The Apple Basket business was started in September 1998 in Kaiwaka, Northland, New Zealand by Ngaire Montgomery-Williams and Debbie Farr. The patchwork and sewing shop is now situated in a quaint villa just off State Highway One. Ngaire has been designing her own patterns which have been selling extremely well. Her daughter, Tegan joined the business after completing a degree in Textile Design, and she also designs patterns for The Apple Basket. Cherry Watson is the main tutor in the classroom.
Her main aim is to be able to design more and sell to the patchwork world. "My patterns started with a sewing bag which I taught in a class, and so many people wanted them that I turned it into a pattern to sell and I haven't stopped since then."
Classes are taught mainly by Cherry Watson and Ngaire Williams with tutors coming in to also teach sock knitting classes, embroidery classes and also overseas tutors every now and then.
Our classes and sewing get togethers are very popular. Classes range from beginner quilts - more advanced quilts, cushions, table runners, wall art, hand felt applique, embroidery, knitting.
The shop is open Monday - Friday 9am and 4pm and Saturday 9am - 2pm. But if we are here at other times we will no doubt have the door open and you are welcome to come in and shop.