Earthquake Recovery

Sadly both craft shops in Christchurch suffered in the 22 February quake. The Purple Patch in Ferry Road and Folk Arts and Crafts in Plymouth Lane CBD are not able to operate at the time of writing this.

These stores were a great outlet for all those handy, hard to source, craft items such as tea cosy, hot water bottle covers and hand knitted baby singlets, matinees, beanie and bootees.

Nanasgiftstore.com has been able to take on a few of the knitters from the Folk Art and Crafts shop in the interim.

Here is the place to now find all the hand knitted baby items which have been sold through the store for the past 36 years.

For customers in the Canterbury area nanasgiftstore.com will bring stock to your home, antenatal group or just a group of friends, so you can view the garments at leisure.

Nanasgiftstore.com are able to take orders for garments not shown on the website or alter colours and patterns for those that are shown on the website.

We are experienced and can turn our hands to most things. Hot water bottle covers may be a necessity in Christchurch this winter. Beanies and mittens for toddlers in 100% wool will be in demand.

Contact the nanas @ admin@nanasgiftstore.com or phone Michele on 338-7979 if you wish to have a home shop.

Our thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery go to all in the Canterbury area.

Stay strong
Nana Shell (aka Michele)

Merino is a special, fine grade of wool that comes from Merino Sheep. It has all the characteristics classic to wool, but what makes Merino wool different is the luxurious softness and comfort provided by the fine diameter Merino fibers.

Unlike traditional wool, Merino wool does not itch and is shrink-treated to hold its size and shape even after repeated washing.

The superfine Merino wool is very soft and not itchy – especially when the thickness of the fiber is less than 19 microns.

New Zealand Merino Wool is particularly exclusive, not only for its super fine quality, but also for the length of the fibre which adds a measure of durability to the product.

Useful facts on New Zealand Merino Wool.

Merino wool fibre is measured in micron. Merino wool fibres range from 13-24 micron which when you compare this with the average piece of human hair which is 60 micron then you realise just how fine Merino wool really is.

Hi,

I’d just like to take the opportunity to welcome Lindsay to our team, she’s helping prepare a series of practical articles that everyone should enjoy, take a look at her bio page here.

My IT helper, aka my son, has said I need to write a blog for the website. Here was me thinking I just needed to put photos on and away we would go. But, no, a blog is needed.

Over the past month I have been trying to come up with a new pattern for a girls beanie. I think I have now cracked it and you will find it on the Nanas website. I think it will suit all age groups so will attempt to knit some in a thicker yarn for older children.

While I was in Auckland last week I was able to try a sample beanie on my daughters friends wee girl Abby. It did look lovely on her and I was also pleased with the wee flower I had knitted to go on the side of the beanie.

I was at my Creative Memories class on Saturday and had taken a couple of beanies to give to a friend who was expecting two grand-daughter to arrive in August. Unfortunately she was not there but another member of the class had her wee 6 month old daughter there with her, so I asked if she would try the smaller beanie. It did look lovely on this wee one so what could I do but say she could have it. I feel the wee flower just finished it off.

Of course now I am thinking how I can incorporate the flower on many other items. Keep watch for larger matinee/cardigans (in 6month category) as I think wee flowers on these items would just finish the garment beautifully.

I will publish the lace edging and flower at some stage.

My husband and I had travelled to Auckland to see the latest Cirque de Soleil. If you have not been to one of these shows we thoroughly recommend you go. This was the third show we had been to and they just keep getting better.