow! He's been up all night for days, weeks, months, and is flying to Sydney in the morn to install his show at New Albion Gallery.

I have been kidwrangling with the help of my awesome Mum, they are off at the Museum as I type. It's so much easier with an extra adult around, we don't want Granny to go back to Adelaide but I fear that this weekend she is departing :(

More projects simmering away, I'll tell you more soon, now I need to go and monitor some media to bring in a bit of much needed $$.

New Week, New Work

2011-08-29T19:40:00.002+10:00

Today was busy for Maryann and I, we both got into our separate grooves and for a while there was no chat, just concentration and crafting. Here are Maryann's manicured hands getting busy on the sash for our Queen.

May I just say that we have been discussing this sash for so long, and it's fantastic to see it taking shape. The weave is quite complex, the materials are all different, so Maryann has her work cut out for her, keeping it all neat and even. That's her specialty.

I found my groove out on the freezing fire escape, where I choose to do my glue sniffing, and accidental peeking into the neighbouring apartments. I love love love covering insoles, wedges and heels, it's like wrapping up a present.

Maryann's homework over the weekend was to weave these tiny ribbon stars into the wedge cover. Gorgeous. Now my homework is to prepare and attach the sole, insole, sock etc.

Tomorrow and Weds I shall be in for a short day, Miss Hazel will be coming with me as I am sans babysitter. Big thanks to Granny Col for helping so far.

I am hoping that Hazie will sleep in the pram, tucked away in the store room behind our studio, although the music from Adele Varcoe's tent is fairly overpowering, it's sending us bonkers!

Day 2

2011-08-23T20:53:00.002+10:00

Working on a pandanus basket with a perpendicular weave.

The fabulous Grace getting started on a pair of earrings. 'Scuse the blurry photo, she was a flurry of fierce weaving, all action!

I loved how Grace was anchoring the work using her legs and feet, when it got too long she put more tension on. Clever.

When I'm with these women I can feel the pacific sunshine :)

Almost done with the freaking hand stitching. Maryann added crystals to my crocheted neckpiece and voila, we have crossed one item off the list!

Materials and crucial items (chocolate, thermos of gunpowder green tea). I love that our messy desks, and floor spaces are telling a story, and that we don't have to clean up each day.

In other news, Hazel locked my Mum out of the house today. Apparently dear Granny ran 1km to Sam's studio to alert him to the situation, they raced back in time to rescue her as she teetered on a kitchen chair, trying to reach something.

I almost wish that they hadn't told me! How freaky, having to leave her here on her own...

PS. Blogging every day is taxing. Pip Lincolne, how do you do it?

Day 1

2011-08-22T16:58:00.002+10:00

Maryann getting her weave on. She really gets in the zone - no laughter, no talking, just head down weaving. I can hear her brain working when she's like this.

Queenie almost done, layers and layers of lace. I may never handstitch anything again, I literally spent all day tacking lace onto a slip dress, wearing a thimble and feeling old school.

She's a bit of a voodoo doll at the mo, but will be finished early tomorrow, and then I'll crack on with some shoemaking.

Maryann's visitor count is way higher than mine, so come on down and improve my stats!

Install

2011-08-21T20:17:00.003+10:00

How to fit all of this (and then some) into my car, and then lug it down to Gallery 3 at Craft Vic?

Packing for these open studios can be so frustrating, trying to replicate my studio in another location, it's often a case of just bring EVERYTHING and see how it goes.

Unfortunately bringing everything means that I spend 5 hrs faffing about at the other end, pulling things out of my suitcases, milling about, chasing my tail.

Maryann seems to have her car boot permanently stuffed with goodies, so she can pick and choose. Thankfully we are getting better at the milling about, tail chasing et al.

As of tomorrow we are in situ, getting busy with our hands in the best possible way. Things will get moved about, many things will be works in progress, and we hope that all of you can drop by and hang out for a while.

On the Hazel sleep front, good news. I've been camping out next to her bed, at first reaching in and patting, then progressively moving my mattress further away and just shushing her when she wakes.

Girlfriend sleeps from 7pm till 3-4am, and then again till 7ish. Bliss - no crying - lots of love - camping out rules. I am still in her room but am hoping to be in my bed this week. Fingers crossed she's learned the fine art of sleeping. Isn't is amazing how much more you enjoy your kids when they sleep well?!

Listening to: Ennio Styles' Stylin' 500 Compilation. Free download y'all, it's a winner.

No photo, no mojo

2011-08-16T11:29:00.002+10:00

Currently listening to a small girl cry, as she refuses her daytime sleep.

I am completely exhausted by her, she has chronic separation anxiety and won't let me out of her sight, I can't even have a shower without her crying and beating down the door.
I don't remember things being this bad with Leo, may be I have blocked it from my memory!

She is up 3-4 times per night, and usually ends up in my bed, lying on my head, clutching me with those determined little hands. Yesterday while driving I thought I was hallucinating, surely this can't be good? I can't/won't do controlled crying at night, I don't have it in me to win that battle, so on talking to my beloved local M&CH Nurse, we are trying 'camping out'.

This involves me setting up a bed right next to her cot, and instead of laying her back down and stooping over the cot waiting for her to fall asleep, only then to hope that I don't step on a squeaky floorboard on the way out, I just reach into her cot to pat her, shush her, with the bonus that I am horizontal and in a bed. Woohoo.

Last night it kinda worked, she spent the whole night in her bed which is a small victory for me, and even though she was grizzling/awake for long periods of the night, there were no truly anxious moments, she was calm and that's what I'm after.

So I'm having trouble thinking of myself as a creative person, when my whole MO is to survive each day, get people fed, bathed, books read and cuddles given. Sam is on a gruelling schedule 3 weeks out from his solo show in Sydney, we are one sleep-deprived bunch over here. I am looking forward to the day when I can reminisce and say, 'yes that was shit, but aren't things so much better now?'

Next week at Craft Vic I might just end up sleeping in the store room. Oh boy that sounds good.

Peeps I need a pep talk, give me some positive vibes, and if anyone's tried the camping out method, how did it go for you?

Reading: 'An Object of Beauty' by the fabulous Steve Martin.

Listening to: Inside Vibe on PBS with Blair Stafford

Watching: Modern Family Season One (again, I have a huge crush on Sofia Vergara)

It has begun!

2011-08-06T11:50:00.004+10:00

August is the month for Craft Cubed, Craft Victoria's annual festival of all things Craft.
It's a huge month, with so many in-house shows and workshops, plus numerous satellite shows and affiliated stores doing pop ups, open studios etc. Have a look at the program and book in a few visits!

As you can tell from the above (crappy) pics ( I blame the fact that I was toting Hazel on one hip), Maryann and I have top billing in the window, alongside the illustrious pairing of Alexi Freeman and Tessa Blazey. These guys are highly polished, providing the ultimate contrast to Maryann and I, who seem rather organic, textural and riotously coloured in comparison.

We have a long list of pieces to tackle for our residency, and are acutely aware that not all of them will be finished by the end. However, we are determined not to stress, it's all about process and sharing after all.

Funnily enough I have no mojo for the shoes at the moment, I'd rather sit down on Maryann's mats and crochet the beautiful dress I have planned. One reason for this, I think, is that shoemaking is so darn technical, requiring machines, hand tools and toxic glues, it seems rather antisocial in a way, almost the opposite of the way in which Maryann creates her work.

Perhaps I will take a leaf out of her book, and change the way I would normally make shoes, so that the project really influences my method. Stay tuned for updates, we don't take up official squatter's privileges until Aug 22nd.

Footage from DMT

2011-07-28T09:24:00.002+10:00

Thanks to Tom at Bandit Films.

Craft Victoria at Design Made Trade Melbourne 2011 from Craft Victoria on Vimeo.

On my bedside table

2011-07-27T18:55:00.003+10:00

NYC = my favourite place in the whole world.
Sibella Court = fabulous Aussie stylist who lived in NYC for 10ish years.
'The Stylist's Guide to NYC'= her address book of amazing shops, places to eat/drink, museums, suppliers and inspirations.

From the super-embossed cover, the Moleskine-esque pockets, the elastic bookmark, the divine earthy paper and that quintessential good book smell, not to mention all of the gobsmacking places to visit, it's official, I'm in love.

Listed in sections such as Scents and Flower Merchants, Haberdashery and Handmade, Art and Objets, Sibella has a map and an itinerary which includes coffee and sustenance along the way. She includes handy tips for visiting NYC, (carry flats and heels), phone numbers and zip codes, a big pull-out map, and great photos and descriptions.

