Kelly Doust introduces readers to her wonderful world of reviving and customising vintage pieces, while bringing a modern and unique twist to wearing vintage clothes – Dita Von Teese
Easter craft at Calico & Ivy
Amy (aka Badskirt) at Calico & Ivy
Sydney crafters have a new heartland – Calico & Ivy‘s Balmain store, managed by the lovely Sarah Wheatley and sales assistants Donna & Amy (Ms Badskirt herself). I am feeling the onset of a new addiction, and not just for the two charming Japanese pattern books I couldn’t resist buying yesterday (even though I know, in my heart, I will not be making that smock dress for some time, given the current writing schedule). It’s the kind of store you just want to curl up and live in.
While rain pelted down on the corrugated tin roof of 10 Birchgrove Rd, we 15 or so sat down to high tea, Zumbo macarons, Sarah’s homemade cake and a trunk full of felt and pearl thread to construct fripperies for Easter, based on some of the projects from The Crafty Kid. A cooler bunch of crafty women you could not hope to meet – it was a gas.
Sign up to the newsletter to receive this year’s workshop schedule. I’m heading along to make a proper quilt for myself, sharpish. Love love.
Too many treats
At work, with a bolstering champagne or three
My kind of colour palette
Calico & Ivy's inspiring manageress
Easter motifs a-go-go
Bunny hand puppet
Felt flower egg cosy
Make Do Mend London
London's Make Do Mend
Crafty chic hen 'do
UK reader Isabel put me on to Make Do Mend: apparently crafty hen ‘dos and baby showers are taking place in London hot spots such as Covent Garden’s The Hospital Club (below).
Surely only a matter of time before the trend catches on here?
Bellini Bar at The Hospital Club
Tea and crochet with Make Do Mend
High tea and craft... a match made in heaven
Easter craft workshop at Calico & Ivy
I loves me an egg cosy or three
News just in: the lovely Sarah Wheatley of Calico & Ivy’s Balmain store is hosting an Easter high tea & crafts afternoon with yours truly on Sunday 10 April, 2-5pm.
Join us for a decadent afternoon creating felt egg cosies, finger puppets and other felt fripperies from Calico & Ivy’s beautiful range of Heather Bailey designer felt. Construct cute, simple designs by hand for an elegantly homespun Easter – crafters of all skill levels welcome.
A lavish high tea party including sandwiches, cakes and loose-leaf teas will be provided on the day. Spaces are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Call Calico & Ivy on 02 9555 9909 to secure a place.
Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Kids’ craft for The Outdoor Room magazine
Ruby feeds our faux finch
Back in early January the Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie crew visited so we could shoot this kids’ craft feature. It hits news stands tomorrow including the following very simple projects for little hands; a wind chime made from found objects, bird feeder, ‘Dino Town’ living dinosaur terrarium (the moss, not the dinos;) and decorative pot plants.
Trusty helpers Ruby, Enzo and Harvey were on hand to show us how it’s done. Ever the professionals, it was a wrap by early afternoon (I was the one who needed a nap). Styled by me and the lovely Outdoor Room ladies, Tara Davy and Vanessa Keys, photography is by Glen Allsop.
Pretty plant potting at the local park (try saying that quickly)
Harvey & Enzo construct Dino Town
Inspiring workshops at Artspark
If you’re no whizz with crafts but, like me, take real pleasure and joy from simply making things for your home, friends and family, don’t be discouraged when your creations aren’t ‘perfect’. I love wobbly seams and raw edges and all manner of maker’s marks, just as much as I prefer a home-cooked meal. Of course sometimes I wish I could create things which look effortlessly ideal first up (or a restaurant-quality dish), but it’s not me and never will be. Life’s messy – why not revel in it? Maybe that’s why I so love the art created by children. It’s often – not always, but often – perfect just as is.
While on a visit to Calico & Ivy recently, I met one of the teachers from Artspark, a centre running art courses for children and adults. I’m signing Olive up. One of my greatest wishes is that she feels creatively unlimited from an early age, and gives many things in life a go. And I will keep her juvenile efforts as keepsakes for a later date. It would be too sad not to appreciate their beauty, don’t you think? If art is a reflection of our inner lives, then surely early childhood art is a unique insight into our children themselves?
Sewing at Artspark
The dead will have their day
Day of the Dead pendant from Polli
I’ve long had a penchant for many things Mexican… Frida Kahlo, bright woven rugs, burning hearts and Day of the Dead curios (not to mention burritos – ay carumba).
Hence a visit to Holy Kitsch recently. And a fondness for the above pendant in the new Polli range. I admire how designers Tess & Maja manage to both complement the old range and offer something new to love with each season’s range – too clever.
And click here to see the Day of the Dead print I created some time ago.
Mexican wares from Holy Kitsch
Feeling Frida: Joanna rocks a Polli lace & kohl gold collar
Kerri-Anne craftiness: a retro apron or two
If you knew Suzy
I visited Mornings with Kerri-Anne last Friday, showing viewers how to make my favourite apron pattern, Miss Suzy Homemaker from The Crafty Minx.
For simplified instructions on how to make an apron with a Valentines-inspired heart detail, click here, and make a date with your telly on Friday 18 March – we’ll be whipping up a cute shopper bag next time (and if you’re interested in the gorgeous rose-printed fabric above, I bought it at Duckcloth. They also happen to be having a fabric sale and offering free delivery at the moment).
Over and out.
She's a sucker for roses
All wrapped up: a gift for Angelika, Saturday night's dinner party host
Finally! Tepee & poncho instructions for you
New & improved tepee in AWW's October 2010 issue
Many apologies to those of you who have been asking about the instructions for these Australian Women’s Weekly projects. I had to re-learn some fiddly technical procedures before I could update the media section. I’m a luddite, really (do luddites tweet? maybe not).
Click here for the tepee and here for the poncho – enjoy!
