Super stylish summer threads

Yeah summer is nearly here…. and with dreams of holidays and beach time comes the need for new summer wardrobes, and little ones are no exception!

With sunny thoughts in mind I’ve been happily browsing the fabulous stallholder line up for the upcoming Mathilda’s Markets around the country, and enviously checking out some of the amazing clothing and accessories.

Sydney is the next cab off the rank with Paddington Town Hall welcoming over 60 of our fabulous stallholders on Saturday, 30th October.

There’s so a real treat in store for lucky Sydneysiders with some recent additions to the Mathilda’s Market family including boutique clothing brands Urchin and Cloudberri Kids.

Urchin has gorgeous designs for boys and girls, which are hand finished to give them that boutique look and feel. All items are Australian made and use recycled fabrics and buttons for an added feel good factor.

And most importantly they are designed with little tikes in mind so they should enjoy wearing them as much as mum and dad should enjoy choosing from the very cool range. Practical and adorable, what more could you ask for?

It’s hard to go past the super cute thong design, shown here in the boy version, which is one of their best sellers and bound to get your little man ready for the beach.

For discerning little misses there is a gorgeous daisy design shown here in summery yellow….

Or for younger ones there are also divine onesies featuring all of the designs with envelope necks and poppers at the bottom for quick and easy styling. How cute are the sandcastle and lobster designs?

Cloudberri Kids is a small business producing some divine clothing for babies and little girls, set up by Emma and Sara, two mums from New South Wales with a real passion for gorgeous garments, handmade with love.

I adore their dresses in summery ginghams and cute vests with appliqué florals and ribbon detailing.

It’s enough to bring the inner girlie out in me and I can imagine them being firm favourites for little fashionistas wanting to look their best this summer!

Visit Urchin and Cloudberri Kids at the next Mathilda’s Market in Sydney, or check out their websites for further details, Urchin and Cloudberri.

Jenny x

Mathilda’s Market Blogger

Getting to Know...Kate from Who Wears the Pants

When and how did your business come to fruition?  When I was trying to find a smart, funky pair of pants for my son to wear to a special occasion. Concepts, trialing and research began in 2008 while the business came into fruition in 2010.

Describe your product range in one sentence: Affordable, quality clothing for everyday and special occasions.

What inspires your creativity? My surroundings. From my two sons to the places I visit. There is inspiration wherever you want to find it.

Describe and provide a photo of your favourite or most popular product from your range, and why you love it: The twirl skirts have been a real hit with the girls. Parents love the fabric that they are made from but the fact that they perform a great twirl really has made them a winner.

I am passionate about... all things made in Australia.

I get frustrated when... things take longer than expected.

I started my business because... I love creating clothes for my boys.

If handed $100,000 in an envelope and instructed to spend it however I pleased... I would go to Italy for an extended period and donate the rest to an orphanage in Cambodia.

If I could be anywhere right now I’d be... somewhere warm.

I am most proud of... my husband’s great achievements.

I think the biggest obstacle our kids will face in the future is... climate change.

My favourite item from our product range is...the Boy’s vintage polo tops.

My heart sings when... I watch my 2 year old son play with his pet rabbit.

The hardest part of running my business is... being everything all at once.

I love sipping on Brown Brothers Moscato... on a really hot day.

The best part of my day is...seeing my boys in the afternoon after a day at work.

My favourite food is... lemon tart.

I struggle...reasoning with 2 and 4 year olds.

Friendship to me... means being open and understanding.

I just can’t live without... my husband.

Meet Kate from Who Wears the Pants at Mathilda's Market in Adelaide on Sunday 31 October.

Hi Canberra we’re back to shop on SUNDAY

In only two more sleeps, Mathilda’s Market will be back in Canberra to get down to the real business of shopping, and what a great morning of retail therapy it’s shaping up to be!

We’re looking forward to seeing our Canberra friends when the doors open at 9am at our stunning venue, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra (Commonwealth Ave, Canberra), on Sunday 12 August.

