Craft is the new black if demand for hand-made goods in the west is anything to go by. As DINAH ARNDT discovered, it seems the community can't buy enough of its own creative products.
WHEN Morgan Wills set out to start the first craft market in the western suburbs six years ago she couldn't have predicted how popular the concept would become.
The Seddon resident frequented such markets on the other side of town and enjoyed crafting her own goods. She thought it would be nice to be able to display such wares in the western suburbs and knew a lot of artistic types who felt the same.
With help from other volunteers in the community, Ms Wills got the Maribyrnong Makers Market off the ground last year.
The not-for-profit event has been held four times a year since then and its popularity has led to demand from stallholders far outstripping supply.
"The feedback I get [from stallholders] is just how much they appreciate that community feeling. They know it's run by volunteers and for that reason it's become really special.
"I never anticipated how many applications we would get and it's always hard to say no."
Plans are in place to hold an extra two markets next year. But it appears that just isn't soon enough for shoppers who are going mad for hand-made blankets, home-made jewellery, inventive accessories and other such artistic goods.
In the past 12 months, two new markets have begun: the Yarraville Markets and Newport's Substation Artists Market.
Yarraville organiser Lou Pennisi says the event attracts more and more customers each month.
"But the thing that has overwhelmed us is the number of artists applying each month.
"We are receiving so many applications every month that we've decided to run the market over a full weekend."
If the trial is successful they will continue the weekend hours next year.
Similar success is being experienced at the Substation.
Organising committee chairwoman Teff Righetti said their crowd numbers had more than doubled, from 700 at the first monthly market in May to up to 2000 at the most recent, earlier this
month.
She said the region had obviously been crying out for such crafty events.
"I think it's massive and it's really been untapped to date.
"People are absolutely gobsmacked at the talent that is at their doorstep."
The trend appears to be driven by stay-at-home mothers.
Yarraville's Dana Leviston unknowingly began her label Twiglet when she started making clothes for her two children, who are aged under four. Friends wanted them, and then retailers did. But she prefers to sell her clothing at markets.
"I thought it was a really alternative thing to do and the things that I made were a really small part of the marketplace...but it's turned out it's been a bit of a revolution. The whole craft scene has grown out of control."
Alongside markets, stores like Sedonia in Seddon and Mandrake and Willow in Yarraville have opened - the latter this month.
Sedonia co-owner Nicola McGaan said response to the shop's hand-made goods had been positive. "I think people are more aware of the limitations of mass production and so they seek out individual pieces."
The only question is, will it last?
Ms Wills is pleased the trend has taken off, but wonders how long the western suburbs can sustain so much hand-crafted goods.
"Craft markets are almost getting out of control as it seems that every week there's a new one...you wonder how sustainable it can be, but maybe it is."
TO MARKET, TO MARKET
Maribyrnong Makers Market:
What: Not-for-profit craft market run by a community volunteer group displaying hand-made products from artists and craft people who live in the City of Maribyrnong.
When: Four times a year at Seddon Uniting Church hall, corner of Gamon and MacKay streets. The next is November 14, 10am-3pm. Details: www.maribyrnongmakersmarket.com.a u
The Substation Artist's Market:
What: A themed indoor market, it has entertainment and showcases the work of more than 40 local artists. This month the theme is 'industrial' with steam train displays, tap dancing and demonstration of the railyard-inspired sport trugo.
When: The first Saturday of each month at the Substation, 1 Market Street, Newport. The next is on Saturday, 10am-4pm. Details: www.thesubstation.org.au/events/a rtistsmarket.xhtml
Yarravill e Markets: What: It is in the village. It is sweet. It is quaint. It is friendly. It is full of Melbourne artists and designers whose products are all handmade, and gorgeous.
When: The first weekend of each month at Masonic Hall in Yarraville (except October and November when it's on the second weekend). The next is on October 10-11, 10am-4pm. Details: www.yarravillemarkets.blogspot.co m
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