The swag is a high country institution and now Carey-Anne Hamilton of Glenlee Station in the Awatere Valley is giving this portable bedroll a makeover using local Merino wool.
Carey-Anne originally wanted to create a Merino-lined swag for children. But after a year of market research and product development, she discovered the best solution was to create two products.
The Nest-to-go™ swag is made from canvas, oilskin or cotton canvas and comes in a range of weights and colours depending on whether it is intended for outdoor or indoor use. Through the clever use of clips, the unique one-size-fits-all design can be turned into a smaller version for children three years and older.
”The advantage in this is that you buy one bed which can grow with you and last forever”, she says. “Dad or mum can sleep in it and so too can any of their children,” says Carey-Anne.
It’s the indoor or tenting nest that Carey-Anne is most passionate about. It is made from cotton canvas or denim in bold designs of coloured stripes or polka dots.
“They’re about taking children out and about with one package (bed and gear bag), allowing them to doss down anywhere making life easy for everyone. What’s more the outer is machine washable and the mattress can be hosed- easy care!”
The Cocoonest© is a merino sleeping pouch. It can be placed inside your sleeping bag for extra warmth and comfort or used on its own in milder conditions.
Carey-Anne says the products have been a real hit since they were launched last year at Culverden Fete in October 2007. More orders were taken at Christchurch Show, Wanaka Show, Mackenzie Country Show and Ward Show. A website went live in August and Carey-Anne is planning to have more stalls in the coming 12 months including at the National Field Days in Hamilton.
Over winter this mother of one has found more uses for the Merino fabric. She has created a band that can be worn around your neck or over your ears. She says the Necknest© has been a real hit with a wide range of people.
“A surprise is local musterers who wear them under their hats to protect their ears on cold mornings and around their caps to keep them secure in the wind.”
Carey-Anne has also created practical and stylish picnic rugs that are large enough to accommodate a large family. They are proving popular with corporate clients like Cloudy Bay Winery which want to turn them into branded picnic rugs.
The Cuddlynest is a Merino blanket bound in gingham, large enough to use as a wrap or knee blanket and can double as a babies blanket.
An affordable sleeping bag for babies is also on the drawing board. The BabyNest© will feature two layers of Merino bound with gingham.
“Nest-to-go is about making life easy therefore versatility of products is important.”
Carey-Anne is proud her business is supporting local businesses. The Merino wool is grown on three properties in the Awatere and Medway Valleys. The Merino products are made in nearby Blenheim. The swags are made in Christchurch.
When not developing her business, Carey-Anne looks after her daughter Georgie, teaches at the correspondence unit at Middlehurst Station further up the valley and helps on the Station with her husband Andy.
“I am one of those people that likes learning. To be able to gain new information, set a goal and achieve it is very rewarding. I love the fact that you can live isolation but you can do whatever you want from your home using your computer.”
Where you can see Nest-to-go and Carey-Anne’s other products this summer:
Culverden Fete
Christchurch A and P Show
MacKenzie Country A and P Show
Molesworth Muster Bike Ride
Click here for more information about Nest To Go
