othing marks the beginning of spring better than the hatching of a few new ideas. Craft Victoria’s quarterly craft and design market – aptly titled Craft Hatch – is back again this weekend to usher in the change of season with a bevy of handmade products.

Now in its fourth year, Craft Hatch has always been an intimate affair. “It started off as just a small collection of 10 designers exhibiting work each month,” explains Craft Victoria’s Project Coordinator Kim Brockett. “Then in August 2011 we changed to a market format, running quarterly, but still keeping numbers small at just 30 stallholders.”

Despite its market framework, Craft Hatch is a carefully curated event. “Each of the 30 designers are selected from a list of applicants almost double that amount, chosen to represent different types of mediums and ideas,” says Brockett. “We do this to ensure that each Craft Hatch is different, so you will never see the same collection twice.” As the name suggests, the event is most importantly about new beginnings. “We encourage a lot of new designers, particularly people who have never done a market before – it’s all about keeping it fresh and uncovering the next big thing.”

As a veritable springboard for students and emerging designers, Craft Hatch has seen its fair share of success stories, with the likes of Emily Green and Harvest Textiles having cut their teeth at the grass roots event. “It’s really exciting to see past stallholders go onto bigger markets and sometimes have their work in the (Craft Victoria) shop,” adds Brockett.

This weekend’s market will see a range of never-before-seen collections, including porcelain necklaces by And O Design, woven baskets by Vicki Penguin, felt collars by Every, coin purses by Mittoo and ceramic teapots by Shiko, just to name a few. Such a sprightly mix of traditional handcrafts and eye-popping hues is one sure fire way to give winter the flick.

The Craft Hatch Market will be held on Saturday September 1, 11am–4pm, at 1000 £ Bend, 361 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

craftvic.org.au