As some of you may know, my husband and I are travelling around Australia this year – and I’m running my business and this blog on the road!

Well, I thought it my duty and pleasure to make sure I report on all the wonderful handmade and local designer goodness I find along the way, so today I begin my series Handmade Australia.

Yesterday I took myself to the streets of Melbourne, and I walked up a storm! I’d heard a few good things about Fitzroy, and realising on my map that it was pretty close, I walked my way up to Brunswick street.

Melbourne definitely has the reputation for being the cultural center of Australia, so I was expecting some good things – and I wasn’t disappointed!

As I walked up Brunswick street (after cutting through a gorgeous sidestreet from the Melbourne Museum) I was loving the alternative feel of it. In Brisbane we have the West End, and Brunswick St reminded me very much of it.

My first port of call was a shop I almost walked past… because the only sign was stuck in the window – a little sign that said ‘Thread Den’  (I’ve since learned that they have only just opened at this location).

But looking through the doors I was intrigued, and I quickly recognised handmade labels such as That Vintage and Rabbit & The Duck.

I got chatting to the lovely Kylie Shepherd, one of the four creator/owners of Thread Den (their first store is over in North Melbourne). Kylie very kindly agreed to pose in her GORGEOUS dress – and check out the awesome wallpaper!

The Thread Den is an awesome concept store – not only can you buy handmade and vintage fashion and accessories, but you can pop in for sewing classes – or just hire a machine to use and work on your latest project!

Kylie also very helpfully suggested a few other shops to check out… which I soon did!

I came across Cottage Industry – the retail space of crafter Penelope Durston – and it was full of vintage fabric cushions, woolen lovelies, and more…

Then, pretty much next door, I entered Little Salon. I have to say I did indeed fall in love with the Love label by Geneine Honey.

Oh, and see those little owl earrings on the right in the pic above?

They’re mine now!!

Of course, no tip around Melbourne’s local crafty scene without a visit to Meet Me at Mikes.

There was lots of crafty and vintage-y goodness to be seen! I unfortunately didn’t get to meet Pip… maybe another time!

So, my lovely readers – there is a little snapshot of the handmade, vintage and crafty goodness that is Melbourne! I’m sure I’ll come across more… which is why I called this post Part 1!

Oh – and here’s a cool window for you that I saw… the front of Circa Vintage on Gertrude St.

P.S. I was super, super lucky enough to win a double pass to the opening night of Art Melbourne tonight from the lovely Leeloo!! So excited – shall have to share all about it soon!

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