KIERA AT TELL TALE KNITS
Inspired by the rich history of female traditional crafts, Kiera started crocheting during lockdown to spend less time on her phone and indulge in new hobbies. From creating TikTok tutorials to selling at markets she has grown her love for crocheting and knitting. Leading us to discuss the importance of finding your interests, to slowing down when it comes to the pressure of creating a small business. Diving into the issues many face with online selling platforms during their journey.
So, when did you first begin crocheting/knitting?
During the pandemic in 2020 I wanted to spend a lot less time on my phone. I have done every hobby there is possible to do like polymer clay, air dry clay, I've tried making mugs. Also punch needling, making rugs, I've done everything so I saw crochet and thought I could probably do that, and I became so obsessed with it. It was 2022 when I realised how fun it was and I started taking it a bit more seriously.
I’m really drawn to female traditional crafts, things like that. I did my dissertation in feminist philosophy. I just love things that were created by women, the thought that there’s generations of women behind me that have done this, and the techniques have stayed the same for years. There’s something so fascinating about that. I’ve never really stopped since.
What initially inspired you to create your account or post the first tutorials and outfit videos on social media?
I really wanted to have a little portfolio of things that I've made so I can remember and it's a visual way to see progress as well. Then seeing other people making little videos on TikTok just seemed like good fun really. One video went viral which was a shock, but it was all just fun to me. Everyone is so interested in machine knitting, which I also do, and teaching others is exciting.
Has there always been an intention to sell your pieces and grow as a business or is that something that has happened quite naturally?
It was very much just a hobby and then it got to the point where I was making so many things, I could only wear so much and give different things to friends. So, it started because Harry’s mum sells pottery at these markets, and she said I should try one. I think my first market was in December 2022 and I could not believe how well it went. Then I made a website where people can order from, and request custom made pieces. I think the support as well from the people you meet at markets also helps, handing out business cards, supporting each other's stalls, even trading products. It's inspiring seeing other people enjoy the work they are doing so much.
Lastly, because social media is so present in our lives, we see a lot of people turn their hobbies into small businesses, which can be amazing and such a huge benefit, however how important do you think it is to find that balance and keep passions enjoyable?
Absolutely, everyone wants to monetize everything, but I do think you need to have something just for yourself. I still make myself things all the time, sometimes I will keep things or end up selling them even though it's a bit heartbreaking because I might love a piece. The minute I start to hate a hobby I will stop; crocheting has been like my crutch the last 3 to 4 years. I don’t want to lose that love for it by putting pressure on selling everything I create.
However, I think my TikTok has helped a lot, easing that pressure. It gets a lot of traffic to take people to my website. Whereas a lot of people don’t have that, so they rely on platforms like Etsy for example to bring customers. Which is a shame because these platforms can really fuck people over by withholding money or taking 30% profit. It’s just not fair on smaller businesses, especially when the prices of resources are just rising. People expect lower pricing, a variety of products, but sometimes it isn't feasible, especially with crafts that require a huge amount of invested time.
Follow Kiera on:
Instagram - @telltaleknits
TikTok - @telltaleknits