Perfect ending

I don't know about Miracle on 34th Street, but there was sure a miracle on King George Square on Friday evening.  Somehow, in the midst of the most appalling weather, a little window of calm descended on us as we set up for our final BrisStyle market for the year.

Mind you, the day wasn't without its traumas.  We had picked up our daughter and granddaughter from the airport and deposited them at their city hotel and were driving home to pack the car with Hot Fudge merchandise, clothes racks, lighting, etc, when the car threw a hissy half way home and had to be towed to the nearest repair shop.

Naturally, there was not a rental car to be found within coo-ee.  With a couple of hours to go to set-up time, panic didn't nearly describe it.  To cut a long and painful story short, our daughter came to the rescue with a hired car from the city - what an angel.

Even before the BrisStyle stalls were set up, the crowds started to gather.

Then the fun began.  Who could not love the roller-skating Christmas Tree decorations?  I believe that later in the evening the blue bauble was knocked off its feet and was seen rolling slowly down the square. 

In no time the serious shoppers dropped by and so the beautiful evening rolled on.  There was one slight hitch when some gusty wind blew in, but it didn't last for long.

The atmosphere was brilliant as happy shoppers mingled with the wandering musicians,

decorations (bauble back on its feet),

and the giant Christmas Angel, who held the children in awe.

My five and a half year old granddaughter strutted her stuff around the markets wearing her Hot Fudge Christmas knot dress, drumming up business.  What a trouper.  Together with her mother, they did some serious shopping and just about completed their Christmas list, as well as buying the odd adornment for themselves. 

So all's well that ends well.  We had another two wonderful days with our interstate visitors, but that's another story.

Put on a happy face

We had been warned, but at the back of our minds we didn't think it would happen.  The Brisbane Summer Mega Storm.  It happened.  Big time.

Early on, it wasn't too bad - just a lot of rain accompanied by lightning and the usual thunder.  The back looked a little water-logged, so we thought we ought to check the front.

Hmmm ... but not too bad.

Five minutes later - eek!



Then it became a tad dark and windy.

I was in the midst of preparing for our market tomorrow evening, but had to turn off the computer, iron, sewing machine, washing machine and dryer.   I was particularly upset that I couldn't continue ironing.












At least I had earlier finished the last of the Christmas Tree garlands.

No matter what the weather the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market will take place, so don't let a little rain, wind or lightning deter you.  This will be the most wonderful market this year.  Promise.

Does anyone have the Drought Whisperer's mobile number?

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

Is it true that Hugh Jackman will be making a flying visit to the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market on Friday evening?  Knowing my luck he will land smack bang into my marquee.

Someone else who is flying in on Friday is my interstate house model and logo, who will be swanning around the market modelling the Christmas dress seen here:

I hope she didn't see Hugh's effort on the news last night - I'd hate her to lose her nerve as she waits to launch herself from the City Hall clock tower.  No expense spared.

Christmas Trees

Today we are setting up our Christmas tree.  My philosophy is you can never have too many lights or too much tinsel.  Clark Griswald is my hero.

However, I realise not everyone shares my tree enthusiasm, so I have made some garlands for those among us who can't stand all that packing away and sweeping up truckloads of fallen tinsel in the New Year.  Not every household has a Mr Fudge who LOVES this chore. 

The Christmas Tree garlands were a big success at last Saturday's BrisStyle market and sold out quickly.  If you would like one of your very own, you can buy it here or at the BrisStyle Christmas Twilight Market on 17 December. Each garland measures 2 metres, with 10 trees which are backed with light green spotted fabric.  No two garlands are alike, so why not buy a few?  They make ideal gifts for those difficult-to-buy-for people in your life. 

Where's Noah when you need him?

I love a sunburnt country,

A land of sweeping plains,

Of ragged mountain ranges,

Of droughts and flooding rains.

I love her far horizons,

I love her jewel-sea,

Her beauty and her terror -

The wide brown land for me!

Many years ago when I was a mere slip of schoolgirl, every child in Australia knew these lines by Dorothea MacKellar off by heart.  It was virtually our anthem.

Well, we have come out of years of drought only to plunge straight into the flooding rains - no pause to catch our breath - straight into it.

Of course, it didn't auger well for the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market yesterday.  Perhaps that's an understatement.

This was the view from our car at 6.30 yesterday morning as we pulled in for fuel on the way to set up for the market.  I wasn't what you'd call confident.  However, Mr Fudge had checked out the radar over Hamilton and assured me that all would be well.  And true to his word, the rain had stopped by the time we arrived and stayed away for the best part of the morning.

I love arriving at the early hour to be welcomed by fellow BrisStylers, full of warm greetings and enthusiasm for the day ahead.  Outside marquees were being erected, cars unloaded and inside the hall we plunged into getting our stalls ready for the start of business.

My lovely neighbours were Melanie of Kimono Reincarnate, Renee of Renee's Artwork, and Eliza of Warm Sigh Soap.

Kimono Reincarnate

Renee's Artwork

Warm Sigh Soap

Poor Eliza had a bad dose of laryngitis, but in true spirit she made the best of the situation.  She had printed out a stack of signs guaranteed to answer just about any question thrown in her direction.  It was so funny to watch the customers' reactions when confronted with a printed sign suddenly thrust before their startled eyes, explaining the situation.  The frown of concentration would turn to a smile of recognition and sympathy.  Any question on the variety of soaps for sale had a ready response.  I guarantee if someone asked her who was the first man to conquer Mt Everest, she would whip out her Edmund Hillary sign.   What a trouper. 

