Friday 1 May 2009

There's no Business Like ...


It's finally here - the Stitches & Craft Show hits Brisbane. I had volunteered, along with several other BrisStyle girls, to act as volunteer for the day. The incubators were a huge success and attracted many viewers and buyers throughout the day.


After catching up with some of the BrisStylettes, it was time to help out. First off the starting blocks was to look after Dear Fii's incubator while Melbournite Fiona Lech conducted a class on making a button bracelet in the craft lab.



Everyone loved her gorgeous softies - one of her designs was created from drawings by her young son. The patterns for these characters were a particular favourite and sold well.



Then it was a quick hop next door to caretake Justine of MixTape's incubator. If you haven't read this wonderful zine, do yourself a favour and subscribe - you won't regret it. Justine is such a warm and friendly character who has taken on the onerous task of editing and publishing her own zine and deserves every encouragement.



Here is the latest issue which Justine kindly gave me as a thank-you and I'd love to show you what's inside, but you will have to buy your own copy.





Justine is collecting embroidered signatures for her quilt in progress and I have promised to get mine to her. Eek! I haven't embroidered in yonks!

BrisStyle Den Mother Helen of Ruby 2 Go Go was scheduled to be interviewed, so Ali of Jellygnite and I toddled along to add support in the audience.



Naturally she carried off the interview with her usual grace and charm.


She even had her name up in lights. What a trouper.



And here she is at her incubator with its amazing set-up.




















I fell in love with her signature brooches and couldn't resist buying this one, which came in its own little bag. It's not for me, but I can't reveal who the recipient is, because I suspect she may read this blog and that would ruin the surprise.


























After catching up with fellow helper Sophie of Strat Designs ...



... I had a frantic cry for help from the effervescent Louise of Made by Miffy who was due to give a class on No Sew Fabric Flowers.




I had great fun minding her incubator. Her hot-off-the-press apron patterns practically walked out the door. I had been one of Louise's guinea pigs in making this apron prior to its printing and I feel like a grandma princess whenever I wear it. I will probably leave it to one of my daughters in my will.


The very thoughtful Louise gave me this gorgeous key carrier for my trouble. If you want one of your own, take a look at her store.


Among the Melbourne contingent were the very talented girls from Ink & Spindle whose hand printed textile designs I've long admired.



I couldn't resist buying this gorgeous fabric designed by Lara Cameron. I haven't made up my mind what to make with it yet - plenty of time for that. In the meantime, I'll just gaze at it for a while.

It was so good to catch up with the other BrisStyle girls who had their own incubators. Trish (along with her charming husband, Alan) of Trishalan Designs, Olivia of Scampsville who is leaving our shores very soon for a year in Italy - not that I'm jealous - and Christine from Little Diva were all very busy selling their wares and if you check out their shops/blogs, you will understand why they were so popular.

This augers well for our own market coming up in July. I can't wait.

16 comments:

Ali said...

Oh Robyn, what a lovely, thorough post!! It was so fun wasn't it?! Nice to meet people 'in real life'. I need to choose some of that gorgeous ink&spindle fabric ... and just admire it, like you said!
I love the thought of you as a grandma princess too - so lovely :)

Anonymous said...

fantastic post ... Im really excited now!
Im heading off this morning ...
with spare bags to carry home all the purchased goods!

edward and lilly said...

Robyn, this is such a great post! I'm heading there today and after reading this I'm three times more excited, woohooooooooo!!

Love, JanieLou said...

Great post Robyn! Looks like you had a good look at everything... I wish I could go back again!

I was on the Reconstruction Zone on Thursday, and it was loads of fun. And I was so glad to have finally been able to meet some BrisStylettes!

Little Mary Moo said...

You have so made me want to go. I have to wait until tomorrow. Only one more sleep....

Kawaii for You said...

Hi Robyn. What a great post. Thanks for your comments on my blog - it was great to see you yesterday. Christine xo

Unknown said...

Brilliant post, the stall looks amazing. I hope the final weekend is a hit.

Michelle said...

It was nice to bump into you yesterday Robyn. How amazing is The Incubator!!

Jade said...

Oh Robyn you've got me all excited for tomorrow! I've been looking forward to this all week so I'm pleased it seems to be living up to my expectations :P Yay! Great post. (I'm itching to get my hands on some Ink & Spindle fabric too!)

Anonymous said...

Hi Robyn,
Sounds like you had the loveliest of times at the show. It looks wonderful. And I am loving all your new creations popping up in your shop. Fantastic news about the madeit sale too :)

Hey Harriet said...

What a super post Robyn! I've missed out on all the BrisStyle happenings this week so it was great to read about the BrisStyle gang at the craft show. Awesome photos! Sounds like a great event. I'll try and check it out tomorrow :)

Anonymous said...

Great wrap up Helen. I had so much fun on Saturday. Looking, chatting, volunteering, shopping. I can't wait for our next markets.

x Catherine

Anonymous said...

Great post! I took my Mum to the show yesterday for her birthday. I was looking out for anything that took her fancy as a present. She was rather excited about a $13,000 sewing machine (we settled on lunch and a brochure she could salivate over).

I really loved all the stalls by BrisStylettes and other independent designers. Yes and the gorgeous 'ink & sprindle' printed fabrics could even temp 'me' to take up sewing.

PretaPawte said...

I love that you called Helen a Den Mother.

Ali said...

hi again :) I too bought some of that same lovely Ink&Spindle print ... primarily for gazing at ;)

Helen said...

Aw Robyn what a wonderful post! So glad that you had a great time xox

Oh yes and thanks for the non heckling - I was ready for it and everything! Instead those fabbo pics of the ol' i/v - ooh ah it kinda looks pretty impressive from that angle. I couldn't have done it without all your lovin' vibes xox

Hmm Den Mother - I am mother to two Wolfhounds does that count - maybe I need one of Alison's collars in ruby red!

Looking forward to your next post.

xh