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One-of-a-kind throws, made with love (and giant knitting needles), by Little Dandelion

May 29, 2012

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Her throws are beautiful, SERIOUSLY chunky and texture-full works of art. β€œI love a bit of sensory feedback,” says extreme knitter Jacqui Fink of Little Dandelion. β€œAlways have.” Made from the finest, locally sourced wool and linen, these mega throws and blankets weigh up to 15 kilos and are really something else. But it is the philosophy and story behindΒ  Jacqui’s work that I’m even more taken with, and it’s something we could all learn from.

Her goal was to make the kind of blanket she wanted but could never find to buy. β€œSomething almost sculptural in nature, an artwork as much as a functional item.” Drawn to texture, she says: β€œUltimately, if I was going to make the commitment of setting up my own business, it needed to be for something that would move me.” It took her two years to get to this point, mind you, and there has been plenty of experimenting. β€œI’ve not found anything similar as yet. There are lots of chunky knits out there but none as extreme as mine!”

Each throw takes a really long time to make by hand using giant knitting needles. β€œWe are talking hours and hours and the process is quite involved. Sitting in the middle of the lounge room floor is my standard repose now and everything has to keep a wide berth around my needles! Give me a cup of tea, knitting needles and wool and I’m a happy girl.” Jacqui is inspired by nature but she’s also driven by a need to slow things down and calls it her contribution to creating a more simplified life. ”I really appreciate the effort people go to in making something by hand. That someone can devote time, energy and love into creating a unique, one-of-a-kind creation is really special and we all need to value it more.

β€œMass production really bothers me. We are mindlessly producing so many things we just don’t need and I find it really upsetting. I have this intense desire to break the mould of sameness and standardisation. I love imperfect, I love living outside the box and I am over feeling constrained by people’s expectations of how one should live.”

There are a lot of moody greys in her collection but it’s the sheep that dictate the colour palette. β€œThe wool I use is the colour it comes off the sheep’s back. I get to work with a range of colours from Merino white to silver, dark grey, nutmeg and Vegemite. However, there are distinct variations within these colours from season to season so each blanket or throw I make is truly a unique piece.” Jacqui then edges her woollies with a contrasting pop colour. And we all know how well this works in interiors. β€œI can’t help myself because I love colour and this is reflected in our own home. I’m not driven by what’s popular. I’m driven by what makes me happy and what appeals to my aesthetic sensibility.”

Jacqui has two Melbourne stockists on board already: Hermon & Hermon in Richmond and Spacecraft in Fitzroy. She is in discussions with two potential stockists in Sydney and also does custom orders. She is currently working on a huge king size blanket; an experience she compares to being like wrangling with a crocodile!

Little Dandelion has a high profile fan already in Inside Out’s style director Glen Proebstel, who she met last year through a mutual friend. β€œI showed him my work and he really understood it and what I was trying to achieve. It was wonderful to get that kind of feedback from someone like him. It’s so easy to second guess yourself but his affirmation buoyed me to keep moving forward.” She was then delighted when Glen and his favourite photographer Sharyn Cairns styled and took some shots of her wares. β€œI spent several hours watching Sharyn and Glen do their thing. They work so intuitively together and are captivating to watch. They are artists really. These two need to do a book.” Agreed! β€œSharyn and Glen’s images continue to open doors for me. How can you repay that?”

Being a mum of three will always be her first priority and although there are already signs this business could take off, for now β€œit’s just me doing some extreme knitting at home”. Ultimately, she has visions of a fair trade business where she partners with an artisan community in a far flung land for mutual benefit. “One day! I have some great plans to expand the range.”

These blankets are not cheap, at several hundred dollars, but they’re worth it for the work, time and materials involved. β€œI deliberately knit my pieces in uncomplicated stitches because I want the wool and the linen to remain the main event. I wanted to support local farmers and suppliers as much as I could and I’m very proud that I’ve been able to do that. I’ve developed lovely friendships. One farmer even sings to her sheep for me to make them grow their fleece faster.” She is competing with crafters from all over the world to get her hands on β€œthe good stuff” Australia and New Zealand produce.