I'm planning my next holiday there based around this book.
Hurrah for the current exchange rate!

DMT DONE!

2011-07-25T13:44:00.003+10:00

OK, I have blatantly thieved Lucy's photos from The Design Files , but it is hard to get around and take photos when you are tied to your stand, and especially hard to take photos of yourself making shoes.

So here we all are, after 4 days I am exhausted but exhilarated after meeting so many people, having some great conversations and managing to do a bit of work.

Milly Flemming, the multitasker extraordinaire.

Beloved Maryann, I missed her on Sunday as she was running a workshop at Harvest.

Leah Jackson and Andrea Shaw.

Oh it's me!

Emily Green in all her colourful glory. Her beads remind me of Makka Pakka from The Night Garden.

The glossy-haired Elizabeth Yong of Primoeza.

And lastly, Lucy got it right when she proclaimed the Notemaker stand the best. I concur.

From our desks

2011-07-21T16:48:00.002+10:00

Wowee!

We met so many people today, had some fabulous conversations and even managed to get some work done.

At one point there was a crowd gathered, watching me in the middle of some serious shoemaking, plus Lucy Design Files being a papparazzo.

Maryanne and I are loving this installation, as are many visitors and fellow exhibitors, tomorrow we are planning more work on our up-coming collaboration.

Plus a bit hurrah to my Mum, who is the kid wrangler at present, doing a mighty fine job. Best part of my day is getting home to a big slobbery embrace from Hazie Dazie :)

Sneak peek

2011-07-20T15:20:00.003+10:00

'Scuse the dodgy pics.

Installed and ready to go!

Gatsby

2011-07-18T11:16:00.002+10:00

Brogueing by hand. I have used machines to do this, but they are absolute beasts - fast, furious, hungry and sounding like a machine gun. As long as I'm doing a pair at a time I think I'll do it by hand!

Red underlays for the holes. Each piece has to be shaved to be paper thin, so as not to add bulk. Again you can do that by machine, but my knife and I have such an affinity, we are a good team.

Upper assembled and ready for stitching. I was agonising over white or navy stitching - white would be less obvious and therefore could hide possible mistakes, navy would be gorgeous but would show any mistakes immediately.
I decided on navy, and crossed my fingers that my machine would behave. As fate would have it, right when I was being filmed at the sewing machine, the tension went all crazy and pulled up giant loops from the bobbin thread. So much for crossing my fingers....

Trial lasting for Bandit Films, who came to the studio last week. I love the look of these, the idea began with the padded, fringed flap over the laces, a la golf shoes. From there I designed the rest like a traditional oxford, decided on sewing the lining like a sneaker, with a rolled top edge and ankle padding.

It was freezing on the morning that Tom and Dan were filming, I was so worried that my fingers wouldn't work, indeed they were rather stiff and I whacked my fingernail while hammering, so professional.

So I will be lasting these properly at DMT this week, I'll be there 11 - 4 Thursday to Sunday, tinkering and enjoying my time with all the other makers and creative folk. Come and visit, ask questions, hang out with us, I'll be sharing a space with Maryanne Talia Pau.

In the studio

2011-07-01T16:33:00.003+10:00

Today Hazel had the most marvellous long sleep, so I got out into the sunny studio and finished a pattern.

At my desk.

Tricky mind-bending pattern cutting, I have been putting it off for far too long.

Gorgeous floral leathers, recent acquisitions. I fancy making Hazel some baby Doc Martens in the middle sample.

When she woke we ate lunch in the sunshine, and then went to pick up Leo from school, he's on two weeks' holidays now, yay no lunchboxes!

Last week in shoes

2011-06-28T18:49:00.004+10:00

Monday - race to school in Pumas from Hong Kong.

Tuesday - 'Chinoiserie' handmade by me in 2008.

Wednesday - 'Seville' handmade at PZD, when I worked there back in the day.

Thursday - Stephané Kelian wedges, bought on sale at Barney's on my first trip to NYC in 2001.

Friday - beloved 'Botanica' handmade by me in 2009.

In between - Turkish slippers from Sydney Rd.

Regal Savage

2011-06-27T10:29:00.004+10:00

Wow.

This is the first sneaky peek at what Maryann and I have been up to. In preparation for our Open Studios partnership, and our August residency/show and tell at Craft Vic, we tag teamed our skills and came up with this.

It's been quite tricky to get time together, with the demands of kids and life in general, but we are rather chuffed with our finished piece, and are so excited to see what we can cook up once we're together for days and days!

Ingredients

2011-06-18T19:09:00.003+10:00

Take some dusty red and hot pink wool, and knit them together to create a chunky ply.

Follow a funky old school pattern (thanks Don Bosco opshop!) which may be too big for your toddler.

Successfully attempt cables for the first time, yay for you, and in no time at all you have almost one completed 'overtop'. So descriptive. So satisfying. So easy!

That's my kind of recipe.

Listening to: Turn it up peoples!

Open Studio

2011-06-16T19:12:00.003+10:00

Hi there! Here is a sneaky peek into my studio, and it just happens to be the image used on the Open Studios page over at State of Design.

Here's the blurb:

'Presented by Craft Victoria

New to Design:Made:Trade is Open Studio. Selected designer/makers take their studio 'on the road' and create 6 studios, hosting 12 makers over 4 days.

Featuring: Leah Jackson, Bridget Bodenham, Nick Jones, Elizabeth Yong, Matt Thomson, Emily Green, Maryann Talia-Pau, Emma Greenwood, Kirsten Perry, Milly Flemming, Andrea Daniels and Stephanie de Kuijer.'

Date:
21 – 24 July

Time:
10am – 5pm

Cost:
Included in $10 entry to Design:Made:Trade

Bookings:

PURCHASE TICKETS

Website:
craftvic.org.au

Location:
Design:Made:Trade
Royal Exhibition Building
Carlton Gardens, Carlton

Map

At the moment....

2011-06-09T11:32:00.002+10:00

....I am cooking up an exciting new project - a collaboration with an amazing woman......more to come soon.......

.....I am watching this jasmine blooming tea go from this tightly formed ball....

....into this splendid flower....I haven't got a fancy glass teapot, but I do have an old jam jar!

Hong Kong

2011-06-02T11:43:00.004+10:00

Hot and sweaty, filled with plants, flowers, birds and goldfish.

We all loved it and are desperate to go back ASAP, as we only had 4 full days there are had to shorten our excursions due to the heat, and the nap requirements of the small girl.

I miss the hotel housekeeping service, the smell of flowers, the bubble tea, the fabulous exchange rate, the amazing food..........what's not to like?

Here's a brief look:

9 hours on the plane was not so bad. Hazie loved the food trays, give her a bowl, a spoon and some food and she is amused. Leo watched endless movies, and didn't take his headphones off at all, even to go to the toilet! He was living like a Lord the whole time.

Hong Kong is the home of Tiger Balm! Loads of lovely packaging in cabinets.

We didn't really have much blue sky while we were there, it was rather hazy due to smog and weather. This was our first day, we didn't see sky like this again. Looking from Tsim Sha Tsui over to Central.

Sadly for me the traditional junk boats are not used any more, I love the silhouettes of their sails. This is the last remaining one, and it's used as a tourist boat. We saw it on our ferry ride over to Wan Chai to visit the Art Fair.

Gorgeous painting, I love the colours and expressive style, and of course the beautiful brunette.

Classic Hong Kong taxis - the Toyota Crown. The doors open for you, and the fares are super cheap. Nearly every day we caught taxis and they were rarely over $4 or $5 AUD.

From the tram ride up to the Peak, holy shizzle that ride is steep! I had no idea it was going to be so freaky, I was white knuckled on the ascent. A gorgeous shady walk at the top, we let Hazie off the leash and she loved it, stomping around in her summer dress. She was a huge hit with the locals, everybody wanted to talk to her and blow her kisses, take her photo, and Leo got lots of pats on the head.

The Bird Market in Mongkok, we went first thing in the morning. Hong Kong is a night time city, with most shops and museums not opening till 10 or 11 am, and staying open till 9 or 10 pm. With Hazel waking at 6 am we were desperate for things to do, and were pleased that the Bird Market opened early.

Here are some gents talking shop. The birds were all song birds, in amazing decorative cages with porcelain drinking/food bowls. All the men there were so proud of their birds, toting them around and getting admiring glances from the other stall holders. There were bags of live grasshoppers for sale, Leo was enthralled!

Always people sweeping, cleaning, maintaining, with these traditional bamboo brooms. So many street plants, even in the public toilets there were plants everywhere. We got around on lots of aerial footpaths, with planter boxes of flowers along the whole way.

