IN BYGONE DAYS crochet was essentially a hobby practised by older women who created items like chair back covers, tablecloths, centrepieces and doilies. But they never fashioned bathing suits or a wide range of clothing.
Today, however, Hannah Thomas has created a thriving business from her Bath Land, St John home where she makes very fashionable pieces.
“In May 2014, I started it as a hobby. I made a bathing suit for myself and when people saw it they started ordering bathing suits. I was advised to turn it into a business and it has been successful,” she noted.
Thomas, who was living in St Vincent at the time, moved to Barbados in December last year and since then has also built up a market for herself here.
With no prior skills, Thomas said she learned the basic crochet stitch by watching a lady who was very skilled. After that she just took up a crochet needle and started.
“I bought some wool and a needle, went home and started doing it and progressed,” said Thomas who makes dresses, skirts, jumpers, shirts, pants, jewelry and bags, but the bathing suits are the product in greatest demand. She said she made her first panty by simply decreasing and increasing and “to ensure I mastered it, I would look at pictures of panties and follow the outline.”
While noting that she does not take measurements, Thomas said she can look at a person and have a good estimate.
Thomas uses a border stitch to prevent it from stretching and has done such a thorough job that there is no problem of shrinkage after the bathing suits were wet.
The success of her business is still a surprise to Thomas who said she was just looking to learn a new skill and make items for herself and her family. However, since crochet is now in demand and has become a fashion trend, Thomas is looking to grow the business including shipping items back to her homeland.
Thomas said people request various items and even if she had not made it before she is determined to fill the order within time and flawlessly.
Thomas has encouraged people who have an idea or a skill to make their dream a reality by using their God-given talents. She wants to use her skills to enhance the lives of others and said if a young person comes along and they are into crochet “ I will offer advice on how to do it as I want young people to pursue their passions.”
While drawing her inspiration from her clients, as well as things she sees around her. Thomas does transformations where she turns leggings into swim suits as well as other clothing. She has even recreated the ‘ites, gold and green” dress Rihanna wore in her Work music video.
Thomas said pregnant women can also have a variety of baby items made including booties, hats and blankets.
The creative young woman said she wanted to also add some diversity to the items that people wear on a daily basis and to show that anyone can take a skill that has been around for years, put a new lease on it and create a project that shows what a little imagination can do. (LK)
