MissChief Maker

Ouch.....more instore

2010-11-27T17:06:00.001+11:00

The first shipment sold out in only a few weeks. I've finally got my hands on some more OUCH stock for the boys. Loads of cargo shorts coming back into stock, including restocking of a red & white stripe cargo short and new to the shop a brown check cargo short. Very cool. Great style and works well with dress shirts and tees. Shorts From $49.95 sizes 0 - 7. Be quick

Miss Haidee

2010-11-26T18:03:00.001+11:00

How cute is this playsuit? Does it come in an adult size because I could imagine myself running around my property with my red floral gumboots and wide brimmed hat and this playsuit. Oooohhh how comfy, how summer.

Available in S, M, L, XL for approximately 3 - 6 year old, Miss Haidee, handmade in Tasmania. $59.95. Available in store.

handmade living.

2010-11-25T22:18:00.003+11:00

The excitement is brewing. There has been hundreds, perhaps thousands of hours that have brought this sensational piece of handmade heaven together. handmade living. - a designer collective is a unique and beautiful hardcover book showcaing the talents of handmade designers, artisan and craftspeople from all over Australia. This book features over 70 gorgeous projects and inspirational ideas. MissChief Maker has a special little spot in this book. Launching on December 4th, just in time for Christmas gifts, you can purchase it at the Handmade market upcoming 4th December at Kamberra Wine Company 11am - 7pm or MissChief Maker aims to stock instore this December.

Heavenly Creatures

2010-11-25T21:48:00.003+11:00

Heavenly Creatures, our ever popular Melbourne label, has provided us with the cutest rustic tutu with ric rac trimming that looks gorgeous with their spotty long sleeve vintage cotton top. Perfect for those hot summer days to cover delicate skin. This picture was taken by Parer Photography at our High Tea event this spring. Live jazz and fashion parades wowed the guests.

Heavenly Creatures tutu available in store in sizes 2, 4 and 6. $69.95. Heavenly Creatures top, sizes 2,4 and 6. $39.95.

Winner Babies in Beanies

2010-08-14T15:42:00.004+10:00

Congratulations to our wonderful winner of Babies in Beanies 2010, Jack Duncan!

Take the kids to the zoo this winter.....

2010-07-24T14:11:00.000+10:00

Who says it's too cold to go out? Rug the kids up with merino wool, jackets and scarves and head out for the day.

In Canberra, my little girl and I go the National Zoo and Aquarium on our days off. It's nearby and because we have an annual pass we can come and go as we please. A recent visit to Sydney demanded a visit to Taronga. It brought back many childhood memories.

The National Zoo & Aquarium sponsored our Babies in Beanies 2010 with family passes for the winner's family and runner's up.

If you care to be a little more adventurous than just a simply trip to the zoo, take a trip to the snow supporting the Snow Leopard Foundation, an endangered species. This August, 22-23, for $252 you get coach travel, accomodation & ski lift tickets. To find out more contact the National Zoo & Aquarium .

Fireside Festival

2010-07-23T13:28:00.005+10:00

Murrumbateman is a vibrant rural village 30 minutes from Canberra and 2.5 hours South of Sydney. The village is made up of a diverse and active community and is home to a large number of small business owners. Historically based on wool and beef cattle it has recently emerged as a centre for wineries, regional cafes and restaurants and award winning B&Bs.

Every winter the Fireside Festiv al is held by Canberra and surrounding small businesses to celebrate winter in the region.

Two of our sponsors of Babies in Beanies have great events on offer during the Fireside Festival. If you can't make these, they are worth a visit with or without the kids!

Poacher's Pantry

Poacher's Pantry smoke their own meats, Wily Trout wines and offer a resturant on their beautiful property, just 10 minutes from Murrumbateman, in Hall.

This year for the Fireside Festival they are offering

Tantalise your tastebuds with a 5 course degusation menu. Traditionally cooked slow cooked food with a contemporary Poachers twist.

Poacher's kindly donated a case of Wily Trout 2008 Shiraz & a $100 voucher for their restuarant or smoked meats for our Babies in Beanies raffle.

Flint in the Vines

Flint in the Vines is a new and exciting restaurant from the original Flint Dining Room & Bar in the Canberra City. It brings Flint's modern international bistro cuisine to Murrumbateman. Flint in the Vines' food philosophy is to produce high quality cuisine at affordable prices, sourcing as much seasonal produce as possible from the local area.

The restaurant is ideally situated on the picturesque property with a smart yet informal ambiance overlooking the vineyard estate. It's reminiscent of the great vineyard restaurants from the country regions of France and Italy. With a cosy fireplace for those winter months and a beautiful outdoor terrace in summer, it is the perfect place to enjoy home made specialities.

