Co-Founder + Operations Manager + Tutor

Fiona is passionate about using creative thinking and collaboration to come up with practical and beautiful solutions. Fiona thought she would grow up to be a sewing teacher, but become a social entrepreneur instead.... and now teaches sewing (while running our studio). Fiona loves the variety of her work for Stitch Kitchen, and the wellbeing benefits of developing a caring community of fellow fabric addicts.

Assistant Studio Manager

Desi is a textile artist specialising in embroidery and crochet. She holds a BFA and MFA from the Dunedin School of Art. She loves to use found objects in both her art practice and in making upcycled clothing under the name Altered Eco. Her previous careers as a librarian and school teacher help her to pass her love upcycling. She loves the feeling of community at Stitch Kitchen and enjoys being part of it."

With a background in technology and project management for over 30 years, I want to help Stitch Kitchen grow with good governance and practical support.

I first came to Stitch Kitchen to relearn sewing and was inspired by their mission. Now, as board chair, I’m proud to support their creative, sustainable kaupapa.

Descended from a line of expert sewers, Sara is an occasional sewer and daily knitter, appreciating the ‘productive mindfulness’ of these crafts. With a background in science, Sara’s day job is on the Senior Leadership Team of AgResearch. Often found with a baby vest in progress for charity, she embraces knitting in public despite her son's disapproval. Sara has long admired Stitch Kitchen and looks forward to contributing as a Trustee.

By day Tracy is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Southlink here is Dunedin. She visited Stitch Kitchen for the first time in April this year and was taken by what a treasure trove it was. Since then she has visited and purchased fabric and notions and her daughter has completed the Children's Sewing Lessons. Tracy loves sewing, loves creating and loves that Stitch Kitchen is also playing its own small part in helping make our world a better place.

Hannah has an extensive background in fundraising, PR, marketing, audience development and event management, with a side of publishing. She holds contract roles with a range of for-purpose organisations in Ōteptoti and further afield and enjoys taking up governance roles, Her focus is on increasing equity and elevating the kaupapa of grassroots organisations from a governance context.