MAXIENE PESCUD. “Is Life Better when you are Crafty?”
I first learned to knit and crochet from my grandmother when I was about 12 years old. She taught me garter stitch and how to do treble crochet, plus I learned basic sewing at school in Delegate, NSW. Then, of course, I didn’t do anything crafty at all until I was in my late thirties. I soon became a grandma of four and while making things for my grandchildren, I discovered my own love of creating. With no formal training in art I am self-taught. When my husband Ray and I travelled Australia, living on the road for 5 years, I sold my craft as we travelled from place to place, either from outside our camper trailer or at local markets. I had many disasters along the way, as I learned to knit and to crochet toys, bags and novelty items. In Narooma, I joined the Creative Threads group that meets Monday afternoon at the MACS Studio just over a year ago and have happily learned, laughed and, as they say, reverse crochet or knitted many projects. As a result of my experience of all things crafty I have become braver at tackling more technically difficult items. Today, I am fortunate enough to sell some of my craft items at the Narooma Visitor Information Centre and I’m often asked to make things for people. Mainly, I use single crochet for my toy making and for my bags, as it gives a better finish to the item and I embroider woollen flowers, insects and animals on some of my bags. Along the way, I have taught myself to sew not only toys but clothes for myself and for my family. Certainly I have picked up knowledge from some wonderful people, from fellow crafties to my grandmother and yes, even Utube! The internet is full of fabulous ideas. So I find that I do a bit of everything , knitting, crochet, sewing, but now I paint too, since becoming a MACS member. I can exhibit all my creations at the local library, galleries and exhibitions. Last year, I had the lovely experience of teaching my very first Crochet Workshop. I love creating and hope that others will give it a go too, because life is better when you are crafty!
