Justine did another great job on the June Upmarket…even more people through the door. What an amazing crowd. It was great to see so many of our returning customers. Hope we didn’t disappoint!!!
Here’s some pics of Mel’s cuties wearing our winter hats!
It’s unlikely we will be doing the September Upmarket – but we will definately be back for the Nov Xmas Market….and will keep you posted with any new designs….xx Ces
Hey – finally have some new pics to show pre-Mathilda’s. Hope you like the new tunic style dresses….
Yes we are still here!! We are in full swing again. Designing, drafting, cutting and sewing!! We have two markets coming up in late March. Mathildas on the 21st and Perth Upmarket a week later, 28th of March.
So after a two and a half months off, it’s time to get things moving again. We will be organising a preview afternoon for all our faithful customers. We have penciled in Saturday afternoon 13th of March, so if you have left your details with us at previous markets we will be intouch soon. For those of you who would like to drop in, flick your details through so we can put you on the list. This is a great opportunity to get in before the markets. Yes, you can buy that special something or just come and catch up with us. We love hearing what you guys have to say!
No photos at this stage. I promise there will be some great ones on the way soon.
talk soon xxx
What a great day! So good to get customer feedback on designs and requests for previous designs. We are always blown away by our now “regular” customers, they just keep coming back for more! We get special treats like photos of “Little Babushkas” and how everyone comments on their gorgeous buys when out an about.
The playsuits were a hit, with more than half of todays sales. Needless to say that we have a busy week ahead replenishing stock levels ready for Jr Market at UWA Sunday 15th November. Hope fully we might see some of our Perth Upmarket regulars as well as some new faces. We will have our new Retro Playsuit ready and more peasant tops too!
Here are a couple of snaps from today
Cant get enough playsuits huh? Frankie’s been cleverly designing this beautiful and very retro number!!! I love it!!
The sleeves are the same as on our swing tops – bit of a capelet for a little sun smartness. The pockets are big and fun.
Tia wouldnt take it off after our (very quick) photo session – she loved it too, so looks like the first one I cut will be for Si – sorry!!!
Hey some more good news…..we are increasing the range of sizes that we cater for. We are now doing up to size 8 (kids) and will probably do more in the near future! And we will definately have some of the bigger sizes available for Mathildas, Junior Upmarket and Perth Upmarket. Stay tuned.
Ooooo – Frankie and I had some fun on the w/end – a trip to the country and check out these gorgeous shots of Tia in some of our new summer designs…….
Look at who’s been a clever girl!!! Cessie has been busy and has put together this gorgeous playsuit and it looks like Tia has been practising her model technique (mum’s not so sure about it)
So cute don’t you think?
xx
Spring Swing Top
Here’s our upcoming market dates if you are keen to buy some new summer pieces!!!
Subiaco Craft Fair: Sunday 25th October
(tbc) Mathilda’s Market: Sunday 8th November
Junior Upmarket: Sunday 15th November
Perth Upmarket: Sunday 29th November
x Cessie
Here are a few more pic to tease you!
Peasant Top
Just a little peak at what we have been up to. There are loads more but trying to find the time to put them on the kids during daylight is a challenge in itself, so this is the best that we can do whilst adding the finishing touches.
We got our new swing tags/business cards today, just in the nik of time! We think they are soooo professional and make our clothes look pretty swanky. Pretty chuffed with them if I do say so.
Here is another top. This fabric is so hippy and I love it. I have to make sure that I put one aside for Tia, just so I can team it up with a pair of denim short and a pair of funky sandals. We have only made 3 in this fabric. I’m predicting that they will be a hot pick @ Perth Upmarket.
Can’t wait to show off the dresses we are trying to finish. Hopefully we will have them done in the next day or two.
xx
Blue Butterfly Party Dress
Here’s some rough (sorry) snaps of our new spring party dresses…..
These are a great slip on dress with tie-up straps – for every occasion – but especially for the little girl that never wants to wear pants!!
We are making these in a range of sweet and eccentric fabrics – so lots of choices for each little babushka!!
Next week….we will have some skirts and some more frocks to show you!!
Love your comments as always – feel free to post
xx
A huge sorry to all our readers firstly!!!! The blog is kind of looking like we have taken a holiday. That’s actually far from the truth. We have been a little overwhelmed with what is a crazy schedule for the coming 3-4 months. We have about 5 markets before Xmas, we have been working on the web sales site – which is oh so close, and we have been getting our new and beautiful PR work done (a huge thanks to Andrea at designandprgirl.)
