Wild weekend

This weekend has flown and I am about to get on the train to Sydney, ready for Springboard tomorrow. I am a bit nervous I must admit... and haven't 'studied' or anything like that really for about 15 years.

Friday night we had friends over for dinner and it was great fun. Saturday I was going to have a day off... but was a bit nervous so I decided to make myself a new tote for Springboard. It is made from gorgeous chrysanthemum fabric in greys, pinks, blacks and a little blue by Osbourne & Little. This was contrasted with 2 different upholstery fabrics and I used recycled buckles for the handles of the bag. There are a few compartments inside too. I just love it but its much heavier than the other totes I make.

Then I couldn't stop... So I made Sheba scarf - a new development in my range of goodies. This morning I made Leura. These scarves are both coming with me to Springboard over the next few days. I'm really excited about them. Leura has beautiful beading along the bottom of both ends. They are a bit fun and a bit glam!

Buy local...

Yes, I have already posted today but I subscribe to SMH's Small Business newsletter (highly recommend it for any other small business out there) and just had to post this article. It's so hard for us 'small fry' to compete and this really shows it. So, where possible, buy from your corner store or buy independent! We can all make a difference and there is always a W shopping centre in every second suburb but our local shops are disappearing...

Small retailers must hunker down
Michael Baker | March 28, 2009

January was an interesting month in Australian retail but for smaller retailers it might better be described as chilling.

While overall retail sales increased by 8.1% on a year-over-year basis, sales made by small retailers (i.e. not retail chains) increased by only 4.9%. This compared with a 10.4% gain for the chains. The sales ``wedge'' of 5.5% between small and large retailers was the largest since March 2005, when small retailers collectively suffered an absolute sales decline in
the middle of the last retail slowdown.

The other nasty statistic that surfaced in the ABS's January numbers was that sales for small food retailers increased by a meagre 1.0%, while sales for the food chains (Woolworths, Coles et al.) increased by 10.8%.

These small food retailers are your fruit and vegie shops, bakeries, butchers and sundry other operators that battle it out with supermarkets. They had a huge windfall from rising food prices and a consumer boom last year.

Wholesale food prices rose sharply for much of the year partly because of the drought. Retailers were able for the most part to pass along these increases to consumers. This meant not only higher sales for the retailers but fatter profits as well, since the extra sales could be leveraged over a more or less fixed operating expense base.

January's results suggest that the party could be over. Retailers now have to face a more price-sensitive Australian consumer who has just had his pocket picked both by the Reserve Bank of Australia and by the commercial banks that hold their home mortgages.

Consumer confidence has gone from mindless insouciance to suicidal gloom in the space of six months. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment crashed by almost 10% in March from an already low base, putting it at its lowest level in 15 years.

Needless to say consumers are in no mood for further rises in food prices. Actually, they will probably get price increases anyway whether they like it or not (for reasons I shall presently explain), but retailers that don't absorb some or all of the increase at wholesale will lose market share to those that do.

Large supermarket chains can cushion some of the blow at wholesale because they have more market power and can in any event offset the blow to consumers on the store periphery by keeping prices low in the middle aisles.

Smaller food retailers are at a distinct disadvantage and this disadvantage may be a long-term phenomenon. The reason is not that Australia will necessarily experience an extended dowturn, but that food inflation is becoming structurally entrenched in the world economy and small food retailers are at risk of becoming increasingly uncompetitive.

Only a few days ago the head of Nestle said the diversion of grain crops to produce biofuels would be a catastrophe for world food supplies. Financial incentives for biofuel production are already driving up the prices of corn, wheat and soy beans.

The problem is of course that rising prices for grain crops don't just increase the price of bread and hot cross buns; they drive price inflation for meat and dairy products because they are also used for animal feed.

And it gets worse. Many believe that global climate change is responsible for a growing number of unpredictable climatic "events,'' such as drought and flooding. If so, these will cause random, unforeseeable and devastating damage to crops and livestock, as they have done here in Australia in recent months.

If that's not enough to convince you that food prices are going to rise then consider how Asia's increasingly affluent millions are switching their caloric intake from starch to protein (i.e. eating less rice and more meat), further pressuring world supplies and prices of grain and livestock.

Who wins and who loses in the food business as a result of a structural food inflation? As I've said, small independent food retailers will be under great pressure. So too will sellers of premium branded products and organics.

Supermarket chains with significant market power and with a higher proportion of private label products (house brands) will cope better because the retail prices for these items are generally lower while margins are still good. In an inflationary scenario the supermarket penetration of private label products is likely to increase worldwide.