Flower Market is right next to the Bird Market, and is literally a whole block full of florists and suppliers. So darn cheap, the orchids were to die for, I wish I could have brought so many plants home.

It reminded me of the Flower District in New York City, and I was wondering why we don't have areas like this in Melbs?

Typical street in Mongkok, much less touristy, market stalls everywhere and loads of street food too. Whole blocks devoted to a particular industry, electronics, sportswear etc.

The Goldfish Market was a block full of pet shops, some upstairs to house all the giant aquariums, but some on the street. I have always kept goldfish, and was smitten with the amount of fish in Hong Kong. I want a tank in every room!

I love the appreciation of aesthetics and feng shui, people beautifying their environments regardless of how posh or gritty they were.

Bamboo scaffolding. We were shocked to see it at first, on the most serious of building sites. But as we thought about it, it makes perfect sense. The fastest growing plant on earth, sustainable, light, cheap, flexible, strong.

This was the only day we didn't take the pram. Kowloon was easy in the pram, apart from the weekends when it gets really packed with people. When we went to Mongkok we took the backpack, which was really sweaty, and Hazel fell asleep on my pony tail, which meant I couldn't move my head. I was fairly grumpy in this pic. But some shopping at Muji soon fixed that!

Giant Buddha sculpture in TST, made from a few different original statues.

More to come, a few pics of the Art Fair, and other musings.

A tale of small shoes

2011-05-23T12:20:00.003+10:00

Darling Hazel is walking, and therefore I am seeking out teeny tiny adorable shoes for her. I found the perfect pair at Savers recently, navy fur-lined boots, waterproof, flexible soft sole (can't have her walking like Frankenstein).

The dear girl wore them for about a week, and then on the bike ride to school last Monday, a boot went missing. We retraced our journey over the next few days, but alas, no boot. As a shoemaker who loves the craft as well as the function of footwear, I can say that nothing is so forlorn as a lost shoe. It renders the pair useless, and speaks to me of a sad forgotten abandonment...maybe a little dramatic but you get the idea.

There is a huge amount of Mother grief for Items That Were Turfed By The Child, which friends and I have revisited in light of this incident. Don't get us started on the crocheted cat hat, the Sophie Giraffe teething toy, the patent red shoe.

Sadly I resigned myself to getting her some more shoes, and Savers provided once more, lovely ALL LEATHER boots, sadly plastic croc-alikes (je deteste) to take to Hong Kong on Weds, and an intriguing pair of yellow sandals for next summer, found in Footscray by Paula.

Friday we walked to school, and at a busy intersection, out of the corner of my eye, I saw brown fur lining peeking out from the gutter across the street. LEO STOP RIGHT THERE, I THINK I SEE THE BOOT!

Mad Mother races across the street, and salvages the boot from the gutter. Yes it has spent 5 days in the street, yes it has been run over, yes the zip is broken, but it is FOUND! I held it aloft and commuters no doubt thought I was crazy.

Turns out the zip has to be replaced, so I am lovingly hand stitching in a new one, going way beyond the $4 price of the boots, but they are so perfect. And yet I am not showing a picture of them, how frustrating for you! Here are her other shoes instead.

Oh lucky day, here are some images of her modelling the hoodie I recently finished knitting, and there are the boots too. Actually I think this was the day we lost the darn thing.

Such a strutter!

Bobux

2011-05-02T12:09:00.004+10:00

YES -I am a shoemaker.

NO - I do not have time to make shoes for my children.

This does give me great angst, believe me, but I have to be realistic about what I can achieve with my meagre quantity of kid-free time.

So after searching far and wide for soft shoes for Hazie, once she grew out of the ones I DID make, I fell head over heels in love with BOBUX.

A New Zealand company, their design and materials are so fantastic, that they are now exported to countries all over the world. Nothing speaks louder than parents who are happy with your products. I just wish I had discovered them sooner, Leo might have had some too!

We just got our new navy pair today, ordered through Ecobabe, as Hazie has trashed her first pink pair. Soft sole is where we're at, they also make first walkers, and more accomplished walkers with sturdier soles.

These are the designs we have, there are so many, it's hard to choose!

Last day of school holidays

2011-04-26T13:52:00.002+10:00

While Hazel has her lunchtime snooze, Leo and I have been indulging in cups of peppermint tea, snacking on Easter loot, reading books, magazines, and activity books, which are Leo's new fave. Join the dots anyone?

Baking cheesy muffins in anticipation of lunchbox filling. Hello goldfish in the background!

Hazel's birthday cards from 2 weeks ago, nearly time to pack them away.

Tulips rescued from Aldi for a whopping $2.99. Easter lillies from Grandpa Graham.

I will miss my Leo again when he's back at school, he's great for conversation. Hazie is still getting there, she says 'up' and points to the sky when she hears a plane, helicopter or bird. That will have to do for now, I'm sure in years to come she will be a real chatterbox, and I'll be pleading for some quiet!

End of season

2011-04-24T16:11:00.003+10:00

'Twas with a sad heart that I ripped out the tomatoes today, they have been so abundant, as you can see. Alas, now they are all straggly and it's time to consider what to put in over the cooler months.
Methinks I shall not have much time, or inclination, to be out in the garden over winter, plus our yard gets a lot of shade at this time of year. I have put a few bulbs in, and some rogue garlic has surfaced, but essentially we're lying fallow this season, and will burst back with something in spring.
We have a few avocadoes on the tree, waiting to be knocked loose with a loooong handled broom. Herbs aplenty, and our first ever lemons soon to be ripe - trés exciting. How's your yard? Any Autumn colour? Hope that you are enjoying these sunny crisp days, and that you are rationing the Easter loot in a sensible manner.

Listening to: Plan B - She Said

Talking yarn

2011-04-14T12:08:00.010+10:00

I used to be a dedicated knitter. I wasn't into fancy stitches, just plain thanks, but over a number of years I made beanies for all of my friends, and even attempted a garment or two.

When Leo was a babe, a friend at Mothers' Group taught me to crochet, and from then on I was converted. Only one stitch on the hook! Such lacy effects with no wizardry! Three dimensions! I wondered if I'd ever knit again, I honestly didn't feel any affinity with the needles anymore.

A few weeks ago I was at Clegs in East Brunswick, looking for some tasty yarn to crochet into something fabulous for Hazel. I spied Cleckheaton Country Tartan, a variegated yarn in a mauve/blue/magenta/turquoise blend, and my reaction to it stunned me.

That's it, 3rd from the right!

When I heard it command - KNIT ME - I could only obey. It made perfect sense to knit this yarn, to crochet would have lost the variegation, no, this yarn needed a flat fabric to show off its multicoloured goodness, the fabric that only stocking stitch can provide.

Here I am a month later, happily knitting and purling my way through a zip-up hoodie. I started with some short 4mm needles, but my style of knitting is apparently akin to that of an Eastern European woman - that is, I tuck my right needle firmly under my arm like a bagpipe, so I went to the local oppie and got some longer needles. Ecco a lei!

This garment will always remind me of what I watched while making, hence West Wing memories, ah CJ Cregg you are a Goddess!

PS. I have just been looking for images of women knitting the way I do, and I can't find any. Now I am paranoid about my technique, I just can't hold two needles out in front away from my body. What is your style?

Hazie Dazie we love you xxx

2011-04-09T16:42:00.003+10:00

Today is Hazel's 1st birthday, and I have been very sentimental over the last few days, remembering being hugely pregnant, the birth, the brand-newness of her. She is my last baby, so I have been wistfully saying goodbye to that world, as I anticipate the rollercoaster that toddlers bring.

No doubt this year has been challenging, but I feel that we are coming out of the shade, with more independence, new routines and activities. I am so proud of her, and also pretty darn proud of myself, making it this far with my sanity relatively intact!

So today there have been presents, songs sung in her honour, and of course, her first taste of CHOCOLATE CAKE! Chocolate is our religion, and it's great to have Hazel sharing the love. We had a small posse of admirers over to celebrate, and now the small girl is conked out in her pram.

WE LOVE YOU HAZIE!

PS. Her dress is from Pene at Cottage Industry, ain't it sweet?

From Jo!

2011-03-30T16:44:00.002+11:00

Jo of the many recent earthquakes, (yes she was in Christchurch for that one and yes she was in Tokyo for the next one), stamp finder and mail sender extraordinaire! If you can't recognise these stamps then you need to go back to your Miffy books, as they are by none other than Dick Bruna!

Mr Fluevog again

2011-03-24T18:28:00.002+11:00

Another great video of Fluevogs being made, serious shoe geekery! Love the huge bandsaw with images of religious icons, the weird inflatable heat setter, the efficiency of these guys is awesome!

