Wednesday's Woman in Focus!

Here we go! Introducing the stylish, elegant and driven Laura Ann. This energetic lady is the face behind the clothing label Pigtails and Pirates. You probably see her super hero fabric across our page from time to time. Well here is a sneaky peek into her thoughts on all things handmade, family and life in general. Happy reading and thanks for sharing with us! xx

 

Why choose handmade?  
 
 I could give 100s of reasons as to why more people should buy handmade – but the main reasons are:

 1) I believe people should be more conscious shoppers. People need to start thinking about where an item is made, what are the conditions of the workers, what is the quality like etc.

2) Handmade lasts! I don’t like the way that we now live in such a wasteful society. I don’t want to be part of a fashion industry that is designed for you to buy something new every season. Clothing should be made well and made to last

3) You are buying a small part of someone - I put my soul into making and designing  clothing. You buy a small amount of someone when you buy handmade

Share the details of the path that led you to sewing and designing?

I was at home with a 2 year old and 4 year old, and I really needed something for me – a hobby. I tried a few other things and then a very good friend of mine suggested making a quilt. She taught me how to make a simple quilt (which the kids still have). I had left over fabric so she also showed me how to do some basic appliques on shirts. I made a few for my daughter and then thought “Hey I should make her a matching skirt” – which I did – and it wasn’t very good but I loved that I had made her an outfit. I made my children a few more things and someone suggested that I could sell them. I started my facebook page after this with the thought that if no-one bought anything I could use it as a place to share the clothing that I made my children. Pigtails and Pirates started with $80 worth of fabric and my mum’s old sewing machines

How you make it fit in your life as a busy mum? 

I have a list of business related things that I need to get done each day (the amount of things on that list is dependent on what I am doing with the kids that day) and I make sure the list is all ticked off by the end of the day. My days are very structured.  I allocate time to certain things, sewing, designing, fabric sourcing, social media posts etc.  My son now goes to school and I also have my daughter in childcare 2 days a week so I can get a bulk lot of sewing done.

My favourite handmade labels – 

I have LOADS of favourites, so I ill just tell you a few that I have most recently bought from.

Honey Cub: Awesome hair wraps

Rex Designs: Great wallets and bags 

 Jodie Louise Millinery: Amazing hats!!!

Mamma P: These raw superfood snack balls - I buy some every week!

I can't get enough –  

 Superhero movies! – There isn’t one that I have seen that I haven’t loved
 

Most treasured possession –  

My Mama’s (my dad’s mum) diamante Oroton bag.  I love this bag not only because it is super stylish but because it has this little authenticity card in it with the date that it was purchased. It shows that my grandfather purchased it on Christmas eve (clearly leaving his Christmas shopping til the last minute!) It was also the bag that she used to attend my parents wedding. I like having a small part of her now that she is no longer with us.
 

My family is –  

Amazing!  They are everything to me. I am very fortunate to have a very supportive husband and 2 beautiful children. I also grew up in large family and am still close to them
 

I couldn't survive without -  My family!!!
 

I wish I could -   Sing – I love to bellow out a good song, it’s just a shame I sound pretty terrible
 

Dream holiday -   To go to Japan! I love Asian countries but I have never been to Japan and I would really love to go.

Favourite local restaurant -  Vistana Malaysia restaurant
 

Cake fave -  I don’t actually like a lot of cakes! Though if I was to say what my favourite dessert was it would be lemon meringue pie

 
Current project underway -   Working on ideas for more evening wear dresses

Who I find inspiring? – My Mum, raising all of her 6 kids as well as helping to manage my family farm. She is also a strong believer in that you get given in life what you can handle… I try and remember that when I get stressed

A parting secret of the work, family and life juggle-  

Make time for people - quality time with your partner, kids and time for yourself. For me this is really important as doing this helps me cope better when I feel overwhelmed with work.

Meet our Maker Renai from Baby Walrus!!!

Why choose handmade?

It offers originality and quirkiness. Something we could all do with to  keep the smiles coming.

Favourite handmade labels –

 Corduroy Corner, SkyRocket sews, Isava designs, Wanderlust Clothing, Design By Kate, Lollipop Paintbrush to name a few…

 

I can't get enough – Sleep and sewing time. I have all of these new design ideas (which I come up with when trying to get sleep!).

Most treasured possession –My sewing machine! My overlocker is coming a close second.

My family is – My favourite people all in one place every night when I go to sleep (If Hugo, my one year old allows the sleep part!).

I couldn't survive without – My awesome friends. They keep me sane and are always there for me.

I wish I could – Find more time to sew in amongst the daily household chores.

Dream holiday – Am just about to escape to Melbourne sans kids and Hubby for five whole nights with a friend…this is sounding pretty dream-like to me at the moment!

Favourite local restaurant – Sinofood in Beaumont St Hamilton – if you like Yum Cha or traditional Chinese food, you have to go there!

