What Katie did next...

"The What Katie Did Next collection encompasses a range of gorgeous handmade fabric inspired jewellery and accessories.

All items are created using the highest quality fabrics and components. Bright, fun and colourful designer and unique fabrics feature alongside exquisite sterling silver settings.

Her aim is to take the current obsession with fabric and fabric embellishments to a higher level. Feast your eyes."

In store now!!! Yes now!!! They're all gorgeous!

And superb quality of course!

We are going to explode soon!

We still need to find a home for the gorgeous Shagpile cluster necklaces and, rather soon, we will become Newcastle's exclusive stockists of a much coveted jewellery and (handmade) button range!! Can you guess who it is??

xxx

Exciting times.

Shagpile!! On it's way to Blackbird Corner!

Who are you & why is your range called what it is called?
My name is Andria and my label is Shagpile. I chose the name Shagpile as a reference to 60's and 70's design awesomeness. I started out mainly using fabrics from this era but have now expanded, mainly to earlier periods in textiles.

Where are you located?
I'm located in Melbourne's buzzing Fitzroy (but I'm originally from Sydney).

How long have you been creating your lush wares?
I've been creating under the label Shagpile for about 6 years now. I stared out making handbags but have been making my button jewellery for the past 2 years now.

Do you currently have a favourite item in your range?
I love my cluster necklaces. The fabric combinations for these are endless and I really enjoy putting them together.

What motivates you to keep crafting/creating?
Besides avoiding a 9-5 job? :) Simply, I love it!

Are you someone who generally tends to buy Handmade over mass produced? Why?
Yes for sure! Besides handmade products generally being pretty unique, it's also more likely that they have been produced in a fair way. I also try to buy local to help support my fellow crafters.

Do you have any new items in the pipe works that you'd like to hint to us about?
Yes! I'm working on a new brooch design for this Winter. Yay!

Do you also sell online?
Online shopping for Shagpile is undergoing a massive overhaul at the moment. A new online shop will be open from March at www.shagpile.com.au

Would you like for me to link to your store for those poor people not able to get into Blackbird?
Yes please. :)

Are you sick of answering these silly questions?

Hehe. They aren't so silly really!

The cluster necklaces are our favourites too! We're waiting with bated breath for these to arrive in the post! We're to be Newcastle's exclusive Shagpile stockists too! (Of course!)

xxx

Why I've not been here much.

I'm not going to rave on here.

Google "Laman Street Figs Newcastle" if you want to know what went on. The Newcastle Herald (our town's only Newspaper) has lots of photos & a rather interesting perspective.

Anyway...

A sign painted by my young friend Zoe.

The majestic canopy of fig trees that I've known my whole life.

Once the fences went up. (For our safety.)

In the wee morning hours. No I didn't camp out -

I live one block away.

The peaceful protest, last year.

We sat there from 5am until after 6pm.

Won that battle.

Doing the hokey pokey - that's what it's all about.

Sorry, humour gets you through sometimes.

I counted 43 Police on that end of the block that Tuesday morning.

Kept thinking they were a flash mob as otherwise it was too surreal a happening for my hometown.

Wanton destruction.

The aftermath.

Newcastle's most beautiful street.

Well, it was.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,

nothings going to get better. It's not."

Dr Seuss The Lorax 1971

xxx

PS As I'm no longer being woken daily by chainsaws, I'll be back on board here very soon. Lots of new Independent Designers to introduce you to in the coming weeks.

xxx