The shoppers were a happy lot and were enjoying the BrisStyle Market experience.

I quickly sold a couple of dresses and this Christmas Tree bunting sold faster than the proverbial hot cakes.  In no time at all they were completely sold out, even my display garland, which was quickly replaced with my everyday bunting.  (Mental note to self: make Christmas Tree bunting for the Twilight Market on 17 December.)

The little children were fascinated by the lights decorating my table and I must admit I was a little mesmerised by them as well. 

Then the heavens opened up and things looked a little bleak.

The rain poured down ferociously; however, the hardier breed of shopper simply wrung out their rain-sodden hair and kept on shopping.  In the end it was decided to close down the outdoor section of the market for safety reasons.  

I take my hat off to those girls.  Inside they must have been devastated, but the cheerful front they presented was nothing short of heroic.  Some of them told me that up until the nasty downpour it had been their best market day to date, so at least that's some consolation.  It was indeed heartwarming to observe the stall holders helping each other out with plastic sheets, umbrellas, anything to keep the rain off their stock.

Not long after that, the decision was taken to close the market entirely, as it was obvious that the rain was going to hang around for quite some time.  Despite all the dramas, it was a truly lovely day, full of Christmas spirit which was helped along by these carolers who entertained the shoppers with some beautiful Celtic carols, as well as the better known Christmas carols and songs.

We Fudges had a nice bottle of wine waiting for us at home which we put to good use last night, along with a couple of delicious cupcakes from Enticing Icing.  An unusual yet strangely comforting combination to finish off the memorable day.

The winner of the Gold Medal goes to our brilliant co-organiser Helen who buoyed us all up during the day with her usual positive spin on everything.  She also took out the 100 metres freestyle, splashing from one marquee to another with words of encouragement and a lot of good old-fashioned kindness.  A class act.

Saturday Market

Only a few days now to the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market and we are all keeping our fingers crossed for a bright sunny day.   Come rain or shine, it will be the perfect time to get cracking on that Christmas shopping.

These bright dresses are hot off the machine and will be for sale at my stall.   They are perfect for the holiday season.

I've taken a peek at some of the other stallholders' goodies and I know it's going to be a bumper day.

There will be music, food, face painting and lots of other attractions to keep you happy.

Saturday 4th December 9am - 4pm

St Augustine's Church

Racecourse Rd

Hamilton, QLD

Two more markets

It's one of those magic Brisbane days when you can feel the warmth of the promised summer.  Christmas is less than a month away, so it's time for some serious shopping.

If you don't live in Brisbane, maybe it's time you paid a visit to our fair city.  Next Saturday would be the perfect time, as BrisStyle is holding its Indie Designers Market and it will be packed with all your shopping needs for the family.

It's never too late to discover something about yourself.  A couple of days ago for instance I discovered that I am not an Overlocker Whisperer.  I thought it would be prudent to clean my fairly new overlocker, as it had been quite some time since its last clean and I had been working it fairly hard.  One lesson to be learned - wait until you have finished your current project before attempting such adventures.

I opened the casing and was engulfed by a wild mass of fluff which had been waiting to attack as soon as the latch was released.  There was enough to stuff a decent queen sized mattress.  During the process of shovelling it all away, I carelessly let the lower locker thread run free.  No problems.  This is one of those modern easy to thread models.  It was about here that I discovered that I am an Overlocker Shouter.  Nuff said.   

Back to the market, which promises to be full of holiday spirit with music, food and a happy Christmassy atmosphere.  You will find all your old favourite vendors and a few exciting new members as well.  It will be extended a further two hours, finishing at 4.00pm instead of the usual 2.00pm, so there's plenty of time to come and join in the fun.

Saturday 4th December 9am - 4pm

St Augustine's Church

Racecourse Road

Hamilton, QLD

If you are unable to attend this market, stay tuned for news of our final Twilight Market at King George Square on 17 December.

Let's hear it for the boys

Girls' clothing makes up about 90% of my Etsy shop, but there is one little corner crying out for attention.  It's the boys.

My outrageously expensive house model has spared no energy in displaying the versatility of these elephant baggy shorts.

They look equally cool when you're grooving ...

... or relaxing after a hard day in the sand pit.  The t-shirt is part of the model's private collection (Daddy's Car Shirt) and he will not give it up without a fight.

On the other hand, if it's the authentic French look your little man is after, here's the answer.

Made from fabric bought in Paris, these shortalls are perfect for a day's outing or for building sand castles on the beach.

After all that activity, it's time for our action man to relax in the reading nook (or any quiet corner of the house) and browse through a book or two.

This cushion is currently available here.

So let's hear it for the boys - where would we be without them?

Summer in the City

Ah ... can you feel it?  Brisbane's warm days have arrived and are here to stay - well, at least for the next six to seven months.  Time to check out those sun dresses.  If you were three years old last summer, I'm guessing you're in the market for a whole new wardrobe. 

Here's a good place to start - it's a generous size 4 and ticks all the cuteness buttons ...

... or bows!

Even when the weather chills off a little, your princess can pop a pretty knit or tee underneath and carry on twirling.  It will be for sale at the upcoming BrisStyle Christmas Markets on 4 and 17 December, so please come by for a closer inspection.  It's also for sale in my Etsy shop.

If you will be in Brisbane next Friday evening, why not take in the exciting BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market at King George Square? 

The market runs from 5.00 to 9.00pm and with the Christmas Shopping Season well and truly upon us, this is the place to be.  I know I'll be there with my hot little Christmas Wish List.