About Threads of Joy
Who am I?
I am Lindsey. I am a dietitian by profession but I am also a wife and a mother, and I have an absolute passion for handwork. Since I was very young, I have had an innate desire to learn as many different crafts as possible – from knitting, to crocheting, to tatting, to cross-stitch, to tapestry, to embroidery.
Over the years I have been blessed to have women cross my path who have been willing to pass on their knowledge and teach me. This began with my Mom, Barbara, showing me how to knit when I was three, and buying tapestries for me to do in the winter holidays at junior school.
My Granny had Alzheimer’s in her senior years and for me, what was so sad, was that she had always told us about all the things she was going to do once she retired, yet she was unable to do any of them. I decided more than 20 years ago, when I was on maternity leave with my daughter, to begin embroidery lessons with Salli Jess van Rensburg. What a privilege it has been to learn from the master! More recently have also been inspired by Tinna Thorudottir Thorvaldar to do mosaic crocheting.
The Covid pandemic lockdown gave me time to reassess my life, and for this I am grateful. I had to ask: “Do I want to be practicing my dietetics for another 20 years, or do I want to follow a dream I’ve had for years?” And so, the birth of Threads of Joy. Why this name? Well almost all the crafts involve some sort of thread or yarn or wool or string but more importantly, they allow you to create something beautiful. This brings so much joy.
Being creative is relaxing and therapeutic. It definitely kept me sane during the lockdown months! Also, unlike housework, which never seems to end, when you see completed projects that your hands have made, you get such a sense of accomplishment. And the tremendous joy that comes when you give it away as a gift or see it in use in your home is such a blessing.
As a follower of Jesus, I believe that our talents are God-given. When we use them we bring joy to our Creator and we can bless others with them too.
I would hope that coming for lessons with me will allow me to share my passion with you and inspire you to make your own beautiful things that you can feel proud of. You are never too young or too old to learn a new craft! It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or not, everyone is welcome.