Paua shell pattern

[Adams Girl]

OK bit of a story here - when my parents visited us in March this year for my and my new husband's wedding, they took a few days out and spent a couple of nights in Carterton. While there, they went to Paua World. My Mum bought herself a small paua-patterned shiny polyester shoulder bag. You probably know the type. Bad news... shortly after they got back to the UK, she left it on a bus and naturally it didn't show back up at Lost and Found . So I said I would find her a new one as, oddly enough, that cloth pattern isn't exactly common on the other side of the planet . I've been looking around but no joy, but felt sure that Paua World would come through. We were over that way on Saturday of the weekend just gone and there is absolutely *nothing* in that shop that has that pattern on it anymore! They used to have all sorts of clothing, bags, scarves, etc. But not anymore. The lady behind the counter was very sorry to tell me that they'd been ordered by a retailer to stop selling that kind of stuff as the retailer holds some sort of IP claim on the pattern. Can I find ANYTHING with that pattern anywhere now? Hell no. Two major retailers checked at lunch today, couple of small shops including Te Papa's just off Lambton Quay, and three touristy shops. Mightily unimpressed. That pattern should be shown off left, right and centre as it's uniquely New Zealand!!

On the plus side, I bought the only fabric I could find that fits the bill, courtesy of TradeMe, so hopefully I can learn how to use my new(ish) sewing machine in record time and make her a new bag!!

[JandM]

Oh, how maddening! Power to your elbow with the sewing machine. Another thought - is there maybe anything on TradeMe?

[Adams Girl]

JandM, that's where I found the material. It's only 2m, and is on its way, but I can find absolutely nothing else. It's really quite bizarre as others would attest that that pattern used to be on tons of stuff, and all over the place in touristy shops.

[buraddo]

There is a woman at the Saturday artists market on the quayside in Wellington that specialises in quilting fabrics and this week she has several kiwi-oriented fat quarters. Do you ever make it there?

[JandM]

Not that I can help from here, but just for curiosity - have you got a link to show the pattern?

[newarrival]

That sounds like a good idea- I think I have a picture in my head about how the fabric looks, but maybe a photo/ link would make it easier and maybe someone might come up with an idea :-)

[kiwieagle]

This company has 6 different patterns. http://www.cushlasvillagefabrics.co.nz/nz/fabrics3.htm