Day 2 - Brisbane Stitches and Craft Show

I have to admit that my legs felt a little weary this morning. But I ignored it and went to gym as usual. I was glad that I gave myself that push, I felt so much more awake after. After yesterday's full on day today was at a more relaxed pace. Instead of 20 people wanting to get into the stall all at once and then missing sales because they moved on; today was a bit more manageable. We actually sold much more fabric today, probably because people could see it. And later this afternoon I grabbed a couple of pictures of my fellow BrisStylettes.

This is Christine from Little Diva chatting to a customer.

And here is Olivia from Scampsville.

And the lovely Helen from Ruby2GoGo. She was busy promoting BrisStyle when I took this.

First Day of the Brisbane Stitches and Craft Show

We've survived the first day of the Brisbane Stitches and Craft Show. Not a lot of photos. Alan took this one just before the doors opened.











Once the public was allowed in we were all go right up until around 4pm. At which time I was more interested in a cup of tea and a toilet stop. I will try to take more shots over the next couple of days.

Ready, Set, Go!

We arrived at the shop this morning to load the trailer for the Stitches and Craft Show and we spied a Koala walking down the outside ring road. By the time we had parked and I'd found the camera the koala was starting to climb this tree.

It was about 4 feet off the ground. It then turned around. Alan was very impressed with this pic, "he's looking at you, isn't that cute". I had to burst his bubble. I was approx 12 feet away and I could hear the koala grunting at me. I wasn't planning on getting any closer.

Off we went to the Convention Centre. Set up went really well. No unexpected surprises AND the only thing we forgot was a hole punch. Of course I didn't think to take any photos today so I'm going to leave you with another pic of the koala.

The Crafters' Way 90

The Messenger has resumed from their Easter Break. They took the opportunity to revamp the magazine and to dramatically increase its circulation area. Here is this week's column.


If recent Craft Shows have left you feeling a little jaded then the all-new Stitches And Craft Show is sure to re-inspire all your creative energies. The show promises workshops and activities for the contemporary and traditional crafter, with events showcasing the best quality craft, urban design, art and fashion from Australia and overseas. So what exactly is different about this show?




View the indie documentary Handmade Nation. Faythe Levine’s Handmade Nation documents a movement of artists, crafters and designers who work with traditional and contemporary techniques. The film reflects the new economy and lifestyle based on creativity, determination and networking.




Meet the makers and discover unique and local products in the Incubator. The Incubator is a vibrant creative community, which showcases the best of contemporary craft and design from emerging and established independent crafters and designers. You will find Trishalan Designs in the Incubator.




If fashion is your passion then come along and view The Darnell Collection. Presented by ESMOND The Darnell Collection features an extraordinary assortment of over 3000 pieces of couture and antique clothing.




With 59 different Craft Labs and Studios there are too many workshops to describe here. Visit http://www.stitchesandcraft.com.au/brisbane/craftlabsandstudios to view descriptions. Places are limited so I recommend that you book your place online. I’ll be conducting Kumihimo Workshops over the course of the show.



I’ll leave you with this final thought. The Stitches and Craft Show “is a meeting place for creative people of all ages, rather than just craft lovers, with more than a full day of activities that will leave you with an endless array of ideas.” says Living Creatively’s Ross Stewart.




The Stitches and Craft Show is on at the Brisbane Convention Center from 29th April – 3rd May 10am – 5pm. For a whole lot more information visit http://www.stitchesandcraft.com.au/brisbane

Stitches and Craft Show- Brisbane

The Brisbane Stitches and Craft show is starting next Wednesday 29th April and will run until Sunday 3rd May.



