‘Aint no party like yo Nana’s craft party’

By Rebecca Hardie - a not so 'closet' crafter

My name’s Rebecca and I’m a craft-a-holic. It’s true, I’m torn between writing this blog and making a cross stitched poppy for my friend who had a baby girl yesterday and named her Poppy. This is on top of the crocheted blanket, beanee, possum fur booties, lavender balls and the screen printed customised onsey I made her,  as well as organised a craft party for her baby shower - all the ladies stitched a square to represent a story or nursery rhyme – I stitched it into a book both Mum & Poppy can share.

Craft is a good addiction – our Nana’s did it!  I’ve heard that crochet uses a side of my brain that will keep me from losing my mind – I forget what side does what. I suspect I will reach ‘crazy crochet lady’ status one day.

I’m surrounded by crafty people, the story goes: my twin sister shares my crochet obsession, our Dad taught us and Grandma taught him, we’ve been hooked ever since!  Not long after moving to Pukerua Bay there was an article about me in the Dominion Post ‘Your Weekend’ section.  I think the idea of the story was that a public servant has a hobby to craft – breaking news, should’ve made the front page!  I was the new kid on the block and the locals are reading about someone who lives in their neighbourhood and crochets.


Since having my passion exposed I’ve met very crafty neighbours who also knit or crochet beanees, blankets, booties, dresses, scarves and I’ve spied on many woollen projects on the train. I have also heard stories of other crafty people I’m yet to meet (can’t wait). Jane and Ange of WorksWonders have attended my craft parties and through their Kickstart Workshop, and the overflow of neighbours wanting to get down and crafty, my Craft Parties will grow.

Recently I heard everyone has three ideas in their lifetime that if followed through, it will make them rich.  And so my venture continues, with a kick up the bum from Kickstart, I’ve started my journey to become enriched with more crafts and I hope someday/somehow I’ll work out how to make a little bit of money from it.

A little plug about how Kickstart helped me: I’ve set goals, I pointed out barriers and accept them and I gave myself permission to move forward with this. There was a bunch of inspiring woman who attended Kickstart with their million dollar ideas too, I’ll admit I had “I wish I thought of that first” moments – so awe-inspiring!

So the getting down and crafty part?  I host Craft Parties. So far these have been at my place with friends, family and neighbours. The last ‘aint no party like yo Nana’s craft party’ I offered four activities:

• Make a new scarf from an old tee shirt
• Design a sailor themed tee-shirt
• Paint a tea cup and saucer
• Craft a personalised stamp

Imagine 18 women let loose on a Friday night with craft knives, glue guns and permanent paint matched with coffee/wine, nibbles and hot soup! Bliss! My next steps are hosting a craft party at my friend’s work as a social club activity (also a bunch of public servants) and Clairey down the road has spread the word among her mummy mates and I’m going to host a party for them.

There is also word of me teaming up with a friend at the Sustainability Trust to host a session – which ticks another box why I do this.  No offence China & Taiwan but products “Kiwi (hand) made” are cooler.  There is the social aspect while pouring your love into them, it’s not slave labour and through each craft I encourage to reuse or up-cycle materials. If you gifted a quality craft to someone you have spent your heart making it they will love it!

Easy and fun right?  I’m nervous in my journey to planning the real thing which is hosting a community Craft Party in Pukerua Bay. I manage events as my day job yet a local and social event off my own bat spooks me. Will you join me?

If you’ve been inspired by Rebecca’s blog check out her website.