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
Birthday treats
Pink cupcake
Today is Olive’s first birthday. I had every intention of baking and decorating cupcakes myself but (what with a weekend of illness befalling the Dousts, and friends for lunch) scrapped the idea in favour of buying in the very best to my knowledge.
The Cupcake Room specialises in these divine, bite-size beauties that look so good it seems a travesty to eat them. But (unlike so many cupcakes) these do not disappoint: the tiny cakes beneath the elaborate decoration are just as good – if not better – than the icing. Hard to believe but 100% true.
Lilac cupcake
Our guests Sophie and baby India just left with these four below, and the two above are hoping to survive until tonight’s dessert. I won’t tell you how many more we packed away.
Set of four cupcakes
Olive received several gorgeous gifts but here’s one to share with fellow crafters: Jemima is hand-knitted from head to toe and is from her much-loved Auntie Maggie & Uncle Derek. Those are sheep adorning her blue bubble skirt (Maggie, you are very clever) and her blank face is deliberate, so Olive can imagine what she’s thinking. Yes, she does look a bit homesick. Her reticence might have something to do with the lock of hair I caught Olive gnawing on.
Jemima (a bit pensive)
Fuel for Crafty Minxes
Praline twist from Bourke St Bakery
Much of the business of crafting can only occur with the aid of morning or afternoon tea for sustenance. So has it ever been, and long shall it continue. I cannot imagine sewing without a freshly brewed pot of tea next to me, and some naughtiness of the baked variety. I could postulate that it stimulates the imagination. Or just admit that sugar and caffeine make me happy. Is it any wonder I’m in the process of making a felt teapot and slice of cake to adorn a little girl’s dress? Or that my new book seems to have a lot of food-themed craft? I’d be lost without my twin vices: T2 teas and the Bourke Street Bakery in Marrickville. Amen.
Mouthwateringly divine lemon tart
And yes, I ate both of these today. Don’t judge me. Sewing is hungry work.