Mother-daughter relationships are not solely defined by conflict or resolution but also by the joyful transmission of skills, traditions, and passions.

Zimbabwean-born, Loyce Zindi (LZ) shares her crocheting experience with My Afrika Magazine’s Charmaine Brown (CB). She said that crochet is more than just a craft; it is a powerful medium for personal expression, connection to heritage, spiritual growth, and entrepreneurial success.

CB: In brief can you tell us about yourself?
LZ: My name is Loyce Zindi, born and raised in the Eastern Highlands, Mutare.

CB: When and how did you learn to crochet?
LZ: I started crocheting about two and half years ago. Growing up, I always saw my Mom with a hook and yarn. She made so many pieces that she used to give to her friends who would go and sell these pieces in South Africa. My Father didnt want my Mom to do this business so she always had to find a way to do her craft hiding. It was just the ego of some men of that generation who didnt want their women to ‘work.’

So one day, just after my usual work routine, I got to my house and asked this question, why dont I just try to do what I saw my Mom doing as I was growing up? I went to the store, got my yarn and hook, looked through YouTube for beginner tutorials and ROSELO was birthed!⁠ I named my brand from the first 4 letters of my mom (Rosemary and the first 2 letters of my name).

CB: What is your favorite crochet project that you have worked on and why? LZ: A very colorful bucket hat. I looked at all the left over pieces of yarn from the previous projects that I did and I just thought of making something out of those pieces, a bucket hat came out. When I advertised it, so many people were surprised that such scrap yarn could bring out such a unique piece. It was sold the very next day. From there, I have produced more pieces using the same way.

CB: What are some of the challenges you have faced in your crochet career and how did you overcome them? LZ: Ok some of the challenges include:

• TIME – As someone who works a 9-5, five days a week, sometimes I have to stay up very late to complete the projects that I will be working on. I always like working with targets, so if I have a project at hand, I may stay up late working on it.
• ⁠COMPETITION – when I started engaging with other crocheters, I got to realise the amazing talent out there. Therefore, I always have to be very innovative.
• MARKETING – as growing entrepreneur, I am still finding this a challenge mostly because as times I have to do everything by myself, making of the piece, video and photography, the marketing and the selling!

CB: What are some of your favorite crochet techniques/stitches/patterns? LZ: I always love working the Granny Square and mash stitches – all time favourite

CB: What do you most love about crochet?
LZ: It is therapeutic, seeing the finished project, seeing people appreciating my work. Secondly, crochet has connected me with so many people round the world.

CB: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest crochet trends and techniques? LZ: I have joined several groups with other crocheters from all over the world where we get to share tips and patterns.

CB: If you could tell a beginner one thing about crochet, what would it be? LZ: As long as you have the passion, you can learn and master the craft.

CB: Any additional information you would like to share with our readers.
LZ: Apart from making pieces, I have also resuscitated my teaching passion – I also teach and train beginners. I love it each time a student sends me their projects. These are students who come to me without the knowledge of how to handle the hook!

I am very grateful to all those who have been a part of this journey…which is just beginning…those who believe in our work and support us in any and every way.