7 minute read
Sakshi Shirvankar
In today’s fast-paced world, few people can find time to craft with their hands. Yet, Sakshi Shirvankar has made her passion for crocheting not only a therapeutic hobby but also a growing business that reflects her dedication and creativity. With over six years of experience in crochet, Sakshi has carved out a niche in the world of amigurumi—an art that speaks volumes through the intricate details of plush toys made from yarn. At just 24 years old, she already boasts a business that caters to a broad audience, from babies to collectors of charming, handcrafted plush toys. What sets her apart is not only her ability to bring to life whimsical characters through yarn but also her relentless pursuit of sustainability and craftsmanship.
From Yarn to Plush: The Journey Begins
Sakshi's relationship with crochet started when she was in the 8th grade, having learned the basics at a young age. However, it was her encounter with amigurumi that truly ignited her creative passion. Amigurumi, a Japanese term for the art of crocheting small, stuffed toys, intrigued her when she first saw someone creating these toys online. This particular craft resonated with her childhood love for soft toys, which she fondly remembers collecting. The ability to create her own plushies by hand added a new layer of excitement and fulfillment to her life.
Over the years, Sakshi mastered the intricate stitches and patterns that define amigurumi. The plushies she creates are not just toys; they embody a sense of warmth and handmade authenticity, bringing a personal touch to each creation. Her design style is both whimsical and charming, infused with a sense of character and cuteness that makes her plushies perfect for people of all ages.
Crafting with Care: Sakshi’s Thoughtful Design Process
However, her creative process is far from random. Sakshi draws inspiration from various sources, including readymade soft toys, current design trends, and her own artistic vision. For example, when the coquette theme became popular, she adapted by adding bows to her bunny designs, giving them a playful and on-trend look. Each plushie starts with a sketch, followed by meticulous planning. She decides on the size and design based on the materials she has available, then writes down the pattern like a recipe, noting stitches, row counts, and other details. This ensures that she can recreate the design if she receives an order for the same plushie in the future.
The Challenges of Scaling a Handmade Business
While Sakshi’s designs are a testament to her creativity and skill, the time-consuming nature of crochet limits her production speed. Each plushie can take anywhere from 8 to 10 hours to complete, depending on the size and complexity. Larger designs with more detailing can take two to three days. This is where the challenge of scaling her business comes into play. Since each plushie is handcrafted, it’s difficult to produce them in large quantities, which increases the cost of production.
Moreover, custom orders require clear communication between Sakshi and her customers. When a client provides a specific design, she is careful to set realistic expectations, knowing that no two artists can replicate the same design exactly. The individuality in her work is a double-edged sword; it makes each plushie unique, but it also means that she can’t speed up the process to meet higher demand.
A Commitment to Quality and Child-Safe Designs
One of the most impressive aspects of Sakshi’s work is her commitment to creating child-safe designs. When making plushies for children, she avoids using safety eyes or any small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Instead, her plushies are crafted with tightly made stitches to prevent stuffing from coming out, and she refrains from attaching any beads or buttons. She also provides detailed wash care instructions to ensure that her customers can maintain the quality and durability of their plushies.
The material she uses plays a crucial role in the quality of her creations. Sakshi sources her yarn from Instagram vendors who offer high-quality chenille and velvet yarns, which are not available in her city. This ensures that her plushies are soft, safe, and suitable for all age groups, from babies to adults. She also crochets other items like flowers, coasters, and bags, offering a wide range of products that cater to different age groups and preferences.
Sustainability at the Heart of Her Craft
In addition to her focus on quality and safety, Sakshi is committed to incorporating sustainable practices into her craft. She prefers to use cotton yarn for smaller amigurumi creations and often repurposes leftover yarn for stuffing plushies or making small keychains and packaging decorations. This approach not only reduces waste but also minimizes the need for buying additional polyfill stuffing, which is often made from synthetic materials.
Her packaging is another area where she practices sustainability. Sakshi uses paper bags instead of plastic, further contributing to her eco-friendly business model. Her dedication to sustainability reflects a broader trend among artisans and small business owners who are mindful of their environmental impact, and it’s an ethos that resonates with her customers as well.
Future Plans: Expanding into Sensory Toys
Sakshi’s creativity knows no bounds, and she is constantly experimenting with new ideas. Currently, she is working on creating baby teethers and rattles, which will function as sensory toys for babies. These additions to her product line reflect her desire to grow her business while still maintaining the high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that her customers have come to expect.
Navigating the Business Side of Crochet
While the artistic side of Sakshi’s work is undoubtedly fulfilling, the business side presents its own set of challenges. The cost of high-quality yarn and other materials can be expensive, which makes it essential for her to plan her investments carefully. Moreover, there are always customers who may not fully appreciate the time and effort that goes into making each plushie, often asking for discounts or lower prices. Sakshi is firm in her belief that handmade items should never be sold for cheap, as they require both time and financial investment.
For aspiring crochet artists looking to turn their hobby into a business, Sakshi offers valuable advice: perfect your craft first, then focus on the business aspects. Make sure to source materials from reliable vendors and communicate clearly with customers, especially when taking custom orders. Above all, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of yarn and designs, as this is key to staying innovative in a competitive market.
Conclusion: A Crochet Artist with a Vision
Sakshi Shirvankar’s journey into the world of crochet and amigurumi is a testament to her passion, skill, and creativity. From her whimsical plushies to her commitment to sustainability, she has built a business that is as charming as it is meaningful. Despite the challenges of running a handmade business, Sakshi continues to expand her horizons, experimenting with new products and techniques while staying true to her artistic vision. For her, crochet is not just a craft—it’s a way to bring joy and warmth into the lives of her customers, one stitch at a time.
