patchwork

the yo-yo theory of retail

This week has been particularly shocking at the Cottage. A mixture of school holidays, the Show (haha), Grand Final Week and Mercury in Retrograde (well that's what I'm putting it down to as there is no better reason).

My Retail Gurus tell me to not worry, although I am opting for the 'Ostrich Theory of Business', because this always happens at the end of winter/start of spring. I know that but I have nothing to compare it to, I must remember to write in the diary for next year across the month of September 'DON'T PANIC!'.

So with downs there is ups- and the up of this week is these beauties. Handmade yo-yos!

As you know with Cottage Industry 99% of stock is our own label wares and we only stock other stuff if we absolutely love it and feel that it fits in with the whole feel. Take Coconut Lu's vintage button range- perfect!

Now the Cottage has Ben and Natalie's handmade yo-yos. They live in Oregon, they make stuff (see picture below) - perfect!

The yo-yos are made from sections of branch, in this batch white birch from Wisconsin, white birch from Rhode Island (they are different, nature is amazing), red birch, cherry and a mystery wood (so if you are an arborist please come in and tell us what it is). They have coloured yo-yo strings and spin beautifully! I had two in my bag yesterday and was having a strange day in the studio and ended spending a mediative 5 minutes flickin' a yo-yo. It made me smile, relax and zone out- the latest meditation craze- you heard it here first!

'take me home' #1

Mission- toy drop off.

This was fun.

Nonchalantly stroll through the Parliament Gardens. Surreptiously look around. Do the drop off. 

Kind of like being a spy- but with toys.

11.30 am 24th September 2008.

Mission accomplished.

the truman (capote) show

I've been meaning to scan this image for a while but I kept leaving it attached to the studio wall. I remembered to bring it home with me today though!

It came from an article in a magazine (can't remember which) about living rooms of the rich and/or famous. Wonderful 60s interior shots and cool Palm Springs houses. The best was Truman Capote in his lounge room- check out the patchwork quilt over his knees and the Japanese fabrics on the wall and cushions- how NOW!

fab fabric

I did some 'dumpster diving' for fabric today.

The 'Mother of All Op-Shops' is running low these days and in her great wisdom has quintupled her prices in under 8 months. This has not made me happy. In fact huge spanner would be how I am feeling at the moment. 

I did get the piece above. Cut moquette in lolly pink (photo is a bit washed out), cream and black on a natural background- and the design is BIG- and crazy, and I am tempted to make a big pouffé out of some of it, it would be hilarious (and quite possibly unsellable!)

I did also pick up, elsewhere, some linen for bags. It was late in the afternoon in the studio,when I took these shots so excuse the somewhat strange hue. I love Sanderson linens, they are so evocative of a time and place.

Hell, I'm a textile designer, watch go weak at the knees and wax lyrical about a bit of fabric!

There's a piece of linen I'm lusting after. 1930s narrow width with the most exquisite design.... when I win Powerball!

In fact, everything at the moment is 'when I win Powerball'. I've gone into one of my dejected states. It's one of those times when the flow of money, ideas, time, energy, etc is not in sync and I'm feeling slightly harassed and not knowing what to do first or last or in-between. Strange because yesterday was relatively productive. Today  though was all topsy and stop-start.

And I managed to leave a whole pile of stuff that I needed at home. If anyone says the 'L' * word I'll head-butt them!

*Lists- I hate them. I can't understand the whole moving of unfinished list components on to a new list. They would just taunt me, reminding me that they were on another list, unfinished.... I also think that instead of sitting there writing a list I could be working on something, getting something finished. Lists- phwwwht!

catch up

I've been feeling like I am falling behind on posting!

I have managed to get a few odd jobs that have been hanging over my head (for months) done though.

I put up the tension wire in the bedroom to hang the patchwork quilt I use as a curtain. It has been suspended from a couple of nails, now I can pull it right back and yesterday I got to lie on the bed with a Georgette Heyer crime novel (they are hilariously funny and really well written), a packet of beetroot chips (you gotta try these- fantastico!), the window open and blue sky outside. I did forget to go to the Northcote Festival however- ooops.

A new batch of Owlettes has hatched and they are sitting in baskets in the shop. Please come and adopt one! The chirping when they need to be fed and keeping up with the regurgitating of food to feed them is driving us insane.

 

And the possum sock monkeys are finished! Cheeky monkeys! (Well half of the batch are finished- the rest are sitting dismembered on the couch......)

And a new run of Shibori bracelets.

And two new styles of bags made from vintage linens, lined in cotton ticking, limited in number depending on the fabric.

And new clocks.

And new stock coming! 

Special things commissioned today and arriving in a couple of weeks!

Something special from overseas! 

Let you know when it all happens!

Note to self- Gotta stop using exclamation marks, makes me look like a complete twat!

it's a (another!) boy!

Amory Cormac Duff has arrived! 18th of September, 9lbs 10oz (yes, you heard that right, that's what yoga does, makes booffers!)

Huge congratulations to Cameron and Andrea far away in Vancouver!

(I couldn't resist using another Madonna and Child picture- and look how happy our lovely A is- those hormones have kicked in!)

OK I'll stop using exclamation marks.

So very happy with these sweeties. Can't wait until they come back to meet Mr Amory Cormac Duff.

Love you two- I mean three- heaps.