The morning after…

Photo credit: Linsey Rendell

Morning! (Well, actually it’s afternoon now…) Thank you to all the lovely folk who came along to support the launch of our little mag last night. It was a super splendid affair! We'd like to say thank you to Brew for hosting our little event, Inland Sea for playing some swell tunes, Holly Riding, Jaclyn Bates and Clare Barrett for exhibiting some amazing art, and everyone who helped with setting up and making the night a success. We had a great (yet slightly balmy) evening.

If you missed out on grabbing your very own copy of Seam Magazine’s first issue last night, don’t fret! It’ll be in independent bookstores, fashion and craft boutiques and gift-type shops all around Australia from this week. Here’s the first list of stockists to get you started:

Nook (Brisbane)
Cultiver (Ipswich)
Blackbird Corner (Newcastle)
Little Papercup (Newcastle)
Sweets Workshop (Sydney)
Follow Store (Sydney)
Smiths Alternative Bookshop (Canberra)
Little Shop Of… (Melbourne)
The Brunswick Street Bookstore (Melbourne)
Felix (Melbourne)
The Nook (Hobart)

If you’re in Brisbane, we’ll be selling the magazine at the Brisbane Finders Keepers Markets this coming weekend (Sat 5th & Sun 6th) with Alice Nightingale.

And if you’re can’t grab a copy from any of these spots, we’d be super happy to pop a copy in the snail mail for you. Actual mail received in an actual letterbox is always delightful these days. Email info {at} seammagazine {dot} com to order your copy!

Seam is launching!

Seam Magazine's The Start-Ups Issue

Huzzah! Seam is here! We thought we’d give all you super swell followers a sneak peek of our cover as thanks for being such great chums. The photography for the cover is by our editor Linsey Rendell and the illustration is by Karen Wallis (also issue one’s designer) and Lucy Dalzell.

After eight super busy months of planning, writing, photography, designing and all those sneaky business bits that go into setting up a magazine, we’re finally launching our first issue this weekend! The delightful folk over at Brew are hosting our afternoon-to-evening celebratory soiree, so there’ll be plenty of tea, coffee, cocktails and other intriguing beverages on tap. There’ll also be an array of homebaked goods that would impress the slippers off your nanna.

Three young Brisbane artists – Clare Barrett, Jaclyn Bates and Holly Riding – have put together nine artworks for your eyeballing pleasure, recreating images from issue one in their own styles. And Brisbane band Inland Sea’s latest EP Fortune will be available for purchase before it’s even hit record store shelves!

We’re also holding a raffle with first prize an iPad2! And there's also a bunch of handmade goodies for ladies and lads to be won – tickets are 3 for $5.

And of course you’ll all have first dibs on Seam’s The Start-Ups Issue, retailing for $15. Wizzer!

Come along and support our little creative team at Seam's launch. Brew has a capacity limit of 120, so make sure you rock up early to nab a sofa or a stool amongst this highly coveted creative event. À bientôt!

21 woolly days later...

Photo Credit: 21 Days to Yarn Bomb

After the success of International Yarn Bombing Day, 21 Days to Yarn Bomb will be kicking off on November 1st. If you're an avid knitter or crocheter, grab some friends and add a little knitted goodness to the grey surroundings of your city. They say it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, so if you're new to needlecraft, start practicing now and you'll surely have knitting (and stealth yarn bombing ninja moves) down pat after three weeks. A simple little flower or even a row of stitching tied to a street sign could make someone's day. It's a great chance to showcase your creativity and spruce up the streets. Plus, you might even meet some new people - this event is already attracting a crowd!

Worker Bee Wednesday

Photo credit: Rabbit Hole Ideation Cafe 

Creativity is in the air, everywhere I look around!