I've listed a few of the Craft Labs ( Workshops) but you can view the full list at http://www.stitchesandcraft.com.au/brisbane/craftlabsandstudios if you experience any difficulties booking in online you can phone their booking hotline 1800 770 222



Button Bracelet


Are you infatuated by coloured buttons? Well, this is the Craft Lab for you; Fiona Lech of Dear Fii will supply hundreds of coloured buttons as well as her extensive craft experience and skills for you to construct a gorgeous Button Bracelet. Proudly supported by Leutenegger


Kit $15.00. 1 hour. Beginner



Craft Lab 2 -Wednesday 12.30pm
Craft Lab 6 -Wednesday 2.30pm
Craft Lab 3 -Thursday 11.00am
Craft Lab 6 -Thursday 2.00pm
Craft Lab 5 -Friday 11.00am
Craft Lab 3 -Friday 3.15pm
Craft Lab 2 -Saturday 12.15pm
Craft Lab 6- Saturday 2.45pm
Craft Lab 6 -Sunday 11.00am
Craft Lab 8 -Sunday 1.30pm




Handsewn Felt Doughnuts

Create the perfect guilt-free fun treat and enjoy the ideal introduction to hand-sewn softies. The yummy results makes a great pincushion, decoration, toy or gift and is a great way to kick off crafting with felt. Presented by Holly McGuire of Two Cheese Please.


Kit $17.00 1 hour. Beginner

Craft Lab 7 -Thursday 11.00am
Craft Lab 2 -Friday 11.00am
Craft Lab 2 -Saturday 11.00am
Craft Lab 2 -Sunday 11.00am

Hand Printing & Design

Learn composition and style elements to create designs suitable for screen printing, stenciling and handstamping. Using your own hand cut designs (or ours if you like), hand print, learning different techniques you can easily replicate at home. You will complete three projects to take home. You may wish to bring additional items for printing such as a plain pillowcase, clothing or a plain cotton/linen tea towel. Presented by Sam Messina & Ellie Beck of Red Seed Studio.

Kit $47.00 2 hours. Beginner

Craft Lab 5 -Wednesday 1.30pm
Craft Lab 5 -Friday 12.30pm

Kumihimo using Disc

Come and try this creative Japanese Braiding Technique. Using a durable and portable disc create 2 braids for your craft and jewellery projects. Presented by Trish Goodfield of Trishalan Designs.


Kit $3.00 1 Hours. Beginner

Craft Lab 3-Wednesday 12.30pm
Craft Lab 2 -Thursday 12.30pm
Craft Lab 3 -Friday 11.00am
Craft Lab 3 -Saturday 11.00am
Craft Lab 3 -Sunday 11.00am

No Sew Fabric Flowers

Learn how to make the sweetest fabric flowers! These flowers can be used as hair clips, t-shirt embellishments, brooches, to sass up your handbags, headbands for starters, and a great little gift for your friends all made by you! When you see how easy it is you'll surround yourself with a handmade fabric flower garden in no time at all! In this Craft Lab you will make 2 fabric flower brooches or hairclips or one of each. Your Kit will have enough supplies for you to create a further 2 flowers and a customised supply list and inspiration guide for you to keep creating! Presented by Louise Stuart of Made by Miffy

Kit $18.00 45 mins. All Skill Levels

Craft Lab 8 -Wednesday 2.00pm
Craft Lab 3 -Thursday 2.15pm
Craft Lab 7 -Friday 1.45pm
Craft Lab 7 -Saturday 1.45pm
Craft Lab 5 -Sunday 3.

Day 8 - Craft Show Prep

All our preparations are going smoothly. Alan labelled this lot of fabric today then packaged up the dye kits.

It's been quite invigorating, keeping up with all the little things. I haven't found the extra work to be as tiring as I expected.

Mind you I was a little jealous when I spied Linda sitting out under her shady tree stitching away. I have found myself pining for some time to work on my challenge quilt or my takadai. There will be time for that after the show (says she hopefully).

Day 7- Stitches and Craft Show Prep

Craft Labs and Studios (workshops) are always popular at Craft Shows. To avoid disappointment it is best to book early. Click on the link and follow the prompts for booking into your favourite class. http://www.stitchesandcraft.com.au/brisbane/craftlabsandstudios

Day 6 - Stitches and Craft Show Prep

We snuck into the shop today to have a dummy run at the exhibit set up. Our plan was that as we are normally closed Tuesdays we should be able to make a bit of a mess.

