There is so much to learn from the experiences of other makers. You never know what may lead to a new idea or technique, or how someone else’s story may spark your own passion for your chosen craft. In this Maker Spotlight, you’ll be learning all about Claire from Black Cat Crochet, a local small business with a love for all things handmade. Much of the work that Claire does is to support a wonderful cause. She works for the local NHS Trust, and uses her crochet to fundraise for WISHH (Working Independently to Support Hull Hospitals). Here is the story of Black Cat Crochet!
With the help of her grandma, Claire first learned to knit and crochet at a young age. I wanted to know what prompted Claire to take her skills to the next level and how Black Cat Crochet began. It started ‘not as a business, but as an Instagram account to share my crochet projects with likeminded people and as a way to connect with the crochet community - for both advice and inspiration.’ This is why many makers take to Instagram; it’s a great way to connect creatively with others. One thing I love about Claire’s account is the quotes and infographics for crochet lovers!
Black Cat Crochet certainly knows how to spread positive crafting vibes online. This is great not only for the beginners that Claire teaches at a local cafe in Anlaby, but for anyone in need of crafty encouragement. Putting a bit of heart into your hobby can go a long way, and this is definitely reflected in the work Black Cat Crochet does.
Most makers will take part in a charity project at some point. Whether it’s making to donate or making to sell and raise money, it can be a great way to help your community whilst doing something that you love. Claire’s love for crochet was ignited after a charity craft sale. She says this led to ‘a variety of things, including Rainbows and Hero Bears during the first lockdown to sell for charity’.
Black Cat Crochet also provides a range of items for sale at the Art Café where Claire teaches, with the profits donated. Items such as key rings and water balloons made with chenille yarn - it’s a great way to fundraise for a cause!
With the various lockdowns over the last year, I was interested to know how this affected Claire’s crafting and how the social restrictions changed her crochet journey. ‘Lockdown was a strange time for me. I went from working in a large open plan office with colleagues and meetings, to my kitchen table’. Like many of us, Claire used crochet as a way to cope with the stressful changes that last year brought.
One project that kept Claire sane whilst stuck indoors was the the Attic24 Moorland Wave blanket. It was in the colours of the North Yorkshire Moors, and I think her idea behind this project was lovely: ‘If I couldn’t visit in person, I could be there in spirit’. That really encapsulates a wonderful side of crochet; you can create anything, and transport yourself anywhere.
When Claire isn’t busy making, she enjoys passing her love of crochet on. She helps others learn and has found further enjoyment through teaching these skills. ‘What I didn’t anticipate is seeing some of the amazing projects my learners have gone on to create,’ she told me. ‘To see that creativity and success has been so very rewarding’. What started as a couple of post-lockdown crafting social events has become a popular class at the Art Café.
There is a lot to be gained from crafting in a group. ‘I have found beginners do benefit from a face to face group,’ Claire told me. ‘As one lady commented to me recently, “I can’t ask Youtubers why mine doesn’t look like theirs” and for me that sums it up perfectly’. As well as classes, Claire is part of a Crochet Chatter Club that meets every Thursday 7-9pm at Deliciously Crafty Café on Anlaby Common. New members are always welcome to work on a crafty project over coffee and cake!
Finally, as a bit of inspiration for In the Wool subscribers, I asked Claire to reveal her current WIP project. Like many of us, she has multiple makes on the go: ‘At the moment I am working on a mosaic crochet blanket, a jumper for my husband, a large pumpkin for a local Halloween display and pattern testing for upcoming courses. Next weekend I am going to Yarndale… so I fear that list will soon be even longer!’ Spoken like a true crochet addict.
If you would like to learn more about Black Cat Crochet or get in touch with Claire, make sure you follow her on Instagram (@black_cat_crochet). If you would like to learn more about WISHH or support the cause, click here.