http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.needleandnail.co.nz en-us Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:49:01 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/6895/Dolls-Dresses/ As soon as I saw pictures of Rhiannon's latest batch of Croutons dresses incorporating vintage embroidery, I had visions of sweet girls with dolls in matching dresses. I'm so grateful Rhiannon gave me the opportunity to express my vision and I couldn't be happier with how they've turned out. What a dreamy pairing, amiright? Here are the purchasing details: Dolls will be listed on the Rhiannon's Toast Clothing Facebook page at 7:00pm NZDT, on Thursday 17 March. First to comment sold will get ... Mon, 14 Mar 2016 19:58:02 +1300 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post6895 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/6758/Rhythm/ 2015 was our second Christmas season, and to be honest we didn't think we could really be any busier than we had been the year before. But somehow, we received so much support through orders and markets that JR was literally working double shifts for about 2 and a half months leading up to Christmas. Now, on a screen, 'double shifts' is just two little words that are read quickly, but in reality it meant JR began work - from his little workshop on the other side of our garage - around 8am and w... Wed, 09 Mar 2016 21:14:28 +1300 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post6758 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/6074/2016/ Hello! And Happy New Year! Things got a little (a LOT) crazy at the end of last year so we have been enjoying the summer and a beautiful, long E X H A L E. On Christmas Day JR surprised us all with a two and a half week road trip around the South Island he'd been planning during his late nights out in the workshop. I love a good road trip, and combined with the chance to see my sister, it was pretty much the best gift ever (until the reality dawned on me that we'd be driving, to the bottom of t... Fri, 05 Feb 2016 18:22:54 +1300 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post6074 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/4984/Goplay/ On the weekend we had to cut a tree down on our property. The abundance of sticks and logs really sparked our kids' imaginations and they made a fort and set up an 'American Indian campsite'. All day long I would hear shrieks of surprise and delight from the kids as JR snuck out of his workshop and ambushed them. It's small moments like this which reaffirm to us that our choice to forgo a regular wage in favour of working from home really has been right one for our family. We're SUPER DUPER g... Wed, 07 Oct 2015 22:11:28 +1300 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post4984 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/4169/D-E-T-A-I-L-S-_-2015-Winter-Collab/ Phew, they're done! I knew 2015 was going to be a great collab, but the 6 winter collab dolls have turned out even better than I'd hoped. Their matching outfits make them look so AMAZING. Here is everything you need to know about how to see and purchase the collab dolls: There are 6 collab dolls - each comes with its own matching outfit in a child's size (ranging from NB-4yrs). The dolls will be exhibited at the General Collective Market, 20 Cawley St, Ellerslie, Auckland on the 1st August... Thu, 09 Jul 2015 15:20:25 +1200 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post4169 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/4049/TUTORIAL-_-Arrow-Quiver/ STEP 1 || Cut two contrasting pieces of fabric 22cm x 35cm and a 22cm piece of trim (if desired).... Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:52:16 +1200 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post4049 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/3840/Tiny-Eyes-2015-Winter-Collab/ I am SO excited about this year's collab! Would you check out this line up?! Inspired by our new baby bundle arriving soon, I hunted down some amazing New Zealanders and Australians hand making gorgeous items for babies and kids for this year's collab. I'll introduce each partner further over the next few weeks but please check them out in the mean time (click on names below to see more): Mushama & Me - NZ Fillies and Foal - AUS Hello Stranger - NZ Typically Red - AUS Make Me Pop - NZ OMA... Tue, 02 Jun 2015 09:56:40 +1200 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post3840 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/3618/J-O-U-R-N-E-Y-_-One-year-later_/ One year ago, the timing finally felt right, so we took the plunge, waited to see how far we got and vowed to be grateful for every day we had no matter how many or few. And here we are with 365 days under our belt already! There have certainly been lean times but there have also been amazing opportunities that have come our way as a result of hitting "open shop" on Etsy one year ago. Highlights have included: The kids seeing their dad more often! Me seeing my guy more often! Being able... Tue, 05 May 2015 16:57:08 +1200 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post3618 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/3543/2015-Tiny-Eyes-Winter-Collab/ It's that time of the year again where I join creative forces and make, exhibit and sell half a dozen dolls based on the designs of others, with a portion of proceeds going to charity. This will be my third ( and possibly final?) Winter Collab project, and I'm SUPER excited about getting started. Because I am about to enter my 3rd trimester, and am rather preoccupied with preparing to have a very small person around again, I thought it would be fitting to collaborate with 6 NZ/AUS businesses w... Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:09:48 +1200 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post3543 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/post/3492/For-Making_s-Sake/ Over the weekend it was dark and rainy - I decided it was the perfect weather to hunker down and do some selfish sewing. I indulgently made two dolls just for the sake of it. I think creating for yourself it should be a regular business practice for all creatives.... Tue, 21 Apr 2015 17:24:18 +1200 http://www.needleandnail.co.nz/blog/#post3492