By Kate Lockyer
Kim Wheeler is a crocheter who is bringing the craft into the 21st Century with colourful pieces like clothing, phone cases, and even crocheted cherry ornaments.
Her creations, which adorn every part of her living room in Wooloowin, are all brightly coloured.
“I am just obsessed with colour, I can’t help it. I think these colours give crochet a different look to what it used to be in the ‘70s…” Ms Wheeler said.
“The bright pop of colour brings it into Queensland as well, because a lot of what I make is cotton, and cotton and colour go well for Queensland weather.”
When she was younger, she used to write a lot on the train and has been a photographer for more than ten years, as well as doing illustration, shrink film earrings, screen printing, and stained glass.
However, because it wasn’t always practical to be outside taking photos, Ms Wheeler wanted to find something to “fill the void of creativity” that she could do inside.
That something turned into 23 hand-crocheted blankets for friends and family.
“I started making blankets in 2015, and then I would just send them in the post to people without them knowing,” she said.
“Then you get something that you weren’t expecting, and it was a handmade thing that could keep you warm.”
Ms Wheeler said her favourite pieces have been a gorgeous heart-shaped cake ornament, and a pair of nipple pasties for her friend who is a burlesque dancer.
“That was a bit of fun, because I never thought crochet and burlesque would meet,” she said.
She is one of the many talented artists attending The Great Artist Market, which will be celebrating its first anniversary market at Felons Barrel Hall on October 19.
Follow Kim Wheeler at @studio_marymary and @photo_wheeler for more.
Visit yoursay.edq.qld.gov.au/northshore for updates.
Photography: Kate Lockyer
