About us

Naomi McManus (NSW) - President

For the past 18 years, crochet has been an integral part of my life, allowing me to create intricate pieces of handmade art and connect with a passionate community. Completing my teacher training has enabled me to pass on my knowledge and skills effectively. As President of Crochet Guild Australia, I am dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our guild, building on my previous roles as Vice President, Treasurer, and Membership Officer.

Last year, I co-founded a new branch on the Central Coast, bringing together local crochet enthusiasts and nurturing a vibrant, supportive community. I am also actively involved in yarn festivals, promoting our guild, and engaging with other artisans.

Beyond crochet, I am a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience. The skills I have developed in nursing, such as compassion, attention to detail, and resilience, have enriched my crochet journey. I look forward to continuing my dual passions for nursing and crochet, inspiring new crocheters, and contributing to the preservation of this beautiful craft.

Krishna Booth (QLD) - Secretary

My name is Krishna Booth, and I recently retired from my role as State Manager for Gourmet Foods. In that position, I managed a sales team, handled state and national accounts, and oversaw monthly reporting and budgeting. I have strong communication skills, solid computer literacy, and am comfortable with Zoom meetings, focusing on meeting targets and deadlines.

I enjoy working with goal-oriented people, sharing skills, and helping others achieve their objectives. I am also comfortable following up on queries and seeking assistance when needed.

I am passionate about crochet and eager to share this love with others. Building a strong Guild will help inspire and empower people to embrace the joy of crochet, preserving this craft for future generations.

I believe my professional skills, coupled with my passion for crochet, would be a great asset in supporting the growth and development of Crochet Guild Australia as Secretary.

Mary Byrne (NSW) - Treasurer

I learned to crochet 50 years ago, but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I became serious about it, especially in mastering Tunisian crochet. Finding the Guild connected me with my tribe and the local crochet community. This led me to support establishing a Central Coast branch and promoting the Guild at festivals. I have also begun the Guild's teacher training.

I’ve worked in healthcare as a registered nurse for nearly 40 years, most recently in multichannel telehealth, gaining operational management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement experience. I also volunteered with the Rural Fire Service, reaching the rank of Deputy Captain and serving as treasurer for four years. I hope to bring these skills to support the Guild.

Now, I’m at a stage where I can focus on crochet, sharing techniques, and championing Australian designers. I am passionate about supporting the Guild’s growth, expanding local groups, and enhancing its recognition as the leading organisation for crochet in Australia. 

Seona Roberts (WA) - Membership Registrar

Hi! I’m Seona Roberts. I taught myself to crochet in 2016, inspired by fond memories of my Granny crocheting beautiful blankets. Frustrated by not finding patterns that matched my vision, I began designing my own and publishing them to help others who faced the same struggle.

With a passion for teaching, I wrote a free beginner’s guide to crochet and shared lessons through YouTube and a Facebook group. In 2019, I began hosting in-person workshops, developing a unique teaching approach using two projects with the same stitch pattern—one quick and simple, the other more complex—helping crocheters build confidence and skills.

In July 2019, I launched an online membership offering monthly projects and live tutorials. With 88 members and growing, it’s been a rewarding journey. I also collaborate on in-person workshops and consistently share blog posts since 2017 to inspire and teach, with a focus on granny square projects and washcloth designs.

My own crochet style leans towards simple projects, often using gradient yarns, and I enjoy the meditative aspect of crochet. I love helping others discover their own preferences and develop their skills, finding joy in every stitch.

Fiona Cahill (QLD) - Education Coordinator

Growing up, I was always involved in some form of fibre craft. I remember my mum giving me my first cross stitch kit as a Christmas present. Over the years, that love of fibre progressed into using knitting looms, then crochet and now also spinning and weaving! Learning to crochet however, was when I realised the real versatility of the craft– what could be created and in how many ways! Spinning allows me to further that creativity and have more say in the yarn I am using. The joy it brings me to watch something come together, especially free form, calms my soul. Crocheting has definitely become a passion that I love to share with others.

Through joining the guild, I am able to connect with like-minded people. By applying for a position with the guild, I hope to work more closely with other guild members and foster a positive and productive atmosphere in which the guild continues to grow and enable others to connect. My years working as a teacher has honed many skills including organisation, documentation and record keeping which I believe can be utilised by the guild. I am thankful for what crochet has brought to my life, and for the future potential it can have on others.

Kathy Vasic (NSW) - Branch Coordinator

Well, hello, it’s so nice to see you here. My name is Kathy, and I am addicted to all things crochet. What began as a knitting lesson at age 10 turned into a lifelong passion for crochet.

Life got busy with four children by the age of 29, but there was always yarn and a hook nearby. In 1998, I moved to Adelaide, met my wonderful husband, and reconnected with crochet in 2018 thanks to a dear friend who owned a yarn store. I loved helping customers learn to read and understand patterns.

