Homemakers’ shop celebrates

Press, 8 November 1984, Page 16

Homemakers’ shop celebrates

The Christchurch Homemakers 9 arts and crafts shop is now 10 years old. JACQUELINE STEINCAMP reports its progress.

Ten years successful operation of the Folk Arts and Crafts Shop, run by the Christchurch branch of the N.Z. Homemakers (Inc.) were celebrated last week. Run as a co-operative enterprise, the shop pro-

vides a retail outlet for members’ craft work. The shop’s birthday dinner at Elizabeth House was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, Sir Hamish and Lady Hay, commemorating their presence at the inaugural function.

The branch’s founder, Leith McMurray, was also present. Now about 130 women provide a wide range of goods for folk, arts and crafts. Between 40 and 50 help every month in the shop. The level of commission taken on goods sold is determined by the hours of service given selling. The branch runs another retail outlet in Barnwell Street, Burwood. Folk Arts and Crafts is managed by a hardworking team of three. Ginny Ferguson, a needlewoman, is the shop secretary. Another needlewoman, Rita Sisson, cooriiinates merchandise to ensure a balanced range of goods is always available. The big job of ensuring that the shop' is properly staffed is carried out by long-term committee member, Loreen King. Mrs King, a knitter, also puts in many hours filling in for members unable to show up at the last minute. IThe shop is looking particularly “’Christmassy” already, with dozens of delightful mobiles, stuffed animals and insects, brightening it up.

An extraordinary range of stuffed and wooden toys — all handmade — dolls’ clothes, dolls’ beds, are very reasonably priced presents for small children. Beautifully handsmocked dresses for little girls, a wide range of aprons, and knitwear of all styles and sizes are also steady sellers. Tourists are big customers for knitted garments.' Word-of-mouth brings in visitors from all over the United States. Though small, the premises have been enlarged twice during the last 10 years. Husbands have done the necessary alterations and joinery. “Because of our co-opera-

five nature, we have always had wonderful support from the Christchurch City Council,” Mrs Ferguson says. “One of the most heartwarming aspects of this operation is the tremendous sense of pride that people get in making things, and in selling them. “Another very positive aspect is that they come in here, and they make friends.” Mrs Ferguson describes the shop as being middle-of-the-market, with a general policy being of tending to accept work, rather than reject it., “The only work we always turn away is commercial — or done by a group

of craftspeople.” Homemakers provide an ideal outlet and meeting ground for housebound housewives, according to Leith McMurray who started the Christchurch, branch in 1972. “I was very lonely and isolated, and I heard about Homemakers in the North Island. “So when I wrote to inquire about a Christchurch branch, I thought I would be joining something. In fact, I was starting it.” Leith McMurray recalls that originally Homemakers lobbied the Government on behalf of housewives — “a traditionally voiceless group.” It challenged the Govern-

ment about leaving housewives out of the accident compensation scheme, and took up the cudgels over sales tax on arts and crafts. “I would like to see the group expand their thinking regarding future directions, or they will start to go backwards,” she warns. “I would particularly, like to see much greater efforts made to involve, younger women and ethnic women.” Homemakers are willing to share their practical know-how with other groups wishing to set up and run co-operative retail operations. . Speakers are listed on the Travelling Road Show speakers’ list.