Every Wednesday night thoroughout August Wine, Wisdom & Wood-fired Pizzas is running. Trivia nights with good

Flint in the Vines donated $80 dining voucher for the runner's up in our Babies in Beanies competition.

KreATiVE KiDS

2010-07-23T13:01:00.003+10:00

Rodney's Nursery have been running KreATiVE KiDS klasses every Thursday morning from 10:00-11:00 for the locals. They are held in the heated log cabin within the nursery, the kiddies get morning tea, fruit & fairy bread and a drink plus the activity all for $7.50. You have to book at www.rodneys.com.au as places are limited

Here is a look at what the kids got up to with Paper Making in the first week!

Last week some stunning peg dolls were created with tutus, crowns and beautiful long flowing hair! Biscuits were baked and decorated this week and next week the kids pot their own herbs.

If you've got a little one not yet at schoool and looking for something to do on Thursdays this is a nice way to enjoy the crisp and chilly mornings in Canberra.....

Winning Babies Week 4

2010-07-08T19:58:00.009+10:00

We had an overwhelming amount of entrants in our final week of Babies in Beanies photographic competition. So many gorgeous winter faces.

This week we have 6 finalists, the three top babies from each site with the highest number of votes.

Tai T, Patrick A, and Liam N (L - R) are in it for the boys........

Genevieve K and Amarli H and Ruby K, (L - R)are representing the girls for week 4!

Well done to all the beautiful entrants - we loved looking at all those photos.

Don't forget there are 4 'Wild Cards' to join the finalists. 1 from each week being added to the final 16. You have to check out the Canberra Weekly Magazine this week, issue out 12th July 2010, to find out who the Wild Cards are and to see all the finalists as you have voted.

Winning Babies Week 3

2010-07-02T20:31:00.005+10:00

It's getting to the pointy end of the competition and all of those winter faces are just so delightful. This week our 4 top babies with the highest number of votes are (L -R) Makalya T, Keaton L, Inara H & Emily W. Congratulations to all the entrants.

Winning Babies Week 2

2010-06-25T22:39:00.006+10:00

How gorgeous are these winning babies from the second week of the Babies in Beanies competition!?

Going into the finals are: Molly S, Matthew C, Ashlyn O and Jack D. Congratulations 'babies'. We'll see you all printed in the Canberra Weekly on July 12th with all the other finalists.

Don't forget, mums, there is a wild card from every week joining the finalists.

Winning Babies Week 1

2010-06-17T22:39:00.009+10:00

Meet our winning babies from Week 1 of the Babies in Beanies photographic competition. These babies, left to right, Samantha, Maxwell, Ella and Laila C, had the highest votes on MissChief Maker & Snowgum Studio. But mums, don't despair.........there will be one 'wild card' selected from each week to join the 16 finalists. This 'wild card' won't be based on votes - it's a selection by a panel of judges. So keep posted on who will go into the finals from week 1.

Congratulations to all our gorgeous babies. Thank you for being part of this wonderful cause.

More Time Slots added

2010-06-17T14:20:00.002+10:00

The babies in beanies has been so popular on Sundays and completely sold out, so Leonie from Snowgum Studio has kindly donated more of her time to add 3 additional time slots on Sunday morning 20th ans 27th June.

We are also adding some times to Saturday 26th June between 1:30 - 3:30. If you missed out, tell your friends to book now before it sells out again!

Babies in Beanies - Voting has begun!

2010-06-12T15:21:00.007+10:00

Well it's that time again - the voting is ON and we need your vote!!

Babies in Beanies evolved from a passion of Leonie of Snowgum Studio, and me, to capture the real essence of winter in Canberra. Rugged up kiddies, with beanies, mittens and scarves was what we thought of. We wanted to also support a local cause. The photographic competition to raise money for the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation started in 2009. We raised $2800 from entrant fees and raffles last year that went towards funds for the humidicrib for the Canberra Hospital.

The 2010 competition has just begun. We are aiming for $6500 in fundraising this year for a new piece of equipment for the neo-natal unit in the Canberra Hospital.

With 5 weeks of voting, and over 100 babies to vote for, it's set to be a tough competition. I'm glad I'm not voting!

Be sure to visit MissChief Maker website and Snowgum Studio blog to vote for the cutest Canberra baby in a beanie. You can vote once on each site. The two highest votes from each site go into the finalists of 16 babies.

It's tooooooo cute......

MaKE iT Kits

2010-06-10T23:09:00.005+10:00

New to MissChief Maker these MaKE iT Kits are perfect for a cold and rainy weekend.

Now 3 types of MaKE iT kits available at the shop and some online, the Vintage Button Necklace Kit, the WinterWood Dolly Kit, and the Felt Bird Kit.