One giant ramble

2011-03-18T11:11:00.006+11:00

It is Autumn, so we are gardening.

Things have become a little overgrown in our patch, and our current project is to rediscover the front path.

Every morning when we get home from school drop off, Hazel and I spend half an hour or so out the front, me snipping the weeds with secateurs, while Hazel gets about exploring with a lot of chatting.

I have been working a lot lately, and struggling with the attempt to balance that with family biznezz. There have been many tantrums thrown by me, and many blocks of chocolate consumed. I know that 70% cocoa is good for you, but really 45% tastes so much better!

Small girl has been a shocking sleeper, so we have had to move Leo out of their shared room, and he's been in my bed. The other night I didn't really sleep much before 4am, she was up and down so much. I wouldn't have minded such a late night if I'd been out at a fabulous gig, but walking around the dark house in my PJs was much less fun.

To be honest I don't mind having Leo in my bed, when I sneak in he is like a little hot water bottle, and it's good for this Mama to spend some time just with him, especially now that he is so much more independent as a big school boy.

One bonus for us in recent weeks has been the riding to school. I used to be a bike messenger back in the day, and when I had kids I realised that I was in the car so much more than I wanted to be. Leo finally taught himself to ride a week before school started, and as his school is so local, every morning and afternoon we are in a convoy on the bikes. We love it!

Little reminders of my former life are creeping back in, I have a puncture repair kit in my bag again, Leo is getting used to locking his own bike, and Hazel no longer tries to rip the helmet off. I am much more ladylike now that when I used to ride everywhere, and I can report that I have successfully worn wedges whilst riding! Woot!

And while this all seems very middle class and suburban, I am always thinking of the Japanese people and their triple tragedy. I will never forget watching the NHK live helicopter footage of the sea taking over the land, seeing people desperately riding their bicycles away from the water, while realising that I was watching the last moments of someone's life.

I must say that I don't feel very useful in circumstances like these, I think that in another life I would be a Red Cross Emergency worker. I often wonder how shoe making and now media monitoring are very useful. I remember about 11 years ago I got in touch with Australian Volunteers, and when they asked what my skills were and I told them shoe making, they almost laughed and said 'We don't think that there's much of a need for shoe making in our posting locations'.

As a mother of small children I obviously can't go gallivanting around the world helping people in disaster zones, but I do want to do SOMETHING. Might have to put that on the list. Meanwhile I helped Ebony out with her fundraiser for the Japanese Red Cross.

Listening to: Jessie J - Nobody's Perfect Live

On my bedside table

2011-03-04T13:35:00.006+11:00

Without further ado, Mr Charley Harper.

We are currently having a Charley Harper festival, with nesting blocks for Hazel, and a big jigsaw for Leo.

If you do not have this hefty book, hot foot it over to The Book Depository, and grab a beautiful big copy. It is joy on paper.

425 pages.

Mosaic brilliance!

More mosaic. Federal Building Cincinnati 1964.

'Mystery of the missing migrants' 1990

Posters for National Parks, which Charley was very passionate about.

Celebrated and out of print. 1961!

Mops and brushes

2011-02-19T13:39:00.001+11:00

Felt mop, plus neutral Yankee Polish, equals shiny waxed leather.

Circular brush spinning on shiny waxed leather, equals glossy stacked leather heels.

All of the above, plus long process due to parenting a baby, plus luscious leather, great lasts, classic pattern and supreme skill, equals Helen's smart lace up oxfords.

Recent acquisitions

2011-02-16T09:34:00.009+11:00

These items are a bit overdue for posting, but better late than never, right?
There has been a lot of action at our place, Leo started school, I had a birthday, Sam installed a show in Gippsland, and we had a visit from Granny.

When Granny comes to stay we always go to Camberwell Market. She loves books, and has piles of them all over her house waiting for when she retires in a few months. So she stocks up BIG TIME at Camberwell.

I had a great morn there too, I was stopped in my tracks by this Japanese lacquer document box with GOLD inlay, and absolutely had to have it. $30-a bargain! I actually lost Leo because I was looking at this, biggest panic I have ever felt, but to have them both with me now is perfect.

Lo and behold all my treasures also from the market, a tin from Ryn , turquoise suede travel documents wallet, slippers for when Hazel is walking, Brambly Hedge books for her, paper bad of goodies from L'Uccello during the week, and postal treats from Jo in Japan. Joy.

We freaking love Richard Scarry round here, and have had out eyes out for the whole Look and Learn Library, hardback, 1971, 4 Volumes, hard to find. Ebay helped me out, postage and all the set was $60, more joy. Leo and I are working our way through them, the illos are so cool, I adored RScarry as a kid, and am more than happy to live in that world again now that I am a parent.

OK, so this was hard to photograph on my own, and I have pinched some photos from Mariana's etsy store. This is a gobsmackingly amazing tunic, crocheted in Argentina by the most talented Mariana, in spectrum colours with navy blue. Merino wool. Gorgeous. Turns heads. Ordered by Sam for mein geburtstag. Pictured below with a black border, but you know how pedantic I am about my navy blues.

Sam is cottoning onto this birthday treats thing, a lavishly wrapped box of T2 herbal/fruit/tisanes. DELICIOUS.

And more japanese paper for the stash.

Listening to: Sharon Jones - Window Shopping longer album version here

Pleats Please!

2011-01-20T19:23:00.001+11:00

I was right, this leather was supremely well behaved for lasting. I wish all leathers were so cooperative! Now for a fitting, eh Helen?

Small Girl.....

2011-01-20T19:21:00.003+11:00

.....wears homemade sneeks. Worn in 6 years ago by her brother. Bless.

Listening to: Prince - 1 + 1 + 1 =3
It's only audio, pretty decent though for a live recording, this is Hazel's fave song right now, she jiggles all over, it's the funniest thing!

Progress

2011-01-13T14:42:00.003+11:00

Her babies hatched! They are so teeny but they sure can move fast. Now I hope that they all find alternative accommodation, as they have built their web on my blind and I would love to open it without disturbing them.

Yeah yeah, buntings been done, it's so old-hat why would you bother? But have you ever seen patent leather bunting? Didn't think so. In three different sizes? Nope, that's just me and my ridiculous need to use every single scrap of leather.

Helen I am so ready to last your shoes, I just need a good 90 mins without threat of interruption by small peeps. Negotiating with potential child-minders is in progress.

How about this book given to me by Aunty Jenny, I wonder what joys are contained within?

I want these pants sooo bad! I would wear them all the freaking time! Oh man it hurts to want them this much.

Gotta have a shot of the open book, featuring painted nails and awesome embroidery templates.
Hand holding the book open shots are du jour right now, don'tcha know?

Yes I really do need all these ruling devices, I'm obsessed by millimeters remember?

Listening to: Ernest Ranglin - Below the Bassline

Old Things

2011-01-09T20:35:00.005+11:00

This weekend has seen us at the Museum, hiding from the heat, and also my neighbour has been cleaning out his ancient shed. So we have been mingling with 'old things' as I have been calling them.

Melbourne Museum's display of kitchenalia, I had ramekins just like these but they were trashed in my sharehouse days.

John Rodriguez's textile designs from the 60's. I'm coveting that apple tea towel.

Medals on rather splendid ribbons.

And here we have the stash from Dan, my neighbour. He and his sister Kate live next door in their Great Aunt's old house. They recently sold it and are now cleaning it all out, and we have managed to come away with some really amazing treats. The house still has embossed wallpaper and floral carpet from the 1940's, the kitchen and bathroom are original, they even have an old Kelvinator fridge from the 50's. It's too good, like walking onto a set.

Check out not only my fabulous new nail colour, but also this teeny feather. Aw shucks.

A comprehensive list of tartans. I wish us Greenwoods had a tartan.

Tins, tins and more tins! The tobacco ones still have that particular smell, the brush on the far right is a beauty, and I'm guessing from the amount of Laxettes tins that they could have done with some prunes....

Old pickle jars with bakelite lids, metal measuring tape, enamelled soap dishes, old door handles, enamelled mugs, phew, we also have old brooms, rakes, seeds saved over the years, clothes drying racks, linen cupboard, an upholstered armchair, shoe polishing brushes, embroidery scissors, padlocks, woodworking tools, saws - it's just as well I am not planning on moving house anytime soon.

I have been thinking of my Grandpa, his shed smelled just the same, of oil, rust, cardboard, timber and dust. Wishing that I had known my Grandpa better, and thinking that no matter how treasured the objects, they lose a certain something once they are removed from their original setting.

