Stockist series: Follow

Follow is a delicious new design concept store in Surry Hills, Sydney. Brooke & Sarah are the genius minds behind the Finders Keepers Markets which kicked off in 2007, and have been staunch supporters of emerging design from the get-go. They have created their dream store in a beautiful heritage listed building, featuring a curated selection of over 40 independent designers from around Australia.

What will customers discover at Follow?
The store features a wonderful range of products from art prints, contemporary jewellery, clothing, textiles, homewares and now magazines! For those not in Sydney, we sell and ship worldwide on our online shoppe!

What's the best thing about coming to work each day?
Knowing this is our little curated space with all our favourite things. Being surrounded by daily inspiration and meeting people who appreciate what you do and get just as excited. It really is such a lovely feeling.

What is one thing you learnt from opening your shop?

We've learnt many things! the most important being that you have to put 110% into it and don't give up! Times can be tough, but if you believe in yourself and others do, every day brings a new success.

What's the best-kept secret in your local area?
We're pretty lucky to be surrounded by some pretty great places in Surry Hills, unfortunately they aren't really secrets for long! A good thing in this area is always discovered by others pretty quickly. We're loving the little hidden galleries, like Friends of Leon just near us on Marlborough Street and coffee shops in tiny corners of the area like Nookie on Cleveland Street.

Follow Store

380 Cleveland Street, 

Surry Hills, NSW

Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 6pm

Sunday 11am – 4pm

Stockist Series: Holland Road Yarn Company

Tash Barneveld at Holland Road Yarn Company has been a firm supporter of the magazine from the beginning, and if you visit, you'll find Extra Curricular nestled in amongst beautiful hand-dyed yarns - her cosy shop in Petone is a knitter's haven. At the moment, with the Hutt Knitters Group she is part of, she is organising the making of a beekeeper's quilt to be auctioned off for KidsCan - head over here if you are a knitter and you'd like to join in the fun - all the stitching together is happening at Craft 2.0 in Wellington on 29 October and there are even prizes (you get an entry for each hexipuff contributed to the quilt). 

What waits to be discovered at Holland Road Yarn?

Beautiful yarns, fabrics, haberdashery and crafty items. I wanted the shop to be a home for the best hand-dyed and commercially produced yarns sourced both locally and internationally. Now we're heading into warmer weather I can indulge my other great love - beautiful fabric. 

What's the best thing about coming to work each day?

It's like hanging out in my lounge! And being surrounded by bright colours and beautiful wool is pretty ace. Also, my customers are the most wonderful people. When they bring in finished products to show me, it's the best thing ever. 

What is one thing you learnt from opening your shop?

You won't get everything right, and that's ok. As the saying goes, you need to learn from it and move on. Oh, and taking days off from work is important, otherwise you get stuck in a creative rut! That's two things, but they're both very important!

What's the best-kept secret in your local area?

Cultured, the most amazing cheese shop down the road. Wendy has become a bit of a knitter and keeps me in cheese melts and coffee when the hunger pangs bite.

Holland Road Yarn Company
281 Jackson Street, Petone
Wellington

Mon - Fri 10 - 6
Sat 10 - 4
Sun 11 - 3

Knit Night: Thursday 7pm - 9pm

Stockist series: Nook

This is the first in a series of meet & greets showcasing some of our lovely stockists, with Michelle Gillies who owns Nook. Whether or not you live in Brisbane, you probably know about this charming little store already. I must admit I'm a tiny bit jealous of the copies of Extra Curricular that are lucky enough to take the trip there each time. Michelle sent some pictures and answered a few questions for us about the shop she opened in 2009.

What will customers discover at Nook? 

Firstly, if you're lucky, you'll be welcomed out front by Pedro (the resident cat). He spends most of the day waiting for and receiving pats by the gate. Inside we stock a range of colourful and creative pieces ranging from plant markers to t-shirts, ceramics, stationery and unique homewares. The majority of goods are sourced from small and local independent business and a few from overseas. We also have twines and washi masking tapes and other necessities.

What's the best thing about coming to work each day? 

I'm very fortunate to have a house and shop in one (and yet I still somehow manage to be late some days). I love receiving parcels. I can't imagine that will ever lose its appeal. I get to chat with lovely and inspiring people every day, both customers and designers. What more could you ask for?

What's the best-kept secret in your local area?

Hanasho florists. Their arrangements are stunning and often feature long fronds folded and held in place with bamboo pins.

Nook

19 Browning St

West End, Brisbane

Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm

Saturday 10am - 4pm

Overdue apology

In issue 5, when I interviewed Abby & Kate of Golden Ink Collaborative and asked them what they were listening to, I'm embarrassed to say I misheard when Kate said 'Holly Throsby' and instead printed 'Polly Crosby'. I know. Ignorant as I was back then, I have since discovered her dreamy music (long after everyone else) and also have a more thorough proofreading system. This is one of my favourites - and I hope that this post will go some way toward an apology for my silly faux pas.


What I Thought of You - Holly Throsby (Official Video) from Yanni Kronenberg on Vimeo.
p.s. This one is great too.