About yarn, knitting, crochet, knitting kits, crochet kits for kids, knitting lessons and crochet workshops, being patient and a lot about us ...
Petra – knitting and crochet enthusiast, Yarn Over Coffee founder and the mum
Peter – knitting manager and the son
Katie – crochet manager and the daughter
Petra's Story
Hello, my name is Petra and I’m creative, caring and very patient knitting and crochet teacher and the founder of Yarn Over Coffee.
I’m a forty-something mum of two wonderful children who have ‘joined’ my business. They will introduce themselves later.
I love the challenge and the thrill of learning and discovering new things. And I like sharing that thrill.
The Business
Before Covid19 I used to be a relaxed and fun craft teacher. I used to run knitting and crochet workshops, craft groups and more formal lessons. However, at the moment I make knitting and crochet kits aimed at children who want to learn.
My children Katie and Peter are helping me with the designs, pattern testing and packaging. We combine my experience of teaching knitting and crochet to a range of crafters (from primary school children to ladies in their eighties), with Katie’s and Peter’s ideas about what they would like to make and how. In order to make it fair, Peter is in charge of all things knitting and Katie of all things crochet.
The Journey
I started my company Yarn Over Coffee following redundancy from my role of Change and Communications Manager when my children were little.
As I wanted to do something that would fit around them and that I enjoyed, I started teaching knitting and crochet around my kitchen table. When my kitchen became too small, I started running workshops and craft groups in a craft shop in Yate and in a lovely church in Bristol.
Then the first lockdown came; I couldn’t teach and my children were getting a bit bored at home. Somebody suggested I should make kits for people who wanted to learn to knit and crochet. I asked my children, if they were learning again, what would they like to make and Katie said: ‘Teddy.’ We had fun planning our potential kits and Hooked Kits for Kids was born.
And when I mentioned that we would need to have a YouTube channel, Peter and Katie were fully on board.
The Real Beginnings
It all started nearly forty years ago when my mum and my nan taught me to knit .
I still remember my first attempt. Using some yellow yarn, my mum cast on about 10 stitches, knitted several rows, showed me how to do it and let me try myself.
I was in my bedroom, sitting on my bed, happily knitting. My mum was really impressed with my first attempt. Until she realised that I wasn’t actually making any stitches, but moving stitches from needle to needle. 😛 I have improved a bit since then.
Once I worked it out I started making clothes for my dolls. I din’t use any patterns , I just did what felt right. I’m still very proud of my makes. In my teens I made clothes for myself. Then knitting stopped being cool and I swapped my home made clothes for shop bought fashion.
Many years later, I rediscovered knitting. And fell in love with it again.
Why Us
All our kits come PRECAST. We cast on according to the pattern in the kit and knit or crochet the first row and several stitches on the second row.
This is for two reasons:
1) Our kits reflect the way in which my mother and my nan taught me to knit when I was little.
2) While teaching others to knit and crochet, I witnessed many times that the hardest part of learning to knit and crochet is making the crochet chain and knitting the first stitch on the first row. However, everybody managed to get going if they could start with a precast piece and have something to hold onto.
We also use soft, chunky yarn that is suitable for babies as well as vegan friendly.
We all learn differently but with a bit of patience, encouragement and practice, I believe that anybody can learn to knit and crochet.
When I'm Not Knitting or Crocheting I Like to ...
…try new dishes. During the first lockdown we started ‘culinary travels’ and cooked meals from different countries. Greek, Japanese and schnitzel were our favourite. But we would much rather go back to travelling across Europe with our tent visiting Legolands and chocolate factories.
On a less adventurous note, I like gardening – with as much success as slugs, the British weather and our clay garden allow.
And I must not forget skiing and browsing. Browsing craft magazines and books. Browsing craft shops and buying supplies for all the projects I’m going to (one day) make. Just a ‘shame’ there isn’t much time left for housework.
Peter's Story
Hello, my name is Peter and I’m 13. I love Lego, Legoland and Lego games. I also like cycling, skiing and snooker. I love cats, …
… but unfortunately my parents will not let me have one at home. Luckily, our neighbour has two lovely ginger cats who like to come and play with me and my sister.
I learnt to knit about 6 years ago and my first project was a blanket for my favourite teddy. Nowadays I like to knit cats and teddies. I enjoy working with mum and my sister for Hooked Kits for Kids; I help to design and test the knitting patterns. I have also recorded our short, simple and easy to follow ‘How to Knit’ videos and I like to take photos of our products.
Katie's Story
Hello, I’m Katie and I’m 10. I like to play games. My favourite hobbies are swimming, football, baking and crafting. Like my brother, I love cats.
I learnt to crochet when I was 7 and I started by making lots of chains which I then made into friendship bracelets. Currently I’m making a green snake for my bedroom.
I like packing orders and I help with crochet designs and pattern testing. Because I’m left handed, mummy had to record our ‘How to Crochet’ videos instead of me.
