Friday, 30 August 2013

Join us!

Part time Administrative Assistant  
We are looking for a dynamic person to join our team of creative people at The Make Café. The ideal candidate should have previous administrative experience and have the ability to work with or learn online stock systems and the standard Microsoft office programmes. They also need to show the ability to work well and efficiently under pressure.

This is a part time position for 4 half days every week.

Responsibilities will include:
Management of shop email account – Responding to emails and filtering and redirecting other messages to the relevant person
Stock Management 
1.       Inputting Purchase orders into our online system and updating a PO spreadsheet
2.       Uploading new items as they arrive onto the online system
3.       Running stock reports for management on a monthly basis
4.       Ordering and maintaining stock for workshops
Ordering and maintaining office supplies
Daily Banking and postage drops
Listing selected stock items on Trade Me
Other Admin
1.       Inputting workshop information online
2.       Maintaining weekly workshop quantities and emailing tutors
3.       Inputting event information online
4.       Inputting workshop information and bookings onto our online calendar
5.       Other adhoc administrative tasks

The role would also require covering lunch time breaks if needed

If this sounds like you, then email your CV to info@themakecafe.co.nz
Applications close 6th September 2013

Thursday, 29 August 2013

Knitting for Blokes


Photo: Tash Barneveld

Here at The Make Cafe, we are constantly striving to disprove common misconceptions when it comes to crafting and being creative. Crafting has seen a huge shift over the last few years in the geographic of its followers. It is no longer seen as purely for the 'older generation', outdated or 'geeky'. Making things for yourself and for the home is now a part of everyday modern life, for makers from all kinds of different backgrounds.

One of the most stubborn misconceptions to shift has to be the gender divide. Although we do have a fair few blokes crossing our threshold and buying our fabrics to make quilts and clothing, our customer base is still largely female.

But all that could be about to change!

Mike Dickison, an information designer from Auckland, is bringing his hugely popular series of men's knitting sessions to Christchurch. 'Man Made - a league of knitting gentlemen' was originally devised and hosted at Holland Road Yarn Store in the Hutt Valley back in May this year - a series of sessions in which blokes could learn the basics of knitting and gain the knowledge needed to make several handmade items, such as a dishcloth, beanie, iPhone sock and fingerless gloves.


Mike: man knitter, ukulele player and bird expert, says:

"I think there's a general revival of interest in handcrafts in a retro sense with men. It's similar to people liking the idea of baking their own bread these days or learning to play the ukulele. Men have been labouring under societal pressures that say what they can and can't do and I think they're just getting fed up with it and starting to do their own thing."

We will be running a series of 5 sessions during our late night opening on Thursdays, starting on Thursday 12th September at 7pm until 10th October. In the first three sessions, the blokes will be taught all the essentials - from casting on and knitting a row, purl stitch, knitting in the round to deciphering a pattern. Each week, Mike will introduce one or two new patterns for the guys to have a go at, using some genuine patterns from the second world war.

The first three sessions are essential for the fellas with no knitting knowledge at all and come with a free beginner's kit when booked together, consisting of: one pair of 4mm straight needles, one pair of 50cm 4mm circular kneedles, a darning needle, a needle gauge and a cable needle.

So, if you think you're man enough to stand up against out-dated stereotyping, sign up and get your manly knit on! You can book online or in store, or for more information give us a ring on 03 348 6187.

Tuesday, 27 August 2013

Workshops in September

Here they are - the eagerly anticipated schedule of workshops for September!

We are enjoying a make-over in the shop and classroom over the next few weeks so be sure to come in and say hello to see all our exciting new changes, including pay per hour sewing stations in the fabric shop so you can work on your projects whilst enjoying a scrumptious mug of Hummingbird Coffee, yum!

Seen a class you'd like to attend but can't make the date? We can put a private class on for you, providing you have a group of four or more people and the appropriate tutor is available on the date you specify. Just drop us a line to info@themakecafe.co.nz.

