sheeps clothing

frankie magazine

2011-12-15T20:10:00.000+11:00

The latest issue of Frankie Magazine came out today. We're delighted to be featured in a full page Leeloo advertisement showcasing some fantastic Australian handmade goodness.

With free shipping Australia wide, there's still time to pick up those last minute Christmas gifts.

learn to knit at the RACV

2011-10-29T20:11:00.000+11:00

The more Learn to Knit classes I run the more I realise how much I love doing it. That light bulb moment when someone "gets it" it just fantastic and it keeps me coming back for more.

Commencing in on 8 November, I will be running a two week learn to knit course to be held in the sumptuous surrounds of Melbourne's RACV Club in Bourke Street. Run for two hours over two consecutive Tuesdays, the course commences at 6.00pm and finishes at 8.00pm.

The course costs $62.00 and includes all the materials you'll need to knit your very own tea cozy.

For further information, please visit the RACV website or telephone 0403172255.

winter 2012 preview

2011-10-28T20:32:00.003+11:00

I think this might be my favourite time of the knitting year. The time when I get to play around with different stitches and patterns and come up with a few new items for next season.

There's a whole lot of misses and not so many hits during this process. A different stitch? Too narrow? Too wide? Just plain wrong?

Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night convinced I've come up with a fantastic idea only to realise in the cold light of day that it just won't work. Either that or I can't remember what that idea was.

Here's a (poorly photographed) little peek at one that survived the idea / planning / testing / fiddling phase and will definitely be part of our winter 2011 range. Wide, super thick and squishy, it is a little bit scarf, a dash of cowl and incredibly warm.

More to come!

thursday knitting group

2011-09-29T15:57:00.003+10:00

A while ago I was contacted by the Department of Justice and asked if I would be interested in facilitating a knitting group for women under Community Service Orders.

The aim was to introduce the women to knitting and once they had grasped the necessary skills, we would knit squares to donate to the Save The Children Born to Knit Programme.

The group commenced in July this year, with most of the women having never knitted before. By the end of September, we had knitted up approximately 20 squares, with many of the women vowing to continue knitting as a hobby.

It was great fun and fantastic to be part of such a worthy cause. The Department is now hoping to continue the programme into next year. Fingers crossed!

sale now on!

2011-09-14T22:16:00.003+10:00

Well, that was another fantastic winter for Sheeps Clothing and we've decided to celebrate with a little end of season sale. The products in our sale are available for immediate shipment so can rug up for the last few cool days before the warm weather arrives!

The full range of sale items can be seen here. Jump in quick because there's only one or two of each knit available at the sale price. Limited colours and sizing too.

Don't forget that we offer free shipping Australia wide and our international postage prices are super low too!

nature and health

2011-08-03T05:25:00.000+10:00

Nature and Health magazine contacted me a while back to do a Q&A piece. A copy of their August / September issue landed in the letterbox today with the said feature, plus photos of our vintage button hair accessories.

Unfortunately they've been attributed to another company, but take it from me, they are definitely Sheeps Clothing hair accessories!

busman's holiday

2011-07-23T15:27:00.003+10:00

With the wholesale orders for this winter completed, I have finally had the opportunity to do some knitting for myself.

First on the list was one of Sheeps Clothing best sellers this winter, the classic cable beanie. Although not normally a lilac person, I love the combination of the varying shades of lilac with the classic cable pattern.

Second up was a pattern I have long admired, MK Carroll's Matilda and Tille. As it was initially too big, I felted it in the washing machine, resulting in a lovely dense fuzzy fabric. Just the thing for the freezing cold winter Melbourne is experiencing.

Further details for the Ravelry inclined, can be found here.

in the media

2011-06-29T16:58:00.004+10:00

We've been delighted this year to have so many magazines get behind Sheeps Clothing and feature some of our products. This month our Eyelet Hat with Vintage Buttons has been featured in Peppermint magazine:

Our ever popular mug cozies gained a mention in Health Smart magazine:

free shipping Australia wide (& low international postage too!)

2011-06-08T17:22:00.002+10:00

In what can only be good news, we have introduced free shipping Australia wide in the Sheeps Clothing Etsy and Made It stores.

Our international shoppers haven't been forgotten either with low postages charges for all destinations outside of Australia.

Ready, set, click!

in the media

2011-05-15T17:43:00.004+10:00

We're delighted to have some of our new season pure wool handknits included in Shop 4 Kids and Little One Baby Winter 2011 editions.

At Little One Baby they featured our Eyelet Knit Hat with Vintage Button detail as part of a cute navy and red (my all time favourite colour combination)outfit.

The Shop 4 Kids team selected one of our new products, the classic Cable Knit Beanie, shown in hand dyed blue yarn and our ever popular Eyelet Rib Hat with Detachable Vintage Button.

