B R I E R L E Y + C L O V E R

WHAT'S OLD IS NEW AGAIN

2012-02-08T15:52:00.004+11:00

While the handmade community can be wonderfully supportive, the undercurrent of copycatism (yes, it's a word here in B+C land) is alive and well. Without doubt, there are instances of direct plagiarism, with true copycats using the exact same fabric combinations and patterns as other crafters. However, it's important to recognise that there is very little that's original in the craft world.

On the left, is a vintage fabric and on the right, a Cath Kidston design from Christmas 2011.

(Both images can be found on my Pinterest board here)

Don't be precious - remember that unless you've been living a completely isolated existence, you've probably been inspired from something you've seen. Your designs are valued - just because someone is making something similar, don't discard your interpretation.

To those who see something lovely and think it's ok to copy, please make it your own. Put your own twist on it. Use the colours and fabrics that make your heart sing. Use the inspiration to make something which shows who you really are. Copying isn't nice. Copying is most definitely not cool.

And remember, if in doubt, put a bird on it.

LOVELY EVENINGS

2012-02-07T16:33:00.002+11:00

Once the little B+C babies are tucked snugly into bed, I find myself avoiding the sewing machine, opting instead for the couch, with a little bit of this (yay for ABC2 replaying every episode of Doctor Who from Christopher Ecclestone onward).

Best Doctor ever, yes? We're still in Rose territory but unfortunately, Martha is looming on the horizon. Worst companion ever, no? I just can't warm to her - too besotted, too whiny and not enough oomph. Perhaps ABC2 could just skip Martha and bring on the ultimate companion, Donna Noble. Best companion ever, yes?

Although David is the clear winner, I'm very fond of Matt Smith too - he's great. AND, to save the BBC any bother when Matt Smith calls it a day, I've also chosen the next Doctor

Ben Wishaw. Did you happen to catch The Hour?

Ben Wishaw plays Freddy Lyon and is captivating. He could definitely bring the passion, the irreverence and the humour that makes for a great Doctor.

Along with the Doctor comes the obligatory tea (Irish Breakfast of course), chocolate cake (I'll be back with a scrumptious recipe) and some crochet.

A bit of bunting loveliness - this is addictive!

I'm sure I should weave in the ends first but I'm not that kind of crafter...

And some flowers too - for embellishments on a very exciting new Brierley + Clover product in the works...

So many different flower patterns out there - I think I've chosen my favourite...so far.

Hope your evenings are spent with similar loveliness!

TEA PLEASE

2012-01-22T23:03:00.000+11:00

Little Clover is a big fan of pavlova, donuts, cupcakes and whoopie pies...

Of course, we also have toast, sandwiches, fruit and biscuits...

She likes to blow out the birthday candles - then enjoy a slice with a lovely cup of tea...

Although pav is her favourite...

Luckily, there was enough to go around!

She even likes to have a separate pot for her coffee...

But puppy doesn't like to be interrupted when he partakes...

Fruit and eggs to finish (as you do). Yum, what's cooking at your house?

ON MY MIND

2012-01-18T16:23:00.000+11:00

1. Looking at photographs of other crafters' work can be demoralising. Not because their work is better but because all you're doing is looking. Not making. Not creating. Just watching from the sidelines.

2. Avoiding that basket of washing has taken 2 days of energy. Folding it took 2 minutes.

3. From time to time, everyone feels as though everybody else is having more fun, doing more, enjoying more, living more. They're not you know.

4. Facebook, Pinterest, forums, the internet in general can suck the life force from you. That fuzzy feeling in your head? That's not meant to be there.

5. The most helpful acronym you can have? JFDI. Look it up.

(All images courtesy of Pinterest)

ON MY CUTTING TABLE TODAY

2012-01-16T14:43:00.002+11:00

Splendidly soft, very vintage and jolly good!

VINTAGE LINENS

2012-01-13T16:08:00.000+11:00

Like many other blogging crafters (such as Tea For Evie), I've coveted a much loved collection of vintage linens. I love, love, love the hunt for these - the quickening of my heart when I spot a corner of turquoise, a blousy rose or trellisy (it's a word in B+C land!) goodness. Unfortunately, it's becoming harder and harder to find breakfast cloths and vintage fabric but I'm sure they're still out there. Of course, garage sales, church fairs and op shops are the main sources - I can't help but wonder how many linen presses belonging to little old ladies are bursting with the type of vintage beauty I love. So for your enjoyment (and because they're so lovely, the creases don't matter...do they?), a hint of my collection awaits.

Everyday I'm rufflin'....

2012-01-09T06:19:00.000+11:00

I know, I know, I'm sorry...but does this photo kinda make up for it?

A crafty corner of my home

2012-01-02T22:04:00.000+11:00

My Little Clover has lots of handmade goodness in her room - some from my fair hands, some from others.

Santa recently added to our collection of knitted and crocheted food - with today's 40 degree heat, there were tea parties aplenty in the B+C household!

Miniature toy kitchen handmade by Little Clover's great grandfather, donut, lamington & pumpkin courtesy of Lark, the other toys are from a local craft shop. I especially love the vegemite and cheese sandwich!

Little Clover wore the red dress on Christmas Day - it's by Minihaha. The reversible apple dress was a gift and is handmade but there's no tag (a good reminder to always include woven labels!)

Some Japanese goodness.

Some Lecien, Kokka and Heather Ross Far Far Away.

My much loved drawers!

Again, some handmade lovelies without tags.

A repurposed Brierley + Clover Easter basket.

One of my favourite Kokka Trefle fabrics.

Brierley + Clover pennant bunting.

The bird cushion was a magazine freebie giveaway - a tea towel by Mozi

My Little Clover's big girl bed.

I'm in the midst of decorating my Little Brierley's room - boy rooms are a bit more of a challenge but I'm well underway (thank goodness for Spoonflower, nice boy fabrics are few and far between). I can't wait to share some photos once it's complete!

New Year, long time, back here.

2012-01-01T16:37:00.001+11:00

While Dear Blog doesn't quite have the same ring as Dear Diary, in these modern times, I'm guessing there are many fair weather bloggers who return to the fold at the bloom of a new year. I've been here before (and perhaps you have too) - many moons ago (well, almost 3 years worth of moons to more precise). There's something utterly delicious about the blank canvas a new year holds...the hopes and determination that this will be the year that counts.

Here at Brierley + Clover, I'm hoping it's the year of making it happen, of just doing it, of reconnecting, of simplicity, of valuing all that truly matters, of shedding shackles and of happiness.

I have so many dreams for Brierley + Clover - above all, I want those dreams to become reality. Welcome 2012 - I just know you're the one.