HAYLIE DURRINGTON

I grew up watching my mother and grandmother sit and crochet together. They lived very far apart from each other, so when my grandmother would come and holiday with us I would love to watch the two of them bonding and laughing while they crocheted blankets together. It was a special time. When we lost my grandmother a few years ago I wanted to carry on that tradition, so I decided to teach myself how to crochet. When we get together my mother and I now sit next to each other crocheting while my little girl watches us. I hope this is something we can continue to pass down through the years and generations.

I love looking in thrift [charity] stores for inspiration. You never know what you are going to find! An old watercolour-painted plate can lead to a new colour palette or style that you are inspired to try. I love all things vintage and they always hold so much inspiration from the past.

My absolutely favourite time to crochet is late at night when the rest of the household is sleeping. I always make sure I have a cup of coffee, some chocolate and either an audiobook or podcast on to listen to while I enjoy my crafty ‘me’ time.

My biggest crocheting triumph was the first day someone messaged me saying they loved one of my patterns. It can be really hard to put your creative ideas out there, but when you get that one message in your inbox of a mama holding her new baby wrapped in one of your blanket patterns, it makes your heart truly smile.

For more on Haylie Durrington follow her on Instagram at @whiskers.and.wool, and on Etsy at WhiskersAndWoolStore