Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Flutter in the City

I have just had the most wonderful long weekend away. It started in Brisbane - I had a couple of hours to while away so found myself in the West End, and scored some gorgeous op shop clothes for myself, including a very vintage, very pink sheer - but too pretty to be called a dressing gown- what are they called? Then it was time and husband of 15 years and I flew to beautiful Adelaide.

My first trip and I was not disappointed. I should have researched handmade and shops a little before we left I guess, but it was just too much fun exploring the city. I was gobsmacked with the button shop below. Walls of them ! Walls! Just no vintage... There were such a variety of shops in Rundle Mall, and we loved the asian food courts. SO good.





The next day saw us heading to the Central Market for breakfast. The Russian breakfast did not disappoint either. A huge omelette with 3 cold salads... Although nowhere near as big as Mebourne's Victoria Markets... the atmosphere was humming, prices fantastic (I wish I could buy mushrooms here for $5 per kilo) and choice...!


My excess could have been simply from the legumes....I had been searching for black beans since last year, although I am sure they are available North of Brisbane I just haven't come across them yet. Outside the Market we popped into an antique shop - bursting to the seams with beautiful crockery and cars, hats and dresses upstairs plus a collectable museum!!


Ahhhh, then the reason we headed down (besides our anniversary) was for our friend's birthday party in the Adelaide Hills. It was to our fortune that we stumbled on Paracombe Winery to ask for directions. Of course we had to sample some their beauties and admire their back paddock Kangaroos before we continued on.






We finished the party here, overlooking a gorgeous valley with ruins of a winery and pond below. It is an area we are keen to explore further with quaint pubs (and excellent grub), walks and so much more to see. Next time I will bring my list of handmade markets and opshops and perhaps even the kids!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Deadlines and a Kokka Charmer

I work much better under a deadline. Birthday parties are a mother of all deadlines because it meant I finished this bag in time. Called a charmer, it is a smaller sized bag not designed for carting a couple of heavy dictionaries, more inclined to service ponies, littlest pets, and some hair gear and lipgloss. Of course, it will eventually graduate to makeup, wallets, iphones and ID. This version has slightly longer straps, which means it will sit well over the shoulder for women and not just girls.




Custom made for a brand new 10 year old , the fabric included a purple and black floral cotton interior, wadding for interfacing and a contemporary Japanese Kokka fabric. Purchased months ago,  and called Teal apartment scenes in purples, lime and blue on white, I could no longer find it available.




With a coordinated tag with a little bag story printed after this photo, we were a bit reluctant to let it leave our hands. Lucky  I still have as much fabric again, next time I wonder which style I will fashion it with?