Getting started

At the end of 2023, somewhere between wrapping presents and trying not to eat my bodyweight in mince pies, I got it into my head that I wanted to make handmade Christmas decorations. That little spark turned into my New Year’s resolution for 2024: learn a craft properly and spend less time scrolling on my phone. I’d learned to knit as a child, but only enough to make rectangles — my first project was a bright pink mohair scarf that could’ve doubled as sandpaper. I picked up crochet around 2016, then promptly put it down again because life does that thing where it gets in the way.

January 2024 rolled around and I decided to re-teach myself crochet. By August, YouTube had also convinced me to pick up knitting again. My first projects this time were a pair of fingerless gloves for my partner (to keep his hands warm while gaming — priorities) and some cheerful spring bunting for a birthday. Since then, yarn has slowly taken over my house. Not a day goes by where I don’t add at least a few rows to something. It’s basically a roommate now.

I set up Seriously Knitting so my makes could have their own little corner of the internet — somewhere to share photos with people who actually want to see them, instead of spamming my friends’ feeds. As I learned more, I found myself drawn to clothing and accessories. I’m very much an “I want this in every colour” kind of person, both in buying yarn and in making things, which is why you’ll often find the same item in several shades. I regret nothing.

This is one of many hobbies in my life — I work full time, I play in a brass band, and I love taking photos. If you want to see what’s currently on my needles or hook, you can find me on Instagram @seriouslyknitting and on Pinterest, where I pretend to be organised.