Heartwood ‘Joyful’
Kohia nga taikākā
These words are a whakataukī, or saying, in the beautiful Maori language of New Zealand. Its approximate meaning is to gather the heartwood. To gather the heartwood is to strive for worthy things in life, and to live according to your values.
This is a beloved personal motto behind Aroha Textiles.
In nature, the heartwood forms the central strong pillar of a tree – it is what provides the support to keep a tree standing. Much beloved and sought after for woodworking, heartwood has a functional beauty and is prized for its colour and strength.
Joyful is the second colourway in this design and this time too, we hope to offer such qualities to you in woven wrap form.
The Heartwood design to me is reminiscent of building with blocks alongside my daughter, and a wooden puzzle cube that belonged to my father. I was born in Tokoroa, a logging town. A forestry family. My father has worked most of his life in the NZ forestry industry, so my childhood was filled with the beauty and allure of wood. Building things from wood, being surrounded by wood grain, and walking up many hills to see many trees. Wood and trees and more wood. Dad is an expert in hardwoods. Specifically, he is an expert in Eucalypts, which makes the eucalyptus-derived yarn used in 'Joyful' entirely appropriate.
Joyful has been made in a small batch, in a cotton and Tencel blend, in a fresh minty green. Like Earnest before it, it is light and soft in the hand, moldable after the first wash, and wonderfully floppy and obedient to wrap with. Perfect for a new squish, it will also reliably provide generous support for heavier babies & toddlers in breathable multi-layered carries. Being versatile and easycare, this could be your new beater wrap for any time of year!
This design is a nod to my father, and also a nod of solidarity, to all of you, fellow parents striving to provide the utmost love and care to the next generation on earth.
Kohia nga taikākā...
We love these words and their meaning.
To seek the heartwood is about drawing things that really matter close to you.
These Joyful wraps will be available via
Pricing (in NZD) is as follows:
Ring Sling $205
Size 3 $235
Size 4 $255
Size 5 $275
Size 6 $295
Size 7 $315
Size 8 $335
Welcome to Aroha Textiles, a small Mum-run enterprise based in Auckland, New Zealand.
We are dedicated to sharing our love of baby-wearing throughout our beautiful land and far beyond. The comfort and convenience of woven wraps has become our passion - we love getting out and about in the glorious NZ outdoors, and equally we need to get things done around the house! It is our dream come true to create luscious and original textiles for you to carry and clothe your precious babies in.
Aroha wraps are conceived and created alongside family and friends, local artists and designers. Our range is inspired by the beauty of the South Pacific - from our unique wildlife and natural wonders to the rich traditions of pattern design and crafting of textiles.
We hope you enjoy wrapping your babies in Aroha, made with lots of love in New Zealand.
hello@arohatextiles.co.nz
