A Conversation with Allie of Jusju Kiwiana Designs

I think it's safe to say, Allie of Jusju Kiwiana Designs, is, as the name says, all about Kiwiana design wear to suit everyone.  With one-size fits all reversible skirts (yup, one fabric one side, switch it over and wallah, another fabric! How amazing is that!), fab t's, and uber cool teatowel bags this designer takes versatility to new level.  Let's take a journey up North to the beautiful Kaeo, and learn more about Allie and Jusju...

Who is Jusju Kiwiana Designs?

Allie Avery

What’s your “handmade groove ?”

Designing and creating Kiwiana skirts and bags

What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)

Don’t have a bedside table, we just shifted house and I haven’t unpacked everything yet…

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?

NZ home and garden inspires me and any other like magazines

Anything NZ made and small art shops etc

What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?

Business and how to grow it

Sewing

If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be? What are they about?

Business management and continued growth of business

Sewing workshop

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?

It was pretty difficult last year with work commitments as a nurse as well as juggling my business and family life but this year we have moved to a small community in Kaeo and I am not working as a nurse now just concentrating on my business so I can sew my heart out while my boys are at school then it’s all about my Whanau when they get home at 3.

What is your favorite creative screw-up?

When I sewed the ties on the skirt and sewed one tie on each end….. also when I first started putting patches on tees I forgot to place the tee under the arm of the sewing machine so sewed the front to the back…

Kitchen table or studio?

Started out on the kitchen table but have ended up having a studio… although I haven’t got it sorted out yet. One project I need to start here in Kaeo.

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?

To be able to either open a shop for other craft people to get together and follow their passion

To grow and expand my business

To continue to enjoy my life to it’s fullest.

To view more of Allie's work, you can visit:
Jusju Website: http://www.jusju.co.nz/
Jusju Felt shop: http://www.felt.co.nz/shop/jusju