'THE RENAISSANCE OF CROCHET'

FIGJAM MAGAZINE VOL.2

THE RENAISSANCE OF CROCHET

FIGJAM MAGAZINE talks to Tina Welsh, one of the designers bringing the old crochet traditions back to life.

It is widely believed that the crochet traditions originated from China and developed through Turkey, India, Ancient Persia, and North Africa, before finally arriving in the Europe. In the Middle Ages it was practised mainly by noblewomen as a pastime.

In the past centuries, households often had to create outfits with their own hands, but lately the younger generations have little interest in learning the art of sewing and crochet.

The real renaissance began when Brazilian fashion designer Gustavo Silvestre started teaching the art of crochet in prisons and was followed by Cristopher Kance’s ‘Ready To Wear’ collection

which hit the catwalk in 2011 at Sao Paulo Fashion Week.

The collection made great use of crochet and went on to be showcased in fashion magazines wordwide.

Mia @ Mapa Model Management wearing crochet by Tina Welsh

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Tina explains her passion for crochet saying, “For me it is amazing to be able to pick up a needle and thread and create a dress that can be worn on any body type, by any age or on any occasion. I usually import the thread for my collections with several different textures, using pure cotton, silk, yarn and nylon.”

Designer Tina Welsh

Tina aims to bring delicacy, finesse, grace and femininity to her creations for every woman and any age group.

She says: “Modern day crochet clothing can be worn during the day with a flat shoe for more casual occasions, or at night with a high heels in more glamorous setting.

I was born blessed with a talent to create handmade crafts. A talent that I love. I have always enjoyed the manual work involved in my crafts and I don’t like mass-produced, machinemade, fashion.”

Fashion designer Tina Welsh

Tina originates from Brazil, where she was first taught by to crochet by her grandmother in her childhood.

“Crochet came to me very early in my life. I was being taught by my grandmother already from the age of 10. My grandmother was my original inspiration for what I am doing today.

After mastering crochet, I learned knitting, painting and cross-stitch embroidery.

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Zita @ Mapa Model Management wearing crochet by Tina Welsh

I began making my own clothes because I wanted different clothes from everyone else,” she says.

As crochet is uniquely versatile, it is possible to create individual pieces to suit the identity of whomever she creates them for.

“Pieces can be created in numerous styles, for any season and any occasion,” Tina says.

Not only has the talented creator and designer recently launched her brand new handmade collection, she has also launched a new website, where its possible to order her unique, beautiful and amazing creations, either off the shelf, or specially made to order.

Visit Tina’s website atwww.tinawelsh.com

or her Instagram on: @tinawelsh

Mia @ Mapa Model Management wearing crochet by Tina Welsh

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