Introducing the very talented Artisan, LolaYarnCraft. Lainey loves to hand knit beanies and crochet cute plush gifts from her home on a sheep and cattle farm in the Central Highlands of Tasmania.
Find out why Lainey started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
High quality hand knit Beanies and cute crocheted plush gifts are what I love to make. I choose high quality, natural fibre yarns like super fine Merino wool or single origin Alpaca to create beautiful, soft and cosy hand knitted beanies. I look for yarns that have been ethically sourced and love the added specialty of small batch, artisan hand dyed yarns.
Knitting with 'the good yarn' is such a joy, feeling the silky soft strand slide between my fingers as each stitch slowly becomes part of a truly unique, one-of-a-kind statement beanie.
When it comes to my crochet plushies, I love cute and soft. Whilst I use cotton where possible, I also choose a high quality plush yarn for that extra soft squish factor. For my plush sheep, cows, bees and loveys, there are many little pieces that are all individually crocheted by me by hand and then carefully and securely hand sewn in place. These plush gifts are intended to last, providing sensory comfort and promoting imaginative play.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I had been dabbling with knitting and crocheting on and off for years but it wasn't until 2021 that I discovered that with a little extra effort, I could create something I was actually proud of. I gathered my Mum's well worn set of knitting needles and picked up a pattern for a jumper I had started and never finished years ago. I made myself take my time and also frogged back when I made a mistake, and was determined to complete this jumper. And I did! It was the best feeling in the world, and from there sparked a determination to learn more.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
Moving to my husband's sheep and cattle farm in the Central Highlands of Tasmania around the same time as discovering my creative side inspired me to look for cute crocheted sheep and cow patterns.
Looking through Instagram for inspiration, I discovered some very talented designers, and through pattern testing, I became part of a supportive community from all over the world.
Where did you learn your craft?
I was about 5 when I remember seeing my brother finger knitting. This sparked my interest, and as my Mum is very creative, she started me off on my knitting journey. Then after my youngest was born, I turned to YouTube to learn more techniques. No matter how much experience I've had, I still learn a little something new with each project.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Handmade artistry is important to me because it showcases a passion and a personal achievement. I love being able to create something beautiful and useful, hand picking quality materials and knowing it will last. It's the best feeling being able to say 'I made that'! With increasing AI and machines able to do almost everything, these skills are dying and we need to keep them alive.
Lainey is a much loved member of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ MadeIt: Handmade not Massmade Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with LolaYarnCraft make sure you join our FB Group and say hi!
