Design Made Trade - State of Design Festival

Today was the first day of the Design Made Trade Show at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne. It is just one of many events that is part of the State of Design Festival.

A few months ago I was invited to participate in the Design Made Trade. Which was a surprise and it was very flattering, but I decided not to participate for many reasons. So with the suggestion of the organiser, I visited DMT to get a feel to what it is all about.

Note: To much sadness, I couldn't take photos. I totally

understand because there were some prototypes there.

Walking into the fine Royal Exhibition Building built back in the 1800's, it's an inspiration in it's self, displayed within is all these modern and retro style designs. What a feast for the eyes and brain.

There are over 70 exhibitor's at DMT. There's assortment of artists, textiles, graphic and furniture designers, universities, jewellery, animation, wood design and so on. There is also a section presented by MoOD Innovation Platform, it has a selection of many new materials made out of leather, plastic, wood, fiber and so on. One has the opportunity to feel the amazing fabrics, they would be a must to see for any fashion designer. Lastly there was a vast display of new designs for the Melbourne Design Awards, these can be voted by the public.

It was lovely to see the very cute display by Ink & Spindle and the fun display by Pocket Carnival. Overall I really enjoyed myself. If you wish to go, this Saturday and Sunday is for the public. Go over to their web site here for details.

Stitches & Craft Show / My Purchases

Yesterday Fab (Little Cooties) and I ventured out to the Stitches & Craft show at the Caulfield Racecourse. I had visited last years show, so it was going to be interesting to compare. My first impression was, I have seen most of these stall holders at the Paper / Scrapbook show, luckily there were a few new stalls.

The usual stores were there, lace, weaving, knitting, basket making and so on. I must admit I admire the work but I don't have a deep urge to venture into these crafts. It wasn't until we went upstairs to the Incubator that I felt more at home. Up there was the wonderful Michelle (Kids with Crayons) who never fails to make me laugh. Also I finally got the chance to meet Nic (Yardage Design), I must admit I was gushing over her designs, so wonderful to see her products and not on a computer screen! Also wonderful to catch up with Carol from Itchy Bird and yes I purchased another wonderful bird. Also great to catch up with Pepperberry & Co.

Overall I enjoyed visiting the Stitches & Craft show, but I was disappointed. I didn't get the same buzz that I got last year. Was it the venue, was it because I am now familiar with the whole craft scene or was it because it was smaller this year. Answer venue and smaller.

Purchased a few goodies, but the big surprise, I purchased a sewing book! Yes folks I am finally going to move away from the computer and slide in front of my sewing and make items just for me, family and friends. Yes I do have a sewing machine, I know shock horror, amazing. So we will see if the sewing machine agrees with me.

Lovely Items I Purchased

Tea Towel In Frame - Yardage Design


Free-Style Handmade Bags & Skirts
Itchy Bird - Make Your Own Fabric Bird
Birdcage Kit

Trade Fairs

Over the last couple of weeks, blogs in America have been a buzz about The National Stationery Show in New York. I have been personally drooling over the up-and-coming designs, there are some certainly amazing designs that are due to come out over the next few months.

For those who are in London, they are in for a treat. One will have the opportunity to visit the first, 'Progressive Greetings Live 2009' which is totally devoted to greeting card designs. Sigh it would be great to go, but one just cant nip over to London.