This we did. We measured off the size. Outlined by old cardboard fabric rolls. The stitched models on the back wall aren't going but I wasn't going to take them all down for this exercise.

We were given this rack and we use it endlessly in the shop. Alan did a quick modification to add a rack to hang threads. Will we put our sign here?

The rack collapsed to this. Didn't know it would do that. If it's good it might get taken out more often.

Put everything back the way we found it (I think) then got started on folding fabric. You can see Stitchery Kits in the top of frame waiting to be packaged as well. Okay I'm off now to make some fabric skirts for the rack.

A Day Off - Sort Of

Today was a day off from full on prep for the show. I slept in, went to gym (didn't break a sweat), and generally did very little.

By lunchtime I was feeling a little guilty so I wound some of the Hand Painted Threads into skeins. Then I prepared some frozen meals for the week of the show.

This was the view across the lake at yesterday at the North Lakes Artisans' and Farmers' Market. Much prettier than last week's.

Kumihimo In The Park

This afternoon I ran a Kumihimo Activity in Powerhouse Park. This is part of Brisbane City Council's Active and Healthy Program. It was a lovely Brisbane Day. We had people everywhere. Whole families came and braided by the River.

There is another Kumihimo Activity next Saturday 25th April 1pm - 2pm in Powerhouse Park. Why not come and join in the fun.

New Widget

Check out the new widget at the end of each post. Pretty Cool hey!

Dylon Dyes 15

Quick picture of Dylon's New Navy Blue Dye. As usual the pic is Quilters' Muslin. Laundered Silk and Cotton Boucle Thread.

The picture is a little out of focus. That's what you get when you rush. I won't post any more Pics of the Dylon Dyeing until after the Stitches and Craft Show. That way I can give it the attention it deserves.

Day 5 of Show Prep

Today I had a bit of a play. I hand painted threads. It's funny how tastes change. During the first couple of years of having the shop I couldn't keep up with space dyed threads. Everybody wanted them. Then about 18 months ago sales slowed. I stopped dyeing them AND nobody asked for them. Everybody wanted Solid Hand Dyed Threads. It seems that tastes are starting to sway back toward space dyed threads. I started on a range of colourways and thread types. I'll be taking them to the Stitches and Craft Show, may as well do a bit of market research while I'm there.












I've popped into the other BrisStyle Girls' blogs today to catch up on their preparations for the Show. Go and visit Helen, Chris and Louise to see how they're doing. I can feel the excitiemnt building.

Day 4

The Weather Gods are smiling on me again today. Got lots of fabric dried on the line. You won't believe how much easier it is to iron fabric dried on the line versus fabric dried in the dryer.

This lot was unceremoniously dumped into the basket. Need to spread it out before too many creases form.

This is the hard working Alan making kumihimo kits. He's carrying an injury at the moment. By his position you would think it was his leg. But no! He has a crook shoulder and what's worse is that it is his ironing arm. He cried foul when I took this snap. I reminded him of Company Policy 101. He/She who owns the camera has the power. This Policy has a Bylaw, He/She who does the post retains editorial privilege!

I hope I'm not jinxing myself here but even with the foul weather we are on track for the show. I believe that I will even have time this week to dye some space dyed threads. This lot is ready to go tomorrow. And I promise tomorrow to post a few more Dylon Dye images.

Day 3 - Stitches and Craft Show Preparations

We don't usually work Tuesday but as the show is coming up fast we decided that the extra day was needed. When we left home it was still raining and it looked like it had set in for the day. By the time we had driven to the shop we could see patches of blue sky peeking through. Ever the optimist I quickly had fabric ready to go out on the line to dry.

Next job was mixing up more dye. Measuring needs to be accurate so it always seems to take forever. The good news is that using my Eco Dyeing method the 4 litres I mixed up of each colour will last absolutley ages.

With plenty of dye ready to go I moved onto the next dyeing batch. By the time I left this afternoon this rack was full of buckets. So was the long work table. This lot will 'do its thing' overnight. I'll finish it off tomorrow.

