Amanda Jones

I love to crochet, both simple patterns and complex projects. I design my own patterns, which I sell online as well as use to teach the attendees at my crochet workshops. I am a vegan and like to be as environmentally friendly as possible so only use cruelty free yarns in my products.

I first started to crochet as a hobby when I was between jobs; I loved creating useful and fun items from nothing more than a ball of yarn and a hook. It soon became an addiction and now I sell accessories, amigurumi and custom orders on Etsy and at local craft fairs and shops.

I grew up in North Wales and loved the sea and walking in the hills. I have always been creative and enjoyed making pompoms, learning French knitting and taking part in the Welsh arts festival – the Eisteddfod; singing, dancing and reciting poetry.

Then I lived in Liverpool with my partner Emma, our 2 cats and my large yarn stash. After 20 years of city life, we packed up and moved to the Northern Ireland countryside. I work mostly from home where I can crochet on the sofa and drink tea. I also run classes teaching people to crochet and progress their skills.

I understand the fear of starting something new, worrying that you are not going to be able to learn, and embarrass yourself in front of a group of strangers. But this is not school, there are no exams, and I encourage talking in class and bringing along tea/ coffee and snacks. I welcome anyone from any background and ability, and am very patient and encouraging with anyone who comes along with self doubt. I have had people come along to classes convinced they are going to fail as they have in the past, however no-one has left one of my classes without learning the basics, feeling a sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm to continue on their crochet journey.