This webpage is a copy of the comments received on a blog post on Ali’s original website, alibrown.co.nz. The blog post itself is now at “Weaving a flax belt”.
This webpage is a copy of the comments received on a blog post on Ali’s original website, alibrown.co.nz. The blog post itself is now at “Weaving a flax belt”.
August 14th, 2007 at 12:22 am e
Tena Koe Ali….
I am fascinated by your awesome talent. I have yet to master making this belt and it will be an awesome project this weekend however I am looking for some instructions. I recently saw a wired koru sculpture that had a harakeke weaved piping around the wire. I was wondering it you would know how to do such a weave and if you could send me some instrucitons. I am going to have a tutu this weekend but I thought I would ask on this blog to see if you could help out.
Kia Ora
Naku noa,
Ana (Tamaki Makaurau)
August 14th, 2007 at 7:20 pm e
Good luck with weaving the belt. I think the woven piping you describe will be the four-plait woven in the round — the same as the plait in this photo. If it is, then you’ll find instructions on page 70 of Fun with Flax. This book is often available in bookshops or will be in your local library. One tip I’d give when making this plait is to knot the start of the plait around a chair leg or something similar so that you can pull and tension the weaving as you plait.
February 12th, 2008 at 2:14 pm e
Hi there im looking for instructions on making the flax roses the ones that look like roses, as i would like to make mine for my wedding, i have seen them for sale but im not well off so im making everything thank you
scarlett
February 12th, 2008 at 7:18 pm e
How much time do you have before your wedding as the flower booklet will be available soon. The style of flower in the photo here is the one I call a rose but I’m aware that other styles can be called a rose. Is this the one you mean? If it isn’t, there are 12 styles of flower in the booklet so I’m sure you’ll find the one you want.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:24 pm e
Please let me know when the booklet is available. I would also like to be added to your database thank you.
April 10th, 2008 at 6:48 pm e
I would be interested in this ‘booklet’ too…when is it available? Where from? And, how much please?
April 12th, 2008 at 8:14 pm e
Please add me to your database.
Cindy Barth
St. Albans
Christchurch
shekinah.stamper@gmail.com
April 16th, 2008 at 7:50 pm e
Hi Waina, Marley and Cindy
Thanks for your interest in the Flower booklet - I’ve added your names to my database. You’ll be able to purchase the booklet directly from me when I have completed it but I’m not sure about the price yet. I’ve had some delays with the booklet but am now back working on it. Check out the blog post, The wax on flax, for more information on the booklet’s progress.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:11 pm e
Hi, your website is so helpful. Can You please add me to your database. I want to weave a mate is it the same way I would weave a belt or a kete. Sorry I dont know the name of the process for that type of kete. lookforward to your reply. Lynn
May 1st, 2008 at 4:38 pm e
Your website is so useful, you should be very proud of your achievements!
Please could you inform me when your flower booklet is ready?
Thank you.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:43 pm e
Hi Lynn & Debbie
I’ve added your names to the database.
Lynn - You can make a mat by weaving a woven square and then folding the ends back on themselves and threading them back into the weaving. Instructions for a mat are in the book “Weaving - The Arts of the Maori” that I’ve reviewed on my Reviews page.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:18 pm e
hi Ali I would like to go on your database,and would to know when your book comes out. Amazing what you can do with flax. Your instructions are as clear and simple to follow and Im looking forward to your book
May 19th, 2008 at 8:04 pm e
Hi Lesa
Yes I’ll add your name to the database. Thanks for your comments about the instructions. It’s always good to get feedback.
I’ve recently redone the instructions for the flower on the Weaving a flax flower page and I’d be interested in your thoughts on those instructions too if you’ve used them.
May 31st, 2008 at 8:00 pm e
Kia Ora Ali,
Can u please add me to your database. I have just started weaving and enjoying it so much. Not very good with following instruction but from all the comments I have read you have simple and easy to read instructions. Keep it simple thats what I
like. Looking forward to your book.
Naku noa,
Emma.
June 1st, 2008 at 12:12 pm e
Kia ora Emma
I hope you’ve had a chance to weave something from the website and found the instructions easy to follow. Let me know if you find anything that’s not so easy to follow.
I do try and keep the instructions as clear and easy to follow as possible with the combination of written instructions and step-by-step photos but it’s always good to get feedback if something is not quite clear.
I’ve added your name to the database.
Good luck with your weaving.
June 1st, 2008 at 5:07 pm e
Ki Ora Ali,
Thankyou for Awesome website, I too have a “desire & passion” to learn Harakeke.