Listening to: Dick Van Dyke - Hushabye Mountain

At my place today

2011-01-03T19:47:00.002+11:00

Tea drinking of course. Today I had my standard Lady Grey for brekkie, then a gunpowder green mid morn, then a genmai cha in the arvo with my fabulous friend Dan. Great to see you Dirkee! I may have a lemon and ginger this evening, as I fold laundry and watch some West Wing (a Xmas pressie from sister Kate).

Seed saving. These are from a plant which my mother calls Honesty. I wish it had another name, let's call it the seed-rattle bush. I gave these to Hazie in the yard today to use as a rattle, but she was more interested in climbing up and standing alongside the trampoline. She is ambitious with her standing, I have to be with her at all times to steady her, but even with my supervision she is bruised all over. Glad they make babies so tough!

Leo's lego is caged inside the playpen, we figured that Hazie should be able to roam free, so the small choking-hazard bits of plastic are fenced off. She stands on the outside bellowing to be let in, before reaching in to steal a handful.

Small girl loves to sit on the floor tasting things, which could be a dubious past time considering the state of my floors. Let's hope that her immune system is getting a boost. We have piles of 'stuff' on the floor in every room to amuse her.

Frankie. Catching up on a bit of holiday reading as I drink tea and listen to the cricket. The other day I FINALLY finished Vanity Fair. 743 pages of Mr Thackeray's sometimes frilly prose, I also watched the movie and Pip's copy of the BBC miniseries. I am all Vanity Faired out. Trying to adjust to William Gibson's new-ish offering Zero History, but it's taking a bit of acclimatising.

Choc, choc and more choc. My sis gave me this greek beauty yesterday. Almonds, hence the blossoms.

Grapes, colouring in, learning alphabets. There has also been a huge consumption of cherries at our place.

Hey there you have it, a day at our place in early Jan 2011. Happy birthday to all the fine Capricornians I know, I fear that you get forgotten in all the Xmas New Years' palaver. I'm thinking of you!!

Listening to: Prince - The Everlasting Now live!!

On my bedside table

2010-12-20T08:27:00.006+11:00

Spaces by Frankie.
What can I say - it's a beauty.
Studio spaces (drool and envy), cafes, shops, homes, from all around the world.
Nothing expensive, uber fancy or slick.
Mostly thrifted/op shopped/pre-loved furniture and accoutrements.
GORGEOUS!
(Truth be told it's on Paula's bedside table now, I had to share it.)

In the studio

2010-12-14T10:02:00.007+11:00

Yes I have been in the studio! Wow, what a reunion, snatching little moments in there during the day while Hazel sleeps. It's rather tricky managing my time now that I have an official day job, or should I say a night job.

After the kids go to bed I am at the computer coding press articles for Media Monitors. It's a good earner, and I am keeping informed on certain topics (oh Public Transport is soooo riveting) but it sure does stretch my days into long ones.Here's a resident of the studio, it has become a home to many spiders in my absence, and this one is a beauty. She is waiting near her eggs for them to hatch, I am dreading the spiderlings getting into everything but I don't begrudge them a good start to life.

Anyhoo, here's what has been getting me into the studio, Helen's Oxfords. Poor Helen has been waiting so long, and I hate to admit that there will be more waiting before her feet get to step into them. However, the pattern is cut, and as of yesterday the upper/lining is cut.

She has chosen some gorgeous leather, creamy coloured and soft yet robust, I am really looking forward to lasting these. There is a great texture to it as well, a beautiful crazed crackle as you can see in this next photo.

Here are the lasts I'm using, they are so divine, old school and with some great curves to them. It's always a pleasure to use wooden lasts, the new ones are all plastic, they are quite heavy and a bit lacking in character and soul.

I got this pair years and years ago when I was still a shoemaking student in Adelaide, we visited an old makers' workshop as he was getting rid of a lot of stuff. I scored a few pairs of old lasts, stacked leather heels, and general bits & bobs.

They are perfect for Helen's long, elegant feet. Instead of being hinged like the new lasts, the cone comes off when you press a hidden spring, Leo thinks that this is such fun to do, he is constantly pressing the little button and clicking the cone section on and off.

My feet are also waiting to get into these Golf Brogues, I have had them on the go for longer than I care to admit. The pattern is almost done, I wish I wasn't such a perfectionist, I am still agonising over millimeters!

Happy inspiration always helps.

Meanwhile the lemon-scented gums outside the studio window do their traditional December thing of shedding bark. Such a contrast in colour and texture.

Hope that you are inspired and industrious too. Don't forget to get some rest though! I should add that to my list.....

Listening to: The Daktaris - Super Afro Beat

Hello crazy colours!

2010-12-04T08:06:00.002+11:00

Yes please!
Just what I need to pep me up after a 5:30 wake-up from Hazel.
She sleeps again now, while I drool over these colorful beauties.
I have so many ideas stashed away in the vault now.....

From Collezioni Accessori as per usual.

For Kate!

2010-11-29T20:46:00.002+11:00

.....because I know that socks and sandals drives her mad!

Thanks to Jo for the fabulous tabi socks, I love them!

Hello Blue!

2010-11-29T12:58:00.002+11:00

Pages from Collezioni Accessori

Today...

2010-11-17T14:41:00.003+11:00

Sick kids = days at home = potential cabin fever

But not today because of the following:

Delicious cups of Lady Grey

Her play mat, courtesy of my pal Paula (these divine quilts are now at Meet me at Mike's)

His play mat, festooned with his favourite plastic

Rising sourdough fruit loaf

Tabi socks and zori

My final huge haul of broad beans, making way for summer plants (the broadies' destiny includes being smashed up with s&p, olive oil, garlic and parmesan, and spread on toast)

Huuuge strawbs, seems that they enjoyed the spring rain thus far.

And yay for snotty Hazel having a big daytime sleep, humidifier does the trick once more!

Listening to: The Blackbyrds - Wilford's Gone

Yellow splendour

2010-11-15T14:24:00.002+11:00

Craft Vic have outdone themselves with this Colour Coded Catalogue.
They are all such clever peeps, I'm loving this pegboard theme.
There I am all rolled up on the right, Postage Belt stylee, near Pene's jaunty oven mitt.

Also, in honour of Hazel's recent colour scheme, Aprons and Hammers is now in fuschia pink and minty green. For a limited time only!

Deck the halls

2010-11-05T08:32:00.009+11:00

Did you notice that it's November? In other words next month is December, which means that my 6 year old is already counting down to Christmas. We do love a festive occasion, and all the trimmings, accoutrements and doo-dads that go along with it. Even though we live in a place that is often so darn HOT at the end of the year, we still love all the traditional imagery that is normally associated with a Northern hemisphere Christmas.

In the spirit of things, I have been madly making my Christmas range since July, I am honestly almost sick of it. Time in the studio is hard to find, as my 7 month old sidekick is a bit too young for glue-sniffing. I have discovered that a shoehorn will only hold her attention for 2 minutes, a leather keyring for an additional 3 mins, and alas, the flickering light through the whirly roof ventilator is only a passing attraction.

Evenings have been spent watching TV while wielding my glue stick (hard to say fast), organising my ebay-ed stamp collection into gift tags. I LOVE THESE! They come in small or large, and each tag features a well-travelled Christmas postage stamp. I have been collecting them from many different countries and adore seeing the ways in which Christmas is celebrated
worldwide. The selection includes traditional festive, religious and contemporary themes.

Small tags - 10 for $12 here.

Large tags 10 for $15 here.

In addition to jazzing up the prezzies, I have also got the tree covered. Behold my awesome blurb as seen on my promotional material...

"The leather Christmas decorations come in three designs; Tree, Owl, and Bauble. Each design is made from kid leather, the Trees and Baubles are top stitched and adorned with Swarovski crystals, and the Owls feature overlaid details and eyelets. Available in gold, metallic red, forest green, pewter, and pearl white, these are a tactile treat for the tree or home."

Resist that if you dare!

If you are in Brisbane, get thee to Artisan, if in Cairns make a bee-line for the Cairns Regional Gallery, Craft Vic have a selection too, or if US dollars are your preferred currency (not that there's much difference at the mo) find them at etsy.

Listening to: Janelle Monae - Tightrope

Shoes of one's own

2010-10-30T20:33:00.005+11:00

The little lady finally fits into the very first pair of shoes I made her brother, all those years ago. They are so darn cute, and soft, and handmade - I get such a thrill out of seeing my kids in shoes that I've made.

It's inevitable that Hazel will be wearing a few of Leo's hand-me-downs, but the styling and colours on his are rather boyish, and so I'm cooking up ideas for her little feet. Plus they were born in opposite seasons, so where he was heading into winter at this age, she is now heading into summer.

