Saffrons Blog

We went to the Bondi Markets on the weekend saw some talented designers. Lovely hand drawn T-shirts, Amy Gunson’s softies and lovely children’s wear labels.
In the back of my mind I am aiming to have a children’s wear story ready for summer 2009 so I am defining my own style, my own feel. At markets there is a tendency to vibrant colours and an individual feel, which is very different to the chain stores. The strappy dress, which is everywhere, can be worn with a t-shirt I suppose for sun protection. However I am challenging myself to a dress with a sleeve. The idea is a small collection of five or six pieces after the great response to my girl’s dress that I made for this summer.
Yes it is just an idea but that is my fun and well, it inspires me.

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Finally, all the designs are with the production company now, so I have a bit of time to breathe and be crafty. I did make the name plate for my sister Yvette's son, who is turning 1.
It was such fun, it feels like the first time in weeks I have made something form scratch.

Its also a great way to become addicted to making quilts if you aren't already.



Here's how to make one:

1. Simply draw the name on paper then cut out the individual letters. You can of course print them out from Word, just make sure you make them big enough.
2. Trace around the paper letters on your fabric. Remember to check the letters come out the right way and not as a mirror image (yes it happens).
3. Cut out the letters and fuse them onto the background fabric and stitch. I usually hand stitch the letters on but for this one time was of the essence so I used the quilting stitch on my Pfaff.
4. I like to embellish it a bit and so I added a few tiny elephants. In the past I have added the love hearts and butterflies.
5. Attach a piece of fabric to the back you can feed some dowel through to hang from the wall or door.
6. Then I sandwich together the wadding and the backing fabric.
7. To quilt I just stitched in the ditch.
8. Bind with a 2 1/2 inch binding.
9. Give away and feel good!

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A couple of months ago I sent my mum-in-law Daphny some of my fabrics, hoping she would make something I can show off.
A few dark, cold Dutch winter nights later and we have another clever creation. Thanks Daphny, that looks fantastic!





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It is time, its time for a 3-colour screen. Colour is my number one favorite element. I love it. At the moment I must splash yellow.

I am wondering why it is taking me so long to finish. I just cannot stop playing.  A perfectly good black and white drawing transformed into three colours actually means a leaf can be 16 variations. These are my options for colorisation. Mmh and that is only one leaf.

I am going to have to say this is is finished soon and hand the colourful design over to Patrick for polishing and putting on a screen. Oh playing what fun.



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It has been quite a week. We bought a new super duper Mac which, once all the software was installed, is so fast. No more making cups of tea while waiting for the PC to grace me with its start screen...We thought its like driving a '74 Ford Falcon and then buying a Mercedes Coupe.  So then came the new chair and I sigh with relief whenever I sit in it. My elbows are resting, the leather is so soft and I am so grateful for it, it feels like true luxury to me.

Also there is a new puppy in the house. She is called Curly. No other name quite stuck and she is a darling. She is such a sweetie. All puppy love...

I feel crafty today so will make up a name tag for my little nephew Okie.


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A week has gone again and as I look back over it it seems I am in a flow now. I have relaxed into this year. Patrick starts a new job, Sequoia settled into her new school and me into my work. I am creating new designs. I like what I am doing, it is new and exciting. Still not sure which designs to invest in so it will be a while until new fabric comes out. Meanwhile I'm packing orders, designing and being a Mum. Life feels very full and relaxed.
 
We are making business decisions asking the big questions. Where do I want to be in twelve months time? In five years time? On the to do list is to make myself a manifestation board, it always makes things clearer.

By the way, I love the winter clothes in the shops and have splurged.
 
Finally, I am mentioned in Volume 10 of US mag CRAFTZINE. So thanks for that.


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I try to add an entry every week to touch base remind myself where I am in my design world.
 
So here I am in Sydney with the rain falling. I am a lover of rain I feel like I can walk further. However as we were planning our camping holiday this weekend we are wondering what we will do. We were going to drive to Wilsons Prom that is now ablaze. I feel so saddened and am dreaming about the fires at night and feel haunted. I send love and positive thoughts to all of you who are affected by the fires in the South and the floods to the North of us.
 
Turning the sadness into action I've sent a few owl softies to Ann Marie Holt who's helping out with putting together bags for little ones who lost everything. If you want to help you can read more here: beyondpinkandblue.blogspot.com/2009/02/rainbow-comfort-packs-for-little-ones.html

Also I put in motion a fund raiser which is to be a collaboration with local talents, selling the items and donating the profits. I am very much into doing things you love so their skills will blend nicely with mine. So let's hope I can tell you more soon.
 
On the design front I am drawing native trees and then looking at abstracting and smoothing them. Adding leaves and colour. It makes me feel like I step into an alternative universe where time is non existent. So I am watching the time for the 3 o'clock pick up and a very tired daughter. Thankfully she loves water and I can soak off all the glue and paint in a warm aromatic salty bath.



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Well it is "get organised" time. New shelves, new boxes, new spaces. Four bags of rubbish last count. I am doing it bit by bit, hours here and there and I tell myself this is part of the business.
So many people I know like cleaning and I think to myself "but everything I do is messy". Reading books, sewing, drawing, painting, scrap booking, screen printing, cooking, playing with children - anything.
Any how I know that I will love our space with everything being stacked and stored neat and tidy. Truth be told Patrick did most of it. I am still learning to let go of things, anything.

Can't decide which designs to print! It'll be a bit longer before I can offer you some new fabrics, but maybe you can donate some fabric money to the Bushfire appeal in the meantime...




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I have decided not to attend Mosman market after all...we will try for March. We did not get enough time to get organized and the prospect of standing in the heat all day isn't that enticing either.

We were blogged this morning by www.stephbond.com. Stephany's blog is  about  cool Australian art, design and products to keep you in the know. Thanks Steph.

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Saffron will be found at the Mosman Market, Sydney this Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Hope to see you there...


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