Innisfil resident, designer and author, Shauna-Lee Graham, has been crocheting since her mother taught her the art of the craft when she was 13 years old.
Her love of crocheting led her to open up an Etsy shop called Bouquet Beanies in 2008. Bouquet Beanies offers completed creations — including twisted crocheted headbands/ear warmers, coffee cozy sleeves, and emotional support pickles — and numerous crocheting patterns. At the time of writing, she has made over 4,000 sales on the platform.
“I originally started by selling my crocheted hats, flowers and motifs. It wasn't until these patterns were established that I created the interchangeable motifs to create new looks and options, thus Bouquet Beanies was born,” Graham said.
“I then began to branch out designing more and more patterns and in early 2014 I was contacted by a publisher in the US to write 2 crochet pattern books, Blooming Crochet Hats and Blooming Crochet Creations. It was such a great experience and I am still in awe that the patterns I created are out there for the world to make.”
Graham told InnisfilToday that she participated in many vendors’ events, such as GLOW, Kempenfest and the Molson Christmas Craft Sale, but once the COVID-19 pandemic hit she moved predominately to selling her creations online through her Facebook page, Facebook Marketplace, online groups, and Etsy.
In addition to her two books, Graham sells crocheting patterns.
“I love to create new styles and designs," she said. "I feel a sense of accomplishment when I complete a new pattern. They are like my children — unique and beautiful in their own way.”
Currently, her favourite things to make are faux-fur winter pompom hats, and the most intricate design that she’s ever created is a life-sized fern plant.
“It took me weeks to create but (I) am ecstatic with how it turned out. Definitely a labour of love,” she said.
Though crocheting will always be her first love, Graham’s creativity spreads to other items, such as decorating planter pots and making seasonal decor such as wooden Christmas ornaments. Graham's husband and two sons support her creativity, as she works on Bouquet Beanies part-time from her home office.
“My family and I live on the family farm in Innisfil, with our dog and (we) have for 20 years,” she said. “Having lived and grown up here, we definitely try to support our local businesses and community outreach programs as much as possible, such as donating crocheted blankets to the local OSPCA when in need and winter hats for the winter clothing drive. Anything to support our community and those in need."
To learn more about Graham’s creations and Bouquet Beanies, check out her Etsy shop and visit her business’s social-media pages, including this one on Facebook.
