Celebrating the Locally Owned Kate’s Crochet by Peri Hayes
Katie Austin of Kate’s Crochet has been passionately creating custom crochet orders ongoing for a year and a half, celebrating her small business across St. Thomas and Tillsonburg. With her background in crochet for 10 years and counting, Katie graciously details that she was originally taught by one of her colleagues when she began her work as an Educator with YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin. Upon learning the basics, Katie and her team introduced this art form to their Program --- facilitating a space for creative engagement and group connection. As Katie proceeds to describe, COVID-19 was a motivator for the local entrepreneur to hone in on this enjoyable skill. Feeling inspired to exercise this healthy outlet, crochet became a means for Katie to keep busy during the pandemic: “This is when I began experimenting, diving into ‘stuffies’ and everything else that I create now.”
unique decoration, crediting, “Originally, I saw somebody on the internet who had created roses and I thought that was really cool, this concept of the flower that will never die.” These floral displays are particularly favoured during the blooming spring season. “Christmas of 2023 was my very first show, being at the King’s Academy Market,” Katie delightedly reflects. “One of my friends is a secretary there, who encouraged me to participate. Though I was hesitant -- we certainly are our own harshest critics -- I am glad that I did. This was a good success.” Thrilled to be growing her involvement in vendor shows, Katie expresses, “I get to meet a lot of people at these events, customers and other business owners -- whether they’re selling similar pieces or not. Crochet vendors have been some of the nicest people that I’ve had the pleasure of networking with, seizing the opportunity to share ideas and patterns. It is important to me to support other businesses, and connect with people.” Last month, Katie participated in the Spring Serendipity Sale held in London. She reveals that next on her agenda is to pursue space as a vendor at the Hexes and Jinxes Market this autumn. Orders of Katie’s crochet creations are available through Direct Messaging on Instagram at ‘kates.crochet’. Further inquiries are welcome through this social media platform, as well as by emailing katie.austin62@gmail.com. Katie enthusiastically concludes, “I super appreciate all of the support from my friends and family who have been along with me for the journey.”
In addition to her creations which encompass various classic and personalized characters, Katie has been recreating miniatures of people’s beloved pets along with presenting wearable pieces: “Hats have been very popular, and I also dabble in scarves and headbands around winter time.” Furthermore, Katie prepares gorgeous flower bouquets for
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Page 32 Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025
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