Read: If you didn't get a chance to pop in to the Avid Reader workshop with author Kelly Doust, her new book, Minxy Vintage is just the ticket to get you up to speed. This wonderful little book will help you breath new life in to your vintage finds - or any other sad looking pieces in your wardrobe. Kelly combines her creativity with her love of vintage to transform 50 worn down threads in to fashionable, modern outfits, fit for any fashion forward Queen. With the addition of a simply gorgeous front cover, this one is a must for the bookshelf.

Shop: When the lights are away, the designers come out to play! The Style After Dark market has kicked off again in Melbourne boasting a variety of locally designed goods, from clothing to headwear and all things in between. You'll get first dibs on new designers threads and maybe even find that 'one off' piece you've been searching for. Shopping can be hard work, but luckily the market also offers some delicious snacks that will keep you energetic into the night. The market is held every Thursday night from 5:30-9:30pm until 24th November.

Rummage: It's time to adorn your best vintage attire and head on down to the The Brisbane Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair. This delightful affair will be showcasing some impressive vintage collections from notable pre-loved enthusiasts. If you're not already in the swing of vintage after browsing the stalls, be swept back in time with the lovely vintage vinyl that will fill the air. There will also be a variety of alfresco bar and dining options to ensure you don't run out of energy! Check out the details here.

Attend: Harness the power of three! Where? At Creative3 of course! The Creative3 forum nudges individuals and organisations alike to come together in creativity, investment and enterprise in order to create successful creative businesses. This year's impressive program delves in to the brains of leading edge thinkers and experienced creatives from around the globe. The three day event, which kicks off today in Brisbane, will have a lil something for everyone, with 20 speakers and 10 panel sessions shedding some light on creative business... that's a lot of inspiration right there! Check out the program and ticketing information here... you might even spot Seam's editor ducking in and out of sessions between organising the final touches for the launch this weekend!

Study:  If Alice was to fall down the rabbit hole today do you know what she would find? Some great coffee! The Rabbit Hole Ideation Cafe  is the newest coffee kid on the West End block. Not only does this new little space offer stella caffeine-laden beverages, it also provides a space for busybodies to meet, work, share and create. Come in and test out one of their workstations... they provide wi-fi, a desk of your own and $2 coffees delivered straight to you! With exam season on its way, there's no excuse not to pop in and say hello (and study of course)!

Tastebud Tuesday: Lattice Top Cookies

Photo Credit: Not Martha.

How cute are these lattice top cookies? We borrowed this recipe from Not Martha and can't wait to whip up a batch... The perfect project for a rainy day!

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons sugar

1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt

2 1/4 sticks (18 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

4 to 6 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed

Directions

Pulse flour, sugar and salt in a food processor to combine. Add butter and process for about 10 seconds or until mixture resembles coarse meal. With machine running, add ice water in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube until dough just holds together (no longer than 30 seconds). Divide dough in half, wrap each in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Roll out two rounds of dough, rolling each between two layers of baking paper. Cut into strips and layer them into a lattice pattern (see detailed directions here) then using a circle cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and remove the excess dough. Transfer cookies on to a baking tray and dab them with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Then pop into the oven for about 20 minutes at 180 degrees until golden brown and you’re done!

Finally, enjoy!

Happy Weekend!

Photo Credit: Sweets Workshop

Another busy week has passed (phew!), which means another weekend is now upon us (hooray!). Haven't made any plans yet?  Great news... we've found a whole bunch of super cool stuff guaranteed to send your week off with a bang.

Melbourne is kickin' their weekend off in arty style with three brand-spanking-new exhibitions at Craft Victoria. The suave Flinders Lane gallery will pay homage to The Machine, Pachamama's Poncho and The Antarctic Kingdom of Gondwanaland in what will be a month long residency. As one door opens, another door closes... head on down to the Pickle Festival on Saturday afternoon! The NO NO Gallery is closing shop and is celebrating with a jar full of vinegary fun! Neat pickles, pickles on the rocks, or chocolate covered pickles (really?), if your urkin' for a gherkin, this one definitely has you covered.

