Spring in my step...

Of late the weather has sent a few lovely sunny mornings Melbourne's way and I thought a brief update on the goings on at Jack of Diamonds studio were in order...

Jack of Diamonds has been invited to show a debut Spring Summer range at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week in September (just a breath away!) - so, on the edge of winter I thought I would share some of what is inspiring this new season collection of garments and accessories.

The two photographs of dancers are from an ad campaign for The Netherlands Dance Theatre titled 'We Fight, We Dance' - these images by the extraordinary Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf.

I couldn't go past these photos when I first came upon them while checking up on one of my favourite photographers. They show the beauty, grit and power of dancers - I constantly find dance and movement as a theme in my design work. I hope to translate some of this relaxed strength into my new designs...

The swatches of yarn and fabric are the preliminary textile 'ideas' for this, as yet, unnamed collection. Stay tuned for further developments.

Stylish Sustainability

Great design is not necessarily rocket science, and while I love a clever machine my inner Luddite rejoices whenever I encounter lo-tech brilliance. Enter Wolplamuur by Heleen Klopper, Dutch designer. Wolplamuur translates to Woolfiller and is the name of a repair kit for all your woollen garments which have fallen prey to the dreaded cupboard moths.

Like I said, it is not rocket science, these kits use one of the oldest textile techniques know to man - felting. What is brilliant about it is the eye for detail in designing the repair patches and the simplicity of the kit which makes it accessible for those who don't know their fleece from their foot.

Beanies off to Heleen Klopper who was awarded a prize at Doen Materiaalprijs for this project!

Miss Match Meets MisMatch

I don't mind admitting that I have a tendency toward the safe when it comes to colour palette and design. I enjoy the harmony in matching and it seems to be my reflex choice. Recently I was coaxed out of this rather predictable pattern when I found myself inspired by the wonderful style at Pop Craft and last week a chance opportunity to have a garment paired with a new design by The Maker's Journal found me out of the comfort zone again and rather liking it...

The Maker's Journal design beautiful cut & sew patterns in their Melbourne studio and a quick browse through their website shows a talent for making the mis-matched match. The new design, shown here with The Maker's very cute Olympic Bloomers, is a reworking of my old favourite The Doublet. I have added a new contrasting collar, shortened and fitted the sleeve and played with some different yarn... 

This version is dubbed The Doublet Redux. A limited edition lambswool version of The Doublet Redux and other designs are available from PopCraft and patterns for the Bloomers and other designs are available through The Maker's Journal store...

While I relish an opportunity to step outside my well trodden design aesthetic I couldn't help but knit one up in my favourite earthy, muted palette!

Stitching & Hatching...

This week has seen the opening of a new collaborative exhibition at Tinning St gallery in Brunswick with my dear friend Colleen Burke. But as they say there is no rest for the wicked when next week sees Jack of Diamonds in a market debut at Craft Hatch! 


Craft Hatch is Craft Victoria's quarterly incubator market showcasing the work of student and emerging designers and experimental work from more established designers. It is a privilege to be included in this wonderful line-up of makers preparing for the June edition of this market at 1000 £ Bend.

If you're in the city on Saturday 16 June between 11am and 4pm pop in to 361 Little Lonsdale Street and browse some of the finer wares made by Melbourne folk...