To market, to market
But not to buy a fat pig. While Clare was enjoying a party on Saturday I popped over to the Sisters’ Market to have a little browse and be inspired by many a crafty woman. It seemed as though half of Melbourne was there too – the place was packed with stalls and it was almost difficult to squeeze through and see what was on offer. First up was the latest issue of Mixtape, hot off the presses.
I adore the cover illustration! It was great to meet Justine for the second time – she (and Nichola) have done such a brilliant job with this little crafty zine. I am always a little overcome when I meet bloggers “in real life” and have to fight the urge to call them by their blog name. The gorgeous trim and badges are from Shannon of Aunty Cookie fame. I made a bag from her fabric earlier in the year, and there is more fabric in the stash… which I promised Shannon to use and not save for a rainy day! There were many more wonderful craftspeople selling their wares but since I am on a budget at the moment I restrained myself.
On Sunday the whole family headed off to the Shirt and Skirt Markets at the Abbotsford Convent. What a beautiful venue! The market is set out around the grounds of the convent, amongst many huge old trees and the architecture is inspiring. Once again the stalls were fantastic (many had been at the market the day before) and the atmosphere was very relaxing. We had lunch at Lentil As Anything, a vegetarian restaurant where you pay what you think your meal is worth (within your means). The food was excellent! While wandering around we bumped into Nikki, so I got to talk bags, craft and blogging while hubby kept the kids entertained. We finished off the day with a drink at Handsome Steve’s House of Refreshment, where hubby stunned Handsome Steve by reeling off information about his parents and childhood activities – it turns out that they grew up in the same country town. Of course, we didn’t leave the market completely empty-handed.
One hairclip for Clare (daddy was a softie), one button bracelet for Clare (mummy was a softie) and a whole lot of business cards. Clare quickly worked out that I wasn’t buying anything but would collect a business card from anyone who had things I particularly liked. She then made it her mission to collect as many business cards as possible from anyone who had things that she particularly liked, and slip them into my pocket. Clever girl!
I got to the sisters market first thing and it wan’t toobad so I think that was a good option. Shannon was convincing me to use my Cookie stash up too, so you think it is part of her plan so we have to keep going back and buying more Auntie Cookie goodness.
I missed the market as we had a country wedding, so will have to buy my mixtape online. You showed some serious restraint, and now you have the business cards it will be interesting to see which ones you look up and what if anything you buy. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration for a new project. Thanks for adding me to your blogroll:)
Nice work Lara, train them young… 🙂
you are so lucky to have markets like that in Melbourne – up here in Brissy we don’t have what I would call a really good quality craft market with designers and the such.
Clare is very well-trained…. what a good girl!
Lovely to see you on Sunday. talk soon!
You’re so lucky to have markets like this! I’m envious of your mixtape – I’m still waiting for mine, and I think I might have an article in there. Anxious to see it! Hopefully it will show up tomorrow.
Sounds like a lot of fun!!! We don’t have anything like that here! UGH! I wish we did!
sounds like a wonderful fun weekend!
Looks like you had a very crafty weekend
Hi Lara
Congratualtions on becoming a Sew,Mama,Sew Board Member! Just saw your introduction on their blog.
Blessings
Janelle 🙂
I really must go to the next sisters’ market it sounds very good! I’m off to see what you are upto over at Sew, Mama, Sew! 🙂
Sounds like a gorgeous weekend to me. Clare is too cute.