Monday, May 3, 2010

One final rant


Dusting off the soapbox and turning it up on its end (I'm not very tall)..

Ladies and gentlemen, I just want to take a few minutes of your time to talk to you about the Stitches and craft show in Melbourne. I don't want to sell you anything I just want to suggest that you might like to attend.

Why?
  • Well, its a craft show so I figure if you read here you are into a bit of craft.
  • There are heaps of well-priced classes and FREE studios to attend.
  • There are insanely good workshops and free craft bars where you can pull up a stool and make a wee item and take it home... for FREE
  • There will be lots and lots and lots of other crafty folk there to bump into, have coffee with and generally be social with.

BUT..and here's the kicker guys.....

I think you might like to come along to support the people who support craft. Does that make sense?

In the craft world, the guys behind Stitches and Craft are the ones out there offering support to little indie businesses. They give us the chance to take part in a HUGE event and gain exposure that most of us couldn't normally afford to do (like not even close) . They help us figure out all the logistics and they sometimes even give people a bit of a kick in the butt to get them started (in the nicest possible way)

Why should you care?

Well there are the big reasons for caring - like supporting handmade, and the craft industry. But I think its fair to ask people to support Stitches and Craft because they are out there promoting and sharing and getting the word out about craft . Their show helps raise the profile of craft and handmade and that has to be a good thing right? Surely getting craft out there in the world has to have a trickle down effect, more people know about craft, think its great, are more likely to look for handmade when the need arises. More people get excited by craft and go home and take up knitting or sewing or raffia hat making or whatever fuels them....so our community grows and new exciting stuff happens...

and apart from all that ? Maybe one day YOU will want to get a teeny stall in the incubator and spend five days meeting people and showing off your stuff and having a great time, or maybe your mum will, or one of your blog friends. How sad would it be to say "oh there used to be this great place for little businesses at a craft show- I never went though, I wonder what happened to it?"

So maybe you are half-heartedly thinking about attending... Seriously tickets are only $10, or $15 for two days...if that's as far as your budget stretches, pack a sandwich and come and do all the free stuff.

But I say throw that $10 to the wind, and get to Caulfield, join in the big crafty love-in and show your support for craft. What have you got to lose?

For a full list with links - of all the people in the incubator go and check out jennies blog.

and for a comprehensive list of all the great retailers attending, check out the stitches and craft site


* hops off the soap box and packs it away to return to the sewing machine (where she feels far more comfortable)*

63 comments:

  1. If I ever get the chance to go to Australia I'll plan it around Stitches. Deal? Good luck, I hope you have a wonderful time!

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  2. Looking forward to seeing you Friday Jod. x

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  3. If I didn't live in stinkin Adelaide and have 3 small kidlets that needed me I would be there like a shot. Lots of fond memories of child-free days at Caulfield having lunch with crafty friends overlooking all those beautiful roses before diving back into the crafty mix to lighten our wallets and fill our bags with crafty goodness! Have fun!
    p.s. you didn't mention the best reason of all - we could meet you and your amazing mind!!!

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  4. Yay for promoting Handmade!! I sooo wanted to be there for the Melbourne stitches but will just have to settle for the Brissy one in September, don't suppose you're coming to that one?? Pretty pleaaaase?!

    oh, and loving those cute monsters!!

    hehe, word verifications is "rests", what you'll be doing next week when it's all over!

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  5. I hope that your one in Melbourne doesn't get cancelled like the Sydney one :P hehe
    I was so excited to go too! Oh well maybe next year :)

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  6. Looking forward to seeing you and my budget does extend to a little Ric Rac goodness, all in the Pop-cakes birthday needs of course, as I am selfless like that.
    I think it will be a great event.
    x

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  7. I'll see you on Sunday :)
    I will also help support indie craft all year round.

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  8. Well said Jod! I wish I could come over but it's just not going to happen this year :-(
    Good Luck and I love your fluffy monsters.

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  9. I'd so be there! I live in Broken Hill and my next visit to Ballarat/Melbourne isn't until the end of the month. I wonder if I can make my sister go instead? Surely a bazzillion people within driving distance would be there?

