It's sale time at the Grove...

Those who shop down at Olive Grove would know that we no longer have a clearance rack... cause really, there are 9 of us there always making new and exciting stuff that needs to fit in.
So... we've been collecting sale goodies behind the scenes ready for our annual garage sale this Saturday.

It will be huge...
and as you are a V.I.P ... yes you are!
We'll be opening doors at 9am so you get first dibs.

Print the above flyer too, and bring it in to get 10% off any full priced new season stock.

Olive Grove Studios
159 Sydney rd,Brunswick, Vic
PH: 9388-8006

This is a one day only event happening this Saturday, so if you're after some designer handmade loveliness be sure to pop down and say hi.

Jay xx

Chenille for the bubba...

From BubbaChenille of course.

My fab new heat pack.

Just before X-mas the lovely gals from Handmade expo, Miriam, Liesa and Micky all came down for a Melbourne holiday and made the time to pop into work and say hello.
We shopped a little, lunched a little and swapped a little.

Liesa and I.

The lovely Miriam of bubbachenille took a fancy to one of my wrap skirts and I've always loved her chenille delights so we organized a swapsie.

A week later, Miriam returned home to a state that was flooding and sadly, those muddy waters made way into 'Mimmis' her newly opened shop.

I tell you, these women... the handmade crew, are absolute warriors for representing new designers and supporting handmade.
From there fabulous monthly markets to there own amazing shops Mimmis and Handmade heaven and in the face of rising rivers and sinking communities they all became local warriors and helped out at evacuation centers, started craft stash collections for the less fortunate and put on brave faces for their kids and neighbors. You can read Liesa words on it here.

After making sure family and community were managing o.k Miriam just took it all in her stride, came back and mopped up the shop, cleared out the mud and started again

A week later she was asking me what color chenille goodies I wanted, so she could honor our swapsies.

What a woman.

After all that, she was still thinking about her promise to make me some pants for Finny.
The energy, courage and goodwill of this family never ceases to amaze me.

So here is mr Finn in his new goodies.

No longer a boy that poses for the camera, but you can see the cuteness added to his life by owning some new Bubbachenille pants.


Rebuilding clientele in a flood affected region has got to be hard so if you're in the neighborhood looking for some awesome, original and beautiful goodies for yourself and your home, make sure to support this amazing little family and visit Mimmis or Handmade Heaven today.

They sure are a family worth supporting.
Jay xx

Switched off mode...

Upon reflection I see that January has still been a creative month.

I was dubious, as I have not had my lists up and running and I have not been producing a daily stash of goodies for the shop.

So it sort felt like I was in slow motion, pottering here and there during nap times, whilst I primarily focused on making time for the wee ones during the holidays.

I took the camera to work on Sunday and snapped the few things I did get done in January and it made me realize that even in switched off mode, when I only get one project done over a week instead of a day, it all still adds up.

Its quality not quantity... and I quite liked the slower speed.

So my January mission was to make some apron tops/vests.

The Deer apron top, is layered over a fab boat neck singlet by Polly Pratt.

I do love a little wrap that goes over your basic singlet and covers the belly on those bloated days.
It's shaped through the side and darted at the bust to give it a nice fit.
So it's not just a wrap around that is one size fits all and adds bulk. No, no...I took the time to size it, shape it and make it flattering.

I forgot to take a pic before I dropped them in store and when I went on Sunday one colorway had sold out Hooray!

Fortunately I was wearing it...

So here's a sticky beak of it in a terrible point and shoot of ones self in the shop fitting room mirror.

I used the new screens I made at my photo screen printing class, including my new two color print. Very excited was I.

The other thing I did was print up a range of my ladies tee's in the deer print.

My new favorite.
The black one is modeled with an awesome skirt by Mim and bag by Starashan.

I also realised I hadn't shown you the other ladies tee's I did in December...

Owls and dragonfly's.

All available in white, black, red, plum, aqua and navy. Sizes 12 -20.

These are the base tee's I worked on with a Melbourne team to create a more flattering ladies tee.
It's a bit more generous around the mid section, shaped at the hem and has a lovely scoop neckline to flatter us busty gals.
Guaranteed sweat shop free made right here in Melbourne.

I'm not sure if that is something that appeals to people. The whole sweat shop free and locally made thing. It makes it a much dearer product for me to buy compared to tee's made in china, but I'm very happy to support local business and have the extra added benefit of being able to work closely with them to create a perfect fit.
So I think it's worth it.

Hope you've enjoyed the slower pace of January if you are a work at home mum like me.
It sure has been a much needed break to give me the energy to start fresh and at full steam next week when the kids are back at school.
Jay xx