Sewing for blokes

If you are anything like me, buying pressies for blokes is a bit of a struggle... And I'm ashamed to admit it, but I've never actually sewed anything for Simon before! So, this fathers' day I decided to right that wrong.



So, some vintage inspired love - PJ shorts and eye mask (extra large - inspired by Phoebe's post).

A belated Happy Fathers' Day to all those terrific dads out there!

Resting the Eyes

The days are definitely getting longer and the sun is streaming through the windows earlier - which is wonderful because it means summer is getting closer all the time. But it's still cold enough to want to stay in bed that little bit longer... which is when handmade sleeping masks are called for.

So I decided it was finally time to update the stash of sleeping masks that we have around the house - and I took the opportunity to also make a new one for when I travel (I always have a special one that only gets a run when I'm travelling - its part of my routine to feel as comfortable as possible when on the plane!). These are great because they are super comfy, fully reversible and can be machine washed.






And an extra-large one for the guy who hates bright mornings (and doesn't mind robots)...




These have long been a favourite gift of mine to make for new mums or for anyone going on holiday, but I always like to have my own assortment at home as well. I had forgotten how fun and easy they are to make... so much so that I think I'll make up a little batch to give to guests when they come to stay...

There's just something about new cushions!

Both Sal and I have recently moved and are both keen to get our new sewing spaces set up as quickly as possible so we can get right back into the swing of it!

For my part, I am now well and truly settled into my new sewing room - I feel very spoiled to have such a generous space dedicated to all things sewing. To get the list of projects rolling, I started with cushions for our new place.



The fabric is Echino - I brought it back from a recent trip back to NY as a memento of my visit to the recently relocated Purl Soho - the new store is divine (and right across the road from the place I first lived in New York). I have always loved working with Echino fabric, and added an extra something special by backing the cushion covers with some beautiful linen from my stash.

We also brought back the cushion inserts from Muji in New York. They are such comfortable cushions, it was worth the effort to haul them back home with us.

There's just something about new cushions - they add that something extra special to a new home!

We're still here!

It has been a long time between posts... but we are still here!

Despite our prolonged absence on this blog, mackenzie & smith has been as busy as ever - with markets and direct orders (thank you everyone!), as well as lots happening besides making and creating. Both of us have also been enjoying holidays and the joys of moving house (overseas for Sal and her family). Thank you for your messages of support and curiosity about the direction we are taking with m&s... we have a lot planned!

Autumn/Winter Sneak Peak

It is hard to think about winter while we are still sweltering in January, but that is just what we've been doing.



In preparation for the next Mathilda's Market on 28 February, we've been experimenting with new designs. Our favourite (for the moment) is this gorgeous jacket made from pinwale cord and lined with the softest cotton. And no jacket is complete without a super cute hood. We'll be making these from size 0 to size 4. But in limited quantities, so be sure to get in quick if you want one!



Thanks Miss Gen for being such a lovely model!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all - we hope you all enjoyed a safe and happy holiday season and have a wonderful 2010 ahead! We have been enjoying the break from the regular daily routine, but are now both back into the swing of things...

We are thrilled to be be taking part in Mathilda's Markets again when they return to Canberra in February:



The Markets are only 6 weeks away, and we have some great new ideas for new products that we're looking forward to launching at the Markets - we hope to see some of you there!