This week’s Friday Feature is the wonderful Tamsin from The Left Hookery. Tamsin designs and makes modern crochet items and kits, specialising in baskets and bags. Sustainability is really important to her, as is helping others discover the joy of crochet (especially fellow left-handed makers, who might have struggled to get to grips with crochet in the past).
Let’s get to know more about the creative woman behind the small business…
Absolutely. In my work with The Left Hookery I’ve found that creating – designing and making chunky, modern crochet baskets, bags and kits – brings a deep sense of satisfaction and calm. It’s more than just craft: it’s a way to express ideas, use colour and textures, and see something grow from a simple idea into a finished piece. And using recycled materials adds an extra layer of meaning – knowing that I’m repurposing old items, reducing waste, and designing with sustainability in mind gives a wellbeing boost too. Using chunkier yarn means that it works up fast as well which suits my rather impatient nature!
Yes – I’ve always loved crafting and creating (sometimes!) beautiful things. I learnt to knit at an early age but, being left-handed, I didn’t come to crochet until much later. From early on I found joy in making, organising, and putting things together in a way that’s both functional and beautiful. When I discovered crochet, it felt like I found the perfect match.
We’d just moved back to the UK after six years in the Middle East. It was February. It was snowing. We had no internet. The kids were at school, I wasn’t working, and I didn’t know a soul. For the first time ever, I had the “time” we all talk about—so I wandered down to the local library and a little yarn shop… and the rest is history!
There are a few! Seeing my name in print for the first time was pretty special. I still remember spotting Simply Crochet on the shelf at my local Morrisons, flipping it open, and reading “The Left Hookery” – then excitedly saying, “Ohhh that’s me!” to anyone walking by. But honestly, nothing beats someone coming up to me and saying, “I bought one of your kits – I never thought I could do it, but now I love crochet!” That’s pure magic. Sharing the crochet joy – especially with lefties who thought they’d never be able to crack it – will always be the best bit.
Yes – definitely! Needle felting is my nemesis. I am extremely accident-prone, and I definitely don’t have the patience to complete a project without it turning into a slightly bloodied mess. Let’s just say the cute white snowman I was aiming for didn’t quite survive the process…
I wish people knew how versatile and modern crochet can be – it’s not all doilies and granny squares! You can pretty much crochet anything you can dream up… although I do question the practicality of crocheted swimwear! I also wish people realised how accessible it is. All you really need is a hook, some yarn, and a bit of curiosity (and maybe a cup of tea…or a gin). Before you know it, you’ll have something you’re genuinely proud of.
For me, it means owning my vision and building a business that reflects my values—sustainability, design, and accessibility. It’s about balancing the creative side (designing, making, dreaming) with the practical side (marketing, PR, customer service), and finding confidence in both. It’s also about being part of a brilliant community of makers and women doing things their own way. The fact that The Left Hookery is based in beautiful North Devon and uses eco-friendly materials makes me extra proud of what I do.
I’d say: “Stay true to your voice and your values. Don’t rush. Build slowly, celebrate the little wins, and remember – people connect with your story just as much as your products.” And maybe I’d add: “Don’t be afraid to take up space, take lots of pictures, and enjoy it!”
Definitely a rollercoaster! Building The Left Hookery and growing from handmade items to kits and workshops has had plenty of highs – new products, happy customers, expanding studio space – and a fair few lows (admin, costs, changing rules and regulations, imposter syndrome… and the odd, lonely day). But honestly, the twists and turns are what keep it exciting.
My biggest wish is to keep growing The Left Hookery in a way that stays true to its roots – helping more people discover the joy of crochet while keeping things sustainable (more recycled materials, less waste). Personally, I just want to keep that balance – staying inspired, creative, and a little bit in love with what I do every day.
When life gives you lemons… learn to crochet! We love that Tamsin grabbed the opportunity to start a new craft when she had it, and hasn’t looked back since. Sometimes, getting creative really is the best answer to life’s twisty path.
If you’d like to see more of Tamsin’s crochet items, and check out her kits, head to her website: thelefthookery.co.uk – or for some behind the scenes content, take a look at her Instagram: @thelefthookery
If you haven’t already found us over on Instagram – why not come say hi and give us a follow. We would love for you to join the conversation and help spread the movement by liking and sharing our content.
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