Mulberry & Flax boutique yarn - Jennifer Smart showcases her scrumptious Australian made yarn

I happened upon Jennifer’s stall at the end of the first day. I was totally worn out from talking and shopping all day even though I had only made it half way around the Expo. But something about the Mulberry and Flax stand made me stop. It was a little tantalizing patisserie of yarn beckoning me and Jennifer with her husband greeted me so kindly as I was passing that I just had to stop.

Jennifer sells what you would call gourmet yarn. being a knitter herself, she knows how to pick the best of the best. In their own yarn line, Great Southern Yarn which is 100% Australian, she has carefully sourced beautiful fibre from 3 selected Aussie farmers, then has it processed at Adagio Mill in Orange NSW.

She has local artisans dye the yarn and the cherry on top is the naming of each colour after female Australian Painters. How gorgeous is that?!

Of course my keen nose for everything textile must have sensed something more that just yarn;  Mulberry and Flax are a well rounded crafting business also stocking yarn from other local artisans, quality quilting fabrics and run all sorts of workshops from their boutique store in Newcastle NSW such as knitting, sewing crochet and weaving.

So what does Jennifer have to say about her craft?

Q1: What is your craft?

A1: I love to knit. I was a primary school teacher and have always found knitting a great way to relax.

Q2: What is the most unusual thing you have made?

A2: At Uni knitted a Mondrian-style wool tunic, true wearable art! I was also commissioned once to Knit a Superman Pullover but instead of the typical ’S’ for Superman, the client requested MR as he was a massive Mark Richards fan.

Q3: Why is a creative life so important to you?

A3: Being a writer also,  I have always been creative in one way or another; I think it’s part of our genetic makeup.

Q4: What would you tell someone just starting out in your craft?

A4: Being creative is such a fantastic way of expressing yourself… and it’s cheaper than therapy!

After the interview and getting a little off topic, I was explaining what a challenge my 3yo daughter is at the moment. Jennifer laughed and assured me that it gets easier eventually as she has 4 daughters herself. She then showed me this gorgeous quote on the label of some of her stock. So darn true wouldn’t you agree?!

Where to find Mulberry and Flax
If you are in the Newcastle area, Mulberry and Flax have a store open Tuesdays through to Saturdays at Shop 2, 104 Maitland Rd, Islington, NSW 2296. Or visit their online store or social media: Facebook | Instagram | Mulberry & Flax Website

Thank you for sharing your creative journey with us Jennifer.

- Pinky xo

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