If you would like more information about any of the following classes or want to book a place, please follow the links provided to our website. Or for more details, you can give us a call in store on 03 348 6187. Please note, we are unable to take bookings over the phone at this moment in time so the best way to enrol on a class is either in store or through our website.



Learn to Sew                                 Tuesday 3rd September, 7.30 – 9.30pm                             $40

In this complete beginner's workshop, you will get plenty of one-to-one tuition to help you learn how to use a sewing machine to make a basic cushion cover. Maximum of four students.


Learn to Knit – Part One                Wednesday 4th September, 10.00 – 12pm                            $55
Learn to Knit – Part Two Wednesday 11th September, 10.00 – 12pm

Learn the basics of knitting in two sessions and make yourself a lovely woolen pot holder for your kitchen!




Make a lampshade!                       Wednesday 4th September, 7.30 – 9.30pm                $70           

Learn how to make your own lampshade completely from scratch! All materials provided – choose from our range of 250 quilting weight cottons; we have something to suit any interior!


Fabric Covered Notebooks           Thursday 5th September, 7.00 – 9pm                           $40

Add a touch of handmade to your stationary and learn how to cover an A5 notebook with gorgeous fabric!


Bezel Necklace and Earrings          Monday 9th September, 7.30 – 9.30pm                               $45           

Make your own necklace and pair of earrings whilst learning the techniques behind making resin jewellery. A very addictive hobby!


Paper Mache Bowl                         Wednesday 11th September, 9.30 – 11.30am                     $45

Come and learn this highly useful skill to make a colourful bowl which you paint and decorate to your taste! All materials will be provided.



Make a Sisal Basket or Placemat   Friday 13th September, 7.30 – 9.30pm                               $45

Looking for a way to use up your scrap fabric? Learn how to work with Sisal rope to make a useful basket or pretty placemat!




Make a lampshade!                      Tuesday 17th September, 7.30 – 9.30pm                $70           

Learn how to make your own lampshade completely from scratch! All materials provided – choose from our range of 250 quilting weight cottons; we have something to suit any interior!


Bezel Necklace and Earrings          Wednesday 18th September, 10.00 – 12.00pm                               $45           

Make your own necklace and pair of earrings whilst learning the techniques behind making resin jewellery. A very addictive hobby!

Beginner's Crochet - Flowers                     Thursday 19th September, 9.30 – 11.30am                          $45

A perfect class for those who've always wanted to give crochet a try. In this 1.5 hour class you will learn the basic crochet stiches needed to make flowers and leave with a pattern for several different petal variations.


Pretty Pipkins                                            Thursday 19th and 26th September, 7.30 – 9.30pm               $75

With basic hand sewing skills and some simple surface embroidery stitches you can make one of these pretty pipkins to store your stitching projects, sewing supplies or give as a gift!


Learn to Knit - Fingerless Gloves                          Saturday 21st and 28th September, 10.00 – 12.00pm                $55

Learn the basics of knitting and make yourself a beautiful pair of fingerless mittens to keep your hands cosy through the colder months!


Fabric Decoupaged Furniture                     Saturday 21st September, 9am – 5pm                             $75

In this full day's workshop, you will learn how to apply layers of fabric, glue and sealant to a piece of your own furniture. A perfect craft for fabric addicts who don't sew!


Cake Pops                                       Sunday 22nd September, 1.00 – 3.00pm                                $50

Learn how to master the art of making these much sought after culinary treats and wow all your friends and family at your next morning tea!

Cupcake Decorating                          Monday 23rd September, 7.30 – 9.30pm                                            $50         

Learn to master the basics of cupcake decorating and make four scrumptious looking (and tasting!) culinary delights!


Layer, Quilt and Bind                            Tuesday 24th September, 7.30 – 9.30pm                          $45

Learn how to master the basics of layering fabric, quilting and binding and make a lovely pot warmer to pretty up your kitchen!