First things first though. Right now we have a cranky Australian consumer who's just opened another letter from the bank telling him his mortgage payments are going up again. This mugging-by-mail may continue a while yet, so small retailers had better hunker down and tighten their belts.

Michael Baker is a global retail and property analyst and consultant.
He can be contacted at: Michael_Baker@earthlink.net.

Friday - the week's almost done...

Last night I hardly slept. I was so happy to hear that I got a grant from Regional Arts NSW for Springboard. It's such a relief as I didn't know where I was going to find the money but the entrepreneurship is so important to me!

My mind was buzzing with ideas and things to do. I am going into Sydney Sun-Thurs to study, catch up with it all, etc. It's great that Karie got in as well so we can be study buddies!


Today I got up and made Lilly Belle (above). She is made from gorgeous recycled fine upholstery fabric and some recycled trim with hand-sewn buttons. As I was so delirious about getting the grant, Lilly Belle is made with so much happiness and love! She is perfect for a wedding or a special day out and available on my website.

Tonight I am making roast lamb for friends. It has been so cold that I think the fire will be on and lashings of red wine served.... mmm....

Attitude Magazine!

Yay! Yesterday I discovered that I am featured in Attitude Magazine (no. 58). They had asked me questions ages ago so I had forgotten about it. I'm glad to see I am in good company with Made By White.

I will uploading more bags today and tomorrow and have split my shop site up into new categories, clutches, handbags, ballerina bags, totes, exclusive. Check them out! There will be a very exciting competition coming up soon too so stay tuned.

NOTE: Its Thursday night 5pm and I just found out that I got the Regional Arts Grant for my Springboard application!!! I'm ecstatic! I have never applied for a grant before...

Lunch today at Common Ground again with Angela (and walking Nelly the dog up there). Mum had saved an article on them from Mon 24 March Sydney Morning Herald about Common Ground at the Easter Show...

They are certainly getting a lot of attention but being at the cafe, I haven't noticed anyone mentioning their religion or pushing it down your throat. Scapegoats or appropriate? Decide for yourself... check it out below:


Sect woos recruits among the fairy floss at Easter Show
Tim Elliott
March 24, 2008

AMONG the fairy floss and fun rides at this year's Royal Easter Show, one of the most popular attractions is the Common Ground cafe, a wholefood outlet that specialises in organic breads and barramundi burgers.

The show's website touts the cafe's "unique flavours and energy", calling it "a must for every showgoer".

But the Common Ground cafe is one of several businesses owned and operated by the Community Apostolic Order, also known as the Twelve Tribes, a messianic Christian sect accused by former members of harsh child discipline which in some cases could amount to child abuse, family break-up and thought control.

"The Twelve Tribes is a destructive cult that tears families apart," said a former member, Matthew Klein. "They're using the Easter Show to recruit new members and hand out their pamphlets."

Founded in 1971 in Tennessee by a former carnival barker called Elbert Eugene Spriggs, the 3000-strong group has been embroiled in several high-profile scandals overseas. Members in the US were convicted recently of child sex offences and child labour violations.

"This is a secretive group that's causing grief to a lot of people," said David Millikan, a Uniting Church minister and cult expert. "Their whole history is surrounded by untold stories of destruction."

In Australia, former members tell of child beatings and slave-like working conditions. "It's exploitative," says George, a former ex-member who worked at the cafe in 2001. "You're brainwashed, working up to 20 hours a day baking bread and setting up the cafe, and you don't see a cent."

Mr Klein, who helped set up the cafe in 2001, said there was never any "workers' comp, insurance or superannuation paid … and it's dangerous work: we were all sleep-deprived and carrying around pieces of steel that weighed up to 500 kilograms, with no proper training and no crane."

The group has 60 members in Australia. Most live on a nine-hectare property at Picton. Members are encouraged to surrender all possessions upon joining. They cannot marry outside the group, and have no access to newspapers, magazines or TV.

"You're told that if you leave the cult you'll go to hell," Mr Klein said. "If you talk out against them, you get cut off from family members who are still in there. And if you kick up too much of a stink, they just move you to one of their tribes overseas."

Harsh discipline is one of the group's central tenets, as detailed in their 267-page Child Training Manual. Written by Spriggs (aka Yoneq), the manual claims that "the rod is an instrument of love", and that "you must make it hurt enough to produce the desired result".

Beatings are administered with a balloon stick on the bare bottom or hands, which, the manual claims, produces a pain "that goes deep into the child, right to the heart, like electricity".

"The beatings were quite constant," said Michael Curry, who spent a year at the Picton commune.