I am very sad to say in my region, there are no classes available at this stage, or talented hands to show or pass on knowlegde. **Please could you add me to your database** I am looking forward for your book to be published along with so many other passionate people
many thanks
tina
June 13th, 2008 at 4:06 pm e
Hi I’m also making my own flowers out of flax for my wedding in February, am I able to please get the instructions for that rose one you have pictured (feb 12 08 comment) above?
June 15th, 2008 at 5:18 pm e
Hi Tina and Miss Bennetts
I’ll add your names to the book database and, yes, the instructions for making the rose are in the booklet so you’ll be able to make them in time for your wedding in February.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:54 am e
Thanks Ali x
June 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm e
Hi Ali
I would like to be added to your database. I would be interested in the booklet as I have recently joined a night class and have become very interested in harakeke weaving.
thanks
June 25th, 2008 at 7:27 pm e
Very good but why dont you put in step by step instrutions on flax weaving
July 10th, 2008 at 7:25 pm e
Hi Steffi
I’ve included more detailed instructions on the weaving projects found on my Flax weaving projects page and in my more recent blog posts, but it would have taken rather a lot of photos and instructions to fully cover weaving the belt and finishing it off, so for this post I included only enough instructions for a reasonably experienced weaver. Probably I should have mentioned this in post itself.
July 20th, 2008 at 10:22 am e
Please let me know when your booklet is available to buy, thank you.
July 20th, 2008 at 6:43 pm e
Hey Ali,
Great stuff alright. Could you please add me to your database to purchase your flower booklet - am looking forward to it!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:29 pm e
Hi Ali, like everyone else, I am grateful for your advice on this website. I started with your flax flower which got me hooked, have had a few lessons and made a few kete and now have bought a greenstone bangle to make the belt you featured, I am very interested in your booklet and would love to know when it is available for sale. Please add me to your database too. thanks again for the great advice!!!
July 28th, 2008 at 10:31 pm e
I’m glad you’ve found the site inspiring, Fiona. I’m hesitant to predict a date for the booklet because I’ve been wrong in my predictions before. However, I am on the endy bits, though life — and inspiration — tends to interfere with progress toward completion. For one thing, I start a brand new day job in a couple of weeks, and for another, one of the flower designs — that I thought was finished — has just blossomed into a whole new variation that I can’t resist playing around with and including!
August 31st, 2008 at 7:17 pm e
do you have insructions for weaving sea animals(fish etc.)????????????????
Loulou
September 1st, 2008 at 7:39 pm e
Hi Loulou
The book “Fun with Flax” by Mick Pendergrast that I mention on the Reviews page of this web site has instructions for weaving two types of fish in it. The book is readily available in bookshops or from your local library. Have fun!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 pm e
Kia Ora Ali, thanks for reply dated 1st July:) Could you please tell me roughly “How many different flax flower designs there are listed in your Booklet?~ Can`t wait!:) Many thanks tinaDY
September 7th, 2008 at 7:30 pm e
Hi Tina
There are twelve flower designs, some with variations, plus there are some ideas for foliage. Hopefully you won’t have to wait too much longer for the booklet!
September 12th, 2008 at 12:59 am e
Hi Ali
I think your work looks beautiful. I have come across your website because I have been trying to find somewhere to learn how to make these large laundry size baskets made from the whole flax leaf and can’t find anything anywhere. I would be so happy to pay you for any instructions you may have as I would really like to make these for my Christmas presents this year. I am a beginner weaver but have seen these types of baskets at a market and the weaver said they were relatively easy. Also can I please be added to your data book to purchase your flower book - they look really lovely.
Thankyou, Jewell
September 21st, 2008 at 8:18 pm e
Hi Jewell
Thanks for your comments about the web site. Sorry but I don’t currently have any written instructions for the large basket, or waikawa, that you mention although I do teach how to make these in my workshops. I’ve added your name to the Flower Booklet database.
September 24th, 2008 at 12:30 am e
Kia ora Ali,
Can you please add me to your database for when your book is ready, I too am wanting to weave putiputi for my wedding in April 09 and am keen to try out your English Rose. Also, I am wondering if you have any instructions on weaving a band to put around a wedding cake and candles - I’m guessing something similar to your belt but not as wide??