Suitable for 6 years+. Children may require assistance with the instructions but it is a lovely Sunday afternoon activity to do. Enjoy!

Upcycled Wool Gloves

2010-06-02T08:09:00.001+10:00

These have been a favourite of mine and MissChief Maker customers for two winters now.

Body Parts - a collaboration between Gaye Naismith (Gaye Abandon) and Melanie Hill (Textile Allsorts), the Body Parts range transforms recycled, felted wool jumpers into snug and funky winter accessories. MissChief Maker stocks the armies, more than just fingerless gloves, for children & women.

The Tubeway Armies arm warmers feature unique ‘two-of-a-kind‘ combinations of stripes and textures with stitch, button and applique detailing. I so love stocking and wearing these products all winter. I get lots of envy looks in the street when I wear my bright turquiose and red armies!!!

Be sure to check out the kids online or the womens & children's instore.

Angora Jackets by Little Ray

2010-05-30T20:56:00.001+10:00

Recently featured in a local magazine in the kids fashion pages, these angora & lambs wool jackets have been handmade by Rachel from Little Ray in Melbourne.

Carefully selected fabrics have resulted in a jacket suitable for a boy or a little girl.

Perfect for Canberra's cold winter, dark charcoal angora & lambs wool is lined with a red & white striped cotton fabric, including the inside of the hood and the pockets. Simply devine.

Available in sizes 2 - 5. Instore or online.

Capes

2010-05-29T20:44:00.007+10:00

Our beautiful Capes were featured in this week's edition of the Canberra Weekly.
Each piece is uniquely designed using wool and cotton drill fabrics. The ones featured here are available in store among others. Be sure to pop by and have a look instore or check them out in our online store.

Newborn Intensive Care Foundation

2010-05-08T11:00:00.000+10:00

Babies in Beanies is a collaboration of Snowgum Studio photography and MissChief Maker. A unique opportunity to enter your child in a winter photographic competition whereby Leonie from Snowgum Studio takes a photo of your child in a MissChief Maker beanie and then the public vote online each week after all the children have been photographed. The competition registrations are open now at www.misschiefmaker.com.au and the photo shoots are during June. There are some fabulous prizes to be won too.....will tell you about them later!
Babies in Beanies is running not only to find the cutest baby in a beanie in Canberra, but also to support a very worthy cause. The Newborn Intensive Care Foundation is a local charity that raises money for much needed medical equipment for critically ill babies. Last year the Babies in Beanies competition helped to raise over $2500 for a humidicrib for the Canberra hospital. This year we are seeking to more than double the fundraising to $6500. This is to purchase a new biliblanket for the Canberra Hospital who are in need of two new blankets.
The BiliBlanket is an LED and fibre-optic based technology enabled blanket that assists with the treatment of indirect hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. The biliblanket has features that are needed for intensive phototherapy for aiding in the remedy of hyperbilirubinemia. It is also the only product on the market that supports and promotes developmental care, enables infant-parent bonding and provides healing light where it is needed – in Neonatal, ICU, Pediatrics, Well Baby Nursery and at home. These blankets are $6500 each. That's our target.

Babies in Beanies

2010-05-07T19:15:00.003+10:00

It's on again.

The cutest photographic competition ever!

Babies in Beanies - the search for the baby face of Canberra's winter - is open for registrations.

Open to children from newborn to 5 years. Places are strictly limited and photos are taken by an award winning photographer, Leonie Keogh.

Enter at MissChief Maker

Gypsy tutus

2010-04-17T21:30:00.000+10:00

These are the most glorious pieces of children's clothing I've seen in a long time. I can't take my eyes off them when I'm in the shop. I would like one in my size!

These pettiskirts are 100% made and designed in Australia. Anita's inspiration for this collection came from the vintage, the girly and frilly and from European influences to create her brand Gypsy Tutu.

They are now available at MissChief Maker so be sure to pop your head in to see the four skirts currently in stock: Red with white trim, Black with pink trim (both as shown), Pink with lemon trim and Hot pink with red trim.

Easter Raffle

2010-04-16T23:22:00.007+10:00

We had some amazing contributions for our Easter raffles, and now all the prizes have been picked up by our lucky winners. There were 5 prizes, The Indulgence Pack, The Relax Pack, The Baby Pack, The Lifestyle Pack and the Owls are Hunting lamp.

Thank you to The Owls are Hunting for the gorgeous lamp, Blue Mallee for supplying the fabulous canvas bags for each raffle prize, Poppy Bean & Bloss for the ever-so-cute sock monkeys, Prim & Pretty for the brooch, Lanka Kade for the puzzle, Monk'n'Bear for the cloth nappy, Chocolate Mamas for the truffles (yum), bDistinctive for the free facials, and to Flint Dining Room & Bar in New Acton and Flint in the Vines in Murrumbateman for the generous dinner and lunch vouchers. You made some lucky mums very happy. thank you!

