A Fibre Frenzy
- Words by Peppermint
Who said arts and crafts are only for school holidays! Southeast Queensland is home to a colourful community of handmakers and fibre artists who practice year round, and on February 27, many of them will be out in full force for the Queensland Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Artists‘ annual celebration of local makers. Fibre Fest 2015 will showcase the very best of the State’s textile makers, exhibiting and selling all kinds of handmade goods – from felting to weaving to embroidery – at Brisbane’s Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens. If you’re after a hands-on experience, the State Library of Queensland‘s latest program of adult workshops, A Thousand Fibres, is now in full swing, with monthly meet-ups at SLQ’s dedicated indigenous space, kuril dhagun. Bookings are still open for the final sessions of the series, including brooch making with Sonja Carmichael (March 7), jewellery making with Delvene Cockatoo-Collins (April 11) and weaving with Chantal Cook (May 9). All workshops are led by artisans from Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities and make clever use of upcycled materials, provided by our waste-warrior friends at Reverse Garbage Queensland. Head to the SLQ website to book your workshop ticket or visit the Fibre Fest page for more information about next Friday’s free event. Weave on!
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A dotty dream! Our Sewing Manager @Laura_The_Maker walks us through her gorgeous version of the Waratah Wrap Dress ✨
“The @PeppermintMagazine #PeppermintWaratahWrapDress has entered the chat and she’s a real beauty!!!
The weeks leading into the festive season are flat out so in case you missed the launch of this glorious pattern let me show her to you!
Nice ease through the bodice and cuffed dolman sleeves, good coverage across the front but with that classic wrap dress v-neck shape we love, giving you freedom to decide how deep the v is. A slight empire waistband makes for a smooth drop to the hem and the fabulous centred pleats give shape and fullness, front and back. Does she have pockets? Obviously, we’re not animals. The stand out feature is the underlay which wraps all the way around from one hip to the other, ensuring you’re not having to readjust or hold the skirt shut on gusty days. The waist tie is long enough to go all the way around and tie at the centre back too, if that’s your style!
Sewn in the most darling pale pink and polka dot linen from my local fave bricks and mortar store Johnos Fabric Centre (they have no insta account) in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, Gubbi Gubbi land. If you’re ever up my way write this place into your itinerary, it’s a must stop shop!
A truly fabulous pattern (I’ve already made 2) and a classic wardrobe staple with a difference. 💕
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Image from @PeopleIveLoved: “I am not sure my tiny brain was meant to understand this enormous grief.”
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“2026: Reinvent, burn it down, let it go (whatever it is). Year of the Snake it up. Exercise your boundaries, exercise your body, take one teeny step every day towards a life that feels better to be in.
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