Thanks
Carolyn
September 24th, 2008 at 8:05 pm e
Hi Carolyn
Weaving a band to put around the cake and candles is similar to the belt. Also the instructions I have in the Flower Booklet, (which will be published soon), for a Hyacinth show how to make a band of weaving. If you want to make a band with a zig-zag edge, then the book “Fun with Flax” has instructions for headbands with this sort of edge that you could use for the cake band.
I’ve added your name to the database.
September 30th, 2008 at 2:02 pm e
Hi Ali,
Can you please add me to your list. I would really like the flower book when it is ready.
October 13th, 2008 at 6:14 pm e
Kia ora. Thanks for everything. Your mahi is so inspiring. Could you include me on your data base for the putiputi book. Kia ora
November 1st, 2008 at 5:13 pm e
Kia ora Leah and Mei
I’ve added your names to the database for the Book.
November 8th, 2008 at 11:18 am e
Hi can you please add me to your database for your book. Thanks heaps, I look forward to it.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:25 pm e
Hi Ali,
I have been looking for putiputi during a recent trip around the North Island without much luck, however a very kind florist in the Thames Mall started me off and supplied me with your website. I would like to be added to your data base for your upcoming book please.
Kia Ora,
Dainne
November 30th, 2008 at 10:52 am e
Hi Dianne
I’ve added your name to the database. The book will be available shortly.
December 10th, 2008 at 11:41 am e
Kia ora Ali
Can you add me to your database for your pukapuka putiputi?
Nga mihi
Susan
December 14th, 2008 at 4:46 am e
Hi Ali I am enjoying your web site, just a new learner, and i would be interested in your new flower book.
thank you Rose
December 14th, 2008 at 11:49 am e
Kia ora Susan and Rose
I’ve added your names to the book database.
December 19th, 2008 at 10:29 am e
Kia Ora Ali
i love your website - i am a new learner as well and how do we get on to your databse?? i would love to be on there please!
Nga mihi nui Gypsy
December 19th, 2008 at 9:27 pm e
Hi Ali I am looking forward to receiving your book. I enjoy looking at your mahi every day. Keep up the beautiful work.
January 4th, 2009 at 6:52 pm e
Kia ora Gypsy
I’ve added your name to the database. Check out the last paragraph on my this blog post for an update on my book, Weaving flowers from New Zealand flax.
January 8th, 2009 at 10:44 pm e
Thankyou Ali for your easy instructions on the flower belt stars and the ending of a kete. I am just learning to do harakeke the last item I made was when I was 9. It had to be refreshed at the age of 47 I am still learning and would like to know if you are putting other creations on for people to learn. Be happy to hear from you.
Once again thankyou very much
Jan TeWao
January 9th, 2009 at 9:55 am e
Hi Jan
It’s good to hear that you found the instructions easy to follow. Thanks for letting me know.
I usually post a blog every month or so and the post often features a weaving technique so it’s best just to check the blog every now and then.
As you may have seen from the other posts, I am currently printing my book Weaving flowers from New Zealand flax which has fifteen different flower and foliage designs plus different variations of several of the designs which may be of interest to you. It will be available soon and I’ll be putting up a blog post when it is.
January 12th, 2009 at 12:17 am e
wow! This is the best site i have ever seen so far. I was blown away by the information you have given. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Please add me to your data base. I would like to purchase a pukapuka putiputi please. Cannot wait to get one.
Kei runga noa atu koe!
Cheers!
January 16th, 2009 at 8:00 am e
Hi Nina
Thanks for your comments about the web site. I’ve added your name to the book database and will let you know when it arrives.
March 31st, 2009 at 3:26 pm e
Kia Ora Ali
I normally make my putiputi (rose buds) then dye with rit liquid dye and dry in the sun. However, my poor puti puti are still going mouldy at times. Why is this??
March 31st, 2009 at 6:17 pm e
Hi Kim
As mould needs damp conditions to grow, then the roses must be getting damp somehow, or not drying completely. Maybe the atmosphere is quite humid where you live so they don’t get a chance to dry out completely. It may be worth dyeing the flax first and leaving it to dry a little before you make the roses, so that the parts not completely exposed to the air get a chance to dry out a bit. Other than that, do make sure they are dried completely before you store them and store them in a dry place.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:21 pm e
Hi! Ali, I have been involved with harakeke for a few years now, but arthritis has stopped me doing one of my favourite hobbies.I love reading all the blogs Can you please add me to your site.Thanks alot.
April 26th, 2009 at 3:09 pm e
Please I’d like to learn how to make the flax roses. Thanks.
