As the winter solstice approaches, Spence is hunkering down in a cave made of fabrics, buttons, stuffing, wool, felt and all manner of creative media.

Probably the trickiest thing about running a business in a seaside tourist town is that nearly all of our trade occurs during the summer months (when, truthfully, some of us wish we were clad in our vintage style bikini's reading Terry Pratchett beneath a polka dot umbrella). In winter, when being inside, stitching and knitting by the fire is such a delightful idea, most of our customers are doing the same- albeit a long way from Port Campbell.

Luckily, this hibernation period means that we have time to plot and create exciting new products that you're guaranteed to want- as soon as you clap eyes on them.

Out of interest, what items would you like to see us apply our unique twist to?

Would you be tempted to brave the wild winds and rough seas if we offered winter workshops with amazing food and accommodation included?  What skills would you like us to share?

We wouldn't be the first to host creative retreats in these parts. Gum Valley Patchwork and Elm Grove Patchwork are just down the road and host a number of classes throughout the year. We thoroughly recommend them.

Our online store remains open- we're gradually uploading as much of our stock as we can but please bare in mind that we are far better at being artists and designers than being businessy people (we're getting there) so if you've seen something in our shop that you can't find online, please let us know and we'll do our utmost to help you out.

See you when the sun's out x

The May Racing carnival is about to happen, people! Spence is here to help you win fashions on the field...

Before Spence Australia really kicked off, Spence spent 15 years creating extraordinary hats and headpieces for Victoria's millinery lovers. Model millinery refers to a person who creates one off pieces from scratch (rather than buying hundreds of pre-blocked hats from China and sticking flowers onto them).

After 15 years of pushing drawing pins into solid blocks of wood and breathing in the fumes of stiffening potion, Spence's thumbs and lungs (and poor modelling children) needed a little rest. Which is lucky really, otherwise Spence Australia would probably still be a box of half stitched humpties in a farm shed somewhere. 

It seems that the rest has done wonders for Spence and her creative hat juices- she's all inspired to,not only deck you out for the Warrnambool May Races, Susan Younis Millinery may just set up shop in the Spence Australia HQ... And even step in as your sartorial saviour for the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Hooray!

Drop into Armadio, Warrnambool and try on the Susan Younis Millinery Ready to wear range, or contact us via any social channel.

This Easter, Spence will be holding kids Art and Crafting activities by the sea. You can learn how to make fancy bubble wands, Contemporary Easter bonnets, journals and much more!

Drop into 32 Cairns St. Port Campbell to book in or e-mail us at spenceaustralia at gmail.com.