Malaysian quits job as an account manager to crochet flowers

Crochet flowers are gaining popularity because they are everlasting and will not wither like fresh flowers. Photos: The Star/Samuel Ong

Crochet enthusiast Lee Kah Yan, 30, never ceases to be amazed at how yarn can be used to crochet colourful flowers.

“As a part-time florist, I love flowers in all shapes and sizes.

“Crocheting allows me to create artistic flowers which can last forever.

“It’s fascinating to be able to turn a ball of yarn into so many patterns inspired by nature,” said Lee in an interview.

The Petaling Jaya-based crafter can whip up various blooms with just five basic crochet stitches – magic loop, slip chain, single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet.

A crochet floral and amigurumi bouquet created by Lee.

Recently, she gave up her job as an account manager in an audio/information technology company to focus on her home-based crochet business.

“I’ve been working in the sales line for over a decade. When I was in my 20s, I enjoyed meeting new clients and socialising with them. However, now that I’m older, I prefer to stay home and focus on crocheting.

“I’ve become a homebody since the movement control orders due to the pandemic and I’m happier to run my little business from home,” said Lee, the second of five siblings.

She is glad she made the leap to pursue her passion, as it has enabled her to focus on something that brings her so much joy.

“I don’t mind that my income is lesser than the salary I earned from my previous job. Money isn’t everything in life. I am willing to make a career switch because I’m single and I have few commitments. Plus, I still live with my parents,” said Lee, who holds a floral arrangement certificate from Shenzhen, China.

Many crafters are revisiting old hobbies like crochet, patchwork and knitting. These crafts are no longer viewed as old-fashioned.Lee signed up for an introductory crochet course when she was 20. In the last decade, she’s further honed her crocheting skills by watching video tutorials on social media platforms.

Today, in addition to flowers, she has learnt to make shawls and amigurumi (the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting stuffed yarn dolls or toys).

In her apartment in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, she has several colourful stuffed toys on her sofa and coffee table. In addition, several crochet flower bouquets are arranged on her dining table, ready for delivery.

In her cabinets, there are skeins of yarn in various hues. She purchases different types of yarn, including milk cotton, silk and cotton, via online platforms.

“Milk yarn is my favourite because it is a mixture of cotton and acrylic (milk fibre). The outcome is always softer and nicer.”

The petite woman says crochet flowers are popular because they are everlasting. Plus, they will not wither like fresh flowers.

“Crochet flowers can last for many years. My customers say there isn’t much difference in pricing between fresh flowers and handmade crochet flowers.

“People think crochet toys are cute but they don’t see the value in them. Instead, customers prefer crochet flowers like carnations, sunflowers and tulips because these items can be kept as decorative pieces,” said the craft enthusiast, who has close to 28,000 followers on her Instagram.

Crochet allows me to create artistic flowers which can last forever, says Lee.

On average, Lee makes about 40 crochet floral bouquets a month. Business is brisk, and she’s roped in her younger sister Lee Kah Hui, 25, to help with the orders. Her handmade items are priced between RM45 and RM500.

Lee takes about 30 minutes to crochet each petal. A total of three hours is dedicated to completing a single flower stalk, including the leaves. She attaches them all together using floral wire and glue.

“I spend about 12 hours each day to complete my orders.

“Sometimes, my back and shoulders ache. To relieve the pain, I make it a point to get a good massage every fortnight.”

Crocheting is relaxing and calming too, says Lee.

Lee loves crafting so much that she never leaves home without her crochet kit, especially on holidays.

“I’ve carried my crochet set, comprising scissors, yarn and needles, to Australia, China and Vietnam. I also brought it along during my recent trip to Thailand. People are always surprised to see me crocheting flowers, shawls and dolls.”

She encourages people to learn crochet because it’s not difficult, especially with the availability of online video tutorials.

“Pick up basic crochet. Then work on a crochet coaster, which is one of the simplest projects. This is the easiest because it requires only three simple stitching techniques – slip stitch, chain and single crochet. Crocheting is relaxing and calming too.

“It is an in thing now and this craft has many followers worldwide. Many crafters are revisiting old hobbies like patchwork and knitting. Others are picking up new skills like punch needle embroidery and sewing. These crafts are no longer viewed as old- fashioned,” she said.