"But I'm from Sydney!" I hear you say, well read on... It's Food Fight time! Get your plastic ponchos ready cos this one's going to get exciting. Food Fight is a yearly collaborative exhibition and accompanying zine, which this year is all about picnics! This super swell initiative from the Sweets Workshop, is all about pitting image against text, recipe against illustration, photograph against story. Make sure you get down to the official opening on Sunday at the Sweets Workshop Gallery.

Perth is making old new again with a modern day production of Adam and Eve. The Wet Weather Ensemble have twisted the olden day story to what they describe as the first ever hook-up. The Garden of Eden takes the shape of a 'doof doof' nightclub, while the innocuous couple make a promiscuous transition into two desperadoes lookin' for a good time. For the sake of mankind... go see this one! For ticket information click here.

We're not forgetting you Brisbane! Continuing with the artsy theme, the Prisoners of Age exhibition is now on at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Photographer Ron Levine, interviews and photographs elderly prison inmates from across the United States and Canada. The exhibition presents a personal interpretation of some of the most marginalised members of society. If you are loving vintage, but running out of ideas of how to rock it, Kelly Doust is spreading some vintage knowledge at an Avid Reader workshop on Friday night. The author of Minxy Vintage, will be providing vintage lovers with new ways to rejuvenate tired, but much loved clothes... vintage mixed in with the weekend, how swonderful!

A modern take on an old classic.

Photo Credit: ReCraft

We've just discovered the most incredible and crafty way to customise your own furniture! These retro wire chairs initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1951 have been given a face-lift with knitted yarn designs to add colour, texture and cushioning. Amazing!

Why not whip one of these up yourself to suit that lonely corner of the living room? Just source yourself a wire framed chair from a local recycling centre or second-hand store and grab some yarn from Grandma's house (or a fabric store) and get creative!

After all, what's better than reinvented vintage furniture? ... Let's get knitting!

It's a crafty affair!

Picture credit: Craft and Quilt Fair

As a young girl, I remember how much fun craft days were... the paper, the fabric, the cute little buttons and the glitter...oh the glitter! This week gives us all a chance to re-live those young creative days with the Craft and Quilt Fair settling into the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from today until Sunday. With craft 'so in right now', be inspired by the range of cute crafty necessities, as well as regular crafting workshops for those looking to bump their skills up to the next level. Don't forget to pop in to the the annual Quilt Show, which will showcase a collection of wonderfully crafted quilts from talented stitchers across Queensland. More information and available workshops here. 

Fashion Swap

Photo credit: QUT Fashion Swap

Well, it's that time of year again - QUT's Fashion Swap is on this evening. This is an awesome opportunity to recycle your clothes and pick up some new ones for free... Good for the environment and your bank account!

All you need to do is have a little spring clean and find up to five items you are willing to set free. Bring them along to The Glasshouse at QUT from 10am and then get your searching boots ready for an evening of rummaging! At 6.20pm it's every fashionista for him/herself as you scurry about for the golden goods. Ready, steady, swap!

Meet Me Monday: Blossom

Photo credit: Blossom

If you take a pinch of vintage, add a little beautiful and mix it all together in a handmade headpiece, what do you get? Why Blossom of course!  Say hello to Adrienne Grace, the brains and beauty behind Blossom's creations. These delicate headpieces have been blooming their way around Brisbane and are becoming are 'must wear' at any special occasion.

How did Blossom start?
Blossom started a year and a half ago, after designing a few headpieces for myself.  It was actually a uni assignment which required the marketing and sale of a product at a market day. We decided to design headpieces. My friends started asking me to make the headbands for special events and it grew from there.

What is your greatest Blossom achievement to date? 
I have had so many fantastic opportunities come my way in the last year, but I think my greatest achievement has been my interview on The Great South East.

Where do you get your inspiration? 
My inspiration comes from anything that's unique and quirky. I love roses and vintage.