Here is a list of the lucky winners:

Amaly Butler, Donna Campbell, Romina Bognolo, Verity James and Carla. Congratulations!

Easter Delights

2010-04-06T23:38:00.020+10:00

Who could have asked for better Canberra weather or a better experience than the Easter hunt at Rodney 's Nursery on Easter Sunday?!

80 registered children all recieved a bag of goodies filled with a Schle ich horse or a set of wooden castanets donated from ChildPlay, organic raisins supplied by my new neighbour, Brindab ella Baby, as well as lots of discount vouchers to be used online or instore at several Canberra retail and service outlets.

The children all eagerly awaited the clock chiming 2pm when the hunt began. And they were off......1400 easter eggs, as well as several large golden eggs lay waiting in the grounds of the cafe lawns for tiny hands to shovel them into the bags. It took all of 3 minutes to clear the lawns of its treasure.
The day was organised not only for the fun of the hunt, but to raise the awareness of Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. Tyler James and his family attended the hunt, which was so wonderful. You can read more about Tyler's journey with cancer at 4TylerJames. All proceeds from the sausage sizzle (donated by Griffith Butchery), the wine tastings (donated by Shaw Vineyard Estate), the fac e painting, and the raffles went to Neuroblastoma research. This year we have raised over $600 so far and still counting....

Childplay set up a stall which impressed all the mums and dads with their extensive range of educational toys for children. It's all about the hands-on experience for the children in their store, so I highly recommend taking a toddler out to play at Childplay!

Chocolate Mamas not only donated all the easter eggs for the children to find, but also held a little stall with their specialty, chocolate truffles. The strawberry and white chocolate truffle was devine. I bought a box, took it home and had 2 more with a cup of tea after dinner. Yum.

Chris & Shamsa supplied our facepainting, donating their time. Some amazing characters and designs emerged from the little corner of the playground we had set up for the face painters!

Tania McCartney read Riley and the Sleeping Dragon and Riley and the Dancing Lion to the children before the hunt - it helped to divert their attention from the egg hiding going on before their little beady eyes!
Thank you to everyone that came. Thank you to Melissa and Terry and Tyler for coming before the big footy game. I am glad you made it and I am glad MissChief Maker could do this to raise awareness for a cancer that has no cure.

Three Little Trees...for the boys

2010-03-30T16:41:00.006+11:00

Three Little Trees stock has arrived. This time, it's packed with boys fashion. It's very cool, funky and functional stuff. Long sleeve tees in 3 designs and colours are $34.95 and the two piece track-suit (not any track-suit!) are $39.95 per peice. From size 2 to size 7.

The thing I like best about Three Little Trees is that with every garment there are Australian native seeds attached to each swing tag. The idea here is that children from all over the earth; while looking stylish, can plant these little seeds and watch our world grow with them. Three Little Trees believes this tiny little thing that we can teach our children to do will sustain our earth for their children and grandchildren for many years to come. Educating our children on sustainability is of great importance to the ethos of Three Little Trees as it is to MissChief Maker.

Poppy tights, size 3-8, $19.95.

Loads of pre-loved has arrived

2010-03-26T15:51:00.004+11:00

I have just put a stack of new pre-loved clothing into MissChief Maker. There's plenty of boys jeans and cords from $10-$15, girls cords size 1-6 all $12, and some new long sleeve shirts for the boys $11. Jackets, jumpers and dresses all still coming in over next few weeks.

The store has been flat out and stock is walking out the door. Don't wait to pick up some bargains for your child's winter wardrobe.

The most beautiful beanies i've ever seen...

2010-03-20T22:20:00.007+11:00

Chunky brimmed merino wool beanie

The most gorgeous beanies and berets arrived yesterday. They are all hand knitted or hand crocheted using merino wool (boys) and organic cotton yarns (girls). The only problem we have is they only hit the shop today and they are selling so fast. I waited 2 months to get them and hardly had time to bond with them!

Shown left to right - Flower Tam; Scallop Hat; Stella Cable Cap

Gift Vouchers

2010-03-19T22:29:00.002+11:00

MissChief Maker has just added gift vouchers that can be purchased from our online shop. Available in $20, $50, $75 and $100 denominations.

A perfect gift if you can't decide what you want to buy for that little misschief....the voucher will be sent to the recipient in a gorgeous envelope and wrapped in ribbon. The voucher itself is quite devine.

It's redeemable online or in store.

