Mary Byrne (NSW) - President

I initially learnt to crochet over 50 years ago. While I picked it up every so often over the years, I became serious about crochet as my craft a number of years ago when I started Tunisian crochet. Then I found the Guild – my tribe – which opened me to the local crochet community.

Since joining the Guild in 2023 I have had the opportunity to support the establishment of a local branch on the Central Coast, promote the Guild at festivals and undertake teacher training. For the last two years I have been a member of the Management Committee in the role of Treasurer.

In my life I have worked in healthcare as a registered nurse for almost 40 years, with my most recent experience in multichannel telehealth. This has given me operational management, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement experience. Outside of work I volunteered with the Rural Fire Service in a Communications Brigade where I reached the rank of Deputy Captain and was the treasurer for four years. I would like to bring these skills and experiences to support for the Guild.

I am keen to share the techniques and skills of crochet and grow awareness of Australian designers. I want to support the Guild in continuing to grow local groups across the country and expanding recognition of the Guild as the organisation for crochet in Australia.

Wendy Lovett (QLD) - Secretary

Hello, my name is Wendy Lovett and I am based in Brisbane, Queensland. I have many years of experience in administration and governance and am addicted to crocheting.

Growing up, I was always involved in some sort of craft – for many years it was embroidery and patchwork. Then in 2015 I decided to teach myself to crochet. Well, embroidery and patchwork haven’t had much of a look in since then. I love the relaxing aspects – when you have a row or two that your hands just seem to know what to do … then I love the challenge of new stitches – and learning to read the pattern properly! I can’t seem to put my crochet down – even in the middle of a hot Queensland summer.

I have recently retired after 45 years in various corporate and government organisations, working in administration, governance, and corporate services. My experience includes supporting Boards and Executive Committees by organising meetings, preparing agendas and reports, attending meetings, taking notes, preparing minutes and action lists, managing annual schedules, and overseeing budgets up to $3 million. I possess very good computer skills and am highly organised and methodical. Since my retirement, I have been volunteering with various organisations. I am passionate about using my abilities to positively affect the lives of others.

Julie Sherwin (NSW) - Treasurer

I have been immersed in the art of crochet for over 45 years, ever since my mother first taught me the craft at a young age. My early creations—spiral worm bookmarks— sparked a lifelong love for yarn and hook.

After raising a family, I rediscovered my passion in 2009 when I made a blanket for my daughter to use at physical culture competitions. This reignited my enthusiasm for the craft, and I quickly embraced the portability and versatility of crochet. Over the next twelve years, I crafted countless blankets for friends and family.

In 2022, I attended a crochet retreat in Tasmania that introduced me to innovative techniques and fresh perspectives, deepening my passion for the craft. This led me to join the Crochet Guild in 2023 and attend the annual Conference in Sydney. I have attended the conferences in 2024, 2025 and 2026, volunteering at the 2025 and 2026 conferences. I completed the Teacher Training Workshops in 2025, further expanding my expertise to prepare me to share my knowledge with others. In July 2026 I received my Teacher Training confirmation.

Outside of crochet, I have a professional background in banking and administration, serving as the O􀆯ice Manager for my husband’s company for the past 16 years. I also have a long-standing connection to the Southside Physical Culture Club, where I served as Treasurer for ten years and as a general committee member until the club closed in

January 2026.

Andrea Clements (VIC) – Membership Coordinator 

I am a proud founding member of Crochet Guild Australia. I started crocheting nearly 30 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 people.

I’ve been designing for approximately eight years and love the creative outlet that this provides. As a committee member of Crochet Guild Australia, I have enjoyed organising and running two Conventions and being part of a dynamic and talented team of Volunteers. I bring extensive experience in Teaching, Planning, Administration and Governance to the role not to mention my love of all things Crochet, Yarn and my Therapeutic Experience!

Seona Roberts (WA) - Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

Hi, I’m Seona Roberts, a crochet designer, teacher, and community builder. I taught myself to crochet in 2016, inspired by fond memories of my Granny’s beautiful blankets. When I couldn’t find patterns that matched my vision, I began designing my own and sharing them to help others create with confidence.

Since then, I’ve written a free beginner’s guide, hosted tutorials on YouTube and Facebook, run in-person workshops, and launched the "Hooked on" Crochet Club, an online membership where women from across Australia and beyond gather each month to learn, connect, and find joy in crochet. My own style leans towards simple but beautiful projects that highlight texture, colour, and the meditative rhythm of stitching.

Within the Crochet Guild of Australia, I have proudly served as Membership Officer for the past two years. In this role I’ve managed all membership applications, streamlined the way accounts are handled, and supported members by answering their questions with care. It has been a privilege to contribute behind the scenes to the smooth running of the Guild and to help our community grow.

I’m passionate about making crochet accessible and joyful, and I’d love the opportunity to continue serving the Guild and its members through renomination.

Fiona Cahill (QLD) - Education Coordinator

From receiving my first cross-stitch kit as a Christmas gift when I was a child, fibre and thread have always been a part of my life. From spinning and weaving to crochet, and now operating my own small yarn shop in Cairns, my love of yarn continues to grow.

Crochet is always my go-to craft. The versatility of what you can create, and the different ways in which it can be constructed, continue to fascinate me. It’s also good for my brain!

Through joining the Guild, I have been able to connect with like-minded people who share my passion for fibre arts. I now have the honour of continuing in my role as Education Coordinator.

Through the Education Committee, we are able to support people in achieving their goal of becoming crochet instructors or teachers. I have had the pleasure of sending out many certificates of achievement and look forward to sending out many more. 

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.

Katherine Golchert (NSW) - Sponsorship Coordinator

I’m a designer, teacher, small business owner and yarnbomber, with a love of all things fibre and making.

I’ve spent the past 25 years working as a designer and product developer in the fashion industry, working with companies including Lorna Jane, Culture Kings, Black Milk Clothing and Dickies Workwear. I started my career as a bridal designer, running my own label and creating custom couture garments. This gave me a wonderful foundation in tailored fitting, beading, corsetry and hand-finishing techniques — skills that I still draw on in my creative work today.

About four years ago, I made the move into teaching Fashion part-time at TAFE NSW. I really enjoy passing on the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the years and seeing the next generation of designers and makers develop their own ideas.

Alongside teaching, I’ve been developing my work as a fibre artist, with crochet becoming an increasingly important part of what I do. One of my most recent projects was The Bobtail, a yarn-bombed truck created for the Casino Truck Show. It was made up of 1,958 granny squares contributed by 35 different makers. Seeing all those individual pieces come together to create something that brought so much joy and attention to crochet was pretty special.

I’d love the opportunity to bring my design, teaching and creative experience to the Crochet Guild Australia Management Committee. I’m passionate about spreading the word about crochet and showing people that it is so much more than just making something with a hook and some yarn. It can be creative, social, therapeutic, challenging and, most importantly, bring a lot of joy to everyday life.

Laura Skillen (VIC) - Event and Fundraising Coordinator

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.