"When I got out I went to DOCS with my complaints, but they said I needed evidence."

He also raised his concerns with the Royal Easter Show, "asking whether it was appropriate that this group be at such a family friendly event. They just shrugged their shoulders."

The show's chief executive, Michael Collins, said he was not aware of any complaints. "All I know is that the cafe has been here for 10 years and they're one of the most popular outlets. Everyone loves their food."

Peter Baker (aka Nathaniel), an elder of the Twelve Tribes in Picton, defended the group: "We are devoted believers in Jesus Christ, and we use the Old Testament as the blueprint for our lives."

Totes... lots 'n' lots a totes

I have been updating my website to include totes created that didn't sell over the weekend. There are a lot of new bags online now so check em out! Later this week I hope to get new ballerina bags, handbags and clutches up.

I've played around a bit with the site but want to redesign it as soon as I get a chance.

Washing machine update: $270 dollars later... stupid computer chip!

Back home

It's Tuesday night now - we have been back in the Blue Mountains for a couple of hours. Sore, tired, but glad to be home. The rain is lovely and its cooooolllld.

Last night it bucketed down with rain at Wagga Wagga and didn't stop the whole drive back to the Mountains. It was lovely to hear the locals exclaiming about all the rain in the country towns! Today I picked up cute leopard print ballet flats for $3 second hand and a fab Sussan wrap cotton jumper for $7. The second hand places in country towns are really fun.

So far since we have been home I have written a grant application for Springboard, tried 400 different combinations to get the stupid washing machine going, and flung our stuff everywhere. Tomorrow I will start loading up bags that didn't sell in Melbourne - so check out my site regularly.

As for the washing machine, I have pulled it all apart, checked taps, filters, etc, but I think its time to call in a professional. Its a 6 year old front loader LG machine - but its computerised. If you are ever thinking of purchasing something computerised in the way of white goods, I would suggest looking at the old fashioned dial and twist turn knobs. We sort of bang and yell at the stupid lights that go on and off. It's really quite annoying. There is washing piled high everywhere as Mum (who minded our house while we went to Melbourne for the week) couldn't work the machine and had friends staying, so there is sheets, towels, etc here and there and we still haven't unpacked our smelly clothes!

Melbourne : Sunday

Photo from www.ee.oulu.fi

It's now Sunday night and we are both pooped. Today we raced to meet some friends for breakfast at Fitzroy (Corn & Chive Fritters with bacon, tomato and home-made hot apple chutney, Steven had a huge breakfast that had chat potatoes but didn't think it was as good as his effort the other morning) then raced to the city to meet my cousin Maya and her boyfriend. We couldn't find a cafe in Melbourne that was open, or if it was open it was swarming so we ended up at... Starbucks! How sad for us in a great city like Melbourne!

Then we came home and CRASHED! I have just woken up at 6:30pm and we have decided we are too tired to do another thing. I always get a sad feeling at the end of a trip, and Steven has said the same. So we really should think about trying to book in a couple of days in the next month or so, making sure there is always something fun to look forward to, even if its just camping or something quite cheap.

Melbourne is fantastic, though, if you are thinking of a trip. I highly recommend you choose a normal weekend, not a long / public holiday weekend as the Melbourners all seem to disappear and shut their shops. (What a Sydney-sider I am, assuming all will be open as it usually is at home!)

And yes, we both can see that Melbourne would be a great place to live and run my business from. But it's just another city and we are offered so much in the Blue Mountains too.

Tomorrow morning we head back to Wagga, where we will be staying again (though this time at the City Motel, off the highway, which will not be quite the same as our first night away...)

Melbourne : Saturday

It's been so busy done here in Melbourne! Yesterday was Rose Street Markets. It was quiet but I still did ok and glad to hear some people came specially to the Market to find me. If you haven't been to the market, it's well worth it, just for the food bar alone! I managed to eat a ricotta pastry, good tea and coffee, meatball sandwich with homemade mayonaise and spinach on lebanese bread, and more. Apparently, the Mum of the guys that run it makes all the food.

I didn't buy anything (was very very good) but the market is fantastic. Very good quality stalls and interesting items. Steven bought a fab belt and crazy wallet made from recycled materials.

Thanks to everyone who came down to especially say hello! It's so nice meeting new people and all the designers I've chatted to online but never met.

Last night we went out to meet my long time girlfriend Alex and her friends in Melbourne. We met up at one of the bars in Federation Square (god that place is UGLY) then had dinner at Beer De Luxe which was huge gourmet burgers for around $8 with chips and very expensive international beers. We ate these while sitting outside at night, watching everyone milling around for the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and there was a movie playing on the big screen. Now, you wouldn't get that sort of value in Sydney.