So for the next couple of months – here’s where you can find us……and as always, we will start to upload some snaps of our new designs – yes we have been busy!!
Perth Upmarket: Sunday 13th September
Subiaco Craft Fair: Sunday 25th October
(tbc) Mathilda’s Market: Sunday 8th November
Junior Upmarket: Sunday 15th November
Perth Upmarket: Sunday 29th November
What an exciting time!!!!
xx Cessie
From time to time we are questioned about our name and are asked if we know the meaning of it!! Yes we do… but what it means to us?
Well the word “Babushkas” not only sounds beautiful to me but takes me back my childhood in the fabulous 70’s. I would dream of having my own set of babushka dolls and clearly remember the sesame street animation. It started with the larger babushka, then the smaller one would “pop” out, then the next and so forth. The symbolism the of the Grandma, the mother and the daughter, is about “traditionalism”. Practicing the skills taught to us by our mothers & passing them on through the generations. Skills such as cooking, sewing, gardening, the basic fundamentals! It’s to ensure that our children understand how things become, how they are made and that not everything has to be brought from the shop! So for us “Little Babushkas” seems natural!
Here is a couple of snaps of the scarfs that I have been going crazy with. Cessie had been going great guns making matching pants…. all in time for the Mathildas Market next Sunday.
Frankie xx
Although we have another winter market coming up on the 19th July (Mathilda’s) – we are also getting ready for the next Perth Upmarket in September and of course it will have a spring flavour – so here’s what we are thinking (see our pics below)!! As always, we will be introducing some new styles too…so keep an eye out for our new posts!!!
I made T this new hat – we call it the Thomas Hat – because he thinks he’s a train driver when he wears it!! Very cute…might have to make the bill a little smaller next time though.
So the next Market is Mathilda’s at Belmont on the 19th July. We will be making a range of new pants in different fabrics – plus adding a couple of new designs to the range (skirts mainly).
Will post pics to wet the appetite in the coming weeks!!
What a hoot!! We felt so grateful to be a part of Perth Upmarket. It really is the cream of Perth’s creative people. The weather was perfect given that it is winter and the people of Perth were out in droves! A big thanks to our blog followers who popped in to say hello and have a chat, our friends and family who made it a great day out. Also thanks to our Best supporter Bec!! We love you Bocboc 😉
I was lucky enough to splurge out and buy Cessie a gorgeous pair of Annie Rawles earrings, my self a funky necklace from Tamara Harrison ….. Mum her fav…. Marmalade from Ohlala. Anne’s banana and coconut relish is awesome. But best of all I feel like I scored big with my Pepper Pony bag, I just love it!
Here are some pics from our stall. Not a great deal of them, as we were busy busy and thankfully didn’t get a lot of quiet spells. This was our third market and it was exciting to apply previous lessons and pick up on some new learning’s. Dividing the clothes into sizes helped shoppers. Wearing name badges was a no brainer yet it still took our 3rd market to think of it. The lay out still needs some focus and maybe, just maybe we will get some time to set up our online shop that people are constantly asking for! We will see how we go at Mathilda’s market in July!
Might I just add that I am so blessed to be sharing this experience with Cessie! I certainly wouldn’t do it alone, thanx babe!
xx Frankie
sorry about the really bad photo’s on this post….but we wanted to show you the wrap retro skirt and matching top. Kind of cute – hey?
for all our Perthie followers – see you at the market this weekend and dont forget to come and say ‘hi’!!
xx Cessie
Here’s a look at our crafting for this week!
One for the girls….
and one for the boys….
This is a cute combo….we have some gorgeous fabric choices in these pants made up for Perth upMarket!!!
Here’s a new little design we have come up with – a buttoned scoop neck dress. Not technically winter wear – but with a long sleeve tee and leggings or jeans will be great for the cooler months as well. I love this one on!
x Cessie
The pics say it all…..
a reversible hooded poncho with matching baggy fisherpants
xx Cessie
some more of our new designs for winter…
the long sleeve peasant dress!! we are doing these in a range of fabrics for sizes 1-5.
xCessie
So each week before the market we will try to upload a new photo of one of our winter designs, lets hope it happens now that we have promised!
In the teal is the new buttoned cape with matching baggy fisherpants. Havent appliqued the top yet – but does it need it???
The pink and chocolate scarf will be a winter hit – snuggly and warm and pretty divine!!
Hope you like?!?!
xx Cessie & Frankie
And the winner is
How exciting, don’t think I have ever won anything before (apart from a dress-up competition when I was all of 8 years of age). This gorgeous sun bonnet and apron will be heading our way. Big thanks to Loz and Dinny (and Edie for pulling us out of the hat!)