Roll up, Roll up!...Heavenly Creatures has arrived

2010-03-16T23:14:00.009+11:00

Roll up, Roll up! The carnival themed autumn/winter stock from Heavenly Creatures (Melbourne) has arrived. Be inspired, its fairy floss, elephant tricks, carousel rides and side shows. It's mainly about the boys and it's really limited. The merino wool cardis have arrived as have the charcoal carnival long tees. Few more items are on their way but should arrive for the weekend - the red striped grandpa tees and the carousel tutu vintage skirts. Get into the shop or go online next week to purchase your gorgeous 'carnival' themed transeasonal piece. Sizes 2 - 6 available.

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-03-10T12:45:00.004+11:00

The annual Easter Hunt is on! This year, continuing to sponsor Neuroblastoma research and the 4TylerJames Fund, MissChief Maker is running the easter hunt AND the easter bonnet parade.

I am so excited. Tyler James is 5 years old. He is well for the moment but was diagnosed with the childhood cancer, Neuroblastoma at 2 years old. He will be at the hunt with his family and all the other children searching for THAT golden egg!

There will be a sausage sizzle, wine tastings, raffles, book readings, demonstrations, face painting and a few market stalls to enjoy for the afternoon. All of the proceeds from these will go towards raising funds for Neuroblastoma research.

It's on Easter Sunday afternoon, starting from 1:30pm. It's a great opportunity to get out of the house on a long weekend and fill the kids with some fun and some more chocolate! The hunt takes place in the playground and lawns at Rodney's Nursery.

You must register to hunt. Children recieve a goodie bag, a hunt bag and a tag for hunting! Places are limited. Entry is free for all the family.

For the easter bonnet competition - register your child on the Misschief Maker website - make a bonnet with them and bring it along for judging on the day. There are some fabulous prizes to win for parent and child!

I hope the sun shines down and everybody has lots of fun!

It's turning into a Winter Wonderland....

2010-02-27T12:28:00.004+11:00

It's all about the Winter Wonderland at MissChief Maker this season. The shop is taking shape. It's a gorgeous eclectic mix of handmade and pre-loved. It already starting to walk out the door. Denim pinafores & boys jeans are a great pre-loved item, better than new because someone else has worn them in for your little misschief, nice and soft!

Just arrived this week from Little Ray in Melbourne are cordoroy crop jackets, fully lined in fun cotton prints and smock tops in pink, red and charcoal cotton drill with designer trims. Both items available up to size 7.

Only one of each, each one-of-a-kind, but I can sometimes take orders if you are prepared to wait.

Knuffle Kid is in stock

2010-02-25T13:41:00.002+11:00

Knuffle Kid has made it into store and online! The colour is so refreshing - lots of bright orange and vibrant red to to team with the Irish tweed Julian Vest and reversible Moonface Cape (pictured left to right). Be sure to make it in as I only have one of each size for every style.

The Autumn Stock has started to trickle in...

2010-02-21T22:22:00.003+11:00

The Autumn stock is trickling into MissChief Maker. It was mum's great idea this morning to get all the denim pinnies, boys' long pants and shirts and some beautifully embroidered denim skirts into the shop. It was mayhem all day but the customers loved it. Some found bargins on the $10 dress rack or $5 shorts table and some found some gorgeous new Autumn pieces to take home to their misschief.

I'm stoked that the change of season has begun. It's the start of something really special......

What have I done?

2010-02-20T12:18:00.004+11:00

I am still in denial.....but I am pretty sure that Jack, our new puppy, will keep my MissChief Maker amused while I sew!!??!!!

I'm so into Winter...

2010-02-12T14:46:00.004+11:00

I've been creating ponchos. I've wanted to execute this project for some time, since I'd spotted mum's old woollen blankets in the cupboard!

I've really enjoyed this one. I can't wait to show you all the whole collection in the shop. Despite moving away from mum's woollen blankets (my 2 year old tell me they were too itchy), the concept is sound and looks beautiful as a finished piece. I've trimmed the poncho in beautiful fabrics, stunning hand-dyed felt circles or coloured leather circles become a feature, the neckline is trimmed in a contrasting cotton bias and finished with a hand-covered button, loop and leather piece.

These will be available in MissChief Maker store from March 2010 in a range of sizes from 1 to 7 years.

The boys are in the spotlight

2010-02-08T21:00:00.004+11:00

I've been spending lots of time focussing on the boys for MissChief Maker. I've been making some really cool scarves that are reversible and have a loop to keep them close to the neck without the hassle of tying them around one's neck! Some are fleecy lined and others are cotton jersey. Perfect for our Canberra winter.

Little Toot shipment of gorgeous trans-season handmade smart denim shorts have arrived in sizes 2 - 6years. They have been beautifully made with pocket and fabric hem detail. There is a limited range so be sure to come into the shop to have a look this weekend! These shorts would be perfect teamed with a crisp white shirt for a special occasion or a night out to dinner when you are proud to take your little Chief out looking smart and cool!