All items are available online at http://www.sheepsclothing.com.au/

one of my favourites

2011-04-30T10:34:00.001+10:00

The chunky open knit scarf. Shown here in hand dyed pure wool yarn.

Sure to be a winter staple in my wardrobe.

embellished pocket scarves

2011-04-26T14:58:00.002+10:00

Pocket scarves with detachable details.

These ones are on their way to Blackbird Corner in Newcastle and Canberra's Shop Handmade.

I don't sell these online as each one is a one off. If, however you'd like to order one, please just drop me a line ($58.00 including postage, Australia wide).

winter 2011

2011-04-09T18:16:00.003+10:00

The online store is offline for a few days while we load our beautiful new product images and 2011 products.

Here's another look at some of our lovely new images by Leanne at hbfotografic.

learn to knit at Holmeslen TAFE

2011-02-27T18:40:00.000+11:00

I'm very excited to announce that I'll be running two knitting classes in conjunction with Holmesglen TAFE, commencing in May.

The first class is aimed at absolute beginners or perhaps those that may have dabbled with the old knitting needles way back when and would like a refresher. Running over two weeks (six hours in total), the Knitting Basics course will equip you with all the skills you need to knit your very own tea cozy. All materials required are included in the course fee.

The second course is a three hour session for those that know the basics but would like to fill in a few gaps in their knowledge or learn those little tips and tricks that can ensure you get the best possible outcome from all your hard work. The Intermediate Knitting course covers topics such as yarn substitution (what happens when your pattern calls for pure wool but you want to use a cotton?), Australian / UK / American terminology and knitting and the internet.

For further details and dates please see the Holmesglen TAFE website. For any course content queries, please feel free to email me at stacey@sheepsclothing.com.au.

new vintage button accessories at the all new leeloo

2011-02-19T11:48:00.004+11:00

There's some that might say I spend way too much time playing with vintage buttons and pairing them up with pretty fabrics.

The colour combinations and possibilities are endless.

These new ones here are Leeloo exclusives. Be sure to visit the all new Leeloo site for their great range of Australian made goodies.

model call

2011-01-20T17:58:00.004+11:00

h&b foto.grafic is looking for models for the new season's range of Sheeps Clothing pure wool handknits. We has some great new lines for the upcoming cooler months, all handknitted in Pure Australian Wool and we need someone who will look fantastic in our knits.

No Experience Necessary.

...We are looking for (a)
Girls aged between 3 and 6yrs

and (b)
Girls/Women aged between 16 and 35yrs

Please register your interest by commenting here with your email address, via email ( leanne@hbfotografic.com ) Leanne will reply to all with further details regarding location ( Melbourne only), styling and dates.

Please also feel free to pass on to any friends/family you think might be suitable.

Leanne and I look forward to hearing from you!

colour chart! finally!

2010-12-21T16:11:00.002+11:00

Our long awaited colour chart is now available at the Sheeps Clothing online store.

We have two yarn ranges, our intense solid colours shown above, and our range of beautiful hand dyed yarns shown below. Both yarn collections come from boutique Australian suppliers and are just divine.

Oh the choices!

blackbird corner

2010-12-02T16:40:00.004+11:00

A parcel of mug cozies and hair accessories has today headed off to Blackbird Corner in Newcastle.

So, if by chance you are a Novocastrian, or perhaps just passing through, be sure to call into Blackbird Corner at Cooks Hill.

Nowhere near Newcastle? All items are available online at www.sheepsclothing.com.au.

christmas orders closing soon

2010-11-19T07:30:00.003+11:00

Christmas 2011 orders are closing soon.

The last date for international orders is Monday 29 November.

Orders for delivery within Australia will be taken until Monday 6 December.

Clickety click to visit the Sheeps Clothing online store.

baby be natural

2010-11-09T17:03:00.003+11:00

A lovely new online store has just opened its virtual doors for business.

Baby Be Natural is all about cute and funky clothes for babies and toddlers and has a heavy emphasis on natural and organic products.

Here's a little peek at some of the beautiful products currently in store (click on the pictures to be taken to the listing).

To celebrate the store's launch Baby Be Natural is offering free shipping until the end of November.

in frankie

2010-11-03T17:28:00.003+11:00

Frankie is one of my favourite magazines and I'm a little bit excited that Sheeps Clothing is part of the latest Leeloo / Frankie ad!

ishbel. finished.

2010-11-02T11:15:00.001+11:00

When reading, I have a strict one book at a time policy. Knitting, however, is a different proposition and I like to have different projects to suit the mood.

Ishbel, I decided would be an excellent holiday knit. Small enough to not require a huge knitting bag, large enough to last the whole holiday. Easy enough to withstand a few holiday wines, challenging enough to keep me interested.

