A stitch in time
What started out as a way to raise funds for a climbing adventure has now become a business
Starting out crocheting and selling small stuffed animal toys in 2016 as a way to help fund one of her biggest adventures — climbing Kilimanjaro — East Londoner Tonja Pottinger has decided to turn her hobby into a business.
Officially launching Ditzy Daisy in 2024, Pottinger now makes all kinds of accessories and home decor pieces; from crochet handbags, shawls and baskets, to wooden headboards, desk organisers, storage boxes, decorative hanging pieces and more.
“I first started crocheting these toys which they call Amigurumi for friends, family and colleagues for special occasions or just as gifts.
“I was needing to make extra money for my other adventures, but the big one was for climbing Kilimanjaro in 2017.
“I eventually got there and it was absolutely something else. I can’t put that experience into words,” Pottinger said.
Originating from Japanese culture, Amigurumi is the art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed yarn creatures.
And while this was the start of Ditzy Daisy, Pottinger has taken on many different projects since then.
“During Covid, I started experimenting with wood furniture where I made stuff for myself.
“I made a few pieces again for friends and family as gifts.
“It is only this year that I have broadened my horizons by trying to turn my hobby or sideline into a business,” Pottinger said.
She is originally from Richards Bay but has lived in East London since 1990.
Also working fulltime at a local school as a physical education teacher and sports coach, Pottinger, 52, makes each of her items herself, by hand.
“Everything is handmade and I so enjoy repurposing old furniture and bringing new life to it.”
She said while she loved the challenge of creating things, she had never seen herself as a particularly creative person.
“I really don’t see myself as creative. I just like to challenge myself by trying new things to see how they come out and at the same time I really enjoy myself doing it.
“I love to see how it all comes together with the end product.
“Especially if it comes out better than you thought it would.
“I also love when customers give me the freedom to do my own thing and make the item the way I see it.”
While running a business, however big or small, has its ups and downs, Pottinger said seeing the happiness her items brought to customers made it all worth it.
“My biggest challenges are pricing and advertising or marketing my products.
“But when the customer’s face lights up when they get their item and genuinely love it, it’s the best!
“It’s like such a surprise for them. That’s the highlight for me.”
And though “creative” may not be way she describes herself, it is the process of making things that brings her the most joy.
“My favourite part of running Ditzy Daisy is the time I spend making the items.”
To find out more, follow Ditzy Daisy on Facebook.