The boys pre-loved for Autumn/Winter 2010 has been getting some dedicated attention too. Some of the slightly tired looking jeans have had a facelift with some special hand dying. This season Charcoal is great teamed with orange and red. So the jeans are no longer blue denim but a groovy shade of grey. I have a whole range of sizes in pants for boys this season for pre-loved from 6 months to 7 years.

SALE

2010-01-29T14:40:00.013+11:00

It's On.
The MissChief Maker Sale.

I've reduced our handmade clothing and accessories, and offering a special on our pre-loved summer clothing too.....Come out and have a look at the shop at. We have sizes from 0 to 8 years.

24 Beltana Road, Pialligo | ACT | Open Thurs - Sunday

This February Only. Or until stocks last..........

Chunky Knits for the Head

2010-01-28T21:00:00.009+11:00

I have found the most devine crocheted and knitted hats and beanies for boys and girls - aged 1 to 6 for the shop this Autumn/Winter. They come in organic cotton yarns and merino wool. I can't contain my excitement - I've even had to order one for myself. I am a hat kind of chick. I love a good slouchy knitted stylish beanie. The best way to wear them is to add one of Prim & Pretty's beautiful felted mohair brooches to the brim. I have a nice range in the shop and a few online. They're pricy at $49, but you need to appreciate that they are mohair, knitted, felted, layered then a button covered and finished into this beautiful product. They are worth the investment. Otherwise consider them for a special girlfriend or mother that has a Winter birthday!

Back to those hats. A snap shot of 2 of the 6 styles that will be coming into MissChief Maker in April 2010. They will all be one-of-a-kind colourways for each style so you'll have to get in quick. I have some gorgeous handmade girls cord dresses and denim pinafores and boys locally hand knitted vests that will look fantastic with these special pieces. They won't be online so you'll have to make your way into the retail store in Pialligo....see you soon. x

Fresh take on stock-take from Canberra eco-friendly and fair trade retailer

2010-01-27T14:00:00.001+11:00

If you went to the Boxing Day clearance sales this year, you probably noticed that the crowds who arrived early got the best of the bargains. When you’re shopping with kids (or a pregnant belly!), or you have to work during the day, it’s a bit hard to line up for the door-buster stocktake sales.

Another problem with the usual January clearance sales is that the focus is on moving Christmas and summer stock – cards and decorations, summer clothing, toys etc. Most baby shops don’t have a big January sale, because they haven’t had to stock up on car seats or nappies for a Christmas gift-buying rush. Which means that if you’re looking for a bargain on baby basics, it’s hard to find at this time of year.

Canberra’s eco-friendly and fair trade baby shop, Brindabella Baby, has found an innovative way to beat the stocktake sale crowds, and make their unique product range available to bargain shoppers everywhere. Brindabella Baby will hold a Facebook Garage Sale, with most stock at cost price or less! With a move to new, better premises in March, Brindabella Baby are making an early start on clearing out product lines that won't be moving to the new location.

Pictures and descriptions of items, with a bargain basement price, will be posted on the Brindabella Baby Facebook page from 8pm Eastern daylight savings time on Wednesday, 27 January 2010. All you have to do is post in the comments if you want the item. On Thursday morning, Paypal invoices will be emailed out, with postage costs based on how much can be stuffed into pre-paid Express Post satchels.

There will be hundreds of items, with entire product ranges being discontinued – clothes, accessories, gourmet treats, carriers, nappies and more. And the first to comment gets the item, so make sure you don’t miss out! Become a Facebook fan today, and get ready for never-to-be-repeated bargains!

Those buttons are making a comeback

2010-01-26T16:04:00.000+11:00

I have a LOT of buttons. I've been collecting them for years. But somehow, even though I must have close to 10,000 I never seem to have the right ones for the job. I am always looking for more. I run an ad in the free classified in Canberra Times requesting any old grannies to give up their stash for me. For free! Bold. huh. It didn't give me to return I was hoping for but i got a few little jars and some haberdashery from the 70's!

I've been making button necklaces for some time. About 7 years. They come and go. They were big in Sydney a few years back when Longrain - the best Thai restaurant in Sydney - had a market just before Christmas. I sold over 30 necklaces in 6 hours! I also used to frequent Surry Hills and Kirrabilli markets with success.

Jen Leheny makes cool button necklaces too. Maybe I could get my hands on her stash now that she's a fabulous photographer and all?!

So a few have made it into the shop over the past few months. I am re-inspired again (part of that new year's resolution to get crafting more and use up the stashed of stuff in my cupboards). Button necklace making is on the adgenda.