Like all lace knits, it really came to life with a good blocking. (For the non knitters, blocking is the process of soaking, then laying out and pinning out the finished article to dry. A light iron sometimes is required as well).

Nowhere is it documented that the input of a cat is required.

I really must tell Harvey that.

the most popular girl at the dance

2010-09-23T15:10:00.001+10:00

I've taken a break from knitting up next winter's samples to knit an Ishbel. Is there a more popular project on Ravelry? I get now what all the fuss is about. It is such an easy pattern and is coming along so quickly.

I'm using the One Fat Slug yarn I bought from Kate at the Stitches and Craft Show. It's funny how colours look differently in the skein to in a ball to when knitted up. The knitting has really brought out the shade variation and I'm seeing hints of purple and green that I had not noticed before.

I finally weakened and bought the full set of Knit Pro wooden tips. I ended up selling the metal tips as they were just too sharp for me and I was getting splits in my finger tips from endless hours of contintental knitting which (the way I do it anyway) requires that the tip of the needle be occassionally given a push with an index finger.

I do love the look of the wooden ones and I'm wondering whether I could leave the needles in my knitting and wear it that way, with the needle tips slung jauntily over one shoulder? No?

More Creative Spaces here.

the fabric of our economy

2010-08-16T17:19:00.001+10:00

The Craft Room has swung open its Melbourne doors. The first Learn to Knit class was held last week and although somewhat boutique in size, a good time was had by all.

To take a break from the concentration involved in learning to cast on, knit, purl, etc. we had a short break at the mid point to have a wander around Amitie Fabrics. Perhaps in retrospect this was not such a good idea as I managed to spend most of my teaching fee in 10 minutes flat. Of course, money spent on fabric and wool is not real money, is it?

The next class is being held this Saturday morning, again at Amitie. Further class information plus booking details can be found here.

Of course, Saturday is also Federal Election Day. Let's hope the newly elected government has a sounder economic theory than mine.

sale time!

2010-07-26T09:04:00.001+10:00

25% off selected items at the Sheeps Clothing online store.

the craft room comes to melbourne

2010-07-22T14:11:00.001+10:00

Notebook Magazine is bringing its successful Craft Room concept to Melbourne in August and I'm very excited to be presenting learn to knit classes.

As well as learning knitting basics, partipants will receive all the tools they need to knit up the button up tea cozy as shown above.

If you cast your eyes to the right you'll see that the pattern is now available as a free download (please note you don't need to be a Ravelry member to access the pattern).

More information, incuding details of other classes being offered in The Craft Room, all dates and booking details, please see the August issue of Notebook magazine, or visit their website.

choices....

2010-06-27T20:44:00.001+10:00

A new bundle of fabric yoyos arrived during the week and with it the opportunity to create a few more brooch colour combinations.

With these ones, I've offered a choice of coordinating button colours. As always, I've used only vintage buttons so you can be sure your brooch will be one off or part of a very limited edition.

Which one will you go for?

In the shop now.

cozy up

2010-06-18T17:19:00.001+10:00

Do you know Renee Anne? She's one half of Twin Set and also hangs out at Leeloo. Oh and she's beautiful (she was on the cover of Peppermint you know).

She's also clever and nice and takes a good photo - both in front of and behind the camera.

Check out these beauties. Never has a mug cosy looked so good. You can find these babies in the shop or at the Leeloo store at Brisbane's Finders Keepers market next weekend.

Tell Renee (and the awesome Ange from Leeloo) I said hi.

canberra bound

2010-06-05T10:50:00.001+10:00

It may not be a very fashionable thing to say, but I have to admit I'm a fan of our national capital. I like its cleanliness and sense of order. As a history buff and lover of all things monumental, the War Memorial and Anzac Avenue are right up my alley.

Next time I'm in Canberra I hope it will be to coincide with the Handmade Market. By all reports this is a huge event with many well known handmade superstars in attendance. There's no star more super than Jennie from Posie Patchwork and I'm over the moon that Jennie will be taking a selection of Sheeps Clothing knits to this weekend's market.

Handmade Market

Kamberra Wine Company

Cnr Northbourne & Flemington Road

Lyneham ACT

As well as being available at the market, Sheeps Clothing is now available at Shop Handmade, right in the Canberra City Centre. Have a peek at how lovely they look in store!

on with the show!

2010-05-04T11:09:00.001+10:00

If you don't know by now that the Stitches and Craft Show rolls into Melbourne this week, then you're either not paying attention or you don't give a toss.

What you may not know is that I'll be propping up the knitting Craft Bar on Wednesday and Friday, teaching all comers the basics of knitting. The Craft Bars were a huge hit last year and this year's knitting one, sponsored by Pear Tree Yarns, promises to be no exception.