We then headed off to the bar in the Theatre next to the Art Gallery in Southbank. Sam was djing down there and it looked like we were going to go all night when Steven and I flaked and had to head home. Today is breakfast with friends, then lunch with my cousin in the city. Phew!

I bought these Crocs in Wangaratta which are so comfy for $59.95, then checked online at the Crocs store and they retail for $39.95. I have been ripped off! But they are really lovely and very comfortable. So much for saying I'd prefer to buy in a nice little town like that to help the local economy. They certainly saw an idiot heading their way!

Melbourne : Friday

Peta Pledger dress

Today was spent visiting old friends and meeting new. First caught up with Kirk, then Tadhg at his great second hand bookstore, 'Fully Booked', in Thornbury, where we bought up big. These books are so reasonably priced and there is a great selection. Oh, if anyone see's them, I'm looking for a copy of Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" and "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson.

This bookstore is such an inspiration to us as its been started from nothing (like my business) and is done on a budget but has its own edge. These guys live on a shoestring space-wise, but it shows if you want it, you can do it! The rents here in Melbourne are so much more reasonable than Sydney and if I can ever do it, I reckon a shop in Melbourne could be a future development.

Lunch was The Vegie Bar, a fab vegetarian joint in Fitzroy - I can highly recommend their Italiano pizza (with yummy baked pumpkin) with a glass of white wine... mmm... Steven had a vego burrito which I stole all the guacomole from (nice and low fat).

This afternoon I caught up with the lovely Peta Pledger, who makes divine retro dresses and shirts. I will get something made one day! She's measured me up and knows all the tricks and best ways to flatter figures. All handmade by her and I must say, she finishes them so beautifully. Another way to buy beautiful Australian-made clothes.

Tomorrow is Rose Street Market - so hoping there is a good response. Fitzroy is so00 happening! Love it!

Springboard

After so much umming and ahhing about the various entrepreneurships going, I have just found out about my application to Springboard. I got in! This starts week beginning Monday 31st March so its all a bit overwhelming.

We had our first night in Melbourne last night. The city is really wonderful. We ate dumplings, vegetarian pancakes with chilli sauce and 2 beers for $22 (!) at Shanghai Dumpling in a little laneway in the city. Then had the best coffee and baked ricotta cake at Pellegrinis for $10. If you have never been to Pellegrinis on Bourke St, I highly recommend you get there. It's fantastic! I am just sad its closed for the rest of the weekend while we are here.

Today its more adventure and excitement, visiting friends and checking out more of the city and surrounds. Lots of walking but lots of beautiful food and treats...

Steven is now creating breakfast, something he has been craving for a while since eating at Niche Nosh in Katoomba: potato rosti. Sort of potato bake into eggs. Its really good.

Wagga Wagga and on

We are now in Melbourne! Last night we arrived at the beautiful Little Bunda Cottages just outside Wagga Wagga. This cottage was absolutely 5 star and a real treat. We quickly settled in, got the white wine opened and sat on the deck watching the sun set and the cows milling about.


It was hard to leave it! But we wanted to get going. There were more second hand shops and still more driving to get to Melbourne. I had a couple of my appointments and an interview cancelled. A shame, but then I really do need a break so its not too bad!


This gorgeous club lounge (above) was very comfy. The place even came with homemade cookies which I scoffed way too many of.


So Melbourne here we come... we had heard that it was really hot here but its cold and windy. Hmm.... deciding what to eat tonight!

Clutches today

Mary Rose and Petaluma are 2 clutches that Karen has been helping me sew. Aren't they wonderful!? She also has some great ideas on finishes that I am always keen to hear about. Unfortunately she has hurt her back so no more clutches til I come back from Melbourne on 25th March.

Everything is pretty much packed and I am very tired today. Sat up til midnight sewing buttons, buttonholes and my thumbs last night, while watching scarey Crime & Investigation channel on digital (which I am addicted to even though its so frightening!). Starting to see double so will stop now.

Bye!

New bags

I have been busy sewing all weekend to take some interesting bags to Melbourne this week. I have made 4 beautiful bags out of exclusive fabrics. It would be fun to do an evening/dressy range... mmmm....

These fabrics are beautiful to work with. Rather than sticking a magnetic clasp in them, I have used an old fashioned bow to secure the top of the bag (see below). This bag below also has some lovely embroidered trim.

This bag belo, 'Cecily', is for sale on my site. She is just lovely!