Make sure you check out Loz and Dinny’s new shop!
Loz and Dinny is inspired by all things vintage, kitsch and colourful. All items are handmade with love and care. Quality designer and vintage fabrics and notions are combined to create clothing and objects which are not only unique but which tip their hat to those days where children knew how to dress with colour and style. So support Handmade designers by making a purchase. 
Here’s my top pick
I couldn’t resist – Frankie and I were out doing some new promo photographs yesterday of all our new winter gear.
I’ll post more pics soon – but here is a sneak preview…..
So the background on this one……Frankie’s been doing her design goddess stuff again and look what she’s come up with – a winter hooded poncho. It’s absolutely gorgeous!!!
Did we mention we are definitely doing Perth UpMarket in June – come along to the Town Hall on the 7th to see our new winter designs! (see link to the right)! We wont be doing a huge amount of sewing for the market – but we will be focusing on new designs – so whatever you buy on the day will definitely be a one off!!!
Hope we see you there!! Remember to swing by and say ‘hello’!
x Cessie
Went op shopping in Busselton after spending the long week in Bunbury for Easter. It’s fab for vintage fabric. Here is a couple of finds.
These patterns were 20 cents each, great for inspiraton. I love the bathers… not so sun smart but perhaps the long top version might be a better way to go.
might have to whip up a few of these, as skirts are the only thing that “she” will wear at the moment. These look like they will be quick and easy.
Not much of this fabric. I think that it will make a funky little shift dress!
This one just screams out summer! Maybe a shirred dress or our fav shirred halter dress!
Anyhow we have a lots of work ahead of us in the next six weeks as we prepare for Perth Upmarket. The link is at the right hand side. Go check it out!
xx
These pants were an easy knock-up and look great teamed with t-shirt and cardi!!
Stay tuned for some more gorgeous autumn/winter things in the make – we will be posting pics soon of our new cape/poncho and scarf.
Here’s a pic of the autumn/winter flare skirt. Sienna adores the ‘twirl’ factor!
Hopefully we may soon post some instructions for all you would-be sewers on how to make the flare skirt……why don’t you let us know if your keen??? We may put some sewing kits together to help out any novices!
Been on the op shop trail for winter buys…..there’s an organic womens t shirt I have remodeled into a dress for Sienna. She seems pretty happy with the length (it’s a maxi style!!)….And a gorgeous vintage winter frock in pure wool. Has a couple of holes…so maybe some vintage dresses for the little ones might come out of this!!!
x Cessie
I have been itching to make a dress for autumn. This wasn’t made for Tia’s size but still looks good. She has gladly modeled it for me, no chocolate bribery (how unusual!). I don’t think I want to part with it…. maybe she can wear it to dress up along sleeve top and a pair of jeans… or maybe I’ll just have to make her one. The only problem is that I spotted the fabric at textile traders and they have sold out. I could kick myself for not getting more..
oh the fabric I’ve been dreaming of.
now this really reminds me of summer in the 70’s!!!
think we might finish it with white ric-rac!!!
x Cessie
I am soooo in love with this dress! I think it’s the simplicity of the design that shows off the beautiful fabric. The dress will look great in winter too, you can go the layered look or put a sweet cardie or jacket on.
These were available at the Mathildas Markets Sunday just gone. I hope you lovely peoples out there whom made purchases from us get snap happy and send us some pics. It’s what gives us a buzz and make all the hard work worth while. And those of you who are keen to buy one, shoot us an email and we can send you pics of what we have in stock!
xx Frankie
Mathildas Market is this Sunday at Fremantle Town Hall and have we been busy!! Here are few good reasons to head on over.
If you do head over, pop in and have a look! Make sure that you say hello…. don’t be shy!!
See you there 😉
xx
We have made some unisex fisherpants! The girls wouldn’t take them off! Beautiful, baggy & comfortable – I think we need a pair too!
We are making these in some gorgeous fabrics for the girls and boys! Good for summer nights, autumn or winter!
Half of Little Babushka’s have been on holidays….we took a few of the newer dresses/tops with us and here are the pics!!
xx Cessie
Finally photo’s we have been promising….the boys line . We have only been doing this for a month or two now – but demand is huge – so we are going to notch it up. Here’s some Little Babushka boys…..
We should say – Travis in the green isn’t wearing one of our tops – but the pants are a massive winner….
