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Marjorie Handmade
I happily discovered Marjorie Handmade many years ago when I was looking for local, handmade clothing for my daughter. I still adore everything this very talented lady makes and had the pleasure of chatting with her recently about her business.
When did Marjorie Handmade begin and why?
My third son was born in 2011. My mum and my nanna were both crafters. I admired their skills greatly but my main interest was art and design. I had dabbled in drawing, printmaking, photography and mosaics. I didn't sew as well as my mum and I didn't do it as a hobby. Then we had three children and one income and things became challenging financially. I remember my daughter was invited to a few birthday parties and I decided to go to Spotlight and I bought some fabric and made up a pattern for an apron.
I made some for friends and they were my go to gift for the many toddler and preschool birthday parties we attended. Then I was asked to make more aprons, and also library bags. Of course, eventually someone said you could sell these! and I listed some on etsy and I sold them! I really enjoyed learning the practical skills of sewing and also making simple patterns. I wish I had decided to do it sooner! My nanna's name was Marjorie. I loved her dearly and I miss her laughter, sense of fun and love of life. She is the voice inside my head that tells me to just go for it, and to never leave home without your sense of humour. I am honoured that my family allowed me to use her name for my business.
Where do you draw your inspiration for your products from?
I am a teacher librarian and have worked in Education for 22 years. My specialist area has always been the development of literacy and I have a real passion for spreading a message about celebrating reading. In my childhood I did a lot of drawing and a lot of reading. I loved my nanna's vintage fabrics, Holly Hobbie, Little Golden Books and the illustrations of Winnie the Pooh. I now collect literature inspired fabrics which I use to promote and celebrate reading with bibs, toys, clothing and purses created with my own patterns.
I also have my very own fabric called read to me (shown below), and my vision is to create bibs for babies to promote reading from birth. Part proceeds of my bib sales go to reading charities such as the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, The Indigenous Literacy Fund and Raising Literacy Australia which all provide free books to families in Australia.
What is your favourite thing about producing handmade products?
I have found great joy in creating with fabric that promotes a positive message. I am a small business with big dreams. My greatest hope is that all children are read to from birth and continue to enjoy literature during their childhood and throughout their lives. I hope that if someone buys something from me, they can see and feel that my creations are made with tremendous love and passion for what I do. It is not a cliché, it truly and genuinely comes from the heart.
