A piece of handmade heaven.

Janine Middlemost doesn't think she could live in the big smoke. Regular visits to her favourite country op shops, regional garage sales and school fetes would be quite a challenge if she made the move to the city. These visits are important because they are the special places where Janine is able to source the gorgeous second-hand vintage fabrics for which her label, Middlemost Designs, has become renowned.

Middlemost Designs is our only stall at Hustle&Scout this weekend that features garments that are made only from second-hand fabrics. Janine's charming label not only features womenswear, but also accessories, jewellery and some stationary. Each piece is handmade by Janine in her home studio and is completely one-of-a-kind. Even when selling large runs of the same piece of jewellery, Janine will hand-make a card to attach the jewellery to using vintage fabrics, buttons or whatever lovely bits she can find to ensure each packaged piece is unique. It is the designers like Janine that help to keep the wheels turning in the sustainable design community. In a world where fast-fashion and mass-production reign, small businesses like Janine's remain the rare gems of the industry.

Check out our interview with Janine, and make sure you go and say hello this Saturday and grab yourself a little piece of handmade heaven.

 

 

What is it about Hustle&Scout that made you want to apply to be a stallholder?

I found Hustle and Scout via Facebook. It looked like an exciting and innovative venture that I wanted to be a part of!

 

Tell us a bit about your label and the inspiration behind your designs.

Middlemost Design products are made using vintage and recycled fabrics and found objects. Each piece is hand made by me in my home studio.

I am inspired primarily by colour and texture, fabric and print.

How does Middlemost Design promote sustainable fashion?

All items in the Middlemost Design collection are made using recycled and vintage fabrics, usually sourced at op shops, garage sales and flea markets.

What challenges have you faced starting your own label, and what are some things you love about it?

Space was a huge challenge for my label until recently, for a few years my family couldn't use our dining room table. I now have a dedicated studio in my home, which has made a huge difference. Also working to deadlines and also making family commitments has been difficult at times.

The benefits of flexible working hours and being your own boss far out way these challenges. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to spend my days creating beautiful things for others to enjoy.

What is your absolute favourite thing you have made? Why?

I made a beautiful shift dress using a gorgeous, vintage, hand embroidered table cloth. I couldn't bring myself to sell it until recently when a dear friend asked if she could buy it as her wedding dress.

What can punters expect to find at the upcoming Autumn market?

Middlemost Design Autumn/Winter 2014 collection has lots of beautiful A-Line skirts in lush velveteen prints, loose over tops in lovely Winter blue florals, bright tunic dresses and soft velvet leggings.

I have made a variety of leather collared neck pieces from discarded leather garments, hand embroidered pins, as well as a carefully curated collection of my fabric and laser cut jewellery.

 

What design projects do you have planned for your label for 2014?

My Spring/Summer collection will include lots of bright florals and geometric prints. Fitted shift dresses in vintage fabrics with a peek of vintage embroidery.