To Market To Market. . .

Jack of Diamonds is heralding the beginning of the chilly season with a couple of Melbourne markets... The eagerly anticipated Yarra Valley Design Market at Rochford Wines debuts this Sunday 24th March and shortly afterward I will be in the heart of Melbourne at the Finders Keepers Autumn/Winter markets...

Seeing Stars. . .

L-R Heart Strings - Finger Knitting - Maori String Games

Busily knitting and preparing for exciting new autumn markets has taken me on a long and meandering digression from regular online contribution. Aside from my returning column with the Creative Women's Circle I decided to keep my nose in books this summer, fun books, interesting books, sketch books and accounting books! 

One of these books had activities for rainy days (or days where one is hiding from a heatwave) and I thought I would share my revived interest in a childhood pastime. To help anyone else who yearns to break from the break neck pace of the modern world here is a little fun with a piece of string. . .

The Legend of Billy Jack of Diamonds. . .

The origins of the name Jack of Diamonds - six degrees of separation and childhood epithets...

The Doublet - PDF download

Machine knitting pattern of the Doublet cardigan - follow the links for a free printable version, including diagrams, written instructions, yarn and tension suggestions.

Sun . . .

I don't consider it my realm to write about music, but recently I have found myself unable to escape from the most inspiring music I have heard in an awfully long time. About a month ago I heard a song on my favourite Melbourne radio station RRR and waited, listening attentively to hear which artist it was by... None other than Chan Marshall who performs and records under the name Cat Power.

Spring in my step . . .

Of late the weather has sent a few lovely sunny mornings Melbourne's way and I thought a brief update on the goings on at Jack of Diamonds studio were in order...

Jack of Diamonds has been invited to show a debut Spring/Summer range at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week in September (just a breath away!) - so, on the edge of winter I thought I would share some of what is inspiring this new season collection of garments and accessories.

Stylish Sustainability . . .

Great design is not necessarily rocket science, and while I love a clever machine my inner Luddite rejoices whenever I encounter lo-tech brilliance. Enter Wolplamuur by Heleen Klopper, Dutch designer. Wolplamuur translates to Woolfiller and is the name of a repair kit for all your woollen garments which have fallen prey to the dreaded cupboard moths.

Miss Match Meets MisMatch . . .

I don't mind admitting that I have a tendency toward the safe when it comes to colour palette and design. I enjoy the harmony in matching and it seems to be my reflex choice. Recently I was coaxed out of this rather predictable pattern when I found myself inspired by the wonderful style at Pop Craft and last week a chance opportunity to have a garment paired with a new design by The Maker's Journal found me out of the comfort zone again and rather liking it...

Stitching & Hatching . . .

This week has seen the opening of a new collaborative exhibition at Tinning St gallery in Brunswick with my dear friend Colleen Burke. But as they say there is no rest for the wicked when next week sees Jack of Diamonds in a market debut at Craft Hatch! 

Craft Hatch is Craft Victoria's quarterly incubator market showcasing the work of student and emerging designers and experimental work from more established designers. It is a privilege to be included in this wonderful line-up of makers preparing for the June edition of this market at 1000 £ Bend.

If you're in the city on Saturday 16 June between 11am and 4pm pop in to 361 Little Lonsdale Street and browse some of the finer wares made by Melbourne folk...

Jack of Diamonds Knits the Doublet at Pop Craft . . .

Calling all aspiring knitters and curious textile types - Jack of Diamonds will be knitting The Doublet this Sunday the 3rd of June...