I also bought some fab tea towels on the weekend from Freedom, Laughing Bird. These make really beautiful gifts, screenprinted in the Blue Mountains. Check her work out!

Copyright and copying

In a landmark case, a judge has ruled that this Lili dress (right) is a copy of this Review dress (left). SMH March 9, 2008

I read this article in The Age last weekend by Liz Porter and forgot all about it but wanted to share it with you. It is quite exciting as all designers do like to see how others make their product (call it research and inspiration if you will), but want to protect our own designs, which is costly and sometimes impossible.

Just goes to show you should be original... I have just yelled out to Steven, "If I credit the newspaper, writer, etc, can I post the original article?" He has shrugged.

Let me know if I can't.

______________________________________________

What the frock? A designer's costly dressing down
Liz Porter
The Age/Sydney Morning Herald
March 9, 2008

FASHIONISTAS might study these two dresses and note that they both have capped sleeves, strategically placed lines of lace, inverted V-shaped high-waisted seams and pleated skirts. But for intellectual property lawyers, the garments — one by Review, the other a Lili brand dress sold in a Charlie Brown shop — are the key pieces of evidence in a landmark Federal Court case about copying and infringement of a registered design.

The case has ended with a victory — and an award of $17,500 in damages — for Melbourne fashion label Review over the Sydney-based company behind fashion labels Charlie Brown and Lili.

The ruling, by the Federal Court's Justice Christopher Jessup, will be closely scrutinised by every fashion house in Australia because it is the first court judgement on the issue of copying and damages since a dramatic 2003 change to the Designs Act, requiring garment designs to be registered before any legal action over garment copying can be taken.

Justice Jessup found that the Lili dress had been copied from the Review dress. He ordered the Lili label's parent company, Innovative Lifestyle Investments Pty Ltd, to also pay Review's legal costs, estimated to be $60,000. Adding in its own legal costs, including fees for a silk at the three-day hearing, the case is estimated to have cost the company $200,000.

According to Review's lawyer, Middletons' Tony Watson, the ruling will give fashion houses confidence that they can win cases — and damages — in the new system. He said the ruling could spark a rash of similar actions from designers who had been waiting to see the law changes tested in court before suing alleged copyists for design infringement.

Mr Watson said that the significance of the victory for Review, and for the other designers watching it, was not the damages award. "It is not about the money, it is about the deterrence value for potential other copyists," he said.

Review is awaiting a ruling on a similar case against Sydney fashion label Red Berry, heard in the Federal Court last month.

The dispute with Lili began after a Review employee visited a Charlie Brown store in May 2006 and bought a Lili dress that looked strikingly similar to a design by Review's co-founder and chief designer, Jayne Ellis. The following month, Review's solicitors wrote to the company, explaining they had registered the design and warning that continued sale of the Lili dress would entitle them to damages under the Designs Act. But the company continued to manufacture and sell the dress.

During the court hearing, Justice Jessup examined both dresses closely. He did not have to rule on whether the Lili dress was a copy, because its designers admitted their dress was "substantially similar" — while denying having copied it. Instead he ruled on the issue of damages for an infringement of a registered design.

Before the 2003 changes to the Designs Act, fashion houses that alleged their designs had been copied had to sue for breach of copyright in their dressmaking patterns. Litigation remained an uncertain affair, as there was some doubt about the legal basis upon which fashion designers could even sue over copyright. This was not clarified until December 2003, with a landmark Federal Court finding by Justice Ray Finkelstein that designers could claim copyright over dressmaking patterns.

In that case, the judge found that designer Theresa Muscat owned the copyright to the patterns for her Mytiko brand pants — and found that that copyright had been infringed by several manufacturers.

Previously fashion designers had sued each other at a great rate, but most cases were settled out of court. Review itself had taken legal action over copying in 19 different cases, settling all of them out of court.

Mr Watson said that many fashion designers had been initially unhappy with the changes to the Designs Act, because the law required them to pay $200 for every design they wished to register. If they wished to take legal action, they would then have to pay an additional $360, to have their design "examined"— checked against other designs registered, to establish that it was "new" and "distinctive". But if they ignored the new system, they would have no recourse if people copied them.

With many fashion labels bringing out 100 styles a month, designers can't register all of them. But they can file an application for registration for a group of styles (paying $200 for 30 or 40 designs). They have six months to choose which ones to register, but protection of their design starts from the date of filing.

Peter Strain, co-founder of Review, said the Federal Court decision had meant an enormous amount to his business — and was significant for all designers. He said the stress of litigation was a big disincentive against court action. "But this decision has made it all worth it. We have had people copying our designs for nine years. This ruling means there is now some protection for designers," he said.

