The Finders Keepers - Melbourne Oct 9th-10th

Did you know we will have a stall at The Finders Keepers Markets Melbourne? It's only 2 weeks away. Wanna come? Check out the profiles for a little taste of who will be at the markets... the first image for the Melbourne profiles is one of our cushions which is pretty cool. These markets are well worth the look, they are so well organised. Not only do they have the finest designers there is live music and you can even have a glass of wine or beer while perusing the stalls. Can't wait to meet you all there... come say hi!! Love it!

Spring flower mashing

It was just one of the beautiful Spring days yesterday... a teaser of things to come! The garden is full of all the old fashion flowers at the moment.. daisies, geraniums and lavender. No better time then to do some 'seasonal' flower mashing' fabrics for our ruffle scarves.  I love the unexpected results. This batch came out with lots of blues and fluro yellows imprinted on the fabric. It always seems a shame to cut the fabric up for scarves... but the result is worth it! I have been thinking they would make cute summer singlets. What do you think?

Handmade pledge of some sort

 I love this poster by illustrator Clare Owen from Frankie Magazine

Since being surrounded by more and more beautiful handmade items, it's got me thinking a lot about the sustainability of my purchases in my personal life from fashion to every day life choices. Since starting Elkhorn, I have become more aware & conscientious of where I purchase materials & goods, how they have been produced and where they come from. It has always been important for us to create a sustainable business as well as producing designs from quality/eco friendly materials which will last years. So I guess I want to flow this more into my own life with some sort of handmade/only wear recycled clothing, "make do" type pact?
It's surprising (or not so surprising) how many people out there who have taken these ideas on board in a serious way....

I have been following Katiecrakernuts blog this year and admire her pledge to only buy second hand clothing, while also having a little giggle(with her) along the way and often marvel at her designer bargains! 
Via Pia Jane Bijkerk's blog I came across Kim Knelpps a sustainable designer who's quest is to rework what you already have in the wardrobe in 'a bid to pacify the retail urge and reduce fast-fashion consumption', she helps you transform your existing garments into fresh pieces while sharing new ideas for the individual.  She can come re-work my wardrobe any day!
So at this stage I am not sure where to start? I need to open my wardrobe! I haven't been a huge shopper of late and have started to make more clothing for myself...hence inspiration for Elkhorn clothing.  I have to admit I am not 100% comfortable buying clothing from op shops, as I am super sensitive to musty old smells..
I think it will be more of a life philosophy rather then hard & fast rule. What do you guys think? Has anyone else given it a go out there?

Handmade & Old Bus Depot Markets - Canberra

Handmade stall holder Allana C Softies

We had such a refreshing weekend in Canberra at the Handmade and Old Bus Depot Markets. Thanks Canberra for providing such beautiful spring weather! These images are a slightly random collection from our weekend. Many many thanks to Kelly, Tash & Libby for helping out for the weekend... and all my ole canberra friends who came by and said hi! It was great to make a lot of new Elkhorn friends to!

Inspiration & such!

Strawberries gifted from neighbours garden - Yum, thanks Maria!

Local Dahlias

the start of something... a little obsession with all things birds & plants

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo - it's hard to get a good shot of these mysterious birds!

Elkhorn at Canberra markets this weekend!

Super excited about our weekend down in Canberra. We have been busy sewing ruffle scarves and creating a new range of one-off cushions & table runners... can't wait to see what you think of them!
Here are the details:
Saturday Sept 11th Handmade Markets - Kamberra Winery 10am-4pm
http://www.handmademarket.com.au/home.html
Sunday Sept 12th Old Bus Depot Markets - Kingston 10am-4pm
http://www.obdm.com.au/

sneak peek of some newbies