Annie’s Apples: Celebrating Australian Made Week with a Nostalgic Nod to Our Heritage

There’s something special about the feeling of home.

The warmth of the kitchen, shared moments around the table, and the joy that comes from thoughtful design made to brighten everyday life. 

This Australian Made Week, Annabel Trends is proud to celebrate our heritage with the release of Annie’s Apples — a fresh take on a classic print inspired by the woman who started it all. 

A Print Inspired by Annie 

Annie’s Apples is more than just a pattern - it’s a celebration of creativity, colour, and the joyful spirit that has shaped Annabel Trends since 1966. 

Featuring a playful gingham-style base layered with crisp green apples, the print blends nostalgic charm with a modern twist. Inspired by founder Annie and the bold optimism of the 1960s, it captures the timeless appeal of feel-good design while reimagining it for today’s homes and gifting moments. 

Bright, cheerful, and unmistakably Australian-designed, Annie’s Apples reflects everything we love about thoughtful gifting and products that bring happiness to everyday moments. 

Where Annie’s Apples Began… 

The story of Annie’s Apples begins with Annie herself. 

In 1966, Annie began making handmade toys for the Brookville Kindergarten fete, sewing beautiful dressed rag dolls that quickly caught attention for their warmth, creativity, and charm. Early sales soon followed through beloved Melbourne stores including Humpty Dumpty Toy Shop in South Yarra and Matchbox in Armadale. 

What started as a creative passion soon evolved into something much bigger. 

By 1967, Annie expanded into kitchen napery and began supplying iconic retailers such as Georges Home Store. At a time when interiors were often safe and neutral, Annie introduced Australia to bold clash-colour prints — vibrant oranges, playful pinks, and joyful patterns that encouraged people to embrace colour in their homes. 

By 1969, Annie’s growing business was featured in The Sun newspaper under the headline “The apple of Ann’s eye”, celebrating her now-signature apple motif and colourful kitchen accessory range. 

As Annie shared in the feature: 

“A new look was needed, and I chose the apple because it was the easiest and quickest shape to applique.” 

Her fearless approach to design became part of the DNA of Annabel Trends — a brand built on creativity, optimism, and products designed to make people smile. 

Proudly Australian Made 

As we celebrate Australian Made Week, Annie’s Apples is also a proud reflection of our ongoing commitment to Australian-designed and Australian Made products. 

Many of our fabric ranges continue to be designed and sewn locally in our Burleigh Heads sewing room, carrying forward the same spirit of craftsmanship and creativity that Annie began almost 60 years ago. 

In a world of fast trends and mass production, Australian Made represents something meaningful: 

For us, it’s about honouring where we came from while continuing to create joyful products for modern Australian homes. 

Designed to Bring Happiness 

Nearly 60 years on, Annie’s legacy still inspires everything we do. 

Annie’s Apples is a reminder that great design should feel uplifting, personal, and full of life — whether it’s a thoughtful gift, a kitchen table moment, or a simple detail that makes someone smile. 

This Australian Made Week, we’re proud to celebrate the story behind the print, the woman behind the brand, and the colourful journey that continues today. 

Because at Annabel Trends, we’re still unwrapping happiness — one gift at a time ✨