Cake fave – I am a huge fan of the amazing Fruit Flan from Euro Patisserie at Blackbutt. I buy it as my birthday cake every year:)

Current project underway – reversible women’s wrap skirts for the next Hopscotch.

A parting secret of life – Friends are gold

Meet the Dynamo Behind "Design by Kate!!"

Why choose handmade? Quite simply, I put far more love and attention into my work than a piece of jewellery that is mass produced, if I wouldn’t wear it, I won’t send it out. My brand is my name and I cannot hide behind the walls of a corporation if I produce jewellery that is not of quality. And I believe that of all handmade products.
Favourite handmade labels – Ella Boo is a Favourite, as is Baby Walrus, (both Newcastle Handmade Labels) and I am totally in love with the gorgeous Poppy and Rose!
I can't get enough – Sleep!!
Most treasured possession – um probably my engagement ring
My family is – My world, my reason for living each day
I couldn't survive without – Coffee…
I wish I could – Freeze time, the years seem to wiz by, and my girls are growing so fast
Dream holiday – Egypt, I would just love to see the pyramids…
Favourite local restaurant – Um, with 3 girls aged 4 and under, we don’t really go out!! SJ’s is a Fave because it’s close to home, and great meals at a great price
Cake fave – Concord cake from Euro’s in Beaumont St, my girls and I like to go there once a week for “coffee and cake”
Current project underway – Lots!! Handstamped Bead caps, Leather wrap Bracelets just to name a couple.
A parting secret of life – If you don’t try, you will never know and therefore never succeed

It must be Monday because we have the clever "Sil" the creative mind behind Cheeksmeeks to share her thoughts!! xox

Thanks to Sil for taking time out of her busy schedule to share some insight into what makes her tick!!

Why choose handmade? Ahh ... it’s made with love. Nothing beats the warm and fuzzy feeling of homemade both receiving and making it. Its different, its quality, its art.

Favourite handmade labels – oh gosh there are so making beautiful handmade labels, its hard to pick just a few... love them all. I just love the fact people are still using sewing machines, crochet hooks, wood working tools etc to make things!

 

I can't get enough – of fabric shopping!! Can never have too much fabric!

Most treasured possession – this was a hard one, the only thing I can think of is a floppy brown knitted teddy bear I had as a child.

My family is – always on the go - Hubby David and kiddling - Josh (soon to be 4) and Miss Mia (20 mths).Its amazing how having kids inspires you to create your own label and a big thankyou to hubby who supports my craft.  

I couldn't survive without – my family, listening to Josh sing ‘bob the builder’ and dancing to mummy’s music in the living room!

I wish I could – hire a chef to do my cooking and someone to wash the dishes .. That would be bliss.

Dream holiday – well my husband suggested being locked up in Spotlight! Not sure if that would be a holiday or work. I would love to go Europe and see all the castles.  

Favourite local restaurant – to be honest I really don’t have one! My mum’s kitchen?

Cake fave – nothing beats a ‘frenchie’! I absolutely love french vanilla slices and it has to have fresh cream in it! Yummo!

Current project underway – Reno!!! Which includes my very own sewing room ... Hmm, I can make as much mess as I want and not worry about the kids playing with my bits and pieces and not having to constantly wind up thread that has been unravelled from one end of the house to the other. Oh and did I mention not having to re-tension my overlocker because little knobs are so enticing and just have to be turned. Love you Josh!  

A parting secret of life – treasure everyday.

Double shot of Meet the Maker this week! Meet the gorgeous lady behind the label Paddy Joe - Belle Mott

Why choose handmade? When you buy handmade you know you are getting something unique – not mass produced. Every time I give a handmade gift, it is always so much more appreciated than a store bought gift. My products are all one off’s at every market and I love it that way. Another important reason for choosing handmade is that you are supporting women like me who strive so hard to be able to work from home so that we can be there for our children as well – we are very appreciative that we can live this dream each and every time you buy from us.

Favourite handmade labels – I know it’s a UK label but I’m continually amazed at the creations from ‘I Sew Your Dream’. Bringing children’s pictures to life on her sewing machine, this lady is so very talented. On the local front some of my favourites are ‘Addison Avenue’ and ‘Candy Lane Handmade’ who always have such gorgeous fabrics and designs. I also love checking out ‘Isava Designs’ latest jewellery, continually updating her designs to keep with the trends, you can always be guaranteed something beautiful!

 

I can't get enough – Weekends at home with my family. With markets on average 3 weekends a month, to have a relaxed Saturday or Sunday with my family means the absolute world to me. The boys get excited about our ‘family days’ and are always full of ideas of things that we can all do together.

Most treasured possession – My beautiful family always

My family is – My hubby Tim and sons Joey (8) and Paddy (5) – hence ‘Paddy Joe Handmade’! We live on beautiful Lake Macquarie and know we will grow old in this magical place. No better place to bring up our boys!

I couldn't survive without – My cup of tea in the morning is something that I never go without regardless of the time I get up. I’d rather have 10 minutes less sleep and be able to have the time to sit and enjoy a hot cuppa or 2!

