Do It In Paris
Katrina put me onto this site ages ago, and I have to say I really look forward to receiving the latest newsletter every week or so. Simply gorgeous illustrations cover some of the most recent catwalk looks, the site links are fab-slash-deadly for online shopping, plus the tips on favourite hidden Parisian gems are well worth saving up for your next trip.
Ooh la la.
Some more Melbourne gems
I was in Melbourne last week doing some workshops for the book and visited Craft Victoria, where I saw this quirky exhibition from Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison. How great are these? I love the unexpectedness of the animals roaming through dated souvenir books, inspired by Herman Hesse’s Der Steppenwolf.
I also made time to pop into my fave op shop, Anonymous Posh in the Royal Arcade, and the Block Arcade’s Douglas & Hope. And had two spectacular meals at Cumulus Inc. and Coda… delish.
For more favourite Melbourne stops, click here.
Crafty city breaks: Melbourne
I love Federation Square
I’m sure you already know Melbourne is a cultural hive and hub of all things crafty, but just in case you’re making a visit south of the border this season, here’s a guide to some of my favourite places. Some come highly recommended from friend and fellow Crafty Minx Andrea McNamara, but I’ve also consulted Annabel Davies – another crafty lady and old friend from London now living there.
Andrea introduced me to the joys of Gertrude St Fitzroy a while back. There’s so many shops to explore here, the best idea is to start at the top and work your way down, stopping at scrummy cafe and wine bar Enoteca mid-way to replenish the batteries. You’ll find local fashion, unique homewares, excellent vintage clothing and furniture aplenty. My top picks are Amor y Locura (Argentinian imports), Circa Vintage Clothing and Industria, specialising in second-hand industrial fittings which I always wish I could fit in my suitcase for the journey home.
Dome by Nathan Gray at Craft Victoria
In the city, Thread Den hosts some fantastic short sewing courses which Annabel loves. And after a wander through all the arcades, I adore stopping in at Craft Victoria to check out hip crafts from local designers. A great spot to soak up inspiration and generate new ideas.
Annabel’s top pick? Bison on Little Collins Street. Says she: “Ah I love this place! Beautiful handcrafted stoneware ceramics made from Australian clay that come in a rainbow of earthy colours. No two pieces are the same.”
And if you ask me, no trip to Melbourne is complete without a visit to the Spring Street Wine Bar for delish wine and scrummy cheese, or dinner at The European next door – the perfect antidote to a tiring day spent traipsing about town.
Bison milk bottles
The best spots to lay your weary head? The Lindrum, a gorgeous boutique hotel on Flinders Street where I’ve stayed countless times (book a lovely bright room at the front overlooking the train tracks, not one near the car park!) or the Sofitel on Collins Street for the best big hotel experience around.
Crafty city breaks: Hobart
Arp Hobart
Ditching the overseas trip in favour of a local holiday this year (what with the wee baby, global financial crisis and all) our last big break was to Tasmania – travelling all over in a rental car, climbing up mountains, eating our body weight in fine food and staying in some of the loveliest accommodation in the southern hemisphere.
If you’re looking for a good city break, it strikes me that Hobart is one of the best spots for a short visit. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery (all within 20 mins’ drive from the town centre) the food is amazing and there’s much to ensnare & enthrall the aspiring Crafty Minx.
Salamanca Market in Sandy Bay has lots of brilliant second-hand stalls and boasts the whole gamut of local crafts – best enjoyed while sipping hot spiced apple cider. Three favourite shops worth a visit are Small Rhino (stocking local designer fashion), Arp (a fantastically inspiring design store with a small but clever range of shelving, chairs & books) and Love & Clutter (divine handmade items from local artists).
My reconditioned fur gilet from Salamanca
There’s no shortage of traditional craftiness either: the country-style quilts are to die for and the better woodwork carved from indigenous Huon Pine is wonderful. Belinda Gobbey – fellow Crafty Minx and prodigious quilter – recommends The Quilted Crow and Frangipani Fabrics for your fabric fix.
We adored staying in the Henry Jones Art Hotel, and the restaurant at Meadowbank Estate Vineyard was heaven for the scenery, service and of course the food. For the best cafe-style bakery south of the border, Jackman & McRoss in picturesque Battery Point is worth visiting every day. Elsewhere on the Apple Isle, Ebb restaurant in Swansea and Wychwood Gardens are not to be missed.
I cannot recommend it highly enough. Go. Go now…
Love & Clutter Hobart
