Hobbies of the 1960s

Rotorua Photo News 

This magazine published in the 1960s is a great source of information and photographs that show what past and present Rotorua folks did in their spare time (as well as work, school, engagements, weddings, coming of age parties and much more) 

The following images are from the March 14th 1964 edition and depict the Ngongotaha Garden Circle's annual flower show and a group of young people who got together and called themselves "The Crusadoes"

Stunning Floral Arrangements from pgs. 26 & 27 of March 14, 1964

 

Bikies 1960s style from pgs. 30 & 31 of March 14, 1964

The original photographs from this magazine are owned by the Rotorua Museum, copies of the original Rotorua Photonews can be viewed in the Rotorua District Library, Don Stafford Room on the 2nd Floor.

Hobbies are for everyone

DIY it's in our DNA 

Quote from "Blokes & Sheds" by Jim Hopkins " A bloke's lost if he hasn't got his workshop" 

For NZ blokes, hobbies can be anything from collecting oil bottles to making DIY Fly Catchers. Then there's making model ships, cars, trains or useful things to sell or give, mostly from found bits and pieces or wood off cuts.  Above all no matter what the hobby a bloke must have his shed. 

Jim Hopkins books,  'Blokes & Sheds' and 'Inventions from the shed' are a great source of ideas and inspiration for any bloke looking for something to occupy his time or just get out of the house.

 

Excerpt : Douglas Chell and the Anti-thumb thumper. p.50 

"This is the invention every bruised thumb has been waiting for. And it took a good bruising to get it invented... unexpectedly, his invention's been a hit, so to speak in kindergartens... teachers love it, because they don't have to hold the nail." 

Something so simple and practical! 

Both titles are available to borrow from the New Zealand Collection on the 2nd Floor.

Book Review : How to make a piupiu by Leilani Rickard

Traditional Maori Crafts

Information from : How to make a Piupiu 

Leilani Rickard a Whakarewarewa Guide in the 1970s had to weave taniko headbands, bodices and other garments as part of her job.  

At the time the guides were told that the modern piupiu was manufactured mainly as an entertainment accessory during the cultural renaissance of the Maori people at the end of the nineteenth century. Leilani goes on to delve into the history and tradition of piupiu making.  

Harakeke (Phormium tenax) is the material used and this can be harvested many times, however Leilani cautions against harvesting too often as this affects the fibre in the plant.

Leilani goes on to talk about the tools, methods including the plants used for dyeing and patterns.  

Her step by step instructions for making you own piupiu are clear and easy to follow with colour photographs, a flow chart showing the production process, a glossary and references.

This photograph was taken in the Rotorua District Library
when Leilani demonstrated her craft. August 2008

Available to borrow from the Maori Collection on the 2nd Floor 746.41z RIC

Discover Your Hobby @ the Rotorua District Library

A brief history of knitting in New Zealand

The Loving Stitch : a history behind knitting and spinning in New Zealand by Heather Nicholson.

Excerpt from the Introduction :

"This New Zealand Story of the craft of knitting is a celebration of our Anglo-Celtic heritage... as New Zealanders, those of us with northern European roots have our own traditions and a culture that is quite distinct from 'the old country' wherever it may be"

From this book I've learnt the following 5 facts :

1. The early missionaries were responsible for bringing and teaching the art of knitting to New Zealand as early as 1814 when Samuel Marsden set up his mission in Rangihoua. It was deemed necessary to introduce the "Arts of Civilized Life".

2. Most of the old pattern books included recipes for lace edgings, beaded purses, collars, trims, gloves, pin cushions, window curtains, various sorts of wraps and scarves along with cloths and runners.

3. Some women preferred knitting curtains to doing monotonous black wool stockings! I see their point.

4. Among the earliest records of jersey's worn in New Zealand are Angas's portraits of Hone Heke.

5. By the mid-1890s rugby teams were tidily uniformed in standard collarless jersey's with reinforced leather facings and long knee length knickerbockers.

There are many more fascinating facts and photographs to enjoy in this book, which can be borrowed from the 2nd Floor New Zealand History and Travel section at 746.432z NIC

This book by Kari Cornell and Jean Lampe showcases a great range of vintage patterns that you can make for yourself or your family. 

This book has some quirky patterns for the intrepid knitter, and, 

this seems to be a more modern knitters fashion, knitting food...

even Boyfriends, yes you can! 

All these titles are available to borrow at the Library, so try a new technique today!