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.

Wendy Lovett (QLD) - Secretary

Hello, my name is Wendy Lovett and I am applying for the position of Secretary of Crochet Guild Australia. 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. I believe my skills are relevant to the role of Secretary. Since my retirement, I have been volunteering with an English for Life course which is held weekly during school terms and also volunteering at an aged care residence playing board games with a resident. I am passionate about using my abilities to positively affect the lives of others.

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) - 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

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) - Sponsorship 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!

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.

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) – Membership Coordinator 

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