I didn’t think crochet would change my life. In fact, when I walked into Baked Sheep‘s beginners class, I thought I’d be casually looping a bit of string, sipping on tea, and walking out with a Pinterest-worthy creation. Instead, I spent the first fifteen minutes wrestling what can only be described as a possessed noodle. My yarn had a mind of its own. My hook was either in the wrong place or nowhere at all. At one point, I crocheted directly into my own sleeve.
But here’s the thing—Dominique Springthorpe, the wizard behind Baked Sheep, didn’t flinch. She watched me flail with all the calm of someone who’s seen it all (and probably worse). With infinite patience and the kind of humour that makes you feel instantly at home, she guided me through each awkward loop, twist, and accidental stitch into thin air. And somehow, by the end of that session, I was hooked—pun absolutely intended.
Crochet, for those who’ve always lumped it in with knitting, is a fibre art that uses a single hook to create patterns and textures with yarn. Knitting uses two needles and tends to produce a more uniform, stretchy fabric. Crochet, on the other hand, is more versatile in structure, often chunkier, and generally works up faster—which is great when your attention span is more “squirrel” than “Zen master.” Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing something take shape from a single strand of yarn and a curved metal tool.
I walked in thinking I’d make a coaster. I walked out determined to make a full-on blanket. That’s right. I, someone who couldn’t tell a magic ring from a slip stitch, am now knee-deep in a blanket project that is both ambitious and mildly unhinged. Every row has been a rollercoaster. Tension? Inconsistent. Edges? Wobbly. Joy? Immeasurable.
And that’s the magic Dominique brings to the table. She doesn’t just teach crochet—she invites you into a world where chaos and creativity hold hands, where yarn becomes self-expression, and where every mistake is just a design element in disguise.
So, in between untangling my yarn and telling Otto the Turtle (you’ll meet him soon) to get his act together, Dominique sat down with me for a proper chat about how she started, what keeps her stitching, and why crochet is so much more than just a “granny thing.”
Here’s what she had to say…
Let’s start with the obvious—what possessed you to pick up a hook and start looping string into magic? Childhood hobby or full-blown obsession that hit you like a runaway wool truck? “The grandmothers tried to teach me how to knit, but it was an absolute disaster—I kept trying to use the needles as swords and start fights instead (I was six, to be fair). Eventually, they handed me a crochet hook instead, and that changed everything. I loved it. I stopped for a few years, but the real turning point came when I got jealous—yes, jealous—of some incredible Christmas decorations my dad and stepmom brought back from overseas. I thought, ‘Wait, I could make that.’ I signed up for one crochet class, and that was it. I was completely hooked.”
Do you remember the very first thing you crocheted? Be honest—was it more ‘nailed it’ or ‘what is this tentacle creature’? “When I was younger, probably some wobbly ‘square’ that barely held its shape. But the first proper toy I made was a little snowman. I was so proud—he had mismatched hands, lopsided feet, and holes where you could see the stuffing, but I adored him. He was perfectly imperfect.”
You teach crochet too, which is amazing—what’s the one thing beginner students always do that secretly makes you want to scream into a yarn ball? “Honestly? Nothing. I remember how hard it was when I started—my fingers felt like spaghetti and I couldn’t get anything to cooperate. I’m deeply empathetic, so rather than getting frustrated, I just want to help. If someone’s struggling, I feel it too.”
You work with hooks, knots and patterns all day—so tell us, how often do people assume you’re a witch with the intricate items and stitches you can do? “Fortunately, they don’t need to assume. I am one.”
What’s your weirdest or most unexpected custom order request so far? Crochet bikini? Life-size llama? Something scandalous? Spill the yarn. “One word: vibrator. That’s all I’m saying.”
Is there a specific stitch that gives you the ick? Like, every time you see it in a pattern, you sigh dramatically and consider going into accounting instead? “Puff stitches. Popcorn stitches. They look so pretty but they never face the right way unless you stop everything and shape them manually—every single time. I have better things to do with my life. But yes, they are annoyingly beautiful.”
You’re clearly a crochet rockstar, but have you ever started a project and halfway through gone, “Nope. This is cursed” and launched it across the room? “Oh absolutely. I have a designated ‘naughty corner’ where rebellious projects go to rethink their choices. Otto the turtle has been living there for almost two years. He made a brief appearance recently… then went straight back in. It’s not looking good for Otto.”
Let’s settle this once and for all—does the yarn stash ever stop growing, or is it like a gremlin that multiplies when no one’s looking? “A lady never discusses the size of her yarn stash.”
Do you ever find yourself crocheting in totally inappropriate places? Like waiting rooms, queues, weddings… toilets? (No judgement. Just admiration.) “I’ve definitely crocheted in the car while waiting for the boss to arrive, but ideally, I’m in my happy place—on the couch, dressed like a swamp witch in pyjamas, blocking out the real world.”
What’s one myth about crochet that makes you laugh? That it’s only for grannies? That it’s “just knitting’s less fancy cousin”? Let’s crush it. “The ‘grannies only’ myth cracks me up. Sure, back in the day it was all doilies and pastel blankets. But today? You can crochet anything—geeky fandoms, fantasy creatures, wearables, art pieces. Blankets today are visual masterpieces, not just granny squares. It’s a craft revolution.”
If crochet were an Olympic sport, what would your gold medal event be? Speed stitching? Yarn detangling? Teaching someone the magic circle without losing your will to live? “I’d win gold for whipping up a beanie in two hours flat. I swing that double crochet like a total WIP (that’s ‘work in progress,’ for the uninitiated).”
Last one—what’s one thing you wish more people understood about crochet, aside from the fact that it’s not just a hobby… it’s a full-blown lifestyle? “Crochet is hands down one of the best things you can do for your mental health. It keeps you fully present—you’re focused on each stitch, on creating something with your own hands. It’s like meditation with a purpose. For me, it’s therapy, it’s escape, it’s joy—all wrapped in yarn.”
Take a look at some of her previous creations below:
If you’re curious about picking up a hook yourself—or if you just want to chat with someone who understands the joy (and occasional chaos) of crochet—Dominique is always happy to connect. You can reach her directly via WhatsApp on 0826157348 with any questions about her upcoming classes in Johannesburg or simply to say hello. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned yarn wizard, she’ll welcome you with open arms, a cheeky grin, and probably a project or two waiting in the naughty corner.
I really enjoy your writing. Very amusing and entertaining.