Owner of Versatile Threads, Vicki Estwick is showing that crochet is not only for the home but is stylish and can be incorporated into an individual’s daily fashion.
Creator and designer of Versatile Threads, Vicki Estwick displays her work at a pop-up shop.
Thirty-year-old Vicki Estwick is taking an old tradition and making it into something new and trendy.
Estwick is a crocheter and her intricate work (which includes jewellery) is breathing new life into an artform that is often known for only apparel and furniture coverings.
Recently, Estwick spoke to The Barbados Advocate about her business, Versatile Threads, and the future of her venture.
Raised in the rural south, inspired by her grandmother
Estwick, who is an alumna of Harrison College and the University of the West Indies (UWI), was raised in the parishes of St. Philip and Christ Church. She was inspired by her grandmother, Eunice ‘Pearl’ Estwick, to crochet. But she also received some formal learning of the technique.
“I learned at the Girls’ Industrial Union in Belleville as an inquisitive 7-year-old, as a way to keep me occupied as my mother, Ingrid Estwick, was learning upholstery!” said Estwick.
This early education helped her to start the business in late 2019. She explained that it was a way for people to purchase items she made in her free time, mainly accessories.
Her work could take half an hour to a few days and her creations can range from festive hats to chic earrings and necklaces.
No formal assistance but received help
Estwick admitted that she has not received any formal assistance with her business since starting it two years ago. But she has worked with several organisations including Kreativ Edge, Selman’s Design Group, and FIA Creative.
These organisations gave her free advice and tutorials and this helped with the management of Versatile Threads during that time.
Plans for 2021
With a new start-up, Estwick will continue to use social media to market her designs. She has found her market base on Instagram. In the past, the creative entrepreneur has done a few pop-up shops to promote her business.
She indicated to The Barbados Advocate that she has something new and exciting in the summer and encourages her fans and clients to stay tuned to @versatilethreadscrochet on Instagram and Facebook pages.
What is Crochet?
According to the Crochet Guild of America, the artform originated in the Middle East, South America, and Asia. Some researchers have found evidence of it from the 16th century, but it cannot be dated in Europe before the 1800s.
Crochet was known as ‘crochet lace’ in France and ‘chain lace’ in England. As to its name, crochet comes from the Middle French word, “croche” to hook, and the Old Norse word for hook, “krokr”.