Handmade with love

This week I have been surrounded by wonderful crafts and gorgeous people. I have only recently learnt how to crochet, starting with just basic granny squares, but I adore beanies so early this week I started to play. Playing with wool, playing with colours. Life was good.

I started making a baby’s beanie in an array of bright colours. I love colour. I taught myself how to do a scalloped edge and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. I then set out making a watermelon hat. I was amazed by how quickly crocheting can create wonderful little items. I think I may be hooked, pun intended. With uni and life getting in the way, it was nice to get back to crafting and to create something.

For me this week has been a truly crafty week, even while working. Everywhere I turn I am surrounded by beautiful things being handmade with love. This just makes me so happy.

At Encompass, a youth service for people with a disability, I am based in the textiles room. It is bliss. We have made quilts, bags, dresses and recently learnt cross stitch but our current project is just so fun. We are making stuffed toys which they are going to donate to the children at Geelong Hospital. With many of the clients having spent a lot of time at hospital themselves, making these toys is such a special project. From spotty dinosaurs, kooky aliens and green horses there are some truly gorgeous, colourful toys being made. I love my job.

Then on Friday I was asked to look after a friend’s delightful little shop. Frank & Dolly's is a sweet little shop where each piece has been lovingly handmade and holds a soulful story. 

I was very happy to sit in amongst the handcrafted, fair-trade pretties while working away on my own craft. What a wonderful day.

Now my fingers are itching to finish off a present for my little nephew. I can safely say my crafty bug is back and I am loving it. 

Handcrafted tales from Portugal

I have never travelled to Portugal but after reading the beautiful threads from The Thimble Folk it is now on my list of places to see.

These lovely people, Rachel and her family, have travelled across Portugal taking in the amazing scenery and explored the local crafts, listening to the tales of the local artisans.


This is something I would love to do myself one day.

To travel to another country and see firsthand the stunning colours and intricate embroideries, hand moulded ceramics that bear a fingerprint and most importantly pieces which hold such rich stories.


So when Rachel and her family returned home with many treasures from their travels, I was very excited to go into their little shop and come home with many delightful goodies.


“Every piece has soul and respects the hands that made it.”


These words make me happy. It was one of the reasons I just loved working in at the Oxfam shop as well. I love pieces that have a story behind them.

Whether it is hearing about the grandmother who embroidered slippers to the gorgeous clogs and bags made from silk scarves, there is skill and soul in each piece.


If only all shops would embrace this wonderful attitude and respect the hands that make their products.


Imagine the stories that could then be told.