See you at the Show.

frankie

2010-04-30T20:19:00.001+10:00

It's always interesting to see how people, in this case the Frankie Magazine stylists, wear a product.

The scarflette above, featured in this month's magazine has been buttoned slightly differently to how I would have done it and it's given it a whole new asymmetrical look.

I love it!

my poppet closing down sale

2010-04-12T20:07:00.001+10:00

I was saddened to hear that the My Poppet Caulfield store will be closing soon. Cintia has been a great supporter of independent designers and crafters and her store has been a lovely place to buy kids clothing and cute little gifts, the kind you don't see in every second store.

There's currently a great three for the price of two sale on in the bricks and mortar store, and Cintia has kindly offered readers of this blog a 15% discount in the online store until the end of April.

Simply enter the code "SHEEPISH" at checkout to receive your discount.

kid independent

2010-04-07T13:44:00.004+10:00

One of my all time favourite product shots, as taken by hbfotografic, is featured today on Kid Independent.

Click here to read the full story or here to view the child's narrow stripe beanie as shown above.

final clearance

2010-03-29T11:26:00.000+11:00

Thanks to everyone who has bought one of the end of the line hand dyed yarn hats. It seems blog readers like a bargain.

There's only the teeniest, tiniest amount of this yarn left and to be honest, I'm over it. It's been a good relationship, but it's time to move on. It's not the yarn you understand, it's me. I need time to see other yarns. We'll always be friends though.

So, to move it on, with a minimum of tears and recriminations, I've reduced the price further to $18.00 including postage on these last few. C'mon people, take it off my hands. Please?

Want to buy two? I'll even through in an Easter egg or two to sweeten the deal.

The shop.

win a 30% off sheeps clothing voucher

2010-03-15T20:37:00.003+11:00

Visit Handmade Kids before Wednesday 17 March to find out how!

the secret stash

2010-03-06T12:39:00.001+11:00

.... one so secret I'd even hidden it from myself.

But now, having found it, I have a few more items to add to the end of the line sample sale.

There's just enough of the hand dyed thick thin yarn in these colours, Spring (above) and Passionfruit (below) to knit up a couple more hats.

Both colours, in the open style shown above, or rib style, available now in the store at the reduced price of $23.00 each (down from $35.00).

2010-02-27T17:58:00.001+11:00

Made It has just launched its new shopping cart and to mark the event, they are giving away vouchers to buyers over this weekend.

"To celebrate our new shopping cart & our birthday (yes it's been a year since our relaunch) we are giving away five $30 madeit gift vouchers to five buyers who use our shopping cart & buy item(s) over the weekend.
All purchases on Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 February 2010 will go into the draw. Winners will be notified on Monday 1st March."

Happy Shopping!

it pays to keep an ear to the ground....

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

.... and an eye on international trends.

Hmm, how does one knit ears?

By Carlos Diez, as appeared at Madrid Fashion Week. Photo courtesy of The Age.

knitting season

2010-02-22T17:10:00.000+11:00

..... to be knitting.

As has become a late summer tradition, the knitting needles have been flying of late.

These lilac eyelet beanies with vintage buttons are a Scadoodle exclusive. Such a shame there's no more of this yarn left as the soft shading of lilac and mauve is just beautiful.

They should be in store by the end of the week.

etsy kids shopping guide

2010-02-16T16:02:00.001+11:00

The latest Etsy Kids shopping guide is now live. Click away, m'dears.

the collaboration

2010-01-07T19:59:00.000+11:00

Here's an online collaboration if ever I saw one:

- Wool dyed by hand by Suse from Pea Soup
- Pattern and knitting by me
- Vintage buttons from Liz from The Button Bower
- Photography by Lea from hbfotografic

The scarflette features a combination of big, plaited cables and ribbing. It's a clever one too, it can be worn two different ways. Simply turn it upside down and voila. In the shop now.

winter 2010 preview

2009-12-29T09:54:00.001+11:00

Here's a sneak peek at one of the new styles for winter 2010.

Photography and beautiful child model by h&b foto.grafic.

melissa niu photography

2009-12-17T17:16:00.001+11:00

Beautiful new photos from Utah based photographer, Melissa Niu. Not only did she take the photos of this beautiful little girl, she gave birth to her too. Now that's multi talented.

It's photos like this one below that make me think about growing my hair long. I do wish I could wear hats like this, but when worn with my super short hair, I look like I'm having chemo.

This model is only 14 and although I don't wish I was 14 again (the angst!), 24 would be good. Spaghetti straps, no bingo wings. Those were the days.

back in black

2009-11-09T22:51:00.001+11:00

Saying that these black and white clips are my favourites leaves me with the guilt of a parent nominating a favourite child.

I hope the other hair clips don't grow up full of resentment and needing the help of a therapist.