A spokesman for Innovative Lifestyle Investments said the company was appealing the decision and had made a submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on the issue.

Lists, lists and more lists

I made 'Trina' tote this morning and photographed her in the main living space alongside one of our groovy un-pc chinese smoker paintings. She is a pretty heavy duty tote and I do love her.

Steven is working today and I am creating lists of things we need to take away next week to Melbourne. I love a good list and mine has practical things we will be needing but also things like cords, thread, tissues, mixed nuts and gluten free muesli.



Isn't this a fab baby suit?! 'El Macho' is by Bettie Loves to Sew in Chicago. I love checking our their photos on flickr.com. Below is one of their fab t-shirts. Buy handmade!

Friday

I am hopeless - I have just bought another Jane Bon Bon dress! This one is in my favourite colours: red with pink polkadots. It's such a good investment piece for me because of the colours. I have soooo many gorgeous bits of jewellery that would work well with it. Just need more outings to be organised now...

This morning I have been running around to the post office to pick up deliveries (that weren't there?! Incredibly annoying), talking with suppliers about magnetic clasps, the world of interfacing and whereon earth are my business cards?! The business cards (1000 of 'em) have just arrived (2 weeks late) which is great as we need them to take to Melbourne next week. The magnetic clasps and interfacing schamozzle continues, but I think it should be resolved very soon.

What are your plans for the weekend? We have the Blue Mountains Folk Festival hitting Katoomba this weekend but we have decided to keep our spending money for Melbourne next week. Instead, I will be button-holing, tagging and getting everything ready to take with us. I only have a very small old daggy hatchback so its always interesting how much stuff I can fit in it. It is a bit of a tardis - I always manage to get so much stuff in!

Have a lovely weekend!

Kara on etsy.com

It's hard to say if I have been successful on etsy. I don't think so as I have had 12 sales in all in about a year. It is just jam-packed with crafters all selling fabulous things and have been concentrating on madeit instead, which promotes Australian-made anyway.

Tonight I had a good look around etsy and have listed custom made items instead of my already created bags as something a little more unique online there. I wonder if this will make a difference?

Today was spent at the gym, then a fabulous massage (totally indulgent and well worth it), shopping and then lunch and catch up with Kathleen (magikquilter). She had come up especially from Sydney, bringing lovely goodies for me! I gave her a big bag of remnant upholstery fabrics which I hope she can use on some of her fab quilts.

So all-in-all a lovely day-off!

A quiet day...

I think I have done everything! Finally finished up studio photos (just need to get one taken of me... yuck!), house is kinda tidy and a custom order not happening this week - so, ta da, I can finally catch up!

I am looking at the Yindi Day Spa treatment menu and deciding whether to go for a massage this week. It all sounds more edible than anything else, so my tummy is rumbling. It's good to see that champagne is involved with the massages!

Here is a sample:
Island Retreat Massage 1 hour
A relaxing frangipani massage followed by a full body moisturise with our organic Vanilla and Coconut Body Butter.

Ginger Aromatherapy Massage 1 hour
Enjoy a relaxing massage using a blend of Lemon grass, Grapefruit, Lime and Ginger aiding in detoxification.

Chocolate Fantasy for One (sounds like something else altogether!) 1.25 hrs
Organic honey and cocoa mud wrap followed by a massage and moisturise with Coconut and Vanilla Body Butter - an excellent hydrating wrap. Finish with a Toblerone Cocktail in the Carrington's Lounge area.

I feel like eating a toblerone now...

Photos

I have finally taken studio shots for a certain magazine. This has taken a lot of procrastination but the end result was good. Mainly cos the weather has been so good up in the Mountains so the lighting worked well. Above is a photo that didn't make it, just too dark, but I really do like it!


I can't tell you how excited I am to be travelling down to Melbourne next week. Our dog Nelly is going to be babysat by my Mum, who is looking forward to some time in the Mountains here.

This week is just running around getting ready, and I really do feel like a 'headless chook'. A lovely lady, Karen, is helping me with sewing and is trialling her first batch of clutches this week. Of course, the interfacing rolls I had, that were mucking up and ripping, turn out to be the wrong kind, and we have run out of magnetic bag clasps - arghhh! But hopefully it will all be resolved so that Karen doesn't think I am that unorganised!

Done and dusted.

Christy wears large tote as a top with Liana Kabel jewellery.

Yesterday I finished my Springboard application and sent it off! Yay! What a relief...

