The Alexandra Hospice Shop has a special till code that no other OCH Hospice shop has – UPCYCLED. And it’s all thanks to an amazing group of Sewing Angels.

For over eight years a group of locals have been turning recycled material into fabulous one-off handcrafts. Thousands of hours of love and skill have gone into the creation of these unique items.  The angels don’t like to be individually mentioned as the team – which consist of 20 to 25 people - often changes, and recognition is not their motivation.

The raw materials they use include blankets, cotton and denim scraps, wool, and even upcycled boxes.

Knitted items include headbands, scarves, shawls, bed socks, hand and foot warmers, muffs, baby clothes, knee rugs and jerseys. There are also beautiful merino beanies made from wool off-cuts donated by Glowing Sky - the shop has sold over 3000 of these warm merino beanies - and a range of colourful kids toys called 'Oddballs'.

Shrugs and kimonos are sewn. As are unique gifts like a range of Scotty Dogs made from old blankets and an amazing denim steam punk outfit that can be rented. The outfit, which consists of a skirt, top and hat, was recently hired for an Auckland wedding.  

Christmas decorations and stockings, business card holders, key rings, dog toys, pin cushions…the list is huge. These are also AMAZING sewing kits that have been put together using old hat boxes and other discarded boxes. These unique starter sewing boxes are full of treasures that can turn recycled materials into amazing crafts. A true circular economy.

Professional looking and hugely popular, the Sewing Angel’s upcycled items raise between $7K and $15k every year!

Thank you so much Sewing Angels - whoever you are - for your skill, generosity and time.