Where can we find your pieces?
You can find my pieces online at SorellaBella EBoutique, and the From Little Vintage boutique in Bundaberg. I'll also be at the West End Twilight Markets every Saturday starting 12th November.

Where should we be wearing your pieces? 
Anywhere and everywhere! Weddings, races, or tea and scones with girlfriends.

What's next for Blossom? 
I'm not sure what's next for Blossom... continue doing what I love for as long as I can!

What's your favourite Blossom piece? 
My favourite Blossom piece would definitely have to be my hot pink rose crown and my crochet collar.

A secret vice, that is no longer a secret? 
My secret vice would definitely have to be my obsession with tea sets. Between Royal Doulton, op shop finds and Shelley tea sets I have so many tea cups and tea pots it's ridiculous.

What are you wearing?

Photo credit: Zoe Mellick

By Zoe Mellick

Yes I’ve been there. Lusting over the latest dress that just walked into my line of vision, indulging my imagination into a world where I would be incomplete without it. But this happens on a daily basis.

There are many words that describe fashion – from trend to style and words akin – but sustainability is rarely mentioned. But we can’t deny that fashion is a huge and wasteful industry that we are all involved in one way or another. When a new season breaks we all want to upgrade our wardrobe or become transfixed with the ‘new stuff’ (leaving last season’s clothes to the side of course). But three Brisbane ladies have set out to challenge that wardrobe mentality.

Edda Hamar, Kirsten Stallard and Kobi Lagana have created Undress Brisbane – an annual rooftop runway event kicking off the shift towards a sustainable fashion scene in Brisbane. Sustainable fashion is a complex issue and not one that a designer can solve alone. The Undress Brisbane team believes it’s a social responsibility to inform and educate the locals of Brisbane with a fun runway show, cocktails, goodie bags and well, everyone will be there. 

The goal of Undress Brisbane is to tap into the unsympathetic reality of consumerism and tune guests into the necessity of sustainable fashion. Marketing manager Kirsten Stallard says the break in this unsustainable chain can and will only come from consumer demand, and more importantly, consumer awareness. “For every person in Australia there is 30-40 kilograms of clothing that goes into land fill every year. On top of that, there are only 22 million people in Australia, yet we import an outstanding one billion items in clothing every year. Australians are huge fashion consumers and we need to slow down that consumption.”

The educational fashion event will be presented in three bite-size segments including vintage, and emerging and existing designers of eco-friendly apparel. So get your second-hand socks ready to be blown off, and most importantly, get thinking about what you’re wearing! 

What: Undress Brisbane 

When: Saturday 15th October 

Where: Wilson Parking Rooftop in Fortitude Valley

Cost: Free in advance (book here) or $10 on the door

Not necessarily fashion illustration

Photo credit: Limn

Honours degrees are hefty business. They challenge, overwork and drain you of energy until you’re forced to spurt out some form of (hopefully) creative genius. Somehow amongst the bedraggled strain of this 8-month academic marathon, Brisbane fashion designer and illustrator Priya Cox has created LIMN, a beautiful collection of fashion illustrations. Drawing inspiration from high fashion and highlighting the current trend of androgyny, she’s combined hand drawn and digital elements to create her mesmerising pieces. LIMN (not necessarily fashion illustration) is exhibiting tonight at The Stitchery Collective – a must see for pretty picture gazers and fashionable folk alike.

Worker Bee Wednesday

Photo credit: Perth Zine Collective

Here's some way cool stuff to get you through your working week... and beyond!

Read: Have you ever wanted to look into the mind of a creative? Well put your reading glasses on and get comfy... Conversations with Creative Women is a collection of interviews with 14 of Australia's most talented creative women. The book gushes with inspiration, as each of these women shed light on their road to success. This literary gem could be just the ticket you need to get your own creative juices flowing! Pre-order your copy here... you can even save $5!