β€œMy throws and blankets do take me many many hours to make: I’m talking days and, in some cases, weeks. I don’t charge for all of my time. I remember doing a calculation with Glen one day trying to work out how I should price my blankets. We factored in an hourly rate for the actual time it takes me to make one and the figure came out to be some exorbitant amount. We had a good laugh and quickly readjusted the numbers. It was a reality check. Every piece is a one-off. There will never be many of these beauties out there and that makes them even more special.”

PS. OMG, OMG, OMG, just how amazingly beautiful are these images?! I die! Jen x

Photography by Sharyn Cairns | Styling by Glen Proebstel

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The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys πŸ’— Me and my boys πŸ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner πŸ’“πŸ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack πŸ₯° @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack πŸ₯° @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting 🀣 Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help ❀️
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isΒ marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydney’s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital 😜

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness πŸ˜‰

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarTegan @ Style Chic says

    May 29, 2012 at 9:17 am

    Oh oh, these are Gooooood x

  2. AvatarHazel Schreiner says

    May 29, 2012 at 10:07 am

    I absolutely love these throws! I love that each is unique and hand made. Was wondering if you’d allow me to share a portion of this as a post on my blog, referencing the full article here? πŸ™‚ Hazel

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      May 29, 2012 at 10:08 am

      Of course Hazel, so long as you link through to my blog πŸ™‚ Jen

      • AvatarHazel Schreiner says

        May 29, 2012 at 10:25 am

        Thank you so much πŸ™‚

  3. AvatarNikki @ Styling You says

    May 29, 2012 at 10:41 am

    So want! They just scream cosy style.

  4. AvatarLeah says

    May 29, 2012 at 11:19 am

    I love these Jen! These kind of pieces and values are exactly what The Minimalist is about. I think shipping 15 kilos of wool will cost as much as the blanket itself! But would love to have them in our bricks and mortar store once we open at the end of the year.

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      May 29, 2012 at 11:26 am

      Glad you like them Leah, you should touch base with Jacqui via her website or on Twitter @jacquifink πŸ™‚

  5. AvatarSomething Gorgeous says

    May 29, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    I think your little PS comment says it all. They look so cosy and on a cold day like today…..I want one badly!! xT

  6. AvatarChristie JAMES says

    May 29, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    I think Jacqui is about to become very very busy!!! Theses are so uniquely beautiful!! I want one!! Now… just to find a way to sneak a $200+ Throw rug into my house without my husband noticing!! lol

  7. AvatarChristie JAMES says

    May 29, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    Wow just saw the pricing for the Throw rugs, make that a $1000+ throw rug to sneak past him!! he would die. But it would be so worth it!! not him dying, but the money spent to get one of these!!

  8. AvatarKathryn Cumming says

    May 29, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    Gorgeous! I just bought some large knitting needles… but i’m guessing nowhere near the size needed to make these beauties… I would love to see some shots of the process!

  9. AvatarBrandon S says

    May 31, 2012 at 11:41 am

    Ok…. so this is what love looks like.

  10. Avatarjane frosh stylist says

    May 31, 2012 at 11:45 am

    Oh my goodness. these are divine! Lusting after them over here! XX

  11. AvatarFiona chandler says

    June 6, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    It’s so nice to read about the people behind the product. These throws are stunning

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      June 6, 2012 at 9:44 pm

      Hi Fiona. Sharing the personalities behind interiors and homewares is one of my favourite parts of blogging πŸ™‚

  12. AvatarJane says

    August 17, 2012 at 1:04 pm

    Awesome blankets! I love collecting throws, blankets, etc thanks for sharing your knowledge about these stuffs,.

  13. Avatarnaomi says

    October 26, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    I would love to knit with such big chunky needles and wool. Where can I buy it from in Melbourne

  14. AvatarAilin says

    January 9, 2013 at 8:23 am

    Wow, these are really beautiful!
    Just wondering – what is this “yarn” called? Would love to try and knit something like this myself πŸ™‚

    • Avatarinteriorsaddict says

      January 9, 2013 at 9:01 am

      Jacqui blogs about ehr work here: http://littledandelion.com/blog/ πŸ™‚

  15. AvatarAnke says

    March 22, 2013 at 7:47 pm

    Hi, I really love your uniqueness and colour use. What kind of thread/ wool was used for your throws as per your first image. Im really interested.

    Hope to hear from you soon.
    Thanks
    Anke

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