The crafty world of Seamstress and the Daughters

This week the BrisStyle team caught up with Suzanne, Melissa and Marie, the ladies behind the fabulous world of Seamstress and the Daughters.

How would you describe your work?

As we are a co-op of 3 so our work can be an eclectic mix of things. Melissa is very into vintage fabrics and recycling old fabrics. Suzanne loves wool and all things crochet. She loves the feel of soft wool and loves to make soft things that are great to touch. Marie loves the prettiness of little girls clothes and loves to try different combinations of trims and frills to make the perfect skirt.


How did your Etsy shop come into being?

Melissa was a big Etsy browser and Suzanne was always making more scarves than she could wear so they discussed making a shop and they asked Marie who has been sewing for over 50 years if she wanted to make some things as well and so we joined forces.


Who or what inspires you?

Suzanne loves scouring the internet and books about crochet and is inspired by the talent of others and sometimes the wool itself will be the inspiration.

Melissa loves seventies fabric patterns and fashion, tea towels and old linens, Montelupo ceramics and her kids art work. Dodgy craft books from when she was young are a winner too.


Marie is inspired by the almost limitless possibilities in a skirt design. She loves the fabrics as well as the options for girls are almost endless.


Do you ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ as part of your creative process?

Out of all of us, Melissa is definitely the eco girl - 80% of all her goodies are made from Vintage and op shop fabrics. Suzanne and Marie are beginning to delve into the eco world.

Can you describe your studio / work area?

Marie has half a rumpus room as her sewing empire. There is an industrial sewing machine in the middle and piles of fabric all around.

Melissa is currently renovating so all her material is in bags,and is working on a desk in the bedroom needless to say it’s all a bit crazy, part Narnia wardrobe part Nana’s gone crazy and bought 100 tea towels.

Suzanne has managed to eek out half a cupboard to store all her wool (thankfully crochet hooks take up very little room).

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?


Melissa loves our darling little Barbie Beds, being a dolly loving girl herself, I like seeing Barbie snugly asleep after she has finished her day job as a NASA fashion designer doctor scuba instructor.


Suzanne loves the crochet covered notebooks. They just feel so wonderful to hold in your hands. A wonderful place for the everyday or those special thoughts.

Marie loves the denim skirts with all the frills.


Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work?

Blog
Etsy Shop
MadeIt Shop

Thanks so much for your time ladies and for the insights on how your co-operative works!

BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM) Update - 4 weeks to go!!

With only 4 weeks left until the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market (BIDM) things are really starting to heat up!

(Teapot Hat by The Seamstress and the Daughters)

This week, we're starting off our tour or all things BIDM by paying a visit to Suzanne, Marie and Melissa of The Seamstress and the Daughters. Marie has been sewing up a storm making cute little skirts and boys shorts while Melissa has been busy whipping up hats, bibs, toys and cars. Suzanne's been getting out the sticks and crocheting "Teapot Hats".

(Summer Satchel & Accessories collection by Taybian)

Next up we're visiting Melissa of Taybian. Melissa has been expanding her popular current collection to include other accessories, as well as designing a new Summer Satchel & Accessories collection. This will include matching belts, purses and clutches. You can check it all out here.

(Colourful Stretchy Chainmail Bracelets by Shazzabeth Creations)

Sharon from Shazzabeth Creations has been working on brand new Colourful Stretchy Chainmail Bracelets and a new stall setup complete with personalised bunting!

(urban avine print by Sally Flynn - Flight Industries)

Next stop is Flight Industries. Sally has had a big day in the studio revelling in printing. There's reprints of favourite card designs and new designs in store.... and that's not all! To celebrate the enthusiastic feedback Sally's Ibi tote design received, she's designed and printed an Ibis and Scrub Turkey print.

(Christmas skirts by Tutus and Muddy Shoes)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Tutus and Muddy Shoes craft room this week! Anneliese has been working on Christmas dresses, skirts and bloomers. You can check it out here.

(Clothespin magnets by Designs of the Heart)

Sarah from Designs of the Heart has been busy making Clothespin magnets and small magnets with sweet sayings. You can see more of them here.

(Silk top by SM Boutique)

There's plenty of wrinkly fingers and elbow grease forecast for the next few weeks at SM Boutique. Sandrine has lots of felting in process with some accessories for you and some new items for your home. Sandrine's amazing silk tops can be pre-ordered now to be ready in time for Christmas. Just pick a design and colour (details here) and let Sandrine's magic do the rest!

(Ladybird by shellyberelli)

It's sweatshop central in the shellyberelli craft den (aka the dining table). Shelley has been working on lots of pretty purses and wristlets, new boutique lines including laptop cases, nappy bags/change mats, and colourful holdall handbags that will feature in the shellyberelli 'custom order corner' at the BIDM. You can see more of the range here.

(Nostalgic Owl applique on recycled fabric Flutterby Top by Jetta's Nest)

Last stop off for this week is at Jetta's Nest. Sam has been sewing like crazy and working on Christmas Cards and Gift Tags. Check out the sweet new owl design from her Nostalgic Collection featured on this Flutterby top made from recycled fabrics. You can check more out here.

*******

Still want more.....here's a sneak peek at some new stall setups from Up in Annies Room, Chi Designs and Shazzabeth Creations, a tasty morsel of what's in store 4 weeks from now at Brisbane's hottest destination for all things handmade, the BrisStyle Indie Designers Market!!!

(New stall setup - Emma of Up in Annies Room)

(New stall setup for Shazzabeth Creations)

(Chi Designs market setup from The Finders Keepers Market)

Stay tuned for more BIDM updates next Tuesday!!