Shop: As a keen vintage shopper, I love a good op-shop rummage as much as the next, but when House of Maryanne has already hand picked a range of nifty vintage pieces, you can leave your brogues in the cupboard. Maryanne Bridges, the craftswoman behind the online house, collects and sells pre-loved clothing from around the world. With HoM stock updated weekly, your days of hittin' the op-shop high street could soon be dwindling! Those of you trying to save your pennies, look away now... To snap up some of HoM's beautiful pieces visit the facebook page. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3 (or writing 'sold' in the comment box)!


Visit: If you haven't had time to visit The Festival of Unpopular Culture yet, that's ok, it's running until October 16th, so there is still plenty of time to check it out. The festival is a celebration of alternative ideas, garnished with exhibitions, parties, concerts and overall radness. The sole aim of the festival, is to strip away prejudice, and run free in creativity. For more unpopular details, visit the website.


See: With a month of residency already under their belt, Perth Zine Collective have extended their stay at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts until the 30th October (hip, hip hooray!) These pint-sized publications are on display in the zine library and are available for purchase... you can even have a go at making your own little zine! Opening hours are Tues-Sun 11am-6pm.


Stamp: I'm sure if there are any eager bakers out there, at one point or another, you've had to defend the homemade authenticity of your baked goods... well not anymore! This super cute 'homemade' stamp from The Spoon Sisters, lets everyone know just how much of a genius baker you are... you know it's true!

Swap til you drop!

Photo credit: The Clothing Exchange

Come one, come all, National Swap Day is hitting your astroturf on the 17th October! The Clothing Exchange and 3 things have teamed up to organise massive swaps in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. The event allows keen swappers to spring clean their unwanted clothing in exchange for someone else’s pre-loved threads. The swaps are great way to find some quirky one off pieces, while still being kind to the environment… what’s not to love about that! 

Sydney

Venue: The Joan Sutherland Studio, 480 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills

Time: 6:30pm check in, for a 7:30pm swap.

For more information and ticket details here

Melbourne

Venue: BMW Edge, Federation Square, Cnr Swanston St & Fliders St

Time: 6:30pm check in, for a 7:30pm swap.

For more information and ticket details here

Brisbane

Venue: Sling Lounge, West End

Time: 6:30pm check in, for a 7:30pm swap.

For more information and ticket details here

Canberra

Venue: TBC

Time: 6:30pm check in, for a 7:30pm swap.

More information and ticket details to come, standby Canberrans! 

Meet Me Monday: Cyndy Kitt Productions

Photo Credit: Cyndy Kitt Productions

At Seam, we love the idea of giving something old a new life. Usually we are talking about clothing, but today's it's sewing machines. Meet Cyndy Kitt Vogelsang of Cyndy Kitt Productions. This lovely lady restores some amazing old machines to their former glory and sells them to people who are equally appreciative of history and the craft of clothing.

What made you want to start collecting and refurbishing old sewing machines?
I've always wanted to study and collect vintage and antique treadle sewing machines, but it was only when my housemate Darren opened Anne Bonny's Locker, a vintage furniture store, in late 2008 that I was finally able to realise this desire; I still don't have the means or space to keep the machines forever, but they are mine until someone comes along and buys them.

Can you tell us about the process of refurbishing such lovely old machines?
Every machine is different, but the main problems relate to inappropriate storage, lint build up, rust, grime and old oil, which has evaporated to glue and seized the mechanism. Sometimes machines are too far gone. Buying on eBay is definitely a gamble, sometimes I get a lucky bargain, other times a machine that looks great in the online photo turns out to have an irreparable problem.

Do you do a lot of sewing in your spare time?
I still have my industrial machines at home on which I make costumes for a local community theatre group and do occasional repair and dressmaking jobs. In addition, I use the treadle sewing machines in the shop to make items that I sell in the shop, markets and on Etsy. I like to work every machine for at least 20 hours before selling her to ensure I have found and fixed all problems. Lack of use is bad for a vintage machine.

