Judy Sendrove is our latest Crochet Graduate to complete our intermediate crochet course (Skill Stage 3). She has kindly shared her experience of studying with us and talks about developing an ability to progress her own ideas and designs, and gaining enough confidence to teach Crochet workshops!
This is her #MyStitchJourney
“The course has taught me how to work through an idea, from the thought process to design, timings, and costings. I have learnt about different materials and how it can affect your choice. The course has helped me discover and push new skills and given me more confidence. It has helped me realise what kind of business I would like to create.”
Judy Sendrove
My Grandma taught me to crochet a chain when I was younger which gave me a good start of how to hold the hook and yarn. I started to learn how to crochet properly in 2016, after I was given a Star Wars crochet kit, and I loved it. I loved how quickly it starts to take shape. I crocheted a blanket too, but I decided I really liked doing 3D crochet. I was crocheting every day and became skilled at it.
Motivation for Studying
During lockdown my salon had to be closed, so I couldn’t work. I filled my time with crocheting, I had a few commissions and thought that I would like to take my skills further and potentially think about starting a business. I started looking at courses that weren’t just about learning new crocheting skills, and School of Stitched Textiles popped up. I liked that it was more than just a crochet course, learning about different topics and how to start a business.
With the course being City and Guilds accredited, it gave me more confidence in choosing the school. A big attraction for me was being able to study online so I could work anywhere, anytime.
Key Learning Outcomes
The course has taught me how to work through an idea, from the thought process to design, timings, and costings. I have learnt about different materials and how it can affect your choice. The course has helped me discover and push new skills and given me more confidence. It has helped me realise what kind of business I would like to create.
School of Stitched Textiles has given me confidence to teach a crochet workshop, which I enjoy doing, helping others to learn and develop their skills. I am currently creating and writing crochet patterns, building up my portfolio and developing plans to create crochet kits for retail. I am also planning on making personalised wall hanging animal heads. I designed and crocheted my dog Mabel’s head for one of my modules, which I was really pleased with. It was also chosen to be shown in an exhibition in Sheffield and received positive feedback.
Advice to New Students?
I would highly recommend this course at School of Stitched Textiles if you’re looking to expand not just your crochet skills but expand on other skills and knowledge. Learning remotely is also great, as you can work when it suits you. The tutors and staff are very supportive and are there for you if help is needed. They encourage you to join social media groups, where you can ask for advice, or just share your work. There are regular live Q and A sessions held by tutors too.
My advice to new students is plan, plan, plan! Time can easily get away from you when you’re enjoying creating, so having a schedule really helped me to stay on track. Don’t be shy of experimenting, even if it doesn’t go to plan, you’re still learning something.
