Wee Birdy

Wee Christmas finds: Gifts for crafty girls

I loved putting together this crafty gift guide - and it's an extra big one because there was so much GOODNESS out there. You'll notice that there's a mix of some of the best Aussie and British designers - some old favourites (can you guess who?), and some new ones, too. What takes your fancy?

1. Sew La Tea Do by Pip Lincolne, AU$49.95, from Readings (ships internationally).

2. Rob Ryan ‘Give me Work’ tapestry kit, US$110, from Misterrob’s Etsy store.

3. Make your own monster kit, £15, by Donna Wilson (ships internationally).

4. Yasmin Ellis rain cloud tape measure brooch, AU$66, from the Portrait Gallery Store (ships within Australia only. Shipping is free if you have five or more items).

5. Wooden apple stamp, AU$8.95, from Kikki K (ships internationally).

6. Amanda Fatherazi 'Mary Swinging Sixties' hand-finished brooch, £50, from Liberty (ships internationally).

7. Sara Carr large Monty the Fox lambswool plush, US$66, from Sara Carr’s Etsy store.

8. Connections Twin Lid Sewing Basket, £35, from John Lewis (ships only within UK). Smaller baskets also available.

9. Rob Ryan Button tile, US$36, from Misterrob’s Etsy store.

10. Sara Carr lambswool petrol blue pencil scarf, US$60, from Sara Carr’s Etsy store.

11. Victoria Mason sterling silver and enamel granny square necklace, AU$220, from Lark (ships internationally).

Craft Capital: Make Do Mend

A relative newcomer to London's handmade scene, Make, Do, Mend runs craft workshops in London and the South East. The brainchild of Claire and Bee, who are both knitted textile designers and qualified craft teachers, the workshops cater for beginners, individuals and groups. And by the looks of things, they like to combine crafting with copious amounts of tea and cake (not a bad thing at all), setting up workshops in some of London's loveliest tea spots.

Here are their upcoming London workshops for February. You can book in by emailing Claire and Bee at makedomend@live.co.uk.

Saturday 6th February 2010
Beginner Knitting at High Tea of Highgate
10am-12pm
£25 including all materials, tea and cake.
We will be making a simple cowl which you will be well equipped for finishing at home. This short course will teach the very basics of knitting; casting on and off and knit and purl. Some beginners may go on beyond even this, especially if they have knitted before but are very rusty!

Thursday 18th February 2010
Crocheted Granny Squares at Tea Rooms Stoke Newington
7-9pm
£25 including all materials, hook, yummy cake and unlimited tea.
Grannies aren't so square. They can be hexagonal, circular and 3-dimensional flowers. During the class you'll be able to choose from 2-3 patterns and be taught how to join your motifs to make an attractive 30cm square cushion with button closure. All materials will be provided. You will need some previous experience and know the basic crochet stitches, including chains, double and treble crochet.

Thursday 25th February
Crochet for Beginners at The Gallery Cafe Bethnal Green
6-8pm
£15 including all materials and hook which you can take away.
We will be making a simple cowl or scarf which you will be well equipped for finishing at home. This short course will teach the very basics of crochet; chain, double and treble crochet. Some beginners may go on beyond even this, especially if they have crocheted before but are very rusty!

And check out the Make, Do, Mend blog here.

Wee find: The Cat in the Shoe

Just wanted to show you more of the whimsical work by The Cat in the Shoe, which I discovered at The Maisonette in Glasgow. Based in Hackney, East London, The Cat in the Shoe hand-stitches totally original fantastical creatures using vintage, recycled and new fabrics.

The long-necked stripey pie girls remind me of Alice in Wonderland (apparently Lewis Carroll was inspired by the long-necked figures on the brass fireplace in the main hall at Christ Church College), whilst the furry deer girl is a little more Where the Wild Things Are. Delightfully quirky and original.

Bust London Christmas Craftacular round-up

It was handmade heaven on Saturday when the Bust crew and over 60 UK craftsters descended on Bethnal Green's York Hall. I got there early to snap up some 'arse' biscuits from Belgium Waffle's Cruel Tea store (they had sold out by 3pm) and to do a quick lap around the stalls before it got really busy. Loved Tatty Devine's festive Christmas tree tombola, which took pride of place in the centre of the hall (above). Here are more of my highlights ...

Glasgow's Made in the Shade stall, featuring lavender bird softies by Claire Nicholson and wee Glasgow tenement kits.

 

Cruel Tea's rude biscuits (I bought the Tourette's box, and have so far enjoyed 'tits' and 'wank'), tea cosies and aprons...

Andrea Garland's beauty kits in vintage tins...

Jessie Chorley and Buddug Humpheys' jewellery and ballerina rings...

Jazmine Miles-Long's slightly creepy ethical taxidermy, which featured a snow-white baby lamb curled up in an old box...

Kate Wilson's wonderful bird prints, calendars, totes and postcards...

and Caroline Dulko's illustrated softies and vibrant cushions....

If you missed Bust, there are a couple of other craft/design markets popping up in London before Christmas, including Designer Makers (19 December) in Euston and Somerset House's Super Christmas market (18-22 December). Perfect for last-minute Christmas shopping.

Christmas shopping nights in London – part 3

Here's my final round-up of London's best Christmas shopping sales, markets and events. Get your diaries ready and dig in...

3 December: Late Night Exmouth Market Christmas Shopping Extravaganza
Indulge in some mulled wine and nibbles while you consider your purchases from independent boutiques like EC One Jewellery, Family Tree (pictured below) and Clerkenwell Tales Bookshop. 5-9pm.

5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 21, 22 and 23 December: Pop up Christmas
If you’re in the Stoke Newington area, you might like to check out this Christmas market, which features a variety of brands and designers including Joseph Joseph, Pantone and Rude. You can also make merry with the requisite mulled wine and mince pies, along with Christmas carols and Father Christmas. Click here for more details.

12 December: Bust Craftacular
The Bust girls are back with their festive spectacular, offering over 60 stalls of crafty, handmade goodness. Shop to the sounds of ‘60s girl-pop courtesy of Sheila B, and try your luck at Tatty Devine’s Christmas Tree Tombola (can’t wait to see that one!). Keep an eye out for Belgium Waffle’s Cruel Tea stall, although prudish types may wish to avert their eyes. Adm £2. Click here for more details.

12 and 19 December: Of Cabbages and Kings Christmas market
This Stoke Newington market will be offering a host of festive treats, with refreshments from the Of Cabbages and Kings café. Look out for handmade wares by the likes of Edwyn UK (see below), Strikk handknits and Helen Rawlinson. Click here for more details.

12 December: The Mangle Xmas Sale
Tatty Devine, Rob Ryan and Amanda Fatherazi are just some of the big names to feature in this festive Shoreditch sale. Entrance is free and there will also be tea, cake and music. 11am-6pm. Click here for more details.

18, 19-22 December: Somerset House Super Christmas Market
If you’ve left Christmas shopping ‘til the last minute, here’s your chance pick up some great gifts of the non-high street variety from designers including Michael Marriott, Carl Clerkin and students from the Royal College of Art and Camberwell. Adm £2. Click here for more details.