After 20+ years in Adelaide, we faced tough times, losing our home and business. My mum invited us back to Sydney, where I completed a teacher training course in 2023. I now teach crochet at a local community college twice a term.

I’ve designed many items over the years, and now I’m publishing my patterns on Ravelry. The best part of being back in Sydney is finding my tribe—an extraordinary group of talented crocheters and knitters who inspire me daily.

It’s groups like these that will help the guild grow, becoming a vital source of information and inspiration for future generations.

Andrea Clements (VIC) - Event and Fundraising Coordinator

I am a founding member of Crochet Guild Australia. I started crocheting approximately 25 years ago after slipping a disc in my lower back it kept me sane whilst I was immobile and for many years after that and managing a stressful career. When I decided to start Yarn Me calm in 2018, I knew that it needed to be more than retail and needed to be about people about finding and promoting my tribe, providing support and sharing the therapeutic benefits of Yarn and Crochet. I feel that the Crochet Guild Australia is an extension of this, finding my tribe and spending time with like-minded passionate enthusiasts . I’ve been designing for approximately five years and love the creative outlet that this provides I have indicated on my application. I am interested in conference planning however I am also interested in not for profit governance and believe that my experience in this area maybe helpful. I am also interested in Conference Planning. I have extensive experience in Governance, training, public speaking and administration (not to mention my therapeutic experience!) and would love to utilise this as part of the Guild Committee.

Laura Skillen (VIC) - Marketing & Digital Management

Hello there! I'm a passionate digital marketer and a dedicated crocheter with a unique blend of creativity and analytics. Originally hailing from the great white north of Canada, I've found my second home in the eclectic city of Melbourne, Australia.

With a deep fascination for the ever-evolving realm of digital marketing, I thrive on crafting compelling online experiences that resonate with audiences. From strategic social media campaigns to data-driven SEO optimisations, I'm all about merging the art and science of marketing to deliver results.

When I'm not busy devising digital strategies, you'll find me immersed in the mindful world of crochet. There's something magical about transforming yarn into elaborate patterns and textures that parallels the digital transformation I bring to brands. Whether it's a cozy blanket or a playful amigurumi figure, the process mirrors the intricacies of marketing - both requiring patience, precision, and a touch of imagination.

I look forward to working with the Guild to weave the threads of creativity and strategy for their digital presence while stitching together a world of comfort and creativity with my crochet hooks.

Janhavi Anturkar (VIC) - IT + Event Support

Hi! My name is Janhavi Anturkar, I am an IT engineer working for a multinational IT company in Melbourne, Australia.

For me, crochet is more than a hobby; it’s a cherished passion that traces back to lessons from my aunt during my school days. Although my academic and career pursuits led me to set it aside, the 2020 lockdown period rekindled my love for crochet. Self-taught through numerous YouTube tutorials, I’ve honed my craft, finding solace in creating intricate crochet bags, earrings, scarves, and beanies. This creative outlet serves as the perfect counterbalance to my bustling IT career.

Karen Gower (QLD) – General Committee Member

Hello, my name is Karen Gower and I have recently retired as a Nurse Practitioner working in the community in Palliative Care.

I am applying for a general committee member position Crochet Guild Australia. I have been crocheting for many years. My paternal grandmother taught me as an 8-year-old how to crochet and do embroidery when we would come to visit her.

I have been a member of Crochet Guild Australia since 2023 when Lynley introduced me to the Guild, and I have watched in fascination the passion of those involved in bringing crochet back for everyone to be engaged again. I enjoy getting together with others who crochet and seeing the many different and exciting things designers are creating. I would be excited to be a part of the Crochet Conference for 2025, my skills in coordinating care, liaising with different team members and planning should be of value to the committee and I look forward to being able to help over the next two years.

2023/24 Executive Committee

Lynley Buckley - President

Vicky Ledwy - Secretary

Naomi McManus - Vice President & Treasurer

Seona Roberts- Membership Officer

Andrea Clements

Laura Skillen

Jenny Whiting

Janhavi Anturkar

Kathy Vasic

Subcommittees

Education: Lynda Tomkin, Jenny Brown, Jenny Whiting, Alison Thompson. Lynley Buckley.

Conference: Andrea Clements Lead

2022/23 Executive Committee

Lynley Buckley - President

Vicky Ledwy - Secretary

Naomi McManus - Vice President & Membership

Tracey O'Neill - Treasurer

Carolyn Boots

Carolynne Cannon

Pertra Creutziger

Kathleen Hansen

Samantha MacNally

Natalie Vella

Subcommittees

Education: Jenny King, Lynda Tomkin, Jenny Brown, Petra Creutziger, Natalie Vella

Conference: Samantha MacNally Lead