Yesterday I visited the home of Morag of Gerty Brown Trading, in the creative hub of Titirangi, west of Auckland. It was a rainy overcast day yet I was welcomed with a big open smile and pops of colour, trademark to her cheerful brand, I warmed to her straight away. It’s custom in a lot of New Zealand homes to remove shoes on entering; as I offered to take mine off, Morag stopped me in fear that I’d step on a stray pin. You see, her home is her creative workspace, her kitchen table houses the sewing machine and overlocker, rolls of fabric in the corners, vintage drawers and boxes full of fabrics and ribbons under the couch and cabinet. My immediate impression was, what a wonderful creative environment for her two young children to grow up in.
Gerty Brown Trading is named after her great grandmother. “She probably didn’t sew, “ Morag told me, “but I always liked her name”. There are a few photos of her great grandmother around Gerty Brown HQ, reminding us of the namesake.
Morag started the business after having a stand at a Thorndon Fair in Wellington back in 2011. She originally booked a stand for her mother who has always been a creative, specialising in knitting, however it turned out that she didn’t end up doing it. Not wanting to waste the stand, Morag got cracking and made a bunch of stock herself. She began by recycling coffee sacs, making tea cosies and bunting. The store was a sell out and it didn’t take long for Morag to realise that people really responded to her work and thus Gerty Brown Trading was born. Soon after the range extended to cushions, her biggest sellers, poufs and lampshades. She is now stocked in Collected in Mount Eden, Mixt in Kingsland and Zinc+ in Wellington, who are soon to be opening a Melbourne store, along with commissioned orders direct.
A lot of Morag’s evenings are spent with fabrics strewn across the living room floor, during the day she gets to work sewing her creations and once a week she makes her way into the city to drop off her orders. Morag finds herself sewing approximately twenty cushions a week, “It’s only as much as I can make at the moment.” She told me. “I do like the idea of demand greater than supply, it makes it more special that way.”
What really struck me about spending some time with Morag was not only her passion, but also her vision to keep it real, homemade and sustainable. The majority of her cushions, poufs and lamp shades are made out of off cuts that would normally end up as landfill, there’s no wastage here and she can’t even bare to rid of the tiniest scraps, for one day she may find a use for it. Even the hessian scraps from the overlocker are used to stuff the poufs. The result of this technique is a glorious mix of fabrics and colours with a just enough clash at times to give them an edge.
For now, Morag is content with how her business is panning out. She is spending her time doing what she loves, affording her a lovely balanced lifestyle in a beautiful part of the world. With Morag’s passion and vision, I have no doubt that Gerty Brown Trading has the staying power needed, as more and more people are responding to makers that are creating locally and responsibly.
Thanks so much for having me in your creative workspace yesterday Morag!
You can contact Morag via email gertybrowntrading@gmail.com or follow Gerty Brown Trading on Facebook.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone!
Mel x
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Hi Mel. What a lovely lady to share with us:-) the space is amazing and inspiring, wow I would have been thrilled to been in your shoes that day. Wonderful creations, really like the color pops and pattern play – And of course I love the idea about the sustainable and present authentical idea of the Morag brand. Thanks so much for sharing and have a lovely weekend dear Mel.
Have a wonderful weekend too Mette! xx
What a beautiful space and love those pops of colour. It’s always such a privilege to get an insight to one’s creative space. Have a lovely weekend Mel. xx
Oh it sure is Geraldine! You too xx
There is almost nothing I love more than getting to know creatives’ workspaces. There is so much to observe: wall pinning, office desk, the chair, racks with stocks and all kind of material. That would be one of the books I’d publish! I will visit Morag’s site now!
Yes it always tells a lot about people. Have a great weekend Gudy x
Not only does Morag have a flair in designing with fabrics, but she also produces delicious scones, muffins, ginger crunch and vegetarian dishes, is a mum extraordinaire and a wonderful daughter-in-law! What talent! New York next?
Oh you must be proud! Morag is certainly one talented lady Anne:)
Lovely story and photos. Thanks!
Thanks Meg, much appreciated:)
We love Gerty Morag! She keeps our tea cozy in the mornings.
Ha! Most important James:) Her tea cozies are the best!