I recalled a project in Pip's first book that was about babies' slippers, so last week I rifled through my napkin collection, dusted off the domestic machine and swore my way through the making of these. Yes I still hate sewing with fabric, no I am not getting the iron out to press seams, but I did a victory dance when they were finished! Since then I have been loving her little feet twirling away in them, as if she's showing them off and admiring them, and I dare say I may venture forth and make a few more pairs.

I have relented on the whole pink/girlie colours issue, although we are not going fully saccharine, my favourite colours for her at the moment are minty green with pink. Bless!

My Mum got her these ridiculously fabulous sandals recently, and she is already doing the socks/sandals combo that Leo and I love to sport - our daggy yet super-comfy family tradition.

Listening to: Eli Paperboy Reed - Come and Get It

On my bedside table

2010-09-29T13:11:00.007+10:00

Karl Lagerfeld's studio/library - drool!

Houseboat

Lovely hand-written questions from Todd Selby, and answers from the houseboat lady.

Christian Louboutin's studio - hello handtools!

The Selby is in Your Place, and indeed this book is firmly ensconsed in mine. It is delicious, a peek into the dwellings of fantastically creative and diverse folk, and I love it because it shows how people really live.

No super-styled shots, no sleek make-overs that cause you to wonder where all the everyday detritus is. I love seeing the piles of paper, the electrical cords, the dust, the 'stuff' that accumulates on my benches, and on the benches of others too!

Plus there are stickers, interesting examples of handwriting and drawings, in the form of questions/answers between Mr Selby and his subjects, and detailed but teeny blurbs which defer to the huuuuge amount of cool pics.

Thankyou Mr Fluevog

2010-09-21T16:49:00.001+10:00

I have to get my shoemaking fix somewhere, that was the best 10 mins I've had in ages!

Frustrated, Irritated

2010-09-15T11:42:00.004+10:00

Seems like this 40 mins while Hazel sleeps should be put to better use than typing, maybe doing dishes, cleaning up, hanging with Leo, doing some work on recent projects. BAH! - 40 mins is not enough to do much around here, except catch my breath and prepare for the next 2 hrs while she is up. (NOTE: She actually only slept for 27 mins, I am crushed!)

No doubt the girl child is ruling the roost lately, this attachment parenting gig is exhausting, and I have resorted to reading Gina Ford books found at the oppy and wondering if the 'routine' she describes would really work around here....I have read everything from Pinky to Gina and am a bit overwhelmed. Damn the frequent night-waking!

My kids are learning how to throw a REAL tantrum, courtesy of Mother here, I have been losing it a bit lately and doing a bit of yelling and ranting and other acts of random silliness, I passed a school fete the other day and there was a plate smashing booth, might install one at home....

I might also ban my Google Reader, clean it out and not bother, as it has been an exercise in
a) how to trawl through at rapid speed without reading anything, barely glancing at the pics, just so that it is emptied for the day,

and
b) how to become frustrated at all the creativity and genius that I am now unable to participate in; damn all you clever people!

However, when the kidlets are finally down for the night (or a portion thereof) I do have a project on the go for Xmas......

And I am getting good at turning this....

...into this. Rye sourdough starter baked with spelt flour. Easy peasy, I make 2 loaves at a time and give one away.

Am back into the running though, it is the perfect anti-depressant, and I have discovered that running to talk radio is much easier than running to music. No attempting to match a tempo, no obsessively compiling the 'perfect' mix, and no need to visualise oneself as Rocky in a montage of greatness. Just casual jogging to weather reports, political commentary and general chit-chat.

Just so that you don't go and call DOCS to visit my house, there are smiles too, and gorgeous moments like this, a girl and her rusk in the spring sunshine. If only rusks and cardboard were foods recommended for babies, she much prefers them to rice cereal, pear, apple and carrot.

Listening to: Meshell Ndegeocello - If That's Your Boyfriend LOUD!

When I grow up....

2010-09-08T16:42:00.003+10:00

...I want to live here, at Vladimir and Erica's in New York City.

Via The Selby

Spring things

2010-08-30T14:13:00.004+10:00

Girlie can roll now, and spread the dribbly goodness all over the place - methinks teeth are not far away. She is a funny gal, keeping me rather busy and ensuring that I get to bed early.

We have been baking up a storm, including this black sticky gingerbread cake. Oh yeah - full of molasses and spices.

In a rare moment Hazel slept for three hours the other day, which was so lovely, as Leo and I got to really hang out together. We participated in some tea drinking, got out the paint with water books and I wielded my glue stick and stamp collection for a new project.

Did you used to have paint with water books? I loved them , in fact I still do, just remember not to dip your brush in the tea cup!

So that's us for another couple of weeks, still no government, but it's nice and quiet not hearing the pollies' annoying voices so much. Enjoy your early spring, we are loving the blossoms and bees, longer daylight hours and sun-dried laundry.

More Art Fair Faves

2010-08-09T13:07:00.002+10:00

Proud of Daddy's efforts.

Lace-up madness.

I wonder who liked this Lego piece? Maybe the gents at the bottom of this pic.

$44 000 worth.

Subversive ceramics.

Oooh flocking, I wanna touch it!

Better late than never!

2010-08-09T12:06:00.002+10:00

Finally finished Leo's boots on the weekend, a triumph for me, followed by a quick deflation, after he announced that he wouldn't wear them. Apparently they are 'winching up' his ankles, which I take to meant that they are uncomfortable.

I remember getting new shoes as a kid, some that I really hated, they were so stiff and there was no way I wanted to put them on, but the parents made it abundantly clear that they were to be worn.

I don't feel that I can be an ogre about this pair, even though I'm taking it a tad personally, maybe I'll suggest that he wear them for 10 mins per day, and see if the 'winching up' issue subsides.

No doubt they are a bit more challenging than the elastic sided boots he's been wearing all winter, these require lace savvy fingers, but there's no time like the present to learn how to tie laces. That's another lesson I recall learning about the age of 6, I remember procrastinating about tying my shoes, Mum getting exasperated and saying 'for God's sake Emma, I've shown you how, just bloody tie them!'. Bloody was a big swear word at our place, so I knew she was serious.

Meanwhile the small girl screams in protest at being put to bed, I'm amazed how babies resist sleep so defiantly, even when it's darn obvious that they're completely exhausted. Another lesson to be learned!

Still here

2010-08-05T14:08:00.003+10:00

Hello all, so glad to see you again, it's been a busy time here. I have missed le blog, but some days there is just no time to do it justice, I like a bit of quality not quantity.

Obviously we have been to the Art Fair, indeed we have been held hostage by art recently, but are now breaking free and having more time in the schedule for other things - it's all about balance, y'know?

Hazie Dazie is nearly 4 months, and is a sweetheart, at her last weigh in she had grown 7 cm longer, damn, no wonder those grow suits have been stretched to the max! I have managed (post Masterchef) to get her into bed in the evenings, and am ekeing out a tiny but oh-so-delicious bit of me time, how I have missed it.

So during this winter spent so close to home we have been eating and eating, sourdough by the tonne, Family Assorted biscuits, apple and rhubarb crumble, but I have decided to take the plunge and learn to bake my own bread.

My first couple of forays have been a bit dense, methinks the yeast really does prefer a warm spot to rise best, I am determined to persevere, and am thinking of doing some classes at the Abbotsford Convent bakery.

Have also been consuming yoghurt in vast quantities, and am making that in my EasiYo thermos, anything with Yo in the name has got to be good.

To balance all the eating I have entered into my first run since before Hazel, it's only 4km, but I am really looking forward to it, spending that time on my own and listening to the old iShuffle.

Reading the 6th book in the 44 Scotland Street series by the extra-prolific Alexander McCall Smith, also devouring the latest Dumbo Feather of course.

Listening to A Tribe Called Quest and getting excited about seeing them next Thursday at Festy Hall.

Drinking cups and cups of Lady Grey, walking around the wintry streets spying magnolias, daphne, hebe, prunus, hellebore, spring is not far away.

Great to give you the update, now the Little Miss is awake and demanding attention, see you again soon! xxx

Random Art Fair Faves

2010-08-05T11:16:00.004+10:00

Beautifully blue with Swarovski crystals as buttons

Laser cut ply - yes, again, but with spikes/scalectrix theme

Hanging basket in a stack of encyclopedias (encyclopediae?)

Hose clamps as embroidery hoops

Supremely matte felt-covered frames

Lattice woven figure

Two bags full o' treats

Melbourne Art Fair - so much creativity and inspiration - it finishes Sunday, so go and visit!

