This week’s Friday Feature is the wonderful Lou from Tea and Crochet. Lou designs and hand-makes gorgeous crochet hats, bonnets, and accessories for all ages; including an adorable collection with animal ears! She also has a range of kits, suitable for beginners, so you can enjoy some creativity and crochet your own cosy pieces.
Let’s find out more about the creative woman behind the small business…
I became a mum in 2011, and to help with those first-time mum struggles, I started crocheting. It took a while to get the hang of it, but I’ve never looked back. What started as a bit of a lifeline in those early days slowly turned into a proper passion.
As my family grew, so did our love for outdoor adventures, we’ve spent so many hours in the woods or by the sea. I found that most high street hats and bonnets didn’t really suit my boys, didn’t fit quite right, or just didn’t capture their love for nature. So I started making my own. Most of my designs are original and inspired by them, they’re the ultimate product testers, putting everything through its paces during our adventures! Over the past four years, the business has grown more than I ever imagined, and I feel really lucky to be able to support my family through something I love doing.
That it’s so much more than just a ball of yarn and a hook. It takes time, care and a whole lot of creativity. Every handmade piece has a little story behind it, whether it’s inspired by a walk in the woods, a child’s imagination, or a quiet evening on the sofa.
I’d love to continue growing the Tea and Crochet community and lean even more into the whimsical, nature-inspired side of the brand. I’d also love to offer more digital patterns and maybe even start running workshops or little creative retreats. A dreamy studio space would be the cherry on top!
It has to be the bear bonnets they’ve become such a special part of Tea and Crochet. They started out as something I made for my own little ones, and now I get to see them on babies all over the world. That still blows my mind a bit!
I’d love to release my own yarn line, full of soft, earthy tones inspired by our favourite designs.
Absolutely. Crochet has always been a kind of therapy for me, it helps me slow down, focus, and just breathe. It’s my calm space in the middle of busy days.
Yes, many times. It’s seen me through those tough early days of motherhood, and through all sorts of life changes since. Having something to make with my hands, something I can pour love into, has always helped me feel more grounded.
For me, it’s all about flexibility and finding a rhythm that works for my family and my creativity. With crochet sales slowing down a bit, I’ve recently pivoted and started a second business in social media management. So now, I split my time. Working on client accounts by day and crocheting by night. It’s a bit of a juggling act, but work-life balance means being able to support my family while still making space for the creative things that bring me joy. Some days are smoother than others, but I try to let it ebb and flow with life.
Gosh, that would be amazing! I’d love to create a proper studio space, invest in larger yarn orders, maybe get a little help with the admin side of things (because let’s be honest, that’s not the fun bit). I’d also love to expand the brand, more patterns, more kits, more fun. And maybe launch that yarn line I’ve been dreaming of!
Lou is a lovely example of someone turning to creativity when finding life challenging (the early days of becoming a mum), but then loving the hobby so much they make it a business! It’s amazing how creativity can take hold of your life like that.
If you would like to see more of Lou’s creations, or try one of her kits, head to her website: teaandcrochet.co.uk or for some fun behind the scenes of her small business life, head to her Instagram: @tea.and.crochet
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