These babies are off to Leeloo and will also be available in the store in a few days time. It's on the to do list, so don't hold your breath.

If you don't want to wait, get your people to talk to my people. We'll sort something out.

style collective 30 days of giveaways

2009-10-30T18:19:00.001+11:00

Style Collective tomorrow launches its 30 Days of Giveaways Promotions. Each day they will giveaway a fantastic prize from an independent designer.

More details about the promotion, including the full list of prizes, can be seen here. Good luck!

buy handmade this Christmas

2009-10-12T17:45:00.001+11:00

The Made It team has recently launched their Buy Handmade This Christmas Campaign.

Below is a selection of the fantastic items currently on show in the Made It Gift Guide. Click on any of the pictures to visit the listing.

With Christmas less than three months away, it's not too early to start shopping.

hey girlfriend

2009-10-07T16:15:00.001+11:00

The wonderful Angela at Leeloo works tirelessly for the labels in her stable. Angela recently interviewed me over at the Leeloo Blog and now due to her hard work, a Sheeps Clothing vintage button brooch has been featured in Girlfriend magazine.

The brooch as shown in the picture above is available at Leeloo.

2009-10-04T13:20:00.001+11:00

I do love Liberty fabric and have found an Etsy seller who has a lovely selection. I do not love making yoyos so usually buy them from another Etsy person.

Today this lot of yoyos landed in my letterbox. The fabric originated in England, was shipped to the US to be made into yoyos and now is here in Melbourne where I shall match them with pretty vintage buttons and make them into brooches and hair accessories.

I wonder where they'll go next?

grand final 2009

2009-09-26T12:37:00.000+10:00

When faced with a choice between St Kilda and Geelong, Harvey chose food and warmth over allegiance to his fellow Cats.

the interview

2009-09-19T15:27:00.001+10:00

Angela, the lovely lady behind Leeloo, has posted an interview with me over at her blog.

Want to know what my favourite song is? What I think smells good and what I want to be when I grow up? You know the way....

vintage button clips

2009-09-16T12:02:00.003+10:00

Vintage button hair clip production has been in full swing of late.

These ones are headed for Noah's Aeroplane in South Yarra. If you're passing be sure to drop in and have a look at the beautiful range of summer dresses in stock. Oh for a little girl!

shop!

2009-09-09T14:42:00.003+10:00

The Shop 4 Kids team have this month launched a new magazine, Shop Girl and have very kindly featured some Sheeps Clothing vintage button hair elastics and a Liberty fabric brooch.

Want to have a closer look? You can now do so at the new Sheeps Clothing store.

Shop, Girl!

handmade in Melbourne

2009-08-28T17:21:00.003+10:00

The 2009 edition of the Handmade in Melbourne book is out now and available through selected bookstores and newsagents.

the knitting club

2009-08-28T17:19:00.001+10:00

Photo used with approval of school Principal.

Recently I've been taking a lunch time knitting club at a local primary school. Over the course of four weeks, the kids (both girls and boys) have learned the basics of knitting, including casting on / off, knit, purl and a few technicalities about needle sizes and tension.

I feel strongly about the value of children learning to knit. Beyond the obvious skill learned, it teaches a lot of things that I feel are sometimes lacking in today's kids - persistence, resilience, reward for effort and delayed gratification. Additionally I feel it helps with maths skills, fine motor skills and creativity.

The classes I held at the Melbourne Stitches and Craft Show back in March really fired my enthusiasm for passing on the skill. The kids were so enthusiastic (they had to hold a ballot at the school as the club was over subscribed by 400%) and the pride they showed in their work (holes, dropped stitches and all) really warmed my heart.

My own knitting has gone down the wash cloth route of late. I like that they are knitted up quickly (obviously the delayed gratification element of knitting doesn't apply to me...) and they are good way to try out new stitch patterns. As for their actual functional use, I'm not so sure. What looks so pretty when freshly blocked, doesn't quite look so good scrunched up and wrung out hanging in the shower stall. Project details can be found here.

baklava in balaclava

2009-08-12T18:24:00.001+10:00

Carlisle Accessories now carries a small range of Sheeps Clothing women's hats, with a fuller range currently on the needles for next winter.

I dropped in to the shop last week and as it was approaching lunch time and Balaclava has nothing if not a good selection of cafes, I stopped and ate. I thought it only appropriate that I should have a slice of baklava in Balaclava.

Carlisle Accessories has a fantastic range of hats, scarves and other accessories. I was hoping to spy a balaclava on the shelf so I could drop a balaclava / Balaclava / baklava witticism, but it was not to be.

Probably for the best.

Carlisle Accessories, 147A Carlisle Street, Balaclava.

multi buys

2009-08-02T11:24:00.000+10:00

The supermarket I frequent seems to have gone into buy two, get the third at a reduced price madness of late. The fact that I now have more tins of tomatoes and sardine packets than I could ever use suggests to me that perhaps as a sales tactic, it works.

