Young and old crafters gathered at Spill the Tea for the annual World Crochet Day event on Saturday, September 12. Vendors showcased items such as wool, toys, clothing, jewellery, accessories, and more.

One of the vendors, 13-year-old crafter Holly Mayer, has been crocheting for the past three years and has seen her business grow from strength to strength.

“It’s not just a hobby for me; crochet is a commercial interest.” Her favourite item to make is animals, like jellyfish and bees, she says, because “they always come out almost perfect”.

The self-taught, part-time gymnast gets her inspiration from YouTube videos. Through her business, Holly’s Crocheted Creature of Cuteness, she usually sells her products at community markets. For aspiring young crafters, Mayer encourages them to step into the craft and stay focused.

For Katija Vawda, crochet is the best stress-reliever. “I have been at it for two years. My mother was an avid crafter, and after she passed away, I took on after her. I don’t do much selling; it is mostly a hobby for me. It is so therapeutic and calming,” Vawda said. Her work includes baby clothes, sunglass cases, table nets, and more.

“This time around, we partnered with 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela, which is a long-running NPO for crochet blankets for the needy, as well as Park Kitties, which is an NPO for stray cats and does a lot of work in the Durban communities,” said Lara James, event co-ordinator.

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