What do you love most about these machines?
The simple engineering and their solidity. And after years of sewing on noisy industrials, the quietness is a real blessing.

Do you have a favourite brand or model?
I have a particular love of the bureau style timber treadle cabinets made by the Australian companies Bebarfald and Pinnock, but they were usually fitted with imported sewing machine heads (often “badged” with their own branding). I have a huge respect for lesser known US makers such as White, Standard, National and Free; German made machines are almost universally high quality (Pfaff, Gritzner), as are the post World War II Japanese made machines. As for Singer, I am a little ambivalent, I often tell people that they were the “Ford Motors” of sewing machines; they did make some very fine machines but they were slow to innovate and that is what killed them as a manufacturing company – Singer lives on as a brand but their factories closed decades ago and they no longer manufacture sewing machines.

Riding along on my pushbike honey

Photo credit: Barbug

Get your spoke cards ready because the Bicycle Film Festival is coming to Sydney! This festival brings together all aspects of cycling with a wide variety of films and a bike basket full of art and cultural events. It kicks off tomorrow in Darlinghurst with a street fair of stalls, games, art and craft, coffee, food and a whole bunch of enthusiastic treadly lovers to chat to. Take a peek at the program so you can best plan out the films you want to see and cycling times to get there. And to get you even more revved up, here’s a little tune to hum while you consider your best coasting outfit... chhh, uh, uh, chhh, ahh.

follow the finch

Photo credit: Linsey Rendell

So last weekend I was wandering about the Young Designer Markets, minding my own business (well not really, I was snapping photos of trendy folk), when the follow the finch stall jumped out into the walkway, grabbed me and took me prisoner among its pretty handmade wares. And it was awesome!

Follow the finch is one delightful little label, stocking wallets handmade from carefully curated combinations of recycled fabric, notebooks featuring vintage music parchment and typewriter-ed titles, and sunglass cases made from vintage fabrics and old dress patterns. My favourite of the wares though is the kitchen clutch – named just so because they’re made from top-notch, never-been-used, vintage tea towels. The designer Renee inherited a whole stash of English tea towels from her grandmother and rummages about op shops when the collection is running low. The designs are all limited run and Renee makes everything by hand herself – from her business cards and swing tags to all the products.

She’s based near Byron Bay, so you won’t see her friendly face at markets every weekend, but check out the finch’s facebook or website for when she’ll next be flying about (and online sales of course).

Unearthing new sounds

Photo credit: Triple J Unearthed

It’s party time! Triple J has just unleashed their new radio station, Unearthed, and we think it’s a rockin idea! The new station is dedicated to playing new music from independent and unsigned Australian bands. With around 30,000 artists registered you can expect a wide array of musical talent to hit the airways. 

To celebrate, the triple j Unearthed launch party is happening everywhere. Yep, that’s right, everywhere! Each capital city will host its own (free!) party with some pretty swish bands attending. Check out what will be going down tonight in your state here. Happy listening fellow Unearthed groupies!

Tastebud Tuesday: yarn ball cupcakes

Photo credit: Sugar and Meringue

Check out these cute cupcakes! Emily Reiman is the creative genius behind Sugar and Meringue – a label she hopes to grow into a cupcake and cookie making business. With delights like Yarn Ball Cupcakes on the menu, we suspect there will be a line out the door. Have a go at piping up these kitsch cupcakes – they will be a big hit at your next tea party.

Issue one is coming...

The countdown is on! There are only 27 days until issue one of Seam Magazine launches, and we are one very excited Seam Team bunch! We’re a little stresshead about getting it all done, but we won’t bore you with the details… we’ll just sip a few cups of green tea and it’ll all be okay again in no time. Keep your peepers open for our launch invite on facebook – we’ll be popping it up in the next few days. And if you want to stay up to date with all the last minute launch details make sure you sign up to our e-letter. We’ll be sending our first one out tomorrow! Hope you all have cheery Mondays.