By JOLENE OGLE
THOSE driving past 61 Hilton Terrace in Tewantin may never guess that beyond the door of such an unassuming building lies a diverse group of women busily creating stunning pieces of art.
But, behind the aquamarine wall, visitors will find an award-winning architect, ex-champion show jumper and a woman who used to teach inmates to sew – all crocheting, knitting, chatting and laughing.
Welcome to Sheep Thrills, a place for women to gather, enjoy time-out and create something special.
“It’s not just ‘nanna knitting’, explained Sheep Thrills owner Bonnie O’Connell.
“When people think of knitting and crocheting, people think its ugly stuff.
“But there is so much more to it than nana squares. You can truly create something beautiful.”
Knitting has always been a passion for Bonnie, who at one point specialised in custom pieces made to order.
But it was when she moved to Australia eight years ago that Bonnie first tried crocheting.
“I went to a knitting class to brush up and that’s where I met Janelle (Turley),” she said.
“Janelle said to me ‘you’re not knitting, you’re crocheting’ and that was that.”
Janelle – who has taught crocheting, knitting and sewing to inmates at Bogga Road and Wacol prisons – now runs the Sheep Thrills’ crochet and knit classes, offering two hours of instruction that will have participants creating a delicate shawl in no time.
Together, Bonnie and Janelle have “joined forces” to create an environment that fosters creativity, relaxation and fun.
“This is a phone-free-zone,” Bonnie said.
“There are no clocks, no distractions. This is a place for people to come, buy some nice yarn, and take time out for themselves.
“And we’re not only about ‘nana knitting’. We have women from the age of 18 to 73 and older. We have women from all walks of life who simply want to create something beautiful while having a chat.”
Janelle is now joined by Leah Hindman, who will help teach even more people the wonderful art of crochet and knitting.
Sheep Thrills is open Wednesday and Friday, from 9.30am to 1pm, Thursday, from 10am to 1pm and Saturday, 9.30am to 11.30am.
Classes are held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 9.30am to 11.30am. Everything is supplied including a basic pattern, instruction notes and two hours’ instruction from Janelle.