Sock Knitting                               Wednesday 25th September, 10.00 – 2.00pm                                         $45

Learn the art of knitting in the round and make yourself a pair of socks to keep your tootsies warm this winter! Warning: once you've made one pair, everyone will want some!


Tuesday, 20 August 2013

Come Along and Make A Keepsake Book

If you are anything like me, a bit of a sentimentalist and / or hoarder, you might have accumulated over the years a pile of birthday cards, tickets and other bits of paper that have a special meaning to you.
Every time you go into a Spring Clean frenzy, or move houses, you find yourself looking at all this stuff, wondering what you should be doing with it (throwing it away being not an option!)

Well, my answer is simple: make a book! And there's no writing required (unless you want to!)

In the Keepsake Book workshop, I will show you how to organise all your memories bits and bobs into a highly customised book, to cherish and display for many years to come.

I will teach you very basic bookbinding techniques, which you'll be able to reuse for other projects.
This Keepsake Book workshop is ideal for people new to paper crafts, as well as seasoned scrapbookers and card makers who want to try something new. While some things we'll do are similar to these crafts, we'll be focusing on book (or album) making.

So come and join us for an evening of fun! All you need to do is bring an empty cereal or frozen pizza box (anything made of light cardboard bigger than 15 x 25 cm, times 2, will do), and a few of your cards and other things. Everything else will be provided; that includes nibbles and friendly chat!) - if you're not quite sure, just drop us an email (info@themakecafe.co.nz) or give us a call on 03 348 6187.


At the end of the workshop, you'll have something to put on your shelf, look through, and share with others.
Oh, and these keepsakes books also make perfect presents for special occasions: weddings, new babies, once in a lifetime travel, etc!

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Saturday, 10 August 2013

A good book



I managed to steal a moment in the shop tonight after close to sneak a peak at some of the new Titles we have in the shop. 

Growing up modern immediately caught my eye as I have just finished a quilt for my besties first baby. 


There is just something lovely about seeing your child wrapped up snug in something you made with love
I love the practicality of this book, as a mum of three I totally relate to this chapter!


Great boys stuff in here too ! A big thumbs up from me!

Modern fabrics

And important pointers for beginners ! What more could you ask for! $35 available online here and in store. If we run out of copies we always get more in !

Second on my list is Handmade Hostess, if you are like me I love bringing creatives and handmade love into many elements of our lives as a family.

Kelly shows us how with inspirational ideas

Delicious recipes


And practical tips that will assist you in your next celebration no matter what the occasion!


Lastly but almost my favourite is All Sewn Up, by Chloe Owens. Hand stitching and embroidery is an art of its own and the best part about it is you don't need to take over the dining room table while you do it!


Very modern


But with folksy love, a girl after my own heart! 


This book is jammed packed with patterns and inspiration to get you reaching for your craft and adding finishing touches you never dared to dream of before! Available in store and online $40

Wednesday, 7 August 2013

Three Things... Echino Women's Clothes

Some of my favourite fabrics in the shop are the Echino ones. They are a blend of cotton (45%) and Linen (55%) and have a beautiful weight to them.

These are fabrics that lend themselves to both clothes and bag making. Today I thought I'd highlight three different uses of Echino fabrics in womens clothing.

If you are a quilter or new to sewing and are a bit intimated by clothing patterns and by sewing curves, then why not start easy with this pencil skirt tutorial?
Photo Credits: Lily's Quilts

If you are not so comfortable drafting your own pattern, then we have just the answer for you too. Here is an example of the Womens A+ Skirt made up using Echino fabrics. Isn't it beautiful!?
Photo Credits: Make it Perfect

And finally, no tutorial link here or pattern that can be bought instore, but great inspiration. Just look at the amazing dress that Miriam made using Echino Wildflower. Unfortunately we no longer have this fabric in this colourway, but we have it in black and I think that this dress serves as great inspiration for what can be done with Echino fabrics- don't you!?

Photo Credits: Miriam at Creat Hope Inspire