Mastering the art of crocheting
Nilanthie Wijegunawardene first tried her hand at crochet, 50 years ago, as she was just about to have her eldest daughter.
Nilanthie (below) is currently gearing up to hold her annual seasonal sale, which includes crochet nativity sets (above). Pix by by Amila Gamage
Nothing could have been ever more motivating to her than being surrounded by a mother, aunt and even an attendant who were skilled at crocheting.
Once she started to discover the endless possibilities of crocheting, it became so much of an addiction for her that even when she travelled outstation or even during long-haul flights, all she did was to put together an exquisite design.
Having mastered the art of crocheting- Nilanthie even surprised her daughter with a hand knitted toy for her 50th birthday- a clown, with a cake on his head, holding a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of champagne.
For those of you who want to treat your loved ones to a beautiful hand knitted crochet gift for their special occasion or for this season, Nilanthie will craft that unique handmade crochet product for you or to teach you make your own.
Undertaking special orders apart, Nilanthie is also currently gearing up to hold her annual seasonal sale where she will put out the products she has created through out the year.
Her product line includes; crochet nativity sets, Christmas decorations, the Santa Clauses, (her Humpty Dumpty Santa figure being somewhat unusual), table mats, table cloths, cushion covers, pillows, toys, glass coasters, linen etc.
The nativity sets, with colourful shepherds, baby lambs, she says, are in demand during Christmas season since they are durable and unbreakable.
Nilanthie’s handicraft sale will be held on Saturday, December 5 at No. 443/2 Malwatte Mawatha, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya.
There’s something for everyone – an innovative children’s educational toy collection featuring handmade gift sets depicting all time favourites such as Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, and Cinderella.
“A hand-knitted Cinderella in her ball gown, all ready to go for the party; you flip the dress and you find her in rags…this is how I tell the story of Cinderella for the kids using my hand knitted toys,” explains Nilanthie adding that such educational toys are in huge demand overseas.
Nilanthie who has had her primary education at St. Bridget’s Convent, migrated to Canada with her family in 1972 where she worked as a Montessori teacher. But crocheting was something she did throughout.
“Fifteen years ago I came back to Sri Lanka and started a cottage industry by getting down six or seven girls to assist me with the sewing,” she says.
Assisted by the girls, Nilanthie follows her ‘hobby’ almost daily, trying out new ideas. “You need a lot of patience to do this. Following the pattern is very time consuming too, but I don’t do one thing at a time.
When I get bored with one- I get onto another and in the end, I end up creating about 10 pieces at a time,” says Nilanthie. “It is a lot of work, but very rewarding too – especially when you see others admiring it.
I feel great about myself to see the end product,” she says pointing at a crochet table cloth, which she says is of a sentimental value to her, as it was a piece she created with her mother, some 50 years back.
More information regarding her products, upcoming handicraft sale, or classes can be obtained via 0112886055.