Crochet is chic again! Craft renaissance an antidote to our fast-paced world
Lynda Tomkins runs Crochet Australia from Yandina ... “People are appreciating the art of making beautiful things and crochet is such an accessible skill.”
Crafts such as sewing, knitting and crocheting have enjoyed a real resurgence in the past 12 months and this came as no surprise to Crochet Australia’s Lynda Tomkins.
“People are appreciating the art of making beautiful things and crochet is such an accessible skill,” she explained. “You don’t need loads of expensive equipment and it is portable and relaxing.”
Lynda bought Crochet Australia, six years ago. Having decided to move from Sydney with her son, Lynda chose Yandina to settle down.
“My mum taught me to crochet when I was six and it was something I have always enjoyed. When my son was born 25 years ago, I took it up again,” said Lynda.
“I had spent much of my life travelling the world in a corporate environment and I had decided that I wanted to start a business in the crochet industry when I received a newsletter from Crochet Australia saying that the business was for sale. I think it was meant to be!”
Ninety percent of the business is online, with avid customers all around the world.
“Over the past four and a half years I have started hosting workshops, lessons and weekend retreats, and these have been extremely popular. Part of the appeal to the younger market is that there are some very beautiful, and modern patterns available. Wearing crochet is chic again! Clothing items and accessories such as tops, skirts, dresses, bags and hats are incredibly popular with our younger customers.”
Lynda has teamed up with crochet designer, Emily Penn of The Loopy Stitch to introduce a range of crochet patterns for her next weekend retreat which will be held in August. “This year we are bringing the seaside into the design with a gorgeous basket and cushions,” she said. “Last year 40 people attended and it was great fun.”
Lynda has also introduced a ‘crochet tournament’, where participants are given a pattern, and have three weeks to complete the project and upload a photo of their work. All of the patterns are done by Australian designers. “People have also taken to our crochet tournament, with over 360 people participating this year from all around Australia and internationally as well,” said Lynda.
You can find out more about Crochet Australia’s classes, workshops and events at www.crochetaustralia.com.au