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  10. Must have missed your last post. I would love to come and say Hi to you only I won't be able to because I live way up in NSW and haven't the energy to travel. Not even sure if I will make it to the Newcastle one though my daughters want to go. But I just wanted to say that your attitude to meeting bloggers is terrific. A girlfriend of mine went to visit a high profile Melbourne blogger and was treated very off-handedly and came away quite hurt. Sort of as if she wasn't good enough because the other one didn't know her blog because she was new and little. So it is really nice to hear that you, who ARE a big name in our blogging world, are equally happy to meet the little guys as they will be to see you. Hope you have a thoroughly enjoyable time because you obviously deserve it!!! Cherrie

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  11. I wouldn't muiss ot for the world - if I lived in Melbourne!

    I wonder why they pulled the plug on the Sydney event last month?

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  12. well when i finally untwist my arm from behind my back i can then raise it and say count me in...
    little laugh cause you are just crack me up....

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  13. woops

    that should have read

    little laugh cause you just crack me up.....

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  14. Hear, hear.

    We have a little thing called a General Election going on. I bet they'd all get a better reaction if they had fluffy monsters at the hustings to reinforce their message!

    I don't know I think the soap box suits you.

    Good luck to one and all.

    cheers,
    AJ

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  15. Totally agree with what you said Jodie. Now I wish I had of booked a flight to Melbourne - LOL
    Best of luck for a ripper show,
    Kerryanne

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  16. I'm going!!!!
    (little happy dance around the chair!!)
    Better get back to making dinner.......shhhhhh!

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  17. How i wish I COULD come, but it's a bit of a trek (and paddle) from the east coast of the US. I am quite envious of the folks who can go and see (and maybe buy) all the lovely things and make some lovely things of their own!!
    I hope you and the other creative folk have a wonderful and successful event.

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  18. If there wasn't that body of water called Bass Strait between us then I'd definitely come!

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  19. Argh (insert stamping feet here) if only I could come but I'll definitely be going to Sydney. I love those monsters.

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  20. Hear Hear! That's the most perfect rant I ever did hear.

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  21. PS - Remind me to buy those jaffas before Friday.

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  22. You do deserve the Princess room :)

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  23. Well said and very true so get off your butts those of you who live close by and get in and support all the lovely crafters..:-) Not being to bold am I?

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  24. Wishing you a successful show ! Cant wait to see pics and hear all about it.

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  25. If I didn't live in the UK, I would be there!

    Have fun!

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  26. WISH WISH WISH I was going-I have such fond memories of the Sydney one last year-have a wonderful time Jodie-It will be an amazing fabulous time I'm sure:)

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  27. Thanks for this great post Jodie! I'm going to link to it if that's OK. Looking forward to catching up.

    Lisa

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  28. The excitement is bubbling - looking forward to being there on the weekend.

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  29. Here, Here! Noicely said.

    See you Friday!!!!!!! I'll be the one with the small child throwing popcorn at your from (hopefully) the front row!!!!!

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  30. Well said. Can't make Melbourne but have plans to go to Sydney in August. Have fun!

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  31. Well, shoot, I hate that I have this lame excuse of living 19 hours by plane away. And a full time job. And an elderly mother who needs a lot of attention. But I would LOVE to be there.

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  32. I would so be there, if I could and am very jealous of those who will be. Have a great show and on behalf of crafters everywhere, bravo and thank you for the support, Jodie!

    Gosh, it's almost time- I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to hear all about it, too.

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  33. I'm really going to try and come! If I can drag myself away from the kitty!

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  34. Have a great show- the incubator is such a sensational, fun and inspiring umbrella to be under. (was at Brissy and Sydney last year and had an absolute blast)
    Indie Crafters rock!!

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  35. If I didn't live in the USA I would so be there! I love your creations! Looking forward to seeing your pictures of this years Stitches and Crafts! =D

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  36. Atta girl! You tell 'em!

    I've linked to your rant, by the way... I think you're BRILLIANT!
    xxx

    Seeya tomorrow.

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  37. I'll be at the Perth show. hopefully a heap of east coast designers can make it over because i've missed the crafty markets!!!

