Creative of the Month: Marjorie Trundle

Tell us a little about yourself...

Hi, I'm Marjorie! I love to sew, embroider, knit, bake and spend time with my family.

I grew up in the South Island of New Zealand but in 1979 met a lovely Queensland boy, whom I married in 1980.

I have two wonderful children and two beautiful granddaughters.

I grew up in a very creative family where making something was simply the norm.

Dad loved woodworking and model aeroplane making, while Mum was the original Martha Stewart!

She passed down her love of knitting, sewing, embroidery and baking to me — although her passion for gardening somehow passed me by! 😄

Where do you find your creative inspiration?

Living in Brisbane, inspiration is everywhere! We have wonderful art galleries and museums at Southbank, and weekend art and craft markets scattered across the city.

My favourite places are the fabric shops — and Brisbane has some excellent ones, from high-end boutiques to repurposing fabric shops.

There really is something for every budget.

Tell us about the creative events in your city…

Every August, Brisbane hosts the Ekka — the Agricultural Show that brings the country to the city.

One of the highlights is the Wool Parade, showcasing Queensland designers using wool textiles. 

It's always a sell-out!

Following in September is Brisbane Fashion Week, part of the wider Brisbane Festival, highlighting premier fashion houses alongside up-and-coming students from the city's fashion schools.

What do you love to make most?

Sewing my own clothes is what I enjoy most. I've been sewing for myself since I was about 12 and have never stopped!

Patchwork and quilting have had their season in my life — and I loved that too — but how many quilts does one need? 😄

Bag making and embroidery are also firm favourites, but knitting has become my second most loved craft, especially since the early days of Covid when I found it wonderfully calming as the world navigated such uncertain times.

You love to bake too — tell us more! Do you have a favourite recipe to share?

Baking cakes, slices and biscuits is absolutely the best part of cooking! My favourite recipe right now is Nutella Crinkle Cookies — my granddaughters are always requesting them!

🍪 Nutella Crinkle Cookies 🍪

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Nutella
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup flour
  
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
  
• ¼ tsp salt
  
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• ½ cup icing sugar (for rolling)
  
  Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C
2. Mix Nutella and eggs together until smooth
   In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt and baking powder
3. Gradually add the flour mixture to the Nutella mixture, combining well
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30–40 minutes
5. Roll teaspoonfuls of mixture into balls, then roll in icing sugar.
6. Place on lined baking trays and gently press each ball with the back of a teaspoon
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes the allow to cool before eating (if you can wait!) 😄

Tell us about your favourite sewing patterns…

My current favourite is the Lena Woven Dress by StyleArc @stylearc — it's easy to make and perfect for Brisbane's hot, humid weather.

But my other favourite pattern is always the one I've just finished!

Right now that's the Garden Dress by Frux Studio @fruxstudio — a challenging make with 72 pleats, but one of my proudest ever sewing achievements. 🌸

What creative projects are you currently working on?What's on your sewing table right now

I'm currently working on a pants and top co-ord set in a beautiful chambray cotton.

For the pants I'm using Tessuti's Jensen Pants pattern, and for the top I've extended the bodice on StyleArc's Montana Dress pattern using the sleeveless bodice from the extension pack.

I can't wait to see it all come together!

Dive into the vibrant world of Marjorie Trundle on Instagram: @marjoriesews