Craft Love

Recently I caught up with an Aunty from long ago and we crafted and chatted together. It was well overdue and so lovely to discover mutual love for craft. After she returned to Aussie, she emailed me. I have asked her permission to share her story because it moved me so much. I am so proud of you Aunty Linda xx And so pleased that craft had a part in changing your life xx 

I have since started a Meet Up group Sewing Just Got Sewcial

Mum, Me & Aunty Linda + mucho crochet!

My sister was concerned that I was getting “too comfortable” at home and not getting out and about with other people, and she suggested I join a group.  But what could I join?  I wasn’t really interested in anything - couldn’t be bothered going to the gym.

I had had several years suffering in the depths of Depression and after realising I was not “right”, went to the Doctor and am on medication.  That was several years ago and I am coping much better now, but still I sometimes feel that to get out and about it’s all just “too hard”, “too scary”.

I had taken up knitting and crochet again after many years and my sister mentioned that in her city they have a “Knit & Natter” group that meets at a café, so I Googled and found “Meetup” groups … and joined one.  That was a Friday afternoon and soon after, I “RSVP’d” to attend the next day.  Then … I had a hot flush and my heart was pounding … ”Where do I go”,  “where do I  park”,  “where will I go when I get there” (it is in a Pub in an unfamiliar suburb).  But … I went along. 

I decided to use the same skills that the psychologist talked to me about for travelling - If I didn’t know where to go, I would ask someone.  And the lady I had spoken on the Friday had rung the “Host” and she was there early to look out for me.

There were just five of us and we just sat around talking and knitting.  Very pleasant.  I ‘shouted’ myself a glass of bubbly (I told them) “to celebrate my big adventure driving to the other side of town” but really … it was because “I DID IT!!!”  And my darling Partner had a bottle of bubbly in the fridge for when I got home - he knew it was a “big” thing for me.  Isn’t he wonderful!

And the second week … for the first that I can remember … I actually looked fwd to going again - rather than just being anxious about it.  A big first for me.  That week one of the ladies brought a copy of a hat pattern for me, and two hats to show us the design, so that was lovely.  If she hadn’t thought I was nice, she wouldn’t have bothered!

I am getting back to doing things with less stress so that is a big step fwd.  A few years ago I wouldn’t have done something new like that, where I didn’t know anyone, and now I’m soooooo pleased I did. 

To anyone out there who is feeling alone or thinking “I don’t know anyone”, take the first step and you might be very pleasantly surprised.  Knitting, crocheting, sewing and crafting with like-minded people is really enjoyable and we learn a bit from each other.

Special Guest Tutor: Penny from Dresses and Me

Hi, I'm Penny and I am looking forward to teaching and sharing my love of sewing & patterns in the Sew Love lounge. I've been sewing 'seriously' for about three years but originally taught myself when I was a teenager using my grandmother's Elna Grasshopper which is built like a tank, weighs about the same and is khaki as you'd expect! Recently I've sewn some very wearable merino tops, however, what I enjoy making the most are pretty and deeply unpractical dresses. I also run NZ's only indie pattern boutique Dresses & Me. 

She smiled sweetly and stepped up and covered the shop for me spontaneously on Saturday, and she baked home made bread for our meeting last week. This gal is seriously a real gem!  We are so stoked to extend our family of guest tutors to include the the wonderful wonderful Penny from Dresses and Me blog which is more than just a blog, but is NZ's only indie pattern boutique! Yes Penny knows patterns well. She has chosen TWO snazzy ones for us all from indie pattern company Colette Patterns the Ginger skirt and the Laurel (top/dress). These TWO classes are perfect for those wanting to sew a garment, perhaps for the very first time.  

3 x Tuesdays each $130

Ginger starting NEXT WEEK 8th July. 

& Laurel starting 29th July.

As Colette themselves describe it: Laurel - Chic and simple shift dress or top with bias tape finishing. The semi loose shape is easy to wear, while back darts keep the look streamlined. This gives you more free reign with fabrics and prints. Here's all the Laurels on Pinterest, you can see its a top AND a dress pattern.

& check out a whole lot of Gingers already made up on Pinterest too. Colette describe there Ginger Skirt pattern as. This simple and pretty a-line skirt with a high waistband (which comes in different curved shape options) will be a new wardrobe staple. Quick to sew, flattering to wear, this beautiful skirt is suitable for any sewer beginner to advanced.

Get in touch to secure your spot. Spaces are limited.