Never one to walk away from a good marketing opportunity, I've introduced similar listings into my Made It and Etsy shops.

Having just experienced a vintage button hair accessory making frenzy (now also available at Red Feathers and a Hula Skirt), I've updated both shops with some new colour combinations, plus new buy three at a reduced price listings. Want more than three pairs? Sure you do. Just let me know and I'll do you an even better deal.

The knitted coffee cozies are proving to be winners to and you'll note there's a bulk buy on offer there as well. They are only available in my Made It store as I didn't want to deal with the vagaries of US take away cup sizes. I don't fancy knitting a bucket sized cozy for our US friends and their triple shot / semi skimmed / half and half / soy / decaf / grande / latte / caramel shot / sweetener not sugar beverages.

new stockist

2009-07-12T18:24:00.001+10:00

Red Feathers and a Hula Skirt

360 Marmion Street
Melville WA 6156

Opening Monday 13 July!

treacle beak beanies

2009-07-09T22:10:00.000+10:00

It's amazing what a quick trawl through blog and website stats can reveal.

We've all seen the strange key words that bring people to one's blog. In my case, a long ago reference to my distaste for visible male (or female for that matter) under arm hair still brings in lots of readers, as does a fondly remembered holiday to Bora Bora.

Today following an unfamiliar link brought me to the door step of a new blogger, Treacle Beak who has recently knitted up my cupcake beanie pattern in a variety of flavours. Don't they look lovely?

If you're not a knitter yourself, the finished article is available in the store.

Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging, Treacle!

2009-07-05T12:31:00.001+10:00

In February 2009 Victoria was victim to the worst bushfires on record, which wiped out entire communities, caused 173 deaths and left thousands without homes or shelter.

The Handmade Help Recipe Book evolved as part of Handmade Helps Out by a group of crafters and artists who wanted to contribute to the recovery effort.

All proceeds from sales of the recipe book will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Click here to order your copy. You'll even find a recipe from me in there.

production central

2009-06-16T09:47:00.001+10:00

Melbourne's recent cold snap and last weekend's Queen's Birthday long weekend have allowed me to get lots done.

Firstly there was a button hair clip making marathon, the result of which can be seen above. The majority of these are destined for Noah's Aeroplane in South Yarra, with the remainder going to Sydney to be photographed for the new Shop 4 Kids Magazine extension aimed at girls 7-14.

Secondly I knitted up a couple of mug cozies for a blogger who shall not be named as she may not have given them away as yet.

With that done, I have finally had a chance to knit up some of the yarn so beautifully hand dyed by Wired for Fibre. This super chunky weight wool has a lovely subtle colour variation, and at the risk of sounding like Neil Perry waxing lyrical about a piece of Wagu beef, I wanted to keep the scarf design simple so as to best show off the wool.

I really love how it is looking so far. I think I will make them quite long so that they can be looped around a few different ways. *

As well as the green, I have just taken delivery of the varigated mid blue and purple shown below, plus solid red, olive and two shades of pink.

Once these are done, I am hoping to get a chance to start on some of the patterns that are crowding my brain and keeping me awake at night.

It's a good thing that Wimbledon starts next week, with the Tour de France not long after that. I could be pulling some all nighters if my enthusiasm continues at this pace.

*Edited: I love the green one so much I have decided to keep it for myself, something I have never done before.

and the winner is....

2009-06-10T18:23:00.001+10:00

Congratulations to Rebecca F of Western Australia, the winner of the newsletter subscription draw. Rebecca has nominated the above hat as her favourite item in the Sheeps Clothing store and thus shall be receiving this hat shortly.

The first monthly newsletter and associated subscriber only special offer has now been distributed. Each monthy newsletter will contain an exclusive subscriber only offer and if you haven't yet signed up and wished to do so, click here to be taken to the subscription page on the Sheeps Clothing website.

The next newsletter will be sent out early in July.

mug cozies

2009-05-31T17:42:00.001+10:00

Mug / coffee cup cozies have recently been added to the Sheeps Clothing range.

Knitted on smaller than usual needles and / or slightly felted, they are sure to keep your hand cool and your beverage of choice hot.

They are now available in the Made It store and soon will be at Leeloo as well. Fancy a different colour? Be sure to let me know as my yarn stash covers all the colours of the rainbow.

shop update

2009-05-16T17:06:00.001+10:00

On a cold and wintery day like today, what better thing to do than update the shop.

There's only enough of this beautifully hand dyed yarn left for one or two more of the scarflette shown below and the hat as shown below.