The Grand Ballroom and Gallery will be decked out with 50 stalls brimming with gorgeous displays and everything will be undercover, so not even a spring shower can interrupt a dedicated morning of browsing, shopping and catching up with friends.

As well as some first class shopping, the other treats on offer include free face painting for the kids and a fabulous range of delicious food and drink in the now legendary Mathilda’s Market Cafe, prepared by the Hyatt. Prepare to indulge!

With such an inspiring array of boutique wares from our talented Canberra line up, we guarantee you’ll be impressed and leaving with a few (or maybe many!) bags.

CLICK HERE to browse the stallholders and check out your favourites, so that you can make sure you visit them on the day. And don’t forget entry is free and there’s heaps of free parking, so there’s no excuses...see you Sunday!

Duck Cloth

Hi everyone,

I’m off on a slight interiors tangent this week, but I’ve just discovered the most incredible Australian online fabric store called Duck Cloth which I’m dying to tell you about....

With spring in the air (maybe I’m being overly optimistic here in Melbourne!), and dreaming of decorating and a new summer wardrobe, I’m in love with Duck Cloth’s heavenly range of natural fabrics.

Duck Cloth specialises in gorgeous printed cotton, certified organic cotton, textured linen and hemp. And for all you dressmakers out there they also sell patterns for clothing, accessories, children’s clothing, and soft toys.

So whether you’re on a mission to make cushions, curtains or clothes for your family, you’ll be inspired by the amazing range of Australian and Japanese prints, children’s fabrics, contemporary designs, florals, plus eco friendly and organic fabrics.

After having a good browse online, it certainly didn’t take long for me to create my wish-list. I’m already reaching for my credit card!

I adore the Puti de Pome range for little ones. Check out these divine cars for little boys, (I can already picture some new blinds, perfect for my 2 year olds room).

Or check out the gorgeous Japanese fairy tale inspired fabric (Atelier Akiko) for little princesses. Too cute for words!
http://www.duckcloth.com.au/item.php?item_id=1290&category_id=103

And, I’m also thinking of how I can use the gorgeous range of Nani IRO watercolour inspired cotton prints.

I could go on and on…

Duck Cloth is the brainchild of Lisa Edwards, and her company is based in Oakleigh, Victoria.Duck Cloth was one of the stallholders at the recent Mathilda’s Market in Melbourne, but if you don’t live locally (or can’t wait until the next Market!), don’t panic they offer a fantastic online ordering service and delivery Australia-wide.

So in the true spirit of Mathilda’s Market, there’s never been a better time to channel your inner craftsperson and get sewing!  Happy shopping!

Visit www.duckcloth.com.au or meet Lisa from Duck Cloth at the upcoming Mathilda’s Christmas Market at Caulfield Racecourse on Sunday 21 November.

Jenny x

Little Elk - Gorgeous Gumboots

Hi everyone,
I had the pleasure of visiting my first Mathilda’s Market recently at Hawthorn Town Hall and what a great event it was.
The hall was packed with the bustle of happy shoppers checking out the amazing wares, and as expected I didn’t leave empty handed!
One of my first stops was Little Elk. I homed in on their range of gorgeous gumboots in a kaleidoscope of colours and fell in love on the spot. Luckily I had my little man with me, so before long he was trying out a fetching red gumboot for size.
Little Elk imports the divine range of rubber Bergstein gumboots from Holland and it’s easy to see why they are so popular across Europe.
With amazing quality including full cotton lining, a rippled safety sole and reflector strip on the heel they are truly a design classic and perfect for lots of fun outdoors. The fireman’s red was my choice but it’s also hard to go past the classic navy, pink, ice blue, and lime, guaranteed to brighten up the gloomiest day.

Little Elk are the exclusive stockist in Australia so your little one will be well ahead of the fashion crowd.
My little boy will certainly relish splashing in puddles with his new red numbers.
Visit http://www.littleelk.com.au/store/pc/home.asp to buy your little fashionista their own pair of gorgeous gummies, or see Little Elk at the upcoming Mathilda’s Christmas Market at Caulfield Racecourse on Sunday 21 November.
Jenny x
Mathilda’s Market Blogger