Ann Packer - Crafty Girls Road Trip: New Zealands Best Craft Places Plus 10 Craft Projects

Sydney University 1988

CRAFTY GIRLS STILL
ITCH TO STITCH

A road trip. Nothing beats the sense of anticipation, piling into the car for a girls weekend away whether youre a Gen X who reads chick-lit in bed, a liberated woman who feels a tad uncomfortable with the girls label, or an 80-something gran whos still a girl at heart and has never had a problem being called one.

Some of us like to start with brand-new, crisp and clean fabric or wool while others prefer to delve into Nanas scrap bag for raw materials for our quilts, embroidery, knitting, crochet and other crafty projects. Whichever approach you take, theres nothing to match the pleasure of doing it yourself. Its the female equivalent of the Kiwi number-eight wire thing you start with basic stuff and turn out something beautiful or useful or both.

Its eight years since we first published this guidebook to places that stock everything you need to satisfy the itch to stitch six since the last edition and we know it works. Weve had great feedback from crafty Kiwis young and old, and tourists too, whove followed in our tracks around New Zealand. Although some old favourites have closed in that time lets face it, the economic climate has not been kind new shops continue to pop up, often on tourist trails. While some crafts have lost out to others beads and scrapbooking have largely replaced bear-making simple sewing projects such as aprons and carry-all bags have become wildly popular. And everyone can make a cushion!

Shabby chic has given way to a more respectful vintage chic; heartening to those of us who love upcycling textiles because of their link to those whove gone before. Weve included in our listings purveyors of antiques, curios, collectables and plain old junk, especially those who keep a basket of linens or a rack of vintage clothes everything from high-class antiques dealers to opportunity shops, which many small towns have tucked at the back of churches or in low-rent streets.

A new generation of sewers and other crafters is coming through, looking for inspiration, fabric and skills and there are shops old and new delighted to pass on their knowledge along with exciting new products. Its easier than ever to make your own bag, skirt, baby clothes or even curtains.

Theres a new breed of wool shops emerging as younger knitters take up needles. Those whove tried to buy wool overseas will agree our merino yarn is among the worlds best check the label to see where that exotic wool really comes from! We have such a cornucopia of locally spun, hand-dyed yarns to choose from we are spoiled for choice.

Again, weve included places where you can choose something handmade by other crafty people to take home as a souvenir, and since shopping needs energy, weve suggested places for wake-up morning coffees or tea breaks plus the occasional place to eat out in the evenings. We love shops that offer partners a couch to read on, and a cuppa to go with it.

And where weve tried them personally, weve recommended places to stay the night, sometimes with quilts as part of the dcor. Those whove been kind enough to host me are acknowledged on page 272.

Technology has changed hugely since I started out on my road trips. Nothing beats a real map but most phones now will have a map app to help get you from wherever youre stranded to the shop you desperately want to reach. Weve tried to list opening hours where they differ from the normal working week plus Saturday mornings but ringing ahead can save a lot of distress: even the best retailers sometimes have to close their doors for family or staffing reasons. Most, however, will stay open if they know youre coming though remember, some areas have poor cellphone reception. If youre the organised type, there are also websites; theyre listed where available.

A warning: not all craftspeople have EFTPOS or credit card facilities, so try to take a cheque book or some cash. If you miss something you wish youd bought, most places will mail it later if you request it.

Ever since I researched Stitch: Contemporary New Zealand Textile Artists, and revised Crafty Girls Road Trip the first time, the wonderful people at Ace Rentals have loaned me a car when I need to travel for research purposes including some quite long trips. Im indeed grateful for their continuing sponsorship.

If you disagree with any of our listings, or have other comments to make, wed love to hear from you at craftygirl@xtra.co.nz

Ann Packer

If youre looking for a cheap rental car there are heaps of places down near the Auckland waterfront. I use Ace which topped Consumer magazines survey a few years ago and happens to be the countrys largest independent rental firm and I have been pleased with the service Ive received over several years. In fact, when I approached them about a car for researching Stitch: Contemporary New Zealand Textile Artists, they offered to become a sponsor. I now plan my trips around their locations, which are situated with tourists in mind but are equally useful for Kiwis.

Just south of Warkworth is the impressive Warkworth and District Museum, at Parry Kauri Park on Tudor Collins Dr. Maintained mostly by devoted volunteers, it has a substantial collection of pioneer artefacts. Theres plenty for kids, including an old jail and an enormous kaurilog on a traction engine. The textile collection is one of the best in the country bathing suits, furs, even a maternity dress from 1830 and well described on the museums website. Clothing from Jane Austens time to the flapper era is carefully conserved by Jenni McGlashen and her team, with a changing feast on general display and the rest stored under calico wraps (viewing by appointment). You can also take a very pleasant walk around the mature kauri grove in under half an hour. (09) 422 2405, www.wwmuseum.orconhosting.net.nz

Almost next door, at 7 Thompson Rd, is a stylish and comfortable studio bed-and-breakfast run by textile enthusiast Berris Spicer and her husband Alan. Included in the very reasonable tariff is everything for breakfast plus home baking, nibbles, juice and all the things you might need on a weekend away. The kitchen area also allows for self-catering if you prefer. Berris, who works as a volunteer at the local information office, knows her territory in detail and can give you all the local guidance you need. Wheelchair accessible. (09) 422 2685, www.ribbonwoodwarkworth.co.nz