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  38. Well, daaaaannnnnggggiiiiiit because I would really like to come, but I live, um, 40 kabillion miles away. if I did go, I would really enjoy meeting you and thanking your for having up such a swell blog. :)

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  39. i wish, wish, wish i could come to this show and go to all of the wonderful classes and buy lots of fabulous things that i will want to come home and figure out how to make. i totally wish that i could come and hang out with you jodi because you seem like you are so much freaken fun. if you ever have a reason to come to california let's have coffee!

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  40. Hi Jodie, I'll be there on wednesday with bells on. I have never been before , always felt vaguely left our come post craft fair blogs - but this wednesday all that will change, have even told a fib to my boss about why I can't do an extra day on wednesday for her... I just know she wouldn't understand the crafty thing! But I just know you will.
    I'll be the one bumping into everything because my head is swivelling around trying to take in EVERTHING in-between dropping off the kids and picking them up - in Ballarat.!

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  41. Hi Jodie,
    Gosh, thank goodness for blogging.
    I live in South East Melbourne and this is the first of heard of the Stitches and Craft show being held this week.
    Is it advertised anywhere?
    Now that I know, make it there.
    Have fun,
    Hugs,
    Anna

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  42. YAY!!! see you today sometime.. if you show up at the same time

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  43. If I didn't live in the US, I would SO be there. Have fun.

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  44. Sigh. I wish Stitches and Craft would come to America. And I wish I could buy one of those monsters!

    Hope you have a lot of fun at the show!

    -Holly

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  45. Wow, I would so love to go. However, since I'm in the States it would cost me considerably more than $10 to get there. Sigh! And I would so love to come to a show or a stitching retreat down under. Maybe someday. I can dream right?

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  46. Hear hear!! The S+C crew are fantastic and super friendly, with amazing ideals and hopes and visions. And the incredible ability to pull it all together into one super-dooper fun crafty fest.
    I wish I could be there this week. I'm missing it more than I know; missing seeing all of you, and hanging out, and being inspired and being part of the best gang in the country - the crafty / blogging gang!
    Enjoy.

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  47. You GO Girl!!!!!
    I'm patiently waiting for a couple of sleeps so I can go too.
    And I'll keep an eye out for your little part of the S&C Show so that I can (if I pluck up enough courage as you are so famous and cool) say hello.
    Hope it goes well.
    Jenny

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  48. Hello, I was half heartedly thinking about going and well... you've convinced me. See you there!

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  49. I got excited for a moment and then realized you are in the "other" Melbourne ~ Drat!!!

    Love the monsters.

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  50. Hello, I linked over from http://www.onlinedegrees.net/blog/2010/100-incredibly-creative-arts-crafts-blogs/ where we were both one of the 100. Had to check out some of the other talented bloggers. I love your blog and think you are one talented and funny lady.

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  51. I am looking forward to it! Think I will be there on Thursday and who knows? maybe Friday as well... :) Hope it all goes well for you- love your blog :)

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  52. Great post Jod. Look forward to seeing you on Friday.

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  53. Ooh Jod, I am getting excited. I will be there with Mum and my sis on Friday. WIll definitely come and visit.

    I love the look of those monster holders. xx

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  54. I'd be there with bells on Jodi if I could. My partner even worked out that we had enough frequent flyer points to get there... but my daughter just won't stop breast feeding and I can't figure out a way to leave my boob at home while I fly to the show. She won't have a bottle!!!
    I'll be there next year ... oh please please please people go so that there is a next year!!!

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  55. Been enjoying your blog and creativeness for a while now, thanks!

    I was looking forward to the show here in Hamilton (NZ) in September, BUT due to a last minute flurry (like offer last week of a temp job for a couple of weeks) I will be in Melbourne this week (like tomorrow!), and S & C is on the agenda at the weekend.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  56. So jealous! Not the selling bit just the hanging out part. Have a blast! Say Hi to everyone Belx

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  57. Well said! I love what S&C are doing, can't wait for the Sydney show!

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  58. Wish I could be there. I'm on holidays at the moment at the top of Australia On the way back down but won't be back by then. Have fun. I know you will and we will catch up soon.

    Cheers. Kez

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  59. I hope you had a great time. I really wish we had something like that where I live (Indiana). People think I'm crazy when I tell them I "make things." Honestly, I'm a bit jealous.
    But, I love reading about your adventures.

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Hellloooooo !!!!