Caitlin turns wool into fluffy animal toys
A former tennis player is now crocheting up a storm in Hoedspruit.
Caitlin Herb grew up in Johannesburg and got a tennis scholarship to study in America after school. “While I was there, I got my degree in Business Administration. After six years I returned to South Africa and got into the wildlife guiding industry,” Caitlin says. “My interest in crocheting started a few months ago as a hobby to keep me busy during the holidays,” she says.
She was looking for things to crochet and found little wildlife animals online. “My mom also crochets blankets and loves sewing, so I got the idea from her.” So far, she has only created wild animals, such as elephants, giraffes, and hippos; and marine animals such as whales, turtles, and octopuses. “I am completely self-taught and prefer using fluffy soft wool.
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The toys, in my opinion, turn out a lot cuter.” She orders her wool online but says it can get pricey if delivery costs are fostered in. “The time it takes to crochet one teddy takes much longer than some might expect.” She has also inspired her mother and others to start crocheting toys.
Caitlin says her inspiration comes from the patterns she use and how cute the toys turn out to be. “I find it entertaining and it keeps your hands busy when watching television.” To market her toys, she will be at the Hoedspruit Farmers Market in December, Caitlyn says.
