Based in Rotorua, Joy is a keen knitter whose hobby led to the creation of RolledOats: “My background is in IT Support and I spent five years working in London. In 2007 I returned to New Zealand to take care of my Mum who has cancer. Spending more time at home meant I rediscovered knitting. I started with scarves and moved on to hats, cowls,  shrugs and vests. I mostly made things to give away and then started RolledOats. I find knitting relaxing and creative and I love that you can take it anywhere. It’s a great conversation starter.”

What do you make? I knit hats, cowls and scarves

Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I love the circular knitting needle, it’s fantastic. You can knit a hat without a seam so that there’s really no wrong side. I like bamboo needles or plastic; metal needles are a killer. Occasionally I knit with acrylic or wool blends but mostly I like 100% pure New Zealand wool.

When making an item I usually get my core colours and just start knitting. Most of the time I don’t plan exactly how it’s going to look and this seems to work. I like varying colours and surprising myself with the outcome.

What inspires you?
Interesting colour combinations, knitting to order (the challenge of turning a description into reality), my brother who is always full of good opinions (and models for me) and seeing someone wearing my work.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I very much like the idea of handmade, buying NZ made, and supporting local talent. I’m inspired by the old days when people made their own cushions and turned old clothes into quilts. Handmade items have a uniqueness, not only because they’re not mass produced but also because they’re made with love, care and consideration.

My personal philosophy is to do what I enjoy, and at the moment I’m loving what I do.

Describe your workspace:
I don’t consider this work, it’s fun! I can knit just about anywhere. Sometimes I do a bit of designing at my desk. It would be nice to keep things organised and tidy but in reality the wool often overruns my desk threatening to take over. Every now and then I have a total tidy-up and vow to keep it that way.

Your favourite movie? Stranger than Fiction

Your favourite childhood book? The Giant Jam Sandwich – it is such an ingenius idea..

What are you reading now? And Still We Rise – Miles Corwin

Your hero/heroine: My Mum, I always show her my latest project and she always loves it..

A favourite quote: “God is love.” 1 John 4:16

If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? A red one

Visit Joy’s Felt shop, RolledOats, to see more of her cosy creations.

1 Geeky George Brooch by Bad Animals | 2 Kiwiana Tea Towel Cushion Cover by Jenstar
3 Hand Crafted Chopping Board/Platter by Lightforms | 4 Retro Up-cycled Tiger Wallet by Blossom1 | 5 Blokes Grey Hat by Rolled Oats | 6 Laptop Satchel by Bean Bags | 7 Vintage
NZ Map Luggage Tag by The Paper Leaf | 8 Men’s T-Shirt with Retro Style Patch by Eodpress
9 Pirates Album by Penny Royal

Check out more gift ideas for Dad here

At 10am on Sunday 30 August a new craft market will open for business in Selwyn, Christchurch. Organised by Vicky, Emma and Alison (above), the Rolleston Craft Market will be held at the Rolleston Community Centre on the last Sunday of every month.

There are over 20 stalls confirmed for the opening market, as well as a fundraising effort from Rolleston School. (A stall will be made available at each market for local non-profit organisations to assist in their fundraising efforts.) You can expect to see jewellery, organic cosmetics, children’s toys and clothing, fancy dress, art, dolls, cards, clothing, lavender products, shrubs, produce, cheese, honey and much more.

Remember to take cash, as there’s no Eftpos available onsite, and mark future dates for the market in your diary now: 27 September, 25 October and 29 November. Stay tuned for details of the pre-Christmas market, to be held mid-December.

Birkenhead Artisan Market kicks off at 9am tomorrow with a wide range of artisan and organic foodstuffs from New Zealand producers as well as handcrafted homewares, art, jewellery and ceramics. That translates to heaps of mouth-watering food and gorgeous things to look at, plus I hear they have great coffee – sounds like an awesome day out to me! Among the stallholders you will find Claribell, selling her soft toys and cushions made from vintage wool blankets.

Being lucky enough to live with not only a real bunny, but also a Bad Habit rabbit, I’m a big fan of Claribell’s and would love to be able to check out her stall tomorrow. Sadly it’s a bit far away for me, but if you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by and say hello!