We started to get into the applique tops for boys – but we are bored with it already (only 2 months in), so we are in the process of drafting some new patterns for boys….they’ll be available at the next Mathilda’s Market in March – so no one can say the boys miss out!
xx Cessie
We came across these pics today…..and cant believe we haven’t shown you!!! This is some of our earlier stuff (earlier for us means only 6 months ago – hee, hee) xx Cessie & Frankie
We are in full swing getting ready for our party on Sunday. These are a Classic A line shift dress. They can be worn with an under top and tights for those cool winter days or as is for a breezie summer day. Either way I am sure that some lucky little girl will love this mushroom dress.
I know we have seen pics of Yasmin in her red dress before, but here are a few more. Just because “Aunty Frankie” can’t get enough.
Anyways we are busy, busy today cutting out dresses for up n coming party’s n markets. Lots on the boil whilst being well entertained with the Triple J’s Hottest 100!!!! Loving all of the Aussie music. The album seriously needs to join everybody’s collection… just awesome music, loving it!!!
I have finally posted some pics (very bad ones) of the new accessories…..the clips and necklets are really cute. We Have done them in really funky bright colours.
Check these out. The button is a necklet tied with ribbon…my girl is in love with it! I’m in love with the flower clips – so much work so much love – are we crazy??
If you’re keen to buy you could always contact us direct – but should we MADEIT them??
And here is a picture of Charli – she is the little babushka whose mum was lucky to host the first of our home parties. Isn’t Charli a cutie – she makes our vintage halter dress look fab! And she now has a few more Little Babushka dresses hanging in her wardrobe!
Check out madeit.com.au for our some of our current stock or see us in March at Mathilda’s Market!
Oh ps did i mention i now have a new overlocker….i pick up the little baby tomo
rrow – yip-yippee
xx Cessiemy girl
We will be having our first home party on Sunday, so we are busy finalizing our pieces. We’ll have about 45 – 50 pieces up for grabs! So here is a sneak peep. Again it’s going to be hard to part with them but I’m sure they will be loved by a “Little Babushka”. I might just have to snaffle the mushroom print dress. I look at it and wish that I could be 5 years old again.
xx
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These are an alternative to a shift dress. The back has a lovely scoop at the base which leads up to the buttons. It’s finished beautifully with bias binding. This has been made for 2-3 year old as a dress but here it is being worn to show the longevity by wearing it as a top. These would look great with a plain long sleeved top and tights for a brighter winter.
xx
Here is Yasmin!! Isn’t she a doll! Doesn’t the red and blue look fabulous on her! Girls don’t always have to be in pink to look beautiful, do they! Just quietly I think I have the most beautiful looking nieces possible.
We have some simple and funky dresses being whipped up at the moment. They have been inspired by Enid Gilchrist, yes you’ll have to wait for the pics…. I’ll be posting it next Wed as that’s “pick-up” night. Our very talented friend Fi, is helping us in the sewing department! She is sooo talented in front of the machine, she has her wedding dress to prove it! So it’s great to have Fi on board, she has already shared some great tips and time savers. We are aiming to be well stocked for the next Mathildas Market!
xx Frankie
A huge happy new year wish to all our readers, family and friends!! Hope your celebrations were lots of fun!
Well Frankie and I are looking forward to lots of Little Babushka fun in 2009. We are hitting the ground running with some home parties scheduled for Jan and Feb and then another market (or 2) in March.
I had to post some more pics of our gorgeous peasant tops..we have them on Madeit.com.au if you are keen to buy!
Cessie x
A really quick apology for the quailty of the photos, but I guess that’s what you get when you work till all hours of the night, when there is not so much light around! My model for the evening is “White ted” who’s bottom has a tail attached therefore making the bloomers look rather blooming! The alternative option for a willing model would have been Tyde… yet I’m sure that option would make for some great 21st birthday blackmail material, not to mention that Daddy wouldn’t be to happy about it.
Anyways it’s a nice little set for “Rose” in Melbourne. Hope she likes it!
xx Frankie
Here’s one of our Little Babushka dresses sold at Mathilda’s Market – Caitlin is the model. She was all dressed up for a Xmas Party and only too happy to model for mums photo! Doesn’t she look divine!!
Love to have any other pics of your little ones in a little babushka frock!
Frankie and I are gearing up for some home parties with some beautiful new designs and fabrics. That and madly sewing and crafting to give to family and friends for Xmas presents. I made a couple of fab aprons – cant post pics yet – because they are a surprise and under the Xmas tree. Also made some so cute pants for my little boy in a green plaid – think we may add these to the collection as well.
