Spreading the joy one stitch at a time
The Joy Make Club was launched in May of this year by wife and husband duo, Marnie and Steve Hillier from their home- base in Waipu. Introducing you to the world of knitting with colourful, fun and locally produced at-home knit kits.
During the sale of her previous women’s empowerment t-shirt brand, Ms Marnie, mum-of-three (soon to be four) Marnie, was introduced to knitting by her bestie who lives in Sydney. Immediately hooked, Marnie wanted to support local businesses rather than buying from the big international knit kit brands, but was surprised to find she was out of luck when it came to anyone doing super chunky yarn in bold and bright colours with fashion-forward patterns.
Experiencing first-hand not only the immense satisfaction in learning a new skill as an adult, the joys of knitting one’s very first project and also the overwhelm that comes with diving into the bottomless well of the online learn-to-knit world; Marnie knew at once that her next passion project and business baby was going to be bringing the accessibility and fun of beginner knit kits to Kiwis.
Over the last year knitting has truly become a family addiction for the Hilliers, with the couple’s two eldest sons, River (8) and Mack (5) fast becoming pros. Steve has recently become a crafting convert and can be seen proudly rocking his beanies on the streets of Waipu.
Since its launch in May, The Joy Make Club has already gained a loyal crew, known as ‘Joy Makers’ who are experiencing their own journey of going from zero-to-hero as knitters and who are producing absolute master- pieces in the process. Their third collection of epic DIY knitting kits has just launched - which adds blanket and cushion cover patterns to their already jam-packed pattern line up of funky jumpers, cardigans, vests, bags and beanies.
All of the knit kits are beginner friendly and have everything needed for newbie knitters to whip up their very own cosy knitted creation, including user-friendly patterns, knitting tools, yarn and access to a library of fun, jargon-free how-to videos. These fresh designs make the most of the kaleidoscope of bright and bold colours in The Joy Make Club’s range of 100% New Zealand Chunky Funky Wool blend and brand new Chunky Funky Merino.
You can also now find Marnie and Steve (and new baby Rafferty) at their fabulous new store in Waipu Village, where they add a super colourful vibe to the already incredible new development at 51 The Centre, Waipu. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-1pm make sure you pop in and say hi!