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Origins of raulf jean
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TitleOrigins of raulf jean
Descriptionraulf jean, as a business, was born from my desire to create, and to create in a way that connected me with my whanau, honouring those who inspired and began my fibre-art journey.
My ancestors have been an integral part of the development of raulf jean – three of them are honoured through its very name. But, to provide exposition: my journey with crochet has been incredibly valuable and is integral to understanding this.
My Nana, Maureen Dickason, moved from her home in Ahuriri here to mine in Tuawharekākaho a few years back. We spent the summer holidays before I started at college together. One day I asked if she would teach me to knit – so we ventured out to get supplies, and she spent hours trying to teach me. It never stuck, and eventually she moved out and I gave up. Inspired, and not one for sitting still, I decided to learn how to crochet. Thus, here we are now.
Nana was one of my biggest supporters in the four years she lived near me. When she was in her villa we’d spend weekends together and I’d sit in her lounge crocheting for hours. During her time in palliative care, I’d take in my creations when I got to see her weekly and whenever she saw a new project her face would light up with a childlike joy. My connection with Nana was so important, that when I set out to name my business, I knew I
wanted to include her wairua in it somehow. jean comes from nana. It’s her middle name: because though I know she disliked it, she despised Maureen.
Raulf comes from both my Kleine Oma (what my whānau called my great-grandmother) and my great Uncle Ralph. Kleine Oma’s maiden name was Raulfs (first name Karli), and she was a grand old knitter and crocheter! Pretty much everyone in my whānau owns what we endearingly call “Oma Blankets” which she seemed to churn out weekly. Alongside her knitted and crocheted
blankets, Kleine Oma would embroider and latch hook projects (amongst more, I’m sure).
Mum's Uncle Ralph was someone I was much less affiliated with, but I grew up hearing stories about him from Mum’s childhood. When he passed away not long ago, his children were going
through his stuff when they found many crocheted doilies and the materials to make them. We were all shocked at this discovery and it’s had quite an impact on me – it is saddening to think
he felt he had to hide this beautiful hobby. I wanted to honour Kleine Oma and her constant crafting – as well as Ralph and his hidden hobby.
As much as it is incredibly important for me to recognise the people who came before me and helped me shape my love and understanding of my art and its significance in my life – it is just as important that I value those around me who continue to inspire me. As such – when designing my logo and brand I asked a very good friend to draw the ruru who features so prominently.DateAugust 2025
Descriptionraulf jean, as a business, was born from my desire to create, and to create in a way that connected me with my whanau, honouring those who inspired and began my fibre-art journey.My ancestors have been an integral part of the development of raulf jean – three of them are honoured through its very name. But, to provide exposition: my journey with crochet has been incredibly valuable and is integral to understanding this.
My Nana, Maureen Dickason, moved from her home in Ahuriri here to mine in Tuawharekākaho a few years back. We spent the summer holidays before I started at college together. One day I asked if she would teach me to knit – so we ventured out to get supplies, and she spent hours trying to teach me. It never stuck, and eventually she moved out and I gave up. Inspired, and not one for sitting still, I decided to learn how to crochet. Thus, here we are now.
Nana was one of my biggest supporters in the four years she lived near me. When she was in her villa we’d spend weekends together and I’d sit in her lounge crocheting for hours. During her time in palliative care, I’d take in my creations when I got to see her weekly and whenever she saw a new project her face would light up with a childlike joy. My connection with Nana was so important, that when I set out to name my business, I knew I
wanted to include her wairua in it somehow. jean comes from nana. It’s her middle name: because though I know she disliked it, she despised Maureen.
Raulf comes from both my Kleine Oma (what my whānau called my great-grandmother) and my great Uncle Ralph. Kleine Oma’s maiden name was Raulfs (first name Karli), and she was a grand old knitter and crocheter! Pretty much everyone in my whānau owns what we endearingly call “Oma Blankets” which she seemed to churn out weekly. Alongside her knitted and crocheted
blankets, Kleine Oma would embroider and latch hook projects (amongst more, I’m sure).
Mum's Uncle Ralph was someone I was much less affiliated with, but I grew up hearing stories about him from Mum’s childhood. When he passed away not long ago, his children were going
through his stuff when they found many crocheted doilies and the materials to make them. We were all shocked at this discovery and it’s had quite an impact on me – it is saddening to think
he felt he had to hide this beautiful hobby. I wanted to honour Kleine Oma and her constant crafting – as well as Ralph and his hidden hobby.
As much as it is incredibly important for me to recognise the people who came before me and helped me shape my love and understanding of my art and its significance in my life – it is just as important that I value those around me who continue to inspire me. As such – when designing my logo and brand I asked a very good friend to draw the ruru who features so prominently.
DateAugust 2025Connections
Collectionralf jean collection
Attribution
Written ByMikayla YoungDate WrittenAugust 2025
Date WrittenAugust 2025Click on the image to add
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Origins of raulf jean (August 2025). Selwyn Stories, accessed 27/05/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6939