Hopefully MixTape zine (that crafty Melbourne mag) will publish a button necklace tutorial of my latest creation? The kids issue is coming up, look out for Issue 13. And starting collecting nanna's old buttons or send them to me if you don't want them. I'll love them!

Autumn/Winter 2010

2010-01-25T10:36:00.004+11:00

Did somebody say Winter?! It's incredibly hard to be thinking about Winter when it's 39 degrees! Quite the contrary, i've really been nutting out the range for Autumn/Winter 2010 and enjoying every minute of it. I have focused on pulling together a collection from several suppliers, from Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia as well as our clever Canberra counterparts. The colourways are exciting and fresh for 2010 for the boys and soft but rich for the girls.

KnuffleKid, a favourite supplier of mine of really funky, vintage inspired, hand printed fabrics that are really different to the 'norm'. Some will love the style, and I am sure there will be some out there that won't. I love it. We took this photo of little Isabella looking oh so cute in the KnuffleKid 'prom skirt'. Layered vintage lace skirt, draped with a bold black and cream check. Fully reversible too. It is a fabulous addition to any wardrobe, very versatile, for summer or winter - team it with a pair of black footless tights or leggings in winter with a roll neck jumper or cardi. Summer, it needs a simple tank. The beautiful thing about this skirt is that it has press studs all around the inside so it is fully adjustable and grows with your girl. Isabella is 2, and a 6 year old bought one from the shop last week!

So a sneak peak at the KnuffleKid stock that will be coming into MissChief Maker in March. For the boys, it's fresh. Its bold. It's so cool. I'm not going to show everything - otherwise they'll be no suprises! I am really making a real effort to find some great boys stuff for all those customers that keep on asking "what about the boys?". I'll bring it - they'll just have to come and find it with me at MissChief Maker!

And for the girls, well that's easy.....I have a little misschief maker that looks so gorgeous in KnuffleKid. Look what I'll be dressing her in this winter

Three Little Trees from Queensland has come out with a cracking range for the boys this season. I'll be focusing on the coolest track suit, I don't mean the daggy bottle green fleecy lined type you buy from KMart for $9.95, but a trackie that you're little Chief would be proud to wear out. As well as some fantastic printed long sleeve tees. They're winter range is all still hush hush, so I won't tell yet!

BrusselSprouts is busy knitting and sewing this year. I missed out last year, there was no stock left when I got around to ordering so I've saved the good stuff for this year, and I've made it. Just. To order some devine handmade, handknitted, hand crocheted pieces from Victoria Crisp's label BrusselSprouts. One of my favourite pieces that I missed out on last year is back for 2010, the woolleen Jacket. I'm going to have it available in 2 colours and will be in store in March. Victoria has also created some amazing dresses this year which MissChief Maker customers are going to LOVE!

Here's to thinking about rugging up.....

A craft zine

2010-01-23T22:23:00.004+11:00

Mix.Tape zine - a craft zine about making time for the small stuff. Crafty stuff, clever people, creative outcomes. Created by two Melbourne mums. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their past issues online available at www.mixtapezine.com that I purchased the last three issues in hard copy for the shop. They are in store now. The pages feel devine. Matt finish. Recycled materials. Devine.

New Stock into MissChief Maker

2010-01-17T10:00:00.001+11:00

Oooohh....I am sooo excited. It's been a great week with some new suppliers to MissChief Maker as well as new stock from some of my favourites! Take a peek.....

Little Toot, a very new brand from Port Macquarie, found me recently and bought some absolute treasures into the shop on Saturday. I can't wait till she starts sewing for MissChief Maker! Some of my favourites were the 'peasant tops' that will be made up to a size 8, the 'bubble top' again in larger sizes too - and not forgetting the boys (phew! someone thinking of the boys) these light-weight denim shorts with printed hems with fantastic pocket detail. I'd almost want to have a boy just to put him in these shorts!

Poppit Designs, a local Canberra mum of 2 boys, a sculpture artist and of course creator of Poppit - is supplying MissChief Maker with canvas wall hanging sets made from Japanese fabrics.

Last but not least - the fabulous Jo Kent of The Owls are Hunting, has brought in a whole heap of new stock for MissChief Maker. I shake with excitement whenever Jo turns up at the shop! 7 little lamps reside at MissChief Maker...for now anyway

Using that stash of fabric...

2010-01-14T13:16:00.004+11:00

On a fabric scavenge late last year I found the most fabulous 70's queen bed sheet and pillow case set. It was in great condition and although the colourway is not the most favourable for the littlies but I could just visualise a great contrasting trim to spruce it up!