I wish I could – Have an extra day in the week! There never seems to be enough time after 7 days rolls around……

Dream holiday – I’d love to travel the west coast of Australia in a camper van with my family for a few months (realistic dream) OR a bungalow set over the waters of the Maldives with my own private butler and masseuse (come on - a girl can dream can’t she!)

Favourite local restaurant – Awaba House, Booragul

Cake fave – Can’t go past the old sponge with fresh cream and strawberry jam!

Current project underway – Have just finished my first batch of Treasure Bags for kiddie’s collections of shells/rocks/sticks etc. Great for those little adventures to the lake or beach, designed with a mesh bottom so the sand and dirt don’t come home with you! My first market selling them was a huge success – YAY!

A parting secret of life – “When life throws you lemons – make lemonade!”

I really love this saying as even when you think you are having ‘one of those days’, there is always a way to make it better than what it seems by putting your mind and heart into it.

Thanks Belle - you are a truly positive and amazing mum!!

Meet the Maker - Wendy from Mamma 5 Designs

Why choose handmade? It is not mass produced, machined made items they are made with patience, care and time by people who love to create

Favourite handmade labels – Oscar and matilda, Mamma 5 designs of course, Dressed by Jen, Tea princess

 

I can't get enough – of Cheese and Onion chips

Most treasured possession – an old mosaic indian water bottle my son bought for me with his pocket money from the markets

My family is – My husband Mark and our 5 Boisterous ,Zany, Fiesty and wonderfully Chaotic boys…. Kane, Ty, kobe, Tallis and Slater

I couldn't survive without – my family and friends

I wish I could – have more time

Dream holiday – to go to anywhere on a plane, as I have never flown before but have back-packed for many years

Favourite local restaurant - Scratchleys

Cake fave – Banana Bread

Current project underway – hippie harem pants for kids and a new fire pit area

A parting secret of life – Remember to Stop and Breathe

Thanks to our gorgeous Wendy, not sure how she find the time to create when she has five little monkeys to look after!! All we know is that we love her style of mixing fabrics and her gorgeous tailored outfits to bits!! Keep an eye out for when she will be back at Hopscotch Sundays!!

This weeks Meet the Maker is the talented Jodi from the adorable label Tickle and Hide! Meet Jodi on Sunday at our market, her label is one you will not forget!! Follow the ever active blog about her ventures with designer fabric and her family life too. One clever cat indeed!!

Why choose handmade?
Well apart from the really important things (quality, ethics, supporting local businesses), I just love all the VARIETY! I love seeing how other people have put prints and patterns together in a way I would never think of and it looks amazing. And if they're anything like me, it's come from way too many hours looking at fabric, deliberating over what goes well together, to make something I really love. And if everyone is making things they really love, then everything is different and full of personality.

Favourite handmade labels:
I love Corduroy Corner. I look at their stuff and think, "I could dress my kids in that everyday!" I also love Cook You Some Noodles, from Sydney. Mariane makes the most original, funky dolls, and I'm so inspired by the way she's built her business. She has people stalking her page to watch for when she's put a new doll in her online shop!

I can't get enough:
Drinking a whole coffee while it's still hot, fabric, macaroons, uninterrupted conversation.

My most treasured possession.
Well, if we had a fire, I'd grab the kids first. Then I'd take a long hard look at my fabric stash, have a little cry, and then get the heck out of there, knowing I couldn't get it all before we burnt to the ground! (Ooh, maybe I need and 'in case of fire' pile to grab on the way out!)

My family is:
Mr Patient: Tim (named so for his grace with the way I've taken over the dining room)
Mr Bouncy: Tully, my incredibly inquisitive and quick-witted 4 yr old, and
Miss Determined: Eve, whom we all hope will turn her amazing powers to not rest till she gets what she wants, into an amazing success one day!

I couldn't survive without:
My faith, and my friends who think it through with me, my coffee machine, Charlie and Lola, the internet.

I wish I could:
Afford to employ people. I get bored quickly. My short attention span is perfectly suited to the time it takes 2 people to work on a project, not one!

Dream holiday:
I'd love to take the family overseas for a year or 2. I've loved the opportunities I've had to learn languages and experience the world from a new perspective.

Favourite local restaurant: I love the Gluten Free cafe Mabelle in Hamilton. So nice to not just have one or 2 things on the menu to choose from for us 'intolerant' people!

Cake Fave:
My husband makes the most amazing Persian Almond and Orange Cake. And it's always gone in a day when he does!

Current project underway:
Getting ready for Market! At the moment I'm dreaming up a welcoming stall. I'm hoping people will feel free to peruse and enjoy rather than walk past, avoiding eye contact (are you guilty of that too?:))

A parting secret of life:
C.S. Lewis said, "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art...It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."
I used to be a purely practical person, making decisions based only on need and I saw my love of creativity as something to be kept on the side, something a bit frivilous. I'm learning to let myself be one of those people who bring 'value to survival'.

THANKS jodi!! xox