Special Guest Tutor: Emily Cater from Millicent Crow

Millicent Crow is her blog and crafty name...and here's the wonderful Emily and her partner Sam, looking stupendously spiffy and fantastic at the recent Auckland Art & Craft Fair in Aotea Square. I grabbed this picture (with permission) from Em's facebook page. I think its such a beautiful display of the wonderous talents of this girl. & here below is the rad duo singing some folky tunes at the Sew Love opening eve. They have just launched their facebook page for Mermaid & Mariner.

I feel ever so lucky, and the creative community too are lucky to have Emily sharing the love and teaching a couple of workshops coming up over the next few weeks. Some of you may have met her as part of our Sew Some Love team and Splore this year...

 Hi I'm Emily and I like to draw. In the corner of my bedroom, Millicent Crow HQ, I turn my drawings into gocco prints, screenprints, cards, bunting, pouches, stamps and badges, which I sell through my business Millicent Crow.  I get a lot of my inspiration from the past and love finding photographs of people’s ancestors abandoned in op shops – I often use these photos as starting points for my drawings.  Finding new uses for old materials is important to me and you might find an old blanket being given a new life as a backing for one of my brooches, or one of my pouches lined with a vintage sheet.

Stamp Carving Workshop Thursday 3rd July 6-8pm $45

Zipper Purse Workshop Thursday 10th July 6-8pm $45

Or book the two in combo for $80 and use your stamp to print your own fabric for your zipper purse.

Introducing our lovely new team member: Rosie!

Need I say I'm going bananas over our rad new team member Rosie! I am really pleased and excited to have Rosie join the Sew Love team. BIG big thanks to the incredible Artists Alliance programme for this opportunity. Rosie is a friendly, well travelled creative lass with a plethora of schmancy sewing skills to share with you all, a crafty eco warrior at heart, and genuine good soul I really am so blessed to have her working in the Sew Love lounge and also hosting some workshops too. Here's a little from Rosie bananas Coker herself:

Hello ello! I am Rosie and I’m super excited to join Sarah at Sew Love.

 I caught the sewing bug early. I can vividly remember sitting perched on our spare bed, covered in colourful off-cuts watching my Grandmother and Mother work together sewing and altering clothes. My presence didn't go unnoticed, and as I grew too big to be hidden under the fabric I was put to work, learning skills from them both. They encouraged me to make my own clothes, adapt existing patterns, rework op-shop finds and to take my love for sewing to University. Which I did!  I can’t wait to meet you all and start creating some great up-cycled garments together.

Youth Crafternoons

Every TUESDAY & THURSDAY from 3.30-4.30pm

We are hosting Youth Crafternoons for kids 10years an older. 

$35 includes tutorial & materials

We will have a prepared colourful little craft project that your young one can sink their hands into and enjoy being creative, learning some great hand sewing and crafty DIY skills. Tools, equipment and materials are provided and a friendly fun tutor will be your host. 

Although we are a space that welcomes drop-ins, for Youth Crafternoons we appreciate you letting us know a day in advance if you are coming along to join in the fun. Parents are very welcome to stay and craft alongside too or take some time out at Alleluya the gorgeous cafe on our doorstep.

Sew Love Workshop Schedule

Yes it's finally landed to the interweb... Our first batch of creative classes has arrived!! We have special guest tutors, re-making, specific projects, and technical classes to get you loving to sew, craft, DIY & so much more. Get in touch to book your spot quick & If you can't see something that you're uber keen to learn? There might be others in the same boat so let us know and we can do our best to schedule it for you.

For a breakdown of class details see our Workshops & Classes page

Sarah Sew Love's top picks for beginners:
Other than ye ol faithful Sew From Scratch series which is booking out fast, I recommend the Cushion, Zipped purse or  Cardi re-make class, and if you have sewn before and want to make your first garment the Simple Skirt is totally the way to go. It is just such a rad feeling walking down the street wearing something self made. I really want to share that joy and spark with you all. In saying that, Im pretty bias, I would love to get amongst each and every single class! I shall certainly see you at the knitting one that's for sure.

& some for the boys...
Sewing is not just for the girls, try the re-make work shirt to mix up your working day attire a little, pop some elbow patches on a jacket in the applique class with Rosie, re-make a beanie if you're hipstery inclined, cushions, stamp carving, zipped purses are handy round the home too. Options! Options!

Sewing can be pretty MACHO!

Today in the sewing lounge it was a week since opening and it felt amazing to have nearly a full house.   Repairs, alterations, hemming and a newbee sewer starting her first ever clothing item. AND It was so great to have Mr Macho Man Jos sewing up a storm in the front window - such a delight to passer by's and what a hero sewing up burlesque costumes for his lady Miss La Vida! To top the day off we are so so lucky to have the wonderful Alleluya Cafe right on the doorstep so theres always coffee, tea and cake for everyone to enjoy while you're crafting. Happy. Days. Indeed. xx