THE MAKERS’ HAVEN

Tucked along State Highway One in Kaiwaka, The Apple Basket has been drawing makers through its doors for decades – and once inside, it’s easy to understand why.

Run by Ngaire, Caron, and Sue, The Apple Basket is a textile and creative craft store with a genuine philosophy at its heart: that making something by hand is good for the soul. Their mantra – Make, Create, Soothe – says it simply. Creative pursuits are well known for their positive impact on mental wellbeing, offering a chance to slow down, focus, and connect with like-minded people, and The Apple Basket has built its entire offering around that belief.

Classes are central to the experience, covering quilting, bag making, hand embroidery, appliqué, knitting, and hand quilting – welcoming complete beginners and experienced makers alike in a relaxed, friendly environment. The shop itself is equally inspiring, stocked with a carefully curated range of beautiful fabrics and quality supplies including Liberty Tana Lawn, exclusive in-house designed patterns, wool felt, embroidery threads, haberdashery, books, and knitting yarns.

For those looking for a starting point, the range of projects on offer is a good place to begin – from the Forest Floor Zippy Bag and Mia Hexagon Needlebook to decorative fabric pears and apples, or a hand-stitched Liberty and Linen quilt that could become a treasured family heirloom for years to come.

Whether the goal is to learn a new skill, find the next project, or simply spend time in a space where creativity is celebrated, The Apple Basket is well worth the visit.

www.applebasketquilts.co.nz | 1914 State Highway One, Kaiwaka