3 minute read
Perfect Pieces for Bubs and Kids
Katherine Cheetham has been sewing since she was a girl. Now a new generation of girls and boys – from babies to teens – are wearing her handiwork thanks to her flourishing part-time business, 4Kali.
The Thornton mother-of-two has been creating clothes for her range and selling them at the Handmade in the Hunter Markets for the past fourteen years.
She pursues her hobby in her spare time, when not working part-time in the cosmetics section at Big W and says she gets so much enjoyment out of both making each item and seeing the reactions from customers who fall in love with her creations.
"I have always been interested in sewing. My mum was a great sewer herself and got me started while I was in high school. I also love knitting and crocheting clothes," said Katherine.
"I have been a stallholder at Handmade in the Hunter since I started 4Kali, and I love it. I meet different people every time there is a market, and I love seeing the joy they get when they see a design they like."
While her own children, Matthew, 27, and Kali, 21, may be too old to wear her designs, Katherine's daughter will always maintain a link to her mother's clothing line, lending not only her name but her opinions to the creative process.
"I named the business after my daughter Kali since she helps pick designs and fabrics," Katherine said.
"The fabric inspires me. When I see a particular piece of fabric, I know exactly what I'm going to make out of it, and if I love a piece of fabric, I will wait until I find the perfect pattern for it.
"I love all the baby rompers; they are so tiny and cute. The prints I have coming up in our Winter collection are gorgeous – the overalls with the Kookaburra are a big fave."
Don't forget to stop by this month's Handmade in the Hunter Markets to check out all of Katherine's designs, including her gorgeous range of winter rompers that will keep your baby looking cute and warm as the weather cools down. The markets will be held at Kevin Sobels Wines from 9am to 2pm on 17 and 24 June + 1, 8 and 15 July, or visit www.handmadehuntermarkets.com.au for more details.
