I initially learnt many crafts as a child – my grandma taught me to crochet, my mum how to knit, and I learnt to sew at school. I dabbled a little more over the years – knitting a few mohair sweaters in my twenties, attending a few sewing classes, but never with any staying power. It’s only in recent years I’ve rediscovered my childhood pleasures with a passion.
Perhaps surprisingly crochet was the first craft to regain a foothold in my life. I discovered Debbie Stoller’s “The Happy Hooker”, found it brilliantly simple to understand, and discovered to my amazement, I could actually follow a pattern, and make something to wear.
Next I dusted off my sewing machine, and tentatively began making clothes again. First, a few simple skirts, but my ambition grew alongside my confidence.
Then last but not least, I picked up my knitting needles again, and found I could make something in much less time than I thought.
My revived crafting skills coincided with an increasing desire to cut down on my conspicuous consumption and do my bit for the environment. Wherever possible I want to make, revamp, recycle and buy second hand. But I still want to look chic. I may be in my forties but still love fashion and are on an eternal quest to develop my own individual style