This week I have two custom orders to finish off, as well as get ready for the trip to Melbourne. Lots of new bags for the trip but most will not go online til I return. So anyone in Melbourne, this is a great opportunity for you to head to Rose Street Markets in Fitzroy Saturday 22nd March to get your very own unique handmade handbag!

I had a wonderful weekend with my girlfriend Jo who was passing through on her way back to Rockhampton. She even managed time for a massage at Yindi Day Spa at The Carrington Hotel up here... very posh.

Happy birthday!

Today it's my sister Ingrid's birthday!

Happy birthday!

I am up early... just couldn't sleep. Last night the fog and mist (are they different?) rolled in about 5pm. My girlfriend Jo arrived 7:30pm on the train from Dubbo (she was down from Rockhampton to attend the 'Beef Spectacular' - it still makes me giggle) which was about 5-6 hours on the train. She was so tired but said the rain and all the mist was lovely. We had our famous kangaroo curry and lashings of red wine waiting for her.

Just hope the weather is kind today so she can actually see the Three Sisters up here! I have had relatives come up, and every time it's so misty that they are beginning to wonder if anything is actually out there.

A smile on my face...

This morning I met with Karen about sewing bags for me. What a lovely lady - so professional and willing to give it a go! I really feel like a huge weight of pressure has been lifted from my shoulders - and look forward to seeing the clutches by her.

This is an important step for me as I cannot do everything here by myself to grow my brand. I also believe strongly in Australian Made, but also locally made. The Blue Mountains has a high unemployment rate so by using Karen's sewing business, we are maintaining our local economy! I would eventually love to be able to take on local apprentices or something... (sigh) these are dreams for the future.

Karen has gone off on her merry way with a huge bundle of recycled fabrics to create clutch purses for me to take down to Melbourne 19-25th March.

I am almost done on my Springboard application. This is due in next Monday (yikes!) and yesterday I received three fabulous references to go with my application. These brought a little tear to my eye as these guys are incredibly supportive. So stay tuned!

Lastly, I got my fabulous, beautiful dress yesterday from Jane Bon Bon from Canada (yes, I know, not Australian Made!). By only measuring myself every which way and emailing to Jane, she has created my ultimate dress. It fits like a dream, very retro and very fun. I highly recommend her - especially for us ladies that make a DD cup look like an A cup!

Fabulous

Ballerina clutches - just need buttonholes!

Today I am not going to go to hard. I have been starting at 7am and finishing at 9pm every night. It's too much! I did sleep with a smile on my face though as I have 3 people interested in sewing so surely something will come out of it!

Photo - Handcut

I love this photo. This was taken over the weekend at the Handcut/MuMu sustainable fashion & food show over in Crows Nest. The model is holding one of my totes and I love the teal and orange combination!

Photo - Amy Butler

This photo from a showstand by Amy Butler. I wanted to gasp with you over all the fabrics, combinations and colours! I think she is an absolute inspiration. Her website is so lovely and I want her studio!

I picked out this photo from her trade show, and wanted to show Kathleen the patchwork on the floor as the big shapes are so lovely.

Interestingly, Amy Butler has changed her stand on her fabrics not being used for commercial use so you can do so now. I see the fabric everywhere and wonder if people had realised. But she is strict on her patterns, you can use them for yourself only and cannot sell the bags.

Today

I have just had fabulous wattle seed, millet and poppyseed toast (by Common Ground, blogged yesterday) with lovely thick strawberry conserve. I love the way the reflection of the stained glass window in the kitchen came through in my tea.


So much is happening - eek!

Just as I am getting things finished and loaded online, they are selling. Here is 'Musk Stick Mindy' clutch purses (2 available) which will be going up today when my web host server gets their act together as it's down this morning. This is gorgeous 1950's pretty pink seersucker fabric and I have contrasted it with recycled 1960's upholstery trim in red (my favourite colour combination). There are another 3 styles going up today then a heap of ballerina clutches in warm tones to follow... plus custom orders... :)


Attn: vintage lovers! If you are looking for something to do 15-16th March in Sydney, head over to Hunters Hill, Sydney, for 'The Way We Wear' vintage fashion & textile fair.

Common Ground

I am just back from afternoon tea at the newly opened Common Ground in Katoomba (Waratah St). This place has been a long time coming with everyone watching it slowly evolve over the years. It is a fantastic set-up with the most wonderful wood and finishes inside.

But the menu is what makes it! These guys have reasonable prices on their menu, an unusual thing to see in the Mountains where everything is driven towards the tourist market. I had a really good coffee and shared the macadamia & apple (gluten free) slice. Mum had a soy berry smoothie that was massive! This only came to about $12.00 all-up.

