Young creator turns yarn into joy

When Emma Fischer, a Grade 10 learner at Crawford International Ruimsig, decided to try her hand at crochet, she had no idea it would become a passion that would spark entrepreneurial spirit in her and bring joy to others.

Emma recently dedicated 14.5 hours of her time to crochet 27 beautiful purses and surprised the female staff at her school in honour of Mother’s Day, and the purses were also part of a staff and wellness initiative.

Emma’s journey into crochet began years ago, sparked by curiosity when crochet was getting popular online, and she wanted to try something new.

“I make anything and everything I like or people commission me to make. Whether it’s clothing, bags, plushies, and more,” she says. Her grandmother, who also knits, gave her some spare yarn and an old crochet hook for her to have a try at knitting.

New to the world of crochet, Emma started with simple projects like making boxes and fingerless gloves, but it wasn’t until she met friends who shared her passion that her skills improved.

“Their support and a TV show led me to make a green, blue, and black poncho, which was my biggest and most successful crochet project I had ever done,” Emma recalls. “It was and still is one of my favourites.”

As Emma’s skills grew, so did her creativity. She began making bags, accessories, and even a dress for Culture Day, which took her four days to make and was a huge hit when she wore it to school.

A small market stall hosted by her friend’s grandparents opened her eyes to the potential of turning her hobby into a business.

“My bees, turtles, and axolotls made me realise what I could do and what I love. They are so adorable,” she shares.

Today, Emma’s crochet creations are in demand, and she has started receiving custom orders.

“I now get orders from family members, teachers, classmates, and people who had never even glanced my way before. From their support, the motivation and dedication to the craft inspire me to keep on creating and doing what I love.”