Hidden treasure…

Last week, Andrew and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary! After many weeks of being unable to decide on how to spend the day…. we went shopping!

Actually, we spent a wonderful day together, wandering through the arcades of inner city Melbourne. There are little galleries, book shops, gorgeous jewellers (some featuring Melbourne artists) and many, many scrumptious lunch options to choose from. We even visited the crafty/girly shops.  Aren't I lucky?

Look what I found.

L'uccello  is a vintage haberdashery store in the Nicholas Building, Swanston Street, Melbourne… and it's amazing. There, you will find every vintage notion you could imagine… spools, ribbon, lace, little packets of press-studs, hooks-and-eyes, buttons… anything that you would have found in your Nan's sewing box and much, much more. If I hadn't have been so overwhelmed, I might have remembered to get my camera out.

Kim was a delight to speak with. She has lots of stories to tell, about the origins of particular pieces and the people she meets while sourcing all of these treasures. The large spool above is made of oak, has a copper trim and is wound with a beautiful pink silk… gorgeous. I love the little glass jars too… perfect for storing beads or displaying a tiny spray of wild flowers.

Check out Kim's "swap-card" business cards and vintage packaging. They gave me a little "I remember when" moment.

 
We also discovered Tessuti. Tessuti are in Flinders Lane and have a fantastic range of high quality, fashionable fabrics to create a hand-sewn wardrobe. There are a range of beautiful patterns available from across the world, Liberty prints, designer fabrics and any notion you could possibly need. The gorgeous range of childrens' clothing patterns (I think they were Japanese) and fabric left me with the sudden need to have more children!  If you like to sew your own clothes, it's a treasure trove!

  
The photo quality isn't great, as they were taken on my phone, but I had to share! Can you see the "curtain" of tapemeasures, dividing the office space from the shop? What a perfect idea… love it.

 
 After loading up with cream ric-rac in various sizes, I found some treasure on the remnants table. I hope to make some scarves from this for Christmas presents. Think I might be pushed to get them done in time… we'll see.

 
We didn't only look at crafty/girly shops, I promise. Oh and we did decide on a magnificent lunch at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms in the Block Arcade…. and cake : ) All in all, a wonderful day.

Until next time,

Melissa x