Our Crafter of the month is  Sange Tshakumane Born and bred in East London in the Eastern Cape, Sange is definitely far from home. She came to Tshwane with the hopes of pursuing, and only pursuing, a degree in Computer Science at the University of Pretoria but found herself tapping into her artistic side, as was encouraged by the open and free culture in Tshwane. That is how she found crocheting. With only less than 6 months of skill in the craft, her work shows a top-tier level of experience.

Crocheting is more than just some craft project to her, she considers it an art. Sange to use her crocheting as a reminder to people that art is anything that is creative, not just sketching and painting. Beyond crocheting being an artform for her creative expression, it is also a form of therapy. It is a source of calm and peace of mind and encourages mindfulness and reflection. That is why it is important to let go of the stereotypes attached to crocheting as crocheting can be beneficial to all.

Although she understands the goodness that comes with crocheting now, Sange did struggle with the fear of how people would receive the fact that she is a 19-year-old who is obsessed with crocheting, since crocheting is a skill typically reserved for the elderly. Ever since she broke through that initial fear, she hasn’t looked back. She continues to create some interesting pieces including the Youth Day jacket she crocheted with a raised fist applique at the back in remembrance of the sacrifices of the youth of ’76.

Born and bred in East London in the Eastern Cape, Sange is definitely far from home. She came to Pretoria with the hopes of pursuing, and only pursuing, a degree in Computer Science at the University of Pretoria but found herself tapping into her artistic side, as was encouraged by the open and free culture in Pretoria. That is how she found crocheting. With only less than 6 months of skill in the craft, her work shows a top-tier level of experience.

Crocheting is more than just some craft project to her, she considers it an art. Sange to use her crocheting as a reminder to people that art is anything that is creative, not just sketching and painting. Beyond crocheting being an artform for her creative expression, it is also a form of therapy. It is a source of calm and peace of mind and encourages mindfulness and reflection. That is why it is important to let go of the stereotypes attached to crocheting as crocheting can be beneficial to all. Although she understands the goodness that comes with crocheting now, Sange did struggle with the fear of how people would receive the fact that she is a 19-year-old who is obsessed with crocheting, since crocheting is a skill typically reserved for the elderly. Ever since she broke through that initial fear, she hasn’t looked back. She continues to create some interesting pieces including the Youth Day jacket she crocheted with a raised fist applique at the back in remembrance of the sacrifices of the youth of ’76.

You can find more of Sange’s projects on her instagram @sange.izibele.zenkosi.

Article written & edited by Sange Tshakumane