Art Fair - Mr Chuck Close

2010-08-05T11:13:00.002+10:00

Close
Closer
Closest

Gotta love a Chuck Close in the flesh, those colourful lozenges are just too good! How does he do it? Methinks he's a genius.

I spy....

2010-08-05T11:00:00.002+10:00

Clifton Hill......

Luscious bike.....

Upon closer inspection.....

Oh boy! Philatelic bicicletta - I am loving it!

Due to the mauve Oury grips and the polka dot seat, I thought the owner was a gal, but when I asked at the shop where it was locked up, apparently it is owned by a boy, one who obviously has great taste!

'Scuse the liberal use of exclamation points, I feel that this one deserves it.

Degrees of Difficulty

2010-07-21T11:23:00.007+10:00

So everybody is crocheting now, it's so easy, so quick, it's decorative without being too difficult, you can make such a variety of work, from flat fabrics to three dimensional motifs - what's not to love?

Well, I'll tell you now, a badly written pattern is the absolute pits. There I was thinking that I could casually whip up a crocheted dress for Hazie Dazie, when the harsh reality sunk in that I would actually have to concentrate, deciphering the 1970's Golden Hands instructions for what the heck I was meant to be doing.

I started this dress a week after she was born and only just finished - 3 months, ouch!

So what was so hard? For starters, the dress is worked in vertical rows, increasing in stitch height to the hem for fullness, the sleeves are worked as part of the body with seams closed at the end, the stripes add to the mayhem of the pattern and - it all got a bit crazy. It was not a relaxing breezy project, it was more like a much grumbled about complex homework assignment. Blah.

Next time I would make it in one colour, to avoid the constant changing, oh who am I kidding, there will be no next time for this pattern! Once I had finished it I realised that there was meant to be a neck opening somewhere, it fits over her head now but not for long.

She models it well, and it keeps her rather cosy, even if she does look like a Tudor extra from Blackadder with those puffy sleeves, but the real insult to my hard work was watching it get covered in drool and casual baby spew.

Let it go Emma!

Listening to: Ty - Wait
Best damn UK MC in a loooong time!

From Paula

2010-07-14T15:42:00.003+10:00

My pal Paula recently got back from Vietnam and Bali, and these were brought back for me! She knows me too well, I have sorted many stamps at her place, so these are a real treat. The Vietnamese stamps tend to be rather large, and when I use them in a belt they end up getting cropped, but I think these ones are a bit too spesh to use!

Loving the goldfish, I have always had goldfish in the house, in fact, when I was six I won two fish in a colouring in competition and they lived for 14 years!! Their names were Nipper and Pluto. We have a couple of goldfish now, but one of them lost all her colour, and now she is silvery. Hazel watches them from her bassinette as she gently drifts off to sleep.

Speaking of the wee girl, she is currently learning how to sleep on her own. I have been a rather attached parent for three months now, and simply cannot carry her around all the time! So at the moment while she is sleeping (fingers crossed), Leo and I have been playing the Star Wars Lego game on the computer. We are stuck on one level that we can never make it through. I do all the movement of Anakin, and Leo does the jumping and lightsabering, it gets a bit hectic!

I tried to take advantage of the fact that Hazie was asleep, we played over and over, and really gave those droids what for, but in the frenzy we kept making mistakes and reading the advice of, 'much have you to learn, young one'. Up yours Yoda, we deserve to make it to the next level!

Listening to: Heard 'Em Say - Kanye West

Leo's Lego Lab

2010-07-12T09:40:00.003+10:00

Leo's very own blog has been featured over on Pepper Stitches today, sharing the fine company of five other 'man bloggers', including Dudecraft and Draw Dimension. As Leo would say, 'that's so awesome!'

Let's hear it for the boys!

I spy....

2010-07-07T09:14:00.004+10:00

....with my little eye, something beginning with b.

In the Coburg Mall a few weeks ago, a spectrum of bras festooning a wintry tree!

I love it!

Listening to: Dexter Gordon - Backstairs

The Utmost for the Highest

2010-06-26T15:46:00.003+10:00

Yes peeps, that's the motto for the high school I went to in the late 80's. It seems a certain ex-Unley student really took that motto to heart, becoming none other than the first female PM, Julia Gillard! We are all crowing about having attended the same school, and no doubt the latter part of this week has seen Unley High with flushed, proud cheeks.

Regardless of your politics, it's a huge deal, now we just have to elect her proper, right?

Sam Jinks

2010-06-20T12:15:00.004+10:00

Our beloved Sam works hard.

He is so driven to create perfection, he gives himself grey hairs. (We think that he looks rather distinguished and handsome).

'The Embrace' is one of the pieces that will be showing at Karen Woodbury Gallery, Albert St, Richmond, from June 30th to July 24th.

Hope that you can attend, and see what fine forms this man creates with his bare hands, as Leo says, 'Dad you're a genius!'

Grandma Lucy

2010-06-20T11:47:00.004+10:00

This is my maternal Grandma Lucy, in her late teens, being goofy somewhere in Murray Bridge, South Australia. I'm guessing that this photo was taken in the late 1920s or early 1930s.

I love it so much, for so many reasons. Old family photos tend to be rather severe and posed, but here is Lucy playing the fool and looking so happy and natural. She was reported to have been a very feisty, stylish and humorous woman, and although I got to see her many times once we arrived from the UK in 1978, I never really got to know her, as she had dementia long before I was born.

I tend to take after my father in the looks and physique department, but I can always see the resemblance in photos of Lucy; this one is so much like me, I may as well have dressed up and posed for the photo myself.

Alas, I wish I had known her, or been her friend back in the day, to have shared a joke with Lucy Monaghan would have been a fine thing, and I'm so glad that my kids know their Granny Colleen.

At Ikea

2010-06-14T12:04:00.003+10:00

Not sure exactly why I'm so surprised, but these crocheted motifs sell at Ikea for less than $6 for a pack of five.

Made in India.

I know how long it takes to crochet something like that......$6 doesn't even come close!

What are your thoughts?

Another look-see

2010-06-12T12:18:00.004+10:00

If you missed the Printemps boots first time around, there's now another chance to see them at MAS Gallery 1299 High St Malvern. Featuring the works of 16 artists using a huge range of media, this show runs from today to the 27th June, open daily from 10am-5pm.

I've also included this second version of Fiesta, and a few belts for good measure (terrible accidental pun).

Progress and Perspective

2010-06-11T15:56:00.004+10:00

As you know I have not been in the studio much at all lately, my time there has been limited to occasionally walking in, inhaling the aroma of leather and saying 'hello studio, I miss you'.

This past week my Mum was visiting, and although I hardly tackled any of the things on my to-do list, I managed to grab an hour on Weds to get Leo's boots lasted. The poor boy is so committed to handmade that he has been wearing his robot sandals with socks during these colder days!

The first thing I noticed after my return to the studio was that my apron fits me again. No more giant belly to attempt to cover - yeehar! Also saw a friendly huntsman who has claimed the dry space for his/her own, don't blame them in this weather.

Anyways it was good to flex the ol' shoemaking muscles again, to get the muscle memory happening and watch my hands do this thing that they know so well.

I used leatherboard stiffeners in these boots, I have a huge box of them from the stash a la Giorgio, and they are the perfect size for Leo at the moment. As they are pre-formed, they were a dream to work with, although I did have to alter my method slightly. Instead of putting the stiffener in first and then getting everything underway, I put the upper on the last, got the lining lasted and then slid the stiffener in using PVA glue. Neat and tidy.

The blue leather is rather heavy, perfect for a busy 5 year old, but not so great for fine pleating on a narrow toe shape. I plan to cover any bumps with a high randing, which is the strip of leather that runs around the edge of the shoe, before the sole goes on. Technical speak ahoy.

The self esteem of this crafter has been boosted considerably with this wee session of shoemaking, I have been participating in a conversation about mothering and creativity over at Rachel Powers' blog, she of The Divided Heart fame. I've also been giving a bit of shoemaking advice to Olesya in the USA, so I'm not entirely going to waste!

Hope that you are warm and well, we have the heater on and are watching The Triplets of Belleville.

Five Faves

2010-06-05T15:38:00.009+10:00

Garlic
I am planting my second lot now, in total I have about 50 cloves in. There's nothing better than fresh garlic, I've also planted brown onions and broad beans. Each of these crops are no-brainers in our yard of low maintenance.

Victoria Mason
I can't wear long earrings for a while, at least until Hazel has stopped grabbing fistfuls of everything. So Victoria's Apple a Day stud earrings are the perfect thing for lobe adornment. Easy peasy ordering and delivery at Vic's webshop.

