more market goodies

Here are a few more Notions goodies that will be for sale tomorrow at the market. 

the market

Notions will be at the market this Sunday, 10-3pm. 

Eye Candy

These gorgeous images are from the Flickr account of Kim Ludy (ethanollie).

Spring Mood Board

Over the last few days I've been putting together a mood board for the Notions Spring/Summer collection. I've been gathering fabrics for this range for a few months and it is lovely to see that they all work so well together.  

I'm really excited about this collection. I've been thinking about it even before I started the current Winter one! For this range I wanted to go back to my vintage roots and draw upon a softer colour palette. 

I am continuing the vintage theme into the packaging. I also want to work in some fresh and bright Spring colour, so I'm still on the hunt for just the right yellows and greens. 

I'll be launching this collection at the YoungBlood Designer Market in Sydney, Aug 13-15, at the Powerhouse Museum. But if you can't make it to YoungBlood, I'll be posting some more sneak peeks over the next few weeks.

A Coffee & A Yarn

Opening its doors a few months ago, A Coffee and A Yarn offers customers an opportunity to indulge in a both. I met the owner, Ellie, at Winterland and I am pleased to say that A Coffee and A Yarn is now stocking Notions 'Knit One, Purl One' brooches, mini brooches and bookmarks. You can find this knitting cafe at 413 King Street, Newtown, Sydney. 

Winterland Part II

I have decided that all markets should have karaoke and beer. They should also have Italian hot chocolate and churros. And farmers markets just outside. And provide dear, dear friends who will drive you to and from venues and sit with you for 15hrs while you struggle to hawk your wares. 

On the last day of Winterland we arrived at the Carriageworks super early so that we could have a good look around the Eveleigh Farmer's Market. We saw Kylie Kwong and I bought a jar of Beetroot chutney and a coffee (the first of many). 

For day three of the festival I again rearranged my stall display. This third and final rearrangement was my favourite. I'm happy to report that while trade was still slower than I had anticipated, sales were up on the previous days trading. 

One nice thing about slow markets is having the time to chat with and connect with customers. Thank you to everyone who stopped buy and either bought something or just had a chat (a big shout out to Jo -who bought some Fox & Bowerbird fabric- and the two lovely ladies who came by three times and made a number of purchases). 

The Crafternoon activities brought in a good crowd, mostly women and kids, but we were entertained for a good hour by a young man who was seemingly determined to master the art of knitting. While people crafted we were all entertained by live performances from local up and coming bands/artists. 

The evening brought with it cooler temperatures and karaoke. The first brave soul to get up on stage was Clara. She sang two songs. Clara is 2 1/2! We didn't have any sales after 4pm and and after a free beer, some singing and dancing (behind the safety if the stall) and 2 helpings of Italian hot chocolate and churros we packed up an hour early and headed home. 

Lastly, I'd like to say a huge, huge thank you to Morgan for all of her support over the past few days. You are truly an amazing friend!

With things moving ahead for The Fox & The Bowerbird, I've been thinking lately about studios and what would be my perfect studio space. My current studio space (aka the front room) is too small for printing, so we are currently printing on Ruth's kitchen table, which is fine for now, but not ideal. I did a quick Flickr search for studios and these are the ones I liked. I'm not sure if a white palette would be the best for a screen printing studio...I imagine it wouldn't say white for very long!

Etsy

Ever wondered what the head office of Etsy looks like? No? Neither had I. Nonetheless,  I thought I'd share these images with you.  It looks like an inspiring place to work. Luckily I don't work there. I fear that I may be too distracted by all the colour and props to actually get any work done.

images vis Apartment Therapy

Winterland Part I

Tonight was night 2\two of my Winterland experience and I have to say that so far it has been very disappointing. Both nights have been very quiet which is a shame because I think the event has such potential...a European themed festival in the heart of Sydney. Sadly, the organisers just they haven't had the support from Sydney-siders. 

The ice rink seems to have been a hit, but you had to pre-book your tickets which naturally inhibits people from just dropping in for a skate (and a purchase or two!). 

This is the view from my stall and this is the crowd!

Nonetheless, I am having a great time in Sydney I'm staying with my friend Morgan (who has graciously been playing taxi driver for me and shivered sat with me tonight at the market). This morning we went to a very cool cafe for a delicious breakfast and then headed out to Ikea. I spent a grand total of $14.94! We then met more friends for lunch at the Coogee Bay Hotel. 

Ikea light fitting

Coogee Beach

My lunch view

I have my fingers crossed that things will improve tomorrow. There is a Farmer's Market outside the building in the morning and then a Crafternoon event (part of the Winterland Festival) in the afternoon. Tomorrow the market runs from 10am until 11pm...it could be a very long day indeed! Maybe I'll need more of this: