The Finders Keepers Melbourne Markets Are Fast Approaching! And the Line-Up Is Good
If you’re in need of ceramics, sewing supplies, butter crocks, socks, screen-prints or sangria-scented candles, might we suggest you head on over to The Finders Keepers and nab yourself a ticket to the Melbourne/Naarm markets.
Running from 11 to 13 October at Carlton’s Royal Exhibition Building, the spring/summer markets are set to be big, featuring more than 270 independent makers, designers and food purveyors, including some 50 new stallholders.
As ever, the crafty organisers have lots of extra goodies planned, including a communal mural led by Ellie Hopley (aka Shuturp). There will be booze to drink (seek out Wonki brews, made with “funny-looking produce”), Lucky & James chocolate to hoard, and Gigi’s Gelato to keep the rest of the clan happy.
Speaking of kids, See Make Play will be putting little hands to work with an interactive craft space. And if all that sounds too much, book a spot at Sunday’s low sensory hour (runs 9 to 10am).
Now, being the impatient lot we are, we’ve already been chatting with a couple of stitchy stallholders. Read on to find out what hand-sewn treasures they’ll be bringing to the markets (and the stalls they can’t wait to peruse)…
TOP IMAGE: SAMEE LAPHAM
ALICE / BIG AL AND THE MACHINE
PORTRAIT: ELIZA COWLING
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Alice and some people will recognise me from my other brands, Al Elé and Comfy Tails, which I work on with my mum, Donna. Big Al and the Machine is a new venture for me, though it’s been in the works for a long time. I’ve always incorporated embroidery into the clothing I make for Al Elé and I wanted to expand on that to create smaller, fun, custom, wearable accessories, which just happen to be in the form of embroidered patches.
What inspires you?
It might sound a bit dorky but the answer is very simple: you. If it weren’t for my customers and the positive feedback and reactions I’ve had over the last eight years, I wouldn’t have continued to grow and develop my work in this space and I definitely would not have had the confidence to take the next steps, including finally opening a shop [in Ivanhoe, Melbourne] with my mum.
What will market-goers find when they visit your stall at The Finders Keepers in Melbourne?
I’ll have lots of ready-made patches that you can take home and sew straight onto your clothes, but I’ll also be bringing my vintage chain stitch machine with me, so I can do on-the-spot custom embroidery. I’m working on a new idea, where you will be able to collage together a totally unique embroidered artwork for jackets, pillows or even a wall hanging, so definitely keep an eye out for that!
What kind of treasures have you brought home from The Finders Keepers markets in the past?
It’s hard not to bring things back from FK! I always bring home at least one thing – and that doesn’t include sweet treats. I love a mug for my morning coffee and something fun for the house or dogs. At this FK, I’ll be keeping my eyes open for some great presents. It means so much more when something has been lovingly made by someone and, as a bonus, it supports another creative small business.
If you could visit two stalls at the upcoming market, which ones would you choose?
Apart from Al Elé and Comfy Tails, I always go to Steph at Jane Finch Jewellery. I love her pieces: they’re classic, modern and elegant, great for every day and for something a bit special – she even made our wedding bands! And I’ll definitely be stopping at my friend Julia’s Good Juju Homeware. It’s her debut stall and she has some really funky textiles and prints to make summer dining even more fun.
LESLIE KEATING / FIBRESMITH
You’re the director at Fibresmith. Tell us about it!
We’re based in Melbourne and we make hand-printed fabric and hand-dyed yarn for crafty folk. I hand-sketch designs that we screen-print onto natural fabrics for patchwork, dressmaking and homewares. Our yarn range focuses on Australian merino wool and similarly scrumptious natural fibres; we have over 30 colours that work wonderfully together, all dyed in our warehouse studio.
What inspires you?
I’m obsessed with colour: muddy, complex, interesting, in-the-shade colour – as far from primary as you can get. The most fun I have at work – and there’s a LOT of fun, really – is mixing new dyes to create colours for our yarn range or sloshing inks together to make new shades for our screen-printed fabrics.
What will market-goers find when they visit your stall at The Finders Keepers in Melbourne?
Skeins of beautifully soft, hand-dyed yarn and easy-to-grab, beginner-friendly kits to create hand-knitted accessories. We’ll also have screen-printed project bags, zip pouches, soft toys and tea towels, plus scrap packs and kits to make delightful patchwork goodies – all in our curated, hand-mixed colour ranges.
What kind of treasures have you brought home from The Finders Keepers markets in the past?
I always find lots of goodies. I can never resist ceramic vessels, delicious-smelling candles, simple but clever jewellery and some extra-spicy hot sauce for my partner.
If you could visit two stalls at the upcoming market, which ones would you choose?
Oooooh, two stalls is tough! It’s such a great line-up. I’ve made it a little ritual to buy myself a ceramic piece at every market I do so, if I could only visit two, I’d head straight to Arcadia Scott Ceramics and Katherine Wheeler Ceramics – and then have a hard time choosing which beautiful piece to take home!
SILIKA BASELALA / EBONY BOLTS
Tell us about yourself!
I make bright, fun, size-inclusive, ethical clothing and accessories in Melbourne.
What inspires you?
I have always made clothes, mainly out of necessity. I grew up in Perth in the ’90s; there wasn’t a lot of choice back then and being plus-size, it was almost non-existent. I have always been particular about what I wear as I think clothing is a great way to tell your story on your own terms. But I don’t want this to come at the expense of other people and the planet, so I started my own company.
