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 six 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,” she said.

“I sewed at high school and have been sewing since. I also love knitting and crocheting clothes as well.

“I started 4Kali six years ago. I make baby clothes and kids clothes, sizes 0000-14, crochet jackets, crochet rugs, dolls clothes, baby toys and lots of bibs.

“I have been a stallholder at Handmade in the Hunter for six years, and I love it. I meet different people every time there is a market, and love seeing the joy they get when they see a design they like.”

While her own children, Matthew, 19, and Kali, 14, 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. I have really bright colours for summer; it makes you feel great.”

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 summer rompers that will keep your baby looking cute and feeling cool as the weather heats up. The markets will be held at Kevin Sobels Wines from 9am to 2pm on January 11, 12 and 18, or visit www.handmadehuntermarkets.com.au for more details.