Wrapping up winter

from SOUTH June 2021

Eric Murray rivers of gold

SoulSlips

Phone 021 677 738 melanie.wadham@gmail.com www.soulslips.co.nz WRAPPING UP winter

Everyone loves being ‘blanketed’ in warmth when it comes to winter and across on Waiheke Island one creative has turned iconic Kiwi woollen blankets into practical yet attractive dressing gowns, slippers and capes.

Melanie Wadham, is the architect of SoulSlips, and there is nothing old hat about her products which are attracting attention across the country.

“I saw an avenue to create something special from those beautiful vintage blankets which were once found on beds in most Kiwi homes,” she explains.

“I initially tested interest by placing some slippers in a local craft store and during the first Covid-19 lockdown, I made 30 pairs which I listed on Chooice, the Facebook group which supports small local businesses and NZ-made products. They sold out in two days.”

Spurred on by demand, Melanie launched her e-store soulslips.co.nz and within eight months, had sold more than 600 pairs of slippers.

“I also saw a market for making lined dressing gowns from the blanks and these have proved hugely popular. I now have a small team of sewers making these one-ofa-kind slippers, dressing gowns and other fashion items.”

However, Melanie says the days of sourcing blankets from op shops have long gone and although blankets made by the woollen mills of New Zealand’s past may be hard to find she has discovered a boutique company now making a select range of woollen blankets in stunning colourways.

Aiming to bring warmth, comfort, and unique, upcycled and new products to women of all ages, Melanie says she loves using the blankets because they

are sustainable, ultra-comfortable, naturally antimicrobial, breathable and one of a kind.

“Each SoulSlips product is custommade and a beautiful alternative to mass produced fashion. Customers can also request variations on a theme – a hood, no hood, zip or some other minor change which I can mostly accommodate. “Importantly, all our pre-loved woollen blankets are handpicked, to ensure they are in perfect condition,” she adds.

“The team takes time sewing each creation and everyone prides themselves on producing quality, handmade products which bring other women warmth, comfort, and soul.” Melanie Wadham.