Head along to the market between 9am and 1pm tomorrow, Saturday 15 August, at Highbury House on Hinemoa Street in the heart of the cafe strip in Birkenhead.

The creative soul behind Emme Design is Emily Marshall, a mother of two based in Christchurch. Emily has crafted since a young age, starting with sewing all her dolls clothes and preferring to decorate her schoolbooks over writing in them. As an adult she has continued her creative development through courses in floristry, interior décor and graphic design, and intends to follow her passion for visual communications with further study. Her products on Felt are also part of her online business, emme design studio.

What inspires you?
I like to look for inspiration in different cultures. My family is very multi cultural my three brothers’ wives and partners are Swedish, Japanese and English/Jamaican. I am probably most inspired by Scandinavian design and absolutely love Japanese paper and fabric. I am also inspired by nature especially the landscapes of New Zealand. Also anything to do with interior design, graphic design, and colour.

What do you make?
Cushions, art block, mobiles, cards and jewellery

Your favorite materials, tools and processes?
I do most of the process in my head and can see what I am making from start to finish. I also do sketches of what I want to make. I use a lot of fabric, beads and paper.

What are you reading? Graphic Design Solutions by Robin Landa

Favourite childhood book?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I loved the pictures and the holes in the book – it is a very tactile book. My own children really loved this book too.

Describe your workspace:
I have a large white desk where I have my iMac computer; underneath my desk I have stacked boxes with all my materials. I like to keep things uncluttered as I find it easier to work. On the wall I have two inspiration/mood boards, which are constantly changing.

If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? I would be green, but I do like all colours

A favourite quote?
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview to life’s coming attractions.” Albert Einstein

Visit Emily’s Felt shop, Emme Design, to check out her creations.

This weekend local and greater region crafters of all types join gather in Island Bay, Wellington to sell their wares. The Island Bay Craft Village will showcase a gorgeous range of bags, jewellery, chocolate, cupcakes, clothes, photos, toys, brooches, scarfs, pottery, ceramics and more.

Head along to the Presbyterian Church at 88 The Parade in Island Bay from 10am till 4pm on Saturday 8 August to support NZ businesses and be part of the bustling atmosphere.

Among the 47 talented stallholders this Saturday are Boon Nappies, Little Imp, Phoenix Cards, Hester Arts, Poppetto, Tea Pea, Wegotknits, Bad Animals, Blake Originals, Kate Burgess Toys, Heaven Scent, BooCraft, Copper Red, Run Rabbit, Minu, Corntree, Nice Work, Sweet William, Mama Love and Stichbury.

If you can’t make it this weekend, don’t despair – the Island Bay Craft Village happens on the second Saturday of every month!

What: Island Bay Craft Village
When: 10am till 4pm, Saturday 8 August (and the second Saturday of every month)
Where: Presbyterian Church, 88 The Parade, Island Bay, Wellington

Last weekend I was soaking up the atmosphere and checking out the latest on the Wellington craft scene at Craft2.0 at TheNewDowse. What a great day! Heaps of happy faces, wicked products and gorgeously presented stalls.

Mark manning the Felt display, accompanied by Mel of Black Swan Designs, whose gorgeous Victorian-inspired necklaces and upcycled vintage teaspoons attracted much admiration. Our other neighbour was the fabulous Miss Millie, with a colourful display of monkeys and make-your-own-banana kits.

It was great to catch up with Hannah and Thomas from World Sweet World, and various Felt veterans: Davina of Art Divine, Shelley (and helper) of Sweet William, and Karen of Taprobane, as well as meeting some new faces on Felt, including Amy of Bad Animals, whose giant toast plushie was very popular.

Craft2.0 just keeps on getting better and Sue does a fabulous job of making it happen. I’m looking forward to the next one already, coming up in October.

1 Neckwrap by Frou Frou | 2 Pink Floral Print by Sweet William | 3 Natural Bath Salts
by Manaia | 4 Dichroic Glass Wire Wrapped Pendant by Ethereal Minx | 5 Mohair Flower
Motif Scarf by Amiana | 6 Handspun Scarf by Spinning Candy | 7 Pretty Pink Suncatcher
by Wishing Tree | 8 Rose Brooch (puffy) by Emma McCleary | 9 Vintage ‘Lucy’ Brooch
by Miss Firefly