Week One in Wellington.

Back in New Zealand.

Early for the Rugby. South Africa vs. Wales RWC 2011.

Slightly cold and damp before the match.

Wellington from the dog park.

Lucy Dog.

Our soon to be 'hood.

Kia Ora. 

Soooooooon! Not that I am stalking our house or anything...

After the hail storm...

We've had a good first week here in Wellington. I've had some time to get myself a little more acquainted with a great city. So far - some place that I love ...

• Wellington City Library - This is an amazing library. Everyone, including the staff of the Citizen's Advice Bureau, is so helpful and nice. There is an immense amount of resources, books, periodicals, videos, and music. Of course having a view of the harbour while looking up some great craft books or some fiction is always inspiring. And access to the CBD's free wi-fi connections is always helpful for emailing your mother from far, far away whilst sipping your soy flat white... (Did you get the email Mom??)
• Minerva (Cuba Street) - THE Textile Bookshop that everyone should stop if they are in Wellington. They have the largest and best selection of craft, fabric, knitting, textile, fashion... the list goes on... that I have seen in this hemisphere! And of course, seeing the Meet Me at Mike's book there will make everyone's day back in Melbourne!
• Knit World (Cuba Street) - So many choices! So many colours! So many ideas! While they have a lot of imported wools, they have a lot of New Zealand made wools that may be pure merinos, or a mix - check out the merino-possum-silk blends! Fascinating! 
• SaveMart - As a seasoned thrifter, I cannot recommend this shop enough! We were able to hit up the Porirua store and I was quite impressed. Think Savers on Sydney Road, but about 50% larger and just as cheap! I was able to pick up a couple vintage dresses (from the costume section of all places) and a pair of jeans for about $35.00 NZ. Brilliant! I think I'll be making the drive out to Porirua on a regular basis!
• Vincent's Art Workshop - Now THIS is a great place! Vincent's is an open studio where you can use their space and have access to their art supplies during most business hours. Every Thursday is a Women's Only Day, this is when I was able to pop in to check it out. There is such a huge sense of community that is just astounding. They do have certain classes and workshops that you can attend for a small fee, and there is also at least two tutors on hand to help. I was very excited to see they have a woodworking shop, clay and pottery and their own kiln, mosaics, painting, drawing and a whole heap of other things to get your hands dirty. I'm going to try and attend a couple of their life drawing classes in the next couple weeks. 
• The French Art Shop - The best way to describe this art shop is stated on their website... "A cross between a chemist shop and a lollie shop for artists." How true is that statement? Oh so very! After just popping into Gordon Harris's up the road, I came across the French Art Shop and  found myself in love. 

And on a silly note - yesterday while on our way to an appointment, we saw the Springbok Prop, Tendai Mtawarira aka BEAST hanging out on the streets of Lampton Quay! Very cool to see some international Rugby players around town! Loving this city right now!

The Wardrobe of Doom!

As I was getting dressed yesterday morning, I made the comment to Jacob, something of the lines of – Why must all my clothes feel like they are falling apart? 

As I put on my favorite pair of pirate argyles socks (yes, pirate argyles), I realised that besides the hole in the side (where our faithful nugget, Timmy, once took out his aggression on preppy pirates everywhere) each of the heels were completely worn through. I then put on a pair of massively scuffed boots, which were flagged as ‘vegan’ because they were made completely out of synthetic / man-made materials. 

Insert big sigh here. Don’t get me started…

The last few months, I’ve become more and more aware of the things I’ve been buying – trying to make the least impact as possible on the plant, and as little impact on my wallet. But with all of this in mind, I am still haunted by the Ghost of Impulse-Purchases Past.. One thing that I have learned is - the better care you take of your things, the longer they will last. But when your closet is sometimes full of bargain-basement dresses made in various countries that you’ve never been to, the guilt starts to unravel, just like hems on those cheaply made fabrics. Later that day, Jacob had sent me a link to a news article that said exactly what I have been thinking!

"Large (fashion and clothing) corporations are looking for ways to make money, so they create a need, where this isn't one, I don't think." Flint believes that to fight this created need and to help save our planet, we should buy fewer clothes, be aware of where and how our clothes are made, and make the clothes that we own last longer.

Thank you! 

Finally! 

My mom reckons that even when I was a kid, I would buy second hand clothing, not because I understood why or where it came from, but because I was always into older styles. And being the youngest of 3 sisters – almost everything I had, was second hand. Gotta love the pre-loved hand-me-downs! But the last couple years, I’ve been limited for trips to the Salvos and other Op-Shops, which I’m seeing now as REALLY taking its toll. 

image via flipandstyle

It’s time to get back to reality. It’s time to get back to thrifting good quality items. It’s time to get back to my sewing machine and learn properly how to mend and sew with amazing fabrics!