Date at the Distillery District

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Yesterday evening, my indulgent boyfriend and I headed down to Toronto's Distillery District for the Artisans at the Distillery craft show. Once the largest distillery in the world, this area is now "Canada's largest pedestrian-only precinct for arts, culture and entertainment," according to their website's fact sheet (I can't resist reading historical backgrounds. The indulgent boyfriend knows this. He stands patiently while I read every sign and plaque we pass downtown).

 This photo is the property of the Distillery Historical District website. Imagine that space, and others like it, full of white tents, musicians, people and wares. The paradox of being a starving artist is that you can't afford to buy any of the work you want to support, but it was a treat just to look. Jewelery, recycled furniture, clothing, food... and a happy, wholesome atmosphere hovering over it all.

Best of all, there was a booth by Honeybea Designhive. I wish I were young enough to say that I want to be this designer when I grow up. I guess I'll have to settle for wanting to be her when I mature artistically. All of her bags and clothing items are made from reused textiles, and they are simultaneously earthy, edgy and gorgeous.

 
I can't find any pictures online of the adorable tops made from bed skirts that she was selling at the distillery, but I'm hoping they appear soon on her website, Facebook page or Etsy shop. I have a bed skirt-dress in the works, and she and I chatted briefly about the wonderful possibilities of those particular items. The lacy ones seem to be out of style in the bedding world right now, but for thrifty seamstress they are like gold.

All this talk of designing makes my fingers itch to pick up a needle. I think it's time to go see if I can measure up to my new hero.