Common Ground is run by a community called Twelve Tribes and is a little obscure to most of us. I have met these guys previously at the St Ives Art & Craft Fair where they were selling their delicious bread. But I had heard that perhaps they were Mormons or another religious sect, something that could be a little unsettling as they are unknown.

Mum and I got talking to them at the Cafe, and they seemed the nicest bunch of people, just doing their thing but in a more community-based way than most of us. Yes, they are a religious group but don't push it on you. Mum kept commenting on how gorgeous the children were. There seemed to be people working everywhere, with the kids coming by after school.

This eating place has already become such a focal point in Katoomba and I think it will become a highly sought after place as it becomes more and more known. It's in one of the best positions on the street and sitting outside in the afternoon sun was lovely.

I have already decided to drag friends there this Saturday for lunch!

Rebecca Turbow

I just had to blog this even though I have already posted today. This fabulous work is by Rebecca Turbow, a New York fashion designer. 

The shapes, textures and stitching are exhilarating! Rebecca has always been a turquoise girl (dressing head to toe in it for years) but has recently changed to grey.

Fabric mash

I get asked a lot, "What sort of fabrics do you have? Can I see them?" Well, I just took this photo as I have a lot to sort and wanted to show SOME of the fabric.

These 3 garbage bags (front of photo) were scored on Friday. I don't even know how much is in there but it will be my new collection of modern recycled fabric bags. The box on the left hand side is fabrics thrown in randomly, with me thinking that is 'sorted'! I don't even remember what's in there and must pull it all out.

The wardrobe behind shows one side of my vintage fabrics. These have been sorted into 'warm tones' and on the other side of the wardrobe is my 'cool tones'. The photo stops, but it goes on higher up into the cavity of the wardrobe!

Someone had suggested I get a work experience kid in to properly sort everything, including the ridiculous amounts of buttons I have - I just discovered another two cardboard boxes of buttons too... but instead of getting them out, I shuddered and pushed them back into the wardrobe!

Unfortunately, I need more shelving to get it all into some sort of well organised room. I need to go on one of those lifestyle shows which show the before and after shots! (As long as they don't tack fabric to walls or around chairs - shudder!).

5:30pm - done! I have cleaned up my workspace so that everything is neatly folded and I know what's there. 

My dummy has some beautiful beaded trim hanging around her and I have put my vintage ironing board under the window. For some reason I collect old suitcases and hatboxes, but I am thinking they might not be around much longer unless they prove themselves worthwhile.

Sunday night

Geez I'm tired, but I still stupidly check my email and get hooked back up into it all! Back from a weekend at Mum's place at Annandale where the family congregated and my Nana gave out her 'Memories' (memoires). Got to babysit my nephew Eli last night and even though he slept soundly, I didn't, constantly thinking he was crying.

I love the drive back home to the Mountains, away from the rat race of Sydney. It still feels very special, as though we are going on holiday. I had such good memories of going to the Mountains as a kid. The house is lovely to come home to, I'm ready for a bath and an early night.

Friday was spent racing around the city on various meetings. I saw the lovely Karie at Marrickville, an independent textiles/interior whizz. Spent 30 mins just on King Street at 2pm trying to get to Rushcutters Bay for a meeting with Angela. I had a lot of fun playing with all their luxurious fabrics.... mmm! I also got a heap of good vintage fabrics from my mum (about 3 garbage bag loads with some of the fabrics I have used in the past which is great!) and a dress dummy from my sister which will be great to use at markets.

Another reason I didn't sleep: I found out I got accepted into the revitalised Rocks Market which will be happening around September this year! Crickey dick! It's very exciting but also has me worried about how to handle all this?!

So... I must get out there and:

1. Post some notices locally looking for sewing whizzes. I am thinking quilting shops (there is a lot of them up here), sewing centres, somewhere Mum's with bubs might be that need pocket money (where would that be?), noticeboards and more. Please, if any of you know of anyone who is a handy sewing person, please get them to contact me. Ideally in the Blue Mountains, but Sydney is ok. They could sew 5 bags a week or 25 or 45.... I just need help!

2. My cousin who heads a large airline has said he will help me with some business management advice which will help so much! 

3. Finish my Springboard application as due date is 10th March (ouch!).

4. Photograph my studio for a magazine.

5. Move forward and stop feeling like I am drowning.

Had such a great chat with Karie about us indie designers out there. We must all band together and look after eachother to make sure we all get through the highs and lows - you go girl!

Any ideas on sewing help are gladly welcomed!