Creative-Crochet - About Us

Kay Hamilton has been making crocheted garments since the late 1980s. Although she trained and worked as a mathematics teacher, Kay retained an interest in the techniques of knitting and crochet - an interest that really took off after taking part in a number of short courses led by Sylvia Cosh. With a background knowledge of the basic stitches already in place, these sessions provided her with the confidence to experiment more boldly in her use and combination of different textures, colours and yarns. Her first attempts met with such an enthusiastic response that she has been doing it ever since, her work selling by word of mouth as well as at craft fairs and on-line.

Kay creates wearable and eye-catching garments. Many different yarns are brought together in the formation of her rich fabrics and the effect the yarns have on each other is of paramount importance in achieving an all-over result. The appeal to the mathematician lies in the topology of the garments, which are made all in one piece with no sewing-up to be done. They can be made from the bottom edge up but could also begin at the cuff and work across, or at the neck and work downwards. Edgings, cuffs and fastenings are all added afterwards, ensuring a perfect fit.

Inspiration in terms of colour may come from many sources; a natural object or scene, an interesting yarn, or the requirements of her customers. The various different forms of crochet – for example Tunisian Tricot, Broomstick, and Hairpin crochet—she still finds fascinating. Each has its own application, from gossamer light shawls to heavy rugs for the floor.

About Us...

Kay Hamilton has been making crocheted garments since the late 1980s. Although she trained and worked as a mathematics teacher, Kay retained an interest in the techniques of knitting and crochet - an interest that really took off after taking part in a number of short courses led by Sylvia Cosh. With a background knowledge of the basic stitches already in place, these sessions provided her with the confidence to experiment more boldly in her use and combination of different textures, colours and yarns. Her first attempts met with such an enthusiastic response that she has been doing it ever since, her work selling by word of mouth as well as at craft fairs and on-line. Kay creates wearable and eye-catching garments. Many different yarns are brought together in the formation of her rich fabrics and the effect the yarns have on each other is of paramount importance in achieving an all-over result. The appeal to the mathematician lies in the topology of the garments, which are made all in one piece with no sewing-up to be done. They can be made from the bottom edge up but could also begin at the cuff and work across, or at the neck and work downwards. Edgings, cuffs and fastenings are all added afterwards, ensuring a perfect fit. Inspiration in terms of colour may come from many sources; a natural object or scene, an interesting yarn, or the requirements of her customers. The various different forms of crochet – for example Tunisian Tricot, Broomstick, and Hairpin crochet—she still finds fascinating. Each has its own application, from gossamer light shawls to heavy rugs for the floor.
		Kay in the garden that inspires many of her garments

This website is a record of Kay’s recent work. There are full and mid-length lined coats, cardigans, capes, waistcoats, hats and scarves. Each item is a one-off, produced entirely by hand from yarns she has collected and combined to create a unique effect. A short unlined coat represents about sixty uninterrupted hours of work. While some smaller items can be exactly recreated, the majority cannot due to the scarcity of her materials. She is always willing to talk through her clients’ requirements and expectations with them over the phone or in person at her home in the Ashdown Forest, where clients can view and choose from her mine of yarns and try on completed garments. Tuition for groups and individuals can also be arranged.

About Us...