Well, in our little house we’ve all gone crazy for the ship song cover. So, you know how it goes when you start you tube-ing. I started by showing the junior squad live videos of Nick Cave, trying [in vain] to explain to 10, 8,and 5 year olds what a live Nick Cave concert was like. Well, they thought I was  nuts. More horrified were they that he was smoking on stage [god forbid, i didn't have the heart to tell them about what else he got up to].

Anyway, then we found Johnny Cash’s cover of the Mercy Seat. That gravelly, old mans voice is just perfect. I remember when he made the cover, reading an interview with Nick Cave. Apparrently Mr. Cash became quite ill as he was about to do the cover, and Nick Cave is sending him ‘Get Well Soon’ cards, praying that he wouldn’t die before he made the song. Could there be anyone cooler to cover your song?

And then we found Johnny Cash’s cover of Hurt. The lament of an old man, deep in regret with shreds of love and hope or perhaps redemption. I’m clearly late to the Johnny Cash party, but could there be a better epitaph for the man in black?

Hi there,

Nick Cave’s ‘the ship song’ carries so many memories for me, and is such an evocation of a amazing time in my life..my 20s,  university, and those first tender feelings that this my life, to do with what I choose.

And I know I’m not alone in this song carrying meaning and resonance for many other people.

Sydney Opera House has just released ‘the ship song project’, and it is so, so, so worth a look. In their words:

Released worldwide earlier this week, Sydney Opera House presents The Ship Song Project – a reworking of Nick Cave’s iconic song. Performed by Neil Finn, Kev Carmody, The Australian Ballet, Sarah Blasko, John Bell, Angus and Julia Stone, Paul Kelly, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Opera Australia, Martha Wainwright, Katie Noonan, The Sydney Symphony, The Temper Trap, Daniel Johns, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Conceived as a short film, The Ship Song Project is a tribute to the building and the artists who perform here. To view the video in full along with artist interviews and behind-the-scenes footage visit.

Enjoy!

C

We all had a great, if somewhat hectic, night at make space‘s Warm and fuzzy night as part of Renew Newcastle’s Winter Wander. The shop was packed full of happy souls, with a table full of crochet, from beginners to experienced hands. At one point the queue for the Sticky date pudding, Swedish apple pie and gluwein was almost out the door! I sat with a super keen bunch of kids and made fabric flower brooches. They were so popular, and are easy enough for kids to make (*with just a little bit of adult finger dexterity needed at finish off). I’ve made a little step by step tutorial for anyone who might be interested to make some at home (especially with school holidays with us!).

You’ll need:

One strip of felt, 5 x 65 cm (about 2″ x 25″)

Button

Brooch back

Running stitch along 1 side about 1cm from edge.

Pull the thread tight to bunch the fabric up.

Twist the felt around and shape into a flower.

*Here is where the adult hands might come in useful…

Make several anchoring stitches through the front and back of the flower to hold in shape.

Stitch a button in the centre of the flower. At this point I am still pulling the fabric into the shape I want and anchoring the fabric together.

Turn flower over and stitch a brooch back on.

Enjoy your new fab flower brooch!

I think they would also look great with fabric cut on the bias, and maybe even several light fabrics of differing widths….

Here are a few photos from the night too…

And a special mention to the awesome polaroid parlour at Odditorium vintage.

Hi there,

I’ve been busy in this pouring rain, making up some new children’s crowns. I hope you like them, I think they might be my favourite range so far. All are backed with stiff denim so they are really nice and firm. They are available at Make Space or by contacting me [umiakdesign {at} dodo {dot} com {dot} au]

And an  random collection of things that have caught my eye this week:

• Soulful mothering post, by tara thayer. Read it mothers out there, read it. Then go to tara’s blog, and admire not only her words but her photographs too.
• An interview on Radio National Life matters, about what sounds to be a great book on long travel with kids. [my favourite: how many languages can you say 'are we there yet' in?]
• The east coast has been utterly waterlogged this week. My heart goes out to those suffering flood damage, but it did take me back to the wonderful 2 years we spend in Vancouver. Could this be the silliest souvenir ever: scroll down to Maybe you might not like…

take care,

C

I’m totally loving all the stripy clothes around at the moment. I know they’ve been around for a season or 2, but I’m a bit slow in the fashion stakes. Anyways, I bought this strapless jersey dress from our local tarty teenager cheap chain store, for $2.50.

Then I cut off the bustier:

Then I joined the 2 pieces along the narrow edge:

Then, fold in half and right sides together and join sides to make a long tube. I used the overlocker, but a sewing machine with a stretch needle would work just fine. To finish, cut the overlocker chain to 1cm, and then…

…give the chain a little tug with your fingers, and a knot forms. Then tie a few extra knots in the 2 threads and trim.

Turn right way around, and ta-da! Cute stripy scarf, at a bargain cost.

Now, if only I could have a turn wearing it.

for more creative spaces click HERE!

It’s an interesting time. Being grown up…or so they tell me I am.

Have a look at the programme, it’s well worth a watch.

Hi there!

Last week my beautiful mother-in-law came for a visit, so I took the opportunity to head off for a night in the big smoke of Sydney. It was ostensibly a fabric buying trip but I did manage to convince myself that i needed a new pair of boots. And added some culture to my life with a visit to the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman. I love Ben Quilty’s Margaret Olley. The raw canvas of her face is so striking, and seems so appropriate for a portrait of an artist.

So I have (finally!) managed to make a some new skirts for Make Space. I’m loving them all, but my favourite is the diagonal stripe, I had to keep one for myself.

They are available now at Make Space, in a variety of sizes.

Hope you enjoy!

C

x

p.s. I am also in the slow process of rebranding as umiak. There will be some changes to this blog…eventually.

We want to wish you a very happy birthday and wish we could all be together!

Hi there!

Just a quick one to link to this super cute toy you can make at home, that is perfect to take out and about to keep little, and I suspect, big people happy. Made by Joel is an awesome site, run by a toy designer/artist. What a super fun dad. I really like Joel’s simple designs and clean lines, and most of all, making simple toys, with the children, using things we have at home.

Our 4 year old is also loves his Owl mobile, also Made by Joel.

Hi there!

Here is a little project I’ve been beavering away on for quite a while. Hand printed linen tea towels. It hit me one day that often the last job of the day and the first job of the morning involves a tea towel. We have this crazy mix at home…cotton madras check, fluffy guide dog association cheesiness, and a few fantasico Irish linen tea towels sent from aunts-in law from Ireland. The linen ones are seriously the best. And you know, well life is short. So I thought I’d make up some with funny or inspirational prints to get your morning going, or leave a smile in the evening.

I’ve more designs coming soon. Think octopus, princess leia, pears, Karen Blixen. The absent husband is home from Africa, so fingers crossed for a little productivity these coming weeks.

Then I decided on umiak. It’s just a new label I’m going with. I hope you like it.

The tea towels are available from the fabulous Make Space, or by contacting me.

I know its almost April already….but I will set up an online shop this year…just need to clone myself first….