April 27th, 2009 at 6:09 pm e
Hi Lisa
Instructions on how to weave two different types of roses are in my book Weaving Flowers from New Zealand flax which you can purchase directly from me. All the information on how to do this is on the Shop page of this web site.
May 30th, 2009 at 10:33 am e
hi Ali
im so inspired by your passion for weaving ild like to purchase your book
November 21st, 2009 at 6:04 am e
Kia ora Ali,
I have enjoyed your site immensely, your instructions are easy to follow and the pics are an excellent visual guide, thankyou for sharing your knowledge.
January 4th, 2010 at 10:26 am e
Hi Ali
Just came across your site - most informative. I am inundated with cabbage tree leaves and want to find a use for them. I’ve thought of weaving them into mats that I can then join together to make a big roof cover for a pergola we have out the back. Do you know if this is possible with these leaves? And would you have any instructions that you could help with. I am assuming these leaves would be similar to work with to flax, although I am led to believe that they don’t shrink so don’t need as much preparation?
January 16th, 2010 at 5:25 pm e
Hi Gayle
The only experience I have had with cabbage tree, or ti kouka, leaves is by shredding them and then twining them to make a container. However I understand that they can be woven in the same way as flax. The book The Art of Maori Weaving by Miriama Evans and Ranui Ngarimu, pictures a kete by Nora Pikia, which is made with cabbage tree leaves that have been woven in the same way as flax would be woven. You could make a series of mats, as you suggest, or you could use the same technique that is used to make a basic cloak with flax tags. This is a similar technique to making thatch, where rows of tags are layered one on top of the other. Mick Pendergrast’s book Maori fibre techniques has good illustrations of this method. I’d be interested to hear how you get on with this interesting project, so do keep in touch with your progress.
June 6th, 2010 at 3:42 pm e
Could you let me purchase a copy of your book also do you know how to do zigzag type stalks for flower buttonholes or brooches???
June 6th, 2010 at 5:09 pm e
Hi Sadie
Yes the book is still for sale.
I’m not sure what you mean by the zigzag stalks. Do you have a link you could send me that shows a photo of the stalk?
June 20th, 2010 at 5:04 pm e
hi how do you weave and make a plain flax belt for kids to hold to pois
June 27th, 2010 at 12:20 pm e
Hi Nikki
I suggest you just make a three or four plait with shredded flax and use this as a belt. You can tie the belt in the front or at the side of the body with a reef knot to make sure it’s secure enough for the poi.
July 10th, 2010 at 7:11 pm e
Hi there Ali, thank you so much for displaying the instructions on how to do the four plait and flower making. I’ve just attempted to make the flower although not as good as yours on display but will endevour to keep trying for the desired effect. I’ve also made poi using the four plait, thank you so much your blog site is certainly invaluable and I would also like to be added to your database if possible and would love a copy of your book.
July 10th, 2010 at 8:18 pm e
Hi Misty
It’s good to hear you have made use of the instructions on these pages. I’m sure your flowers will get better with time.
My book Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax is available now. Check out my Shop page for details on how to purchase it.
November 11th, 2011 at 3:28 pm e
Hi Ali
Is your book still available to buy, if so could you please add me to your data base so I could purchase it.
Thank you
Merania
November 12th, 2011 at 6:19 am e
Hi Merania
Yes my book Weaving Flowers from New Zealand Flax is available directly from me. The cost of the book is $30 plus postage and packaging. All the information about buying the book is on the Shop page of my website.
April 2nd, 2012 at 7:21 pm e
Hi, I would like to buy this Book. Can you contact me please. Thankyou
October 10th, 2012 at 8:08 pm e
Thanks soooo much for all your info please add me to your data base, am starting my weaving.
September 12th, 2015 at 3:33 am e
Hi Ali, I really like your work and I appreciate you putting your blog up. I am too a beginner weaver and I am learning a lot from your blog. In my class your name is mentioned all the time and your book is every where. I had the pleasure of browsing threw your book not long ago. I have a question for you what’s the main key to being a beginner weaver and what is your preferred way for remoistening your strips after boiling.
September 13th, 2015 at 11:57 am e
Morena Naiomi
Thanks for your comments about my book. It’s good to hear about the use people are getting out of it.
I usually moisten dried flax by soaking it in cold water. It takes longer this way but it works for me as I can leave it in the water overnight and then take it out an hour or two before I use it to let it dry out a little bit. However, I’m not suggesting this is the best way, it just works for me, and it does depend on how soon you want to use the flax. If I do want to use the flax in the next hour or two I do boil it in hot water.