What will market-goers find when they visit your stall at The Finders Keepers in Melbourne?
Colour, a great range of sizes and a fun time. I love chatting with people who come to visit – you meet the best people at markets. I want people to feel beautiful and get joy out of what they wear. Plus, we do customs, so you can come by and get measured up
What kind of treasures have you brought home from The Finders Keepers markets in the past?
Sooo many. The best part of the markets – apart from the ace customers – is all the other amazing stalls. I always find prints, calendars, pottery, clothes, journals and sauces. It fills my creative cup to see so many great people building businesses that bring such joy to the world.
If you could visit two stalls at the upcoming market, which ones would you choose?
Oh, that is a tough one. I’ll go with Strebor Clothing from Adelaide because I love the prints and I gotta rep more ethically made bright clothing. Plus, I am dying to try the new cardigans she’s released. I’ll also stop by Pinched. by Nevena – her pottery is what I want to be when I grow up: colourful but so considered. I will be adding to my collection.
RORY (LEFT) AND AMANDA / QUIRKIE SU
Tell us about Quirkie Su!
We’re a mum-and-daughter duo from St Andrews Beach, Victoria, and we’re on a mission to transform vintage wool blankets and fabrics into stunning, one-of-a-kind creations. Every op shop trip is a thrilling treasure hunt for us – we love turning forgotten textiles into unique masterpieces.
What inspires you?
Rory: For me, it’s about appreciating something in a different way – so your nan’s tablecloth that holds memories can be worn as a shirt for all to love again, not kept folded up in a cupboard.
Amanda: I’m inspired by having the freedom to create from the heart and the appreciation we receive, which fuels my passion and keeps me going.
What will market-goers find when they visit your stall at The Finders Keepers in Melbourne?
We’ll have a vibrant collection of shirts and jackets, all handmade by us with love and an appreciation for fabrics and memories of the past. Each piece features unique embroidery, hand-drawn art and captivating cyanotype prints, crafted to be cherished and worn for years to come.
What kind of treasures have you brought home from The Finders Keepers markets in the past?
Rory: So many ceramic pieces! I love the little ceramic brooches and earrings I’ve got from Ash Green. I have a beautiful travel mug decorated with the cutest art from Alessia E Art and for gifts, I buy cutesy fridge magnets from Authete Studio.
Amanda: I always get my favourite perfume, Blend 340, from L’ascari, as well as whimsical ceramics from Hungry Kids Club and the best stickers and plates from Myii Creative.
If you could each visit one stall at the upcoming market, which would you choose?
Rory: Annalise Paints. I’m obsessed with the fine details of her drawings and the variety of little animals she has. Her custom pet portraits are unreal.
Amanda: Xfillustrations because I always love seeing Elaine’s colourful designs and checking out her new artworks. I love the “A Loose Goose” painting she recently did.
JENNI ARMSTRONG / JASKA
Tell us about yourself!
I am originally from Adelaide but I’ve lived in Melbourne since 2000. I create original artworks on canvas, linen and denim, using eco-friendly inks. Once heat-set, I cut them up and make clutch bags and other handy accessories. I like to call them “functional art” pieces.
Because everything is cut from original artworks, every creation is a unique, one-of-a-kind item!
What inspires you?
The inspiration for my artworks and the colours I use can come from literally anywhere. It can be from something I see in nature, while I am driving, when I am looking at a magazine or out shopping. I also get a lot of inspiration when I am lucky enough to be heading off on a holiday or travelling – yes, there is a difference!
What will market-goers find when they visit your stall at The Finders Keepers in Melbourne?
Since my last Finders Keepers – in Melbourne last October – I’ve started making a few new products, including laptop cases. It’s something I continually get asked for. They come in two sizes and are fully padded to keep your device safe while adding some individuality and colour to an otherwise boring work tool. I have also added a ring-lever clip to my card purses, so you can either keep them in a bigger bag or hang them on the outside. I’ll also have all my usual pieces.
What kind of treasures have you brought home from The Finders Keepers markets in the past?
I was an avid Finders Keepers market attendee before I got involved. I started JASKA in its current form in mid-2019. Before that, I made girlswear. My first FK was the first one after Covid; it was so good to be out in the world again, talking to like-minded creatives. I always pick up one or two things for up-and-coming birthdays, as well as one or two – or three or four – things for myself. I love supporting local makers and finding things that are just that bit different – things you wouldn’t get in a big shopping centre or chain store.
If you could visit two stalls at the upcoming market, which ones would you choose?
I always make time to visit other makers. One of my daughters usually helps me out so I can have a look around and a chat with other designers and makers. If I could only visit two, the first one would be Bask Aromatherapy. Siobhan has the most amazing hand creams and I’m just about out. I also love looking at what Laura from Ellmabee is up to. We started doing markets together many, many years ago and both of our businesses have evolved so much since those days. It’s always nice to have a chat and see what new things she is making.
THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR GOOD FRIENDS AT THE FINDERS KEEPERS. MELBOURNE’S SPRING/SUMMER 2024 MARKET RUNS FROM 11 TO 13 OCTOBER AT THE ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING AT CARLTON GARDENS, WITH A LOW SENSORY HOUR ON SUNDAY 9AM – 10AM.
