Kate McLean’s children were her inspiration for clothing label Whale Spout.
“I wanted to create unique and beautiful handmade clothes and accessories that were unlike those available through commercial brands,” the Ocean Grove mum says.
“I recognised a need for age-appropriate children’s clothing and accessories that encourage and allow kids to dress as kids, and not to dress as mini-adults.
Kate says her latest range is for girls aged to six.
Bright and colourful, it includes dresses, skirts, shorts, play suits, harem pants, baby rompers, nappy covers, baby wraps and head wraps.
“They’re perfect for lunch with the grandparents or for playing in the sandpit,” Kate says.
“Importantly for mum, they’re all 100 per cent cotton and easy to wash and care for.”
Kate says an ethically-assembled team of tailors in Vietnam make her products
“These ladies work in the comfort of their own homes,” she explains.
“They’re happy and healthy women who enjoy sewing and are paid fairly for their work. They’re also incredibly talented seamstresses and it is fascinating watching them work.”
In November Kate joined forces with LB Couture Dressmaker’s Lainie Brookman to create accessories for Whale Spout.
“We have an amazing collection of hair accessories, jewellery and bags perfect for girls and ideal for Christmas. Lainie and I have five daughters between us, so we’ve made sure to seek their approval on every item.”