There's also a few new pairs of vintage button hair clips, with more to come soon. Click on of the pics to see the relevant listing.

happy mothers day

2009-05-11T21:51:00.000+10:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mums out there. May your day be full of cups of tea in bed, wonky hand drawn cards and picture frames decorated with spray painted macaroni.

Above is my own Mum's gift. I tried to convince her it was a hat, but she wasn't buying it.

extended!

2009-05-01T17:03:00.000+10:00

To fit with our current promotion on Style Collective, our newsletter sign up promotion has been extended until the end of May.

To be in the running to win your favourite item from the store, simply sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and special subscriber only offers before the end of May.

Good luck!

winter collection in store now

2009-04-23T10:58:00.001+10:00

With a delivery to My Poppet yesterday, the Sheeps Clothing winter range is now in store at all our children's stockists. The up to date stockist list is available on the website.

Not all items are available in all store, so please contact us if you are after something specific. Of course, the entire range is available on line here and here.

For the last couple of years, The Knittery has been custom dyeing our lovely thick thin yarn as pictured throughout this post. With the pending closure of The Knittery, the yarn I have now is the end of the line.

There's still a little left, but if you've had your eye on something, I suggest you get in quick because once it's gone, it's gone.

style collective

2009-04-16T16:18:00.000+10:00

Have you seen the new Style Collective fashion blog?

Since being launched in January this site has taken off like the proverbial scalded cat and is now getting a bazillion hits a day. Apart from being internet marketing gurus, the Style Collective team obviously have fabulous taste as they have included one of my scarflettes in their winter scarf feature.

You can see the feature here, or the the scarf in question can be found in my Etsy and Made It stores.

There's lots of colours to choose from including cream, as featured on Style Collective, primrose pink (shown below), pale pink, forest green (above), olive, red, navy. I could go on. Basically, you name a colour, I'll knit it. Simple as that.

store update

2009-04-08T09:49:00.001+10:00

Since being featured in Shop 4 Kids, this hat has been flying off the shelf, or rather, needles. As well as its original pale pink form, it is now available in both shops in cream and this vibrant primrose pink.

As much as I love cream wool, photographing it always presents a dilemma. I don't like to see knits photographed against a solid background in another colour than white, and as you can see here, cream against white doesn't work that well. I think I will have to go for the artistically faded background as demonstrated so beautifully by H&B with the first photograph.

Until that is sorted, you will just have to take my word for it that the cream is lovely. Really truly. I wouldn't lie to you.

Thanks to everyone who has already visited the new website and signed up to receive the new monthly newsletter. You can look forward to lots of special subscriber only offers and secret handshake sort of stuff.

If you haven't yet signed up, do so now! Remember to sign up and then visit this post before the end of the month to tell me your favourite item from either shop to be in the running to win your selection.

creative knitting

2009-03-24T09:29:00.000+11:00

This month's Creative Knitting has a feature on online selling of hand knits.

You'll see a few of my items featured. Three in fact (only two shown here). Not that I'm counting.

an evening's work

2009-03-22T16:35:00.001+11:00

I spent last evening making up six of these sweet knitted flower hair elastics.

They come ready for giving in a cute little organza pouch with tag.

All ready to go. Available now in the shop.

website launch

2009-03-17T10:57:00.005+11:00

I am pleased to announce the launch of the new Sheeps Clothing website and monthly subscriber newsletter.

www.sheepsclothing.com.au

To celebrate the launch of the website, I'm giving one subscriber to win their favourite item from the Sheeps Clothing shop.

To enter:

- Visit the website and sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive exclusive subscriber only offers. (Please note subscriber information will be for the exclusive use of Sheeps Clothing and not divulged to a third party. )

- Once you've entered, leave a comment on this post advising which in store item you'd like to win. Or alternately, you can email me your choice at stacey@sheepsclothing.au.

The winning entry will be randomly chosen from the subscriber list at the end of April.

Good luck!

melbourne stitches and craft show

2009-03-05T18:05:00.000+11:00

Bookings have now opened for the Stitches and Craft workshops. I'll be a busy little bee over the course of the show presenting a few different workshops and a studio to boot.

The Introduction to Knitting classes are targetted at absolute beginners, so if you've never picked up the needles but always wanted to, now's your chance. Each participant will receive a showbag packed with handouts covering all the things we'll cover in the class, so if you're like me and it goes in one ear and out the other, you can pick it up again at home.

A set of knitting needles is being provided by Birch and you'll also receive some lovely pure wool from Nundle. With separate classes aimed at children under 14 and adults, there's no reason everyone can't learn to knit.

For the little ones there's Make Your Own Hair Clip classes. The kiddies come along, select their clip, fabric yoyo and button combination and put them all together. They'll take away the finished clips in a cute little organza pouch.

