Scholarship winner can spin a yarn
From the age of six Catherine Wilson had been fascinated with knitting. Now, thanks to a Creative Arts Excellence Scholarship from Edge Hill University she can have more of her designs published and start up a new group for like-minded people.
The 49-year-old from Southport, who is studying on the BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth Studies degree, has had a lifelong passion for crochet and knitting which began when she was taught by her mum as a young girl.
"I am obsessed with wool", she laughed. "When I was little, my mum would take me to our local shops and I'd gaze at all the different coloured balls of yarn and it would really inspire me. I started learning to knit and I just love it. My mum died when I was 25 and in a way it makes me feel closer to her, especially as I have so many fond memories of this time."
Even when going through a painful divorce and personal problems it didn't dampen her enthusiasm for her favourite hobby. As her fascination and talent for crafting grew she continually stretched herself and took great pleasure in developing her skills by experimenting with different techniques including Scumble, Felting and Amigurumi, the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals.
She now produces many exceptional pieces which range from exquisitely delicate cushions and scarves to crocheted animals and Dennis the Menace inspired jumpers. Many of Catherine's original patterns have been published in an online knitting magazine as well as in Inside Crochet, the only monthly crochet magazine in the UK.
"I really enjoy being able to surprise my family and friends with my knitted gifts and I'm always being asked to make unusual presents. I just love seeing their faces when they get them," said Catherine. "And when I had some of my designs published it was an amazing experience because I know that there will be people out there who will be copying them."
Winning the scholarship will help Catherine to continue to develop different designs; enhance her professional development and purchase the necessary resources as she strives to have even more of her designs published in the future.
She said: "I couldn't believe it when I found out I'd been awarded the scholarship. I get a real pleasure from teaching others and I'd like to establish a Knitting Society at Edge Hill to share my knitting and crocheting expertise with other students in a friendly environment.
"Knitting is becoming fashionable again through celebrities, but for me it has never gone out of fashion and if I can pass my enthusiasm onto other people that would make me so happy."
