Meet Kylie Bartholomew -a key craftperson and collaborator at handmadeandmarina. Sometimes crocheting upto 8 hours a day, she certainly deserves the title of Bunbury’s crochet queen!
I first met Kylie selling her exquisite crocheted stuffed toys at the Stirling Street Art Centre Flea Market. Getting to see her work was a boost to my ongoing pursuit to collaborate with local crafts persons, artisans and producers. All commissioned pieces of silk and woollen crocheted creations by her continue to sell out at my stall. Her speciality would be the beautiful eri silk wrist warmers which look like lace.
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- pure eri silk wrist warmer
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- pure eri silk wrist warmer
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- mohair skirt
Kylie started crocheting about 6 years ago after a knee injury left her limited in her mobility. Already an avid knitter and cross-stitcher, she was looking for something different to add to her creative interests. A self-taught artisan, she relied on books and magazines for direction. She followed patterns and started making toys which she continues to pursue to this day. Crocheting is a relaxing art and activity for Kylie and she spends at least 2 hours a day indulging in this activity.
She is content with her little space at the monthly Stirling Street Art Centre Flea Market (thanks to the encouragement of her partner who could see that her wares needed exposure.) and was very pleased with her first go at the annual Christmas Fair run by the same centre this year.
Kylie’s work with local handspun wool, upcycled & recycled woollen yarn as well as naturally dyed eri silk will continue to be presented through my market stalls as well as online shop. Check out some of her creations through my online shop.