Happy Xmas preparations!!!!
x Cessie
I am getting so excited about christmas.. more so than any other year. I came across the recipe in the West Australia dated 29th Nov. It’s very simple and tasty (note the missing men)
GINGERBREAD MEN CHRISTMAS WREATH
175g unsalted butter, softened
4 tsp brown sugar
8 tbsp treacle
3 cups flour
3 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
6 tbsp milk
Cream butter and sugar, add the treacle, then stir in the sifted flour, spices and salt, followed by the milk. Knead the dough on a lightly floured bench, cover and place in the fridge for a couple of hours. Preheat oven at 180C.
Cut the dough into flour and roll out to a thickness of 5mm.
Cut out your gingerbread men and lay eight or nine in a circle on a baking paper-covered tray, with their feet and hands overlapping, dabbing a little water on their hands and feet to make them stick. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool and thread ribbon through.
xx Frankie
Well Frankie and I are both on to designing head-wear at the moment – go figure??
On the same day and without discussing it – we’ve both come up with new head-wear for the girls. Here’s Frankie’s – very cute hey! (and as usual I’ll have to download my pic later…..) I think we will definitely add something like this to the design collection!
I have also designed a new hair lackie – it’s a twist on the fabric flower and I have made it with ribbons (it’s very ‘pretty’ according to my little girl)! Not sure if I’m totally in to it – but she is and hey – she’s the target market!!!
xx Cessie
I think the red one is my favorite, it looks great with denim doesn’t it! Such a loose and breezie top for those hot summer days.
They can be yours if you are quick. Cessie is adding these onto the “madeit” site.
http://www.madeit.com.au/madeit/supplierdetail.asp?rsSupplierID=22747
If that doesn’t work for you, just go to http://www.madeit.com.au and search for little babushka’s and view shop.
I am working on sets for 1 – 2 year olds at the moment and getting really excited over the Bloomers. I’ll post a pic soon.
Frankie xx
Yes – we have started booking home parties!
We got so many requests from people at the market – that we have decided to get cracking with the home parties and we have started booking in dates. So if you were one of those keen people who want to see a brand new range of vintage/retro babushka clothes/accessories – with a bunch of your girlfriends in the privacy of your own home – then email us now. The beauty of having it at home – the kids can try the clothes on and have a bit of little babushka fun of their own! Hosts receive a gift too!!
Email us at littlebabushkas@live.com
If a party just isn’t how you want to buy our range…then check out madeit.com.au We will be setting up our Madeit account by the beginning of next week!
xx Frankie & Cessie
I have been looking at this Poncho pattern in the “Enid Gilchirst” book for a week and this fabric seem just the right pick for it. I had to play around with the sizing as the pattern was for 7-9 year olds. My first attempt was too small for Tia and this one is the second go. The pattern has a draw string neck design that ties at the back, I modified mine by adding a bais binding trim and a “u” shape at the front neck line. This allows it to fit over various sized heads and still allows them to self dress … because they are “big girls”. It’s a simple top, I think a pocket and the bais binding around the sleeves will be added to the next one.
xx Frankie
I can’t be kept away from a “SALE”. Spotlight had some beautiful fabrics on sale so I brought up big. Just check it out! I can’t wait to see what will become of this;
These are my favourites;
I promised Tia that she could have a special pressie for being a “good” girl and she could choose it. She thinks it’s the “Bees knees”.
xx Frankie
Wow – what a great day we had! We are so thrilled to know that you love our stuff as much as we do – the response has been pretty overwhelming – so bare (?!) with us while we work out where to from here!
In fact the response has been so overwhelming that we are needing a sewer. Yes if you know of someone that is keen to earn some part time money and is ‘very good’ on the sewing machine, then get them to contact us via our blog/email.
And just in case we were too busy at the market to mention. We are calling for pics of your “little Babushkas” dressed in your new frock, top or skirt. We farewelled some to parts of the world such as Singapore, UK and Melbourne. So getting these photos may take some time. But if you get them in before the 10th of December you may get chosen for a free special Christmas Dress. Remember to send through you details (email is fine) that way we can contact you to find out size and get the dress to you before Christmas. We will be posting our favorites on the blog, so get snapping!
Cessie is enjoying a well deserved holiday at the mo. I am sure we will see a few family snaps or maybe more fabric purchases!!
We will let you know what the plans are for Little Babushka’s and where you can find more of our “things” shortly and we have started booking home parties – so email us with your interest! So…. stay tuned to our blog and remember to wash with love and care, gentle cycle for your wears!
xxFrankie
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