I'm off now to wind more thread into skeins.

Wet Weather.

The wet weather has been wonderful on one hand but on the other a little annoying.

I've spent the last couple of days winding hand dyed threads into skeins. Wonderful wet weather activity.

This, however, was my outlook today at the North Lakes Artsian and Farmers Market. I love my spot overlooking the lake. It looks much nicer on a sunny day.

Day 2 - Stitches and Craft Show Preparations

Today's plans for the show got revised very quickly.The weather wasn't playing nice so I couldn't wash out any more fabric.

Next task was dyeing and drying threads for the braid kits.

Alan went down into his shed and started cutting out a heap of discs.

These will dry completely while we're closed over the easter break. Alan will start making up the kits Sunday. Hopefully the rain will disappear for a couple of days early next week.

Brisbane Stitches and Craft Show

In the last 3 weeks I have done 12 days of kids classes and 6 days of adult classes. All this on top of keeping stock levels up in the shop and for our stockists. We've been to Goondiwindi and back and taken on an extra weekly market. Now it's time to start getting ready for the Brisbane Stitches and Craft Show.

By our reckoning we have just 10 working days to prepare fabric, threads etc. Public holidays and a couple of classes that were booked for the council late last year will eat into a bit of time. Now we're not in panic mode...yet. Alan and I are both planners. We can work out what needs to be done, by when, then we work backwards.

Today Alan started preparing instruction sheets for our Kumihimo Kits. And I washed and cut up approx 100 metres of fabric. Tomorrow will be more of the same. Weather permitting.

Road Trip

We're back from our trip to Goondiwindi for The Handmade Expo The long days and long drive were well worth it.

We stopped off in Warwick on the way. We had breakfast at Bryson's Place. Lynn, Narelle and their staff are proud supporters of the Jumpers and Jazz Festival. I've nominated to decorate a tree as part of the Festival.

This is my tree. Number 38.

As we drove through Inglewood I spied this business.I had to snap a shot, my twin brother's name is Ralph. We then drove though another small town on out way to Goondiwindi. Yellabron is, and I'm sure of this, the only town in Australia where they have more Craft shops than Pubs.

The Expo was fun. The locals were always asking "where are you from?" They really appreciated the efforts the out of towners had gone to. We also have a new stockist in town, Cottage Treasures now sells a select range of Trishalan Designs Hand Dyed Fabrics.

We had a long, tiring drive home. By the time we had driven back to the shop, unloaded, reloaded for The North Lakes Artisans and Farmers Market and then driven home, we had been awake for 20 hours. All worth it though.

The Crafters' Way 89 - Marbled Eggs

Here is this week's Messenger column. The Messenger is having a break for a couple of weeks over Easter.

Marbled Eggs

I like this activity of a couple of reasons; it uses easily sourced materials, it’s suitable for 3-5 yr olds and the eggs remain edible.

You will need:
Eggs, Tissue Paper in Bright Colours Shallow Dish Table protector, newspaper is suitable Paper Towel

Step 1: Hard boil the eggs. Allow to cool. Leave the shells intact .

Step 2: Cover the work table with newspaper or other suitable protector.

Step 3: Tear up tissue paper into small pieces. The grid squares that the paper is sitting on are 1cm square.

Step 4: Put in little water into a shallow dish. Dip the tissue paper into the water then place onto the egg.

Step 5: Continue dipping tissue and placing on egg until the egg is covered. Use the paper towel to mop up any coloured drips.

Step 6: Place the eggs into a cup to dry. Just before the tissue paper dries completely, remove. Pat eggs dry. Your marbled eggs are now ready to display.

I will be attending the North Lakes Farmers Market on Sunday Mornings. Be sure to pop by my stall and say hello.

Have a fun, safe Easter break.

Really Quick Post

We've had a huge week which has left us rushing about this afternoon packing for our trip to Goondiwindi for The Handmade Expo. I'll post more photos next week but this one should keep you going for now.














I started this bracelet when I made the Tie Earrings, I finally put the clasp on in the early hours of this morning.







See you when we get back.