Going Postal
I have always been a letter-writer, and it seems that there is a growing nostalgia for the hand written and posted variety of communication. It may not be instant, but it's full of charm and thought. Resurrecting this past-time is Ms Zeitgeist herself, Pip, who has a helluva postal project going on. Do join in!
I also received another stash of international stamps from Carleton Uni in Ottawa, thanks Karen. Even Leo is getting in on the act, his Dragon Hoodie arrived in the post this week, fresh from Paul and Paula kids clothing.

Visits from Granny
The gang is back together every time my Mum visits from Adelaide. Hazel is getting to know her Granny, as there is loads of cuddle time, although her eyes follow me around the room, it's ultra-flattering to be reminded that I am Hazel's everything.

Getting things done
Finally Helen has her Tango shoes, I finished them yesterday and can now cross them off my list! Hurrah, I love making shoes, but as it takes so damn long I get a bit sick of them by the end, and really love getting them out of my studio.

Excursions

2010-05-31T12:01:00.005+10:00

Leo found a scooter in hard rubbish. We got some new grips for it and he's off, learning how to balance. We go for walks with Hazel in the sling, she has a snooze and we take in all the sights. It's good to live slow sometimes, checking out gardens, houses, clouds and the 'fresh country air' as Leo says.

Lovely autumn colour in Clifton Hill. Luminous.

Hazel sucking her fists, at Williamstown beach. We always go to this beach in summer, but had a day there last week, the whole place was deserted and it really recharged my batteries. Love that interface of land, sky and sea.

Listening to: A Tribe Called Quest - Excursions

On my bedside table

2010-05-26T16:28:00.005+10:00

Scuse the tiny photo, but in real life this book is a chunky hardback bible of goodness. Here's the blurb:

'Shoes for the Moscow Circus is an atmospheric, lyrical look behind the scenes of a number of Australian trades and industries, many of which are fast disappearing in the modern world.

Arts writer Leta Keens, with photographer Oliver Strewe, visited more than 25 factories and workshops -- including an umbrella maker and cricket ball factory, a taxidermist and a bicycle maker, a tannery and a dolls' hospital -- and discovered far more than simply the history and processes involved in these trades. With an engagingly readable style, she also tells the stories of the characters who inhabit these intriguing and often little known worlds.'

I've been slowly making my way through this Mother's Day pressie as I feed Hazel, in fact I am getting a lot of reading done during this time, it's rather lovely. If you're interested in traditional crafts and professions, get this book, it is a divine look at some amazing trades, some of which are on their way out, and some who have luckily found their niche.

Listening to: Lisa Mitchell - Clean White Love

Slow Craft

2010-05-19T17:07:00.006+10:00

Things are happening, albeit very slowly.

It feels like such an achievement to just do the dishes, so getting belts made is a bonus!
My studio is in our backyard, uninsulated, ie too cold for Hazel, so I've been crafting at the kitchen table in crappy incandescent light, but with the heater on.

I really miss the studio, did manage to get out there for 10 mins today, but I'm mostly doing other things for now. At the moment Hazel is fairly portable, and will sleep anywhere, with any noise, but she prefers to sleep on me, so crafting is difficult to accomplish, being a mostly two handed pursuit.

My baby sling has proven to be invaluable, it's the only time I get to crochet, I am actually having crochet withdrawal; twitchy fingers, longing glances at my crochet bag, thoughts of things to make banking up in my head, it's trés frustrating. Doesn't help that I have been visiting Attic24, she's all about the colourful crochet, in abundance, and with two kids and a young baby I don't know how she pulls it off.

I'm also having a blog crisis, I started this blog with the idea that it was all about shoemaking and related crafting, but here I am not able to really make progress in that department. I have held out for so long against being a mummy blogger (not that there's anything wrong with that), and am reluctant to make this space all about teething and sleep routines, but it just happens to be my world right now, so there will be a bit of that creeping in. Sorry!

Cairns Regional Gallery

2010-05-17T10:48:00.003+10:00

Came across an old high school friend who now runs the Cairns Regional Gallery. Lo and behold, Postage Belts are now stocked in far north Queensland!

Large - Patent grey leather, sea creatures theme.

Medium - Navy leather, bird, insect and flower theme.

Small - Black leather, Aussie flowers theme.

Colour

2010-05-13T10:07:00.005+10:00

All pinched from The Selby.

This is the Brooklyn apartment of Malene Barnett, a carpet designer. She has great taste in colour!

Makes me feel cheerful, which is really something as I feel like shite today.

Listening to: Sharon Jones - Inspiration Information

Five Faves

2010-05-07T17:03:00.007+10:00

Hot water bottle.
I have to admit that as the sun goes down I get a little touch of melancholia, thinking of my no-doubt sleepless nights ahead with Hazel. Being up during the night with a baby feels so darn lonely, but one of the things that makes it better is my trusty hot water bottle, encased in an old and much loved chinese silk cover. Aaah, thank you hot water bottle.

Knee high socks.
I have posted before about my love of socks, especially knee highs. Jo recently sent me a pair from Japan which are fabulously resplendent with red and blue hounds-tooth pattern. Am in denial that they need washing....

David Sedaris.
Oh boy, what's not to love about Mr Sedaris? I was lucky enough to see him at Hamer Hall a few months ago, how great it is to share a laugh with a packed theatre of happy folk. As it turns out I am laughing so much reading 'When You Are Engulfed In Flames' that I interrupt Hazel while she's feeding. She gives me a look of disdain each time my chortles distract her from her task. Sorry babe.

Mandarines.
Small, portable, easy to peel, nutritious, sweet and sour - let's face it, mandarines are the most cheerful fruit.

Cardigans.
Breastfeeding and cardigans are the perfect combination. I can no longer wear dresses, but my cardis are coming in very handy right now. The red woolly op-shopped one is my fave, am also in denial that it needs washing.....

image from here

BLAM!

2010-05-06T16:20:00.004+10:00

I adore Colourlovers.
Here's a pic from a recent post, this image is from Rio de Janeiro.

This is the official blurb.

'Four cities across the world recently got a lotta color lovin' from a new worldwide community initiative that is set on coloring in the world, the Let's Colour Project. Created to "inspire people to reclaim their surroundings and regenerate them with a splash of colour," the Let's Colour Project began in Rio De Janeiro and traveled to Paris, London then to Jodhpur, India.'

Visit this post and see other fabulous images here.

Listening to: Flight of the Conchords - Business Time
Love the business socks line!

Brand spanking new

2010-04-30T10:39:00.004+10:00

Medium - Leafy Sea Dragon in Chocolate Brown leather.

Medium - Mixed International stamps in burgundy and grey, in burgundy leather.

The belts have been going gangbusters since the piece in the Age, so I've updated the Shoppe with these new beauties! Yay commerce!

Just Ordered

2010-04-30T10:16:00.003+10:00

Organic soy jersey and Japanese fabric wrap hoodie via Isla New York.

Can't wait!

Five Faves

2010-04-22T16:20:00.007+10:00

Frankie Magazine
Pip's project is ace, Gemma's smiley self and home are gorgeous, the vintage caravans are on my wishlist.

Autumn leaves down Rathdowne St
Balmy sunny days combined with leaf flurries, beautiful autumn colour and thoughts of cosy times to come.

Crochet for babies
Got me some baby yarn from the Bendigo Woollen Mills. 200gm balls are extra generous and so well priced. Ruby and Junior Navy for a dress for my lil' girl. Pattern from this styling Golden Hands book.

Dirty Jobs/ Masterchef
Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs is our main man, he's on ABC2 at 6:30 weeknights, getting dirty in so many witty ways and teaching us stuff to boot. I am not shy to say that he is hugely crush-worthy, and I am more than willing to be flexible on dinner times and eating locations in order to catch this show.
Don't need to say much about Masterchef, except that Leo got out of bed to come and watch the first night, he was that excited. He wants to try making a Beef Wellington. Good luck!

Beci Orpin's show at Lamington Drive
We love Lam Drv, and try to catch every show there. Likewise we love Gorker. And who doesn't love Beci Orpin, especially a colour-loving spectrum-crazed woman such as myself? Hoping to get one of these beauties as a well-deserved Mother's Day present for myself. Because I'm worth it.

Just thought I'd mention that I typed this one-handed under a sleeping babe, it only took half an hour!

Guru Feat. Chaka Khan - Watch What You Say

2010-04-21T11:45:00.001+10:00

RIP Guru, many of my best memories have a Gangstarr/Guru soundtrack.