I kept this pillow case at it's full size so to satisfy the gap in the 6-8 year old size range in the shop. I trimmed the dress with one of the vintage fabrics from the Canberra Vintage Show and added a denim pocket which I cut out of an old pair of pre-baby unworn jeans of mine. It looked gorgeous on my blond, blue-eyed model! I've got a few more of these pillow cases in the stash so I'm 'planning' on creating a few more with different trims.

Sewing Green

2010-01-14T11:51:00.010+11:00

Now I have to admit, I don't consider myself a very good sewer at all. I try. I definitely try. I just wish I knew what I was doing behind that machine! I know good sewing when I see it - like I know a good french champagne when I drink it - doesn't mean I can make it!

So I've gone the slightly more alternative angle of sewing - reading crafty books (which never used to be in my repatoire but is for 2010) of which I am sorcing lots of inspiration and ideas for MissChief Maker. I then try to find local women who make just as beautiful things to stock the shop. The book that just arrived in the mail from the US yesterday was Sewing Green by Betz White. I flip through the pages and look for the easiest things I can do - preferrably without having to go and buy anything new. So I updated some of my lounge pillows with some fabo Florence Broadhurst offcuts.

Sewing Green has also inspired me to think winter (see by the cover) so I am onto creating some girls' ponchos from beautiful old woollen blankets with designer fabric trims....yum. If I fail - I might be calling on one of you clever Aussie mums to help me out!

I also have been meaning to try felting. I've kind of achieved it accidentally by washing some jumpers last winter in hot water! I created this little girl's reversible scarf from a pink country road jumper last night - inspired by Sewing Green - one side a purple floral cotton print and the front side the pink jumper embellished with hand-dyed vintage doilies and buttons.

Reminising

2010-01-09T12:00:00.006+11:00

As I was looking for a photo for my very clever supplier, TillyTom, who creates the gorgeous Gypsy & Tilda dresses for MissChief Maker, I found myself trowling through beautiful old photos of my little misschief maker. Sitting in the shop, I have a little giggle and a little cry to myself.

I've always sworn that one child is enough, aiming to get parenting one right without dirupting the balance too much (!!) but those photos just pulled on the heart strings. So delicate. So beautiful. A human life.

I loved being pregnant. Here at 39 weeks I thought I was ready to pop - but no, she stayed in for another 2 weeks after that! Does this all mean I'm clucky!!??

To Be A Creative Family...

2010-01-09T11:16:00.016+11:00

I was lead to an Australia internet shop for books, Fishpond, on one of my many days of searching the net. The books were very cheap so I couldn't resist buying a few creative books to start the juices flowing for 2010. PayPal makes it so easy to spend money!

I bought Amanda Blake Soule's book The Creative Family and Handmade Home. It got me thinking about all the fun things I do with my little misschief maker, but how I could be a much better, more creative and patient mum with her too. That's why Sarah Napthali's Buddhism for Mothers is also on my bed stand! Not that I'm a buddhist but I am going to try to be a calmer mother this year - for me, my misschief maker and my husband.

Handmade Home lead me to thinking about beginning to use that stash of fabric that i'm 'saving'! So as the husband watches an uninteresting DVD I made a mess on the living room floor with my vintage fabrics and embroidery hoops! One fabric was a skirt bought from Brisbane Antique Centre, another an old 70's curtain found at Salvo's and the other bought from the Canberra Vintage Show. I needed something to hang down the bare hallway and rather than the fabric stuck in the cupboard - they'll be on show once I take them out of the shop. My husband of course wasn't very happy because they didn't 'match'!!!

Dino Tail....too cute!

2010-01-08T13:39:00.005+11:00

My girlfriend, Rach, who's a very creative yummy mummy not only on the sewing maching but in the kitchen and in the office too!

She started Mr Mudge in 2008 and i think her best product ever is the Dino Tail. Check out my little misschief maker looking so cute in the girl's version of the Dino Tail....

A limited number are now available in store and online at MissChief Maker

Welcome!

2010-01-07T12:29:00.000+11:00

It's 2010 and my new years resolution was to start a blog. I think I'm on track! This is to prove to myself I'm not the technophobe I think I am!

So welcome to the MyMissChief Maker blogspot. I'm the creator of MissChief Maker retail store in Canberra. I make things, but more importantly I like finding cute and different things handmade for kids. I take other children's clothes, I wash and iron and add bits here and there and re-sell them. I like to source locally if I can. It makes sense to me, for the local economy and for my child - I'm trying to make a concious effort to minimise our ecological footprint.....For Christmas I wrapped in recycled brown paper - what I should have done was wrap in materials & fabrics from my stash that could be just re-used. That's on my list for next year!

So I'm excited. I'm going to try and share the journey, the excitement I experience when new handmade stock arrives at MissChief Maker. I'll try to post some of the things I make and share the process too. I hope you enjoy the ride......