Lastly, I will be holding a free studio presentation, Beyond Knit and Purl . This event is focussed on sharing information to help new knitters get the best results possible. Useful topics to be covered include the differences between UK / US / Australian pattern terminology, checking your tension, sewing up your work and tips on yarn substitution.

The Living Creatively team have put together a fantastic programme. There's sure to be something that takes your fancy.

See you there!

lovely new wool

2009-03-01T18:06:00.000+11:00

This lovely pile of hand dyed goodness has just found its way into the mountain of yarn that lives in what used to be our sitting room.

Katie at Wired For Fibre has dyed this gorgeous Nundle yarn for me and I couldn't be happier with it. Choose your poison - soft and subtle grey or shades of green.

Mum, wouldn't you just love to be knitting with this right now? Mum...? Are you there? No? Seems she's still avoiding me for fear of being asked to do more knitting.

I've also splashed out and invested in some Addi Turbos. After all the ravings about how good they are on Ravelry I had to check them out for myself. Well worth the dollars I say. What I'd really like is a set of Clicks, as shown below. The points snap into the cords so you can mix and match your cord length and needle size as you like.

At $175 a box I can't really justify them, especially as I'd lose a point down the back of the couch (or under a cinema seat) in no time.

featured

2009-02-20T18:07:00.000+11:00

Photo by H&B

This eyelet rib beanie with its vintage button embellishment is featured in the Autumn / Winter edition of Shop 4 Kids magazine.

It is available now in the new look Made It, plus soon to be in selected stockists.

handmade helps out

2009-02-10T18:11:00.000+11:00

I've just listed the clips as shown above on eBay, with proceeds to go to the Handmade Helps Out appeal.

The various crafty appeals go from strength to strength with an amazing amount of money being raised to date.

A special thanks goes to the kind person who bought my scarflette listed on Etsy.

There's lots more goodies being listed daily. Be sure to visit Handmade Helps Out for a full run down of what's on offer.

casting on

2009-01-20T18:12:00.000+11:00

I'm one of those people that has short lived obsessions. I will fixate on something, research it to death for a few weeks and then get over it, never to reference the information again.

Example. I decided a few weeks back that I needed a new notebook to carry in my hand bag. I toyed briefly with reviving my old filofax as I love all its little dividers and the range of accessories is endless. Its a Bally one and really lovely in soft green leather, but its just too bulky, so with much regret, it went back in the drawer.

From there I decided that rather than a diary style affair, I just needed a notebook. Something with a nice cover, nice and thick quality paper that could be easily torn out as required. So much nicer than scrambling around my bag for an old receipt or something to write a note on.

In the end, I found just what I was looking for in Finki's Store on Etsy. It was duly purchased and I spent the next week rushing to the letterbox every day anxiously awaiting its arrival. I've had it about three weeks now and have I used it? Nup. Have I written something on the back of a fuel discount docket? Yup.

I'm digressing from the original point of this post. My latest obsession is a knitting related one so if that is not your thing, you might wish to leave at this point.

Still here? Okay, I'm assuming you're a knitter.

My latest obsession is the many and varied ways in which one can cast on.

I already knew the basic long tail cast on (shown left) which I think may be the most common type used by most knitters and can be worked either via the thumb method or single handedly.

What I was not aware of are the myriad of variations of long tail, the favourite of which and my new overall favourite style of casting on is called Twisted German Cast On, aka Norweigian or Twisted Norweigian or just Twisted. It gives a really nice edge which is stretchy yet substantial. Great for hats or socks.

Cable Cast On is another nice one, so named for its twisted appearance when looked at from underneath the needle. A much firmer cast on without much give (although Knitting Help says it is stretchy - I knit tightly so it might just be me), its not much good for hats, but would be good for a washcloth or blanket. Perhaps even the edges of a jumper. It has a definite right and wrong side, so I wouldn't use it for a scarf or anything reversible.

There's your basic knitted cast on, which like long tail, has a long and complex tree of descendents, most of which I had never seen, let alone attempted.

Most of these techniques can be seen via KnittingHelp (supplier of the images in this post). I haven't imbedded any videos in here as it would take forever to load the post, however, a quick search of You Tube will bring you to these, plus many more.

title

2008-01-03T00:50:00.007+11:00

Welcome to Sheeps Clothing

Every item in the Sheeps Clothing range of pure wool hats, scarves and hair accessories is lovingly knitted by hand here in Melbourne.

The inaugural Sheeps Clothing range was launched in winter 2007. Winter 2008 has delivered even bigger and better things with an expanded product range and retail presence, including our recent launch in the USA.

If you are looking for a hat, scarf or hair accessory in a particular colour, style or size, please drop us a line. As we make all our items by hand, we can easily accommodate all requests and variations.

Wholesale enquiries are very welcome. We love to work with our customers to create a range to suit their store and shoppers.