Designer Berri Sharelle Drum is talented, creative and setting her sights high for the future of her crochet label Hand, hook yarn. Currently featured in the window of This Law, Berri shares some of her inspirations and tips as a young Melbourne designer.
TL. How was the label born?
BSD. The label really started out through my making a lot of things for myself and other people. When I started doing markets I noticed I was falling behind other labels because I didn’t have any branding or marketing and I realised I needed to get serious about my designs to make an impression. So I made a decision a few months ago to streamline my designs and perfect the formula of the garments. So rather than going on a whim and making whatever I felt like, I started to create a few before moving onto something else to give every garment a really solid image. The name Hand, hook yarn itself came from the organic process of what I do.
TL. How long has the label been going?
BSD. I started getting serious probably about 9 months ago.
TL. When did your love for creating begin?
BSD. My mum taught me to knit when I was very young and I did probably what most people do and made scarves without knowing what else to make and ended it there. Then in 2006 I was working in the Northern territory in a remote aboriginal community and a couple of the girls that were volunteering with me taught me to crochet. For the next 4 weeks that’s how we spent our nights because you couldn’t go out so we would drink tea and talk and crochet. I kept doing it because I loved it; and so much more than knitting because you can improvise easier and there is a lot more room to be creative.
TL. What are you inspired by when sourcing looks and designs?
BSD. Probably vintage 60’s and 70’s crocheted designs is where it started- I still have a lot of books that I look through to get inspiration from but I never want to replicate any patterns that I see so I don’t follow any designs. I will see what I can do to make it similar and then add my own touches. Also growing up in the country is a big influence on me.
TL. How many products have been made under the Hand, hook, yarn label?
BSD. The hooded cloaks came first. I found a drawstring cape in an op shop for $5 from the 70’s and I decided that I wanted to make one for myself in red. I easily put a hood on it so I have a hooded cape at home that is bright red and comes down to my wrists. I shortened it for reproduction because it’s a great look and not so labour intensive.
TL. What are some of your favourite Melbourne places to eat, drink and shop?
BSD. I love high street in Northcote- there are a lot of really good restaurants and bars. To shop I still love op shops and markets for a bargain. To hang out I love anywhere with a view that’s outside.
TL. Any tips for budding designers?
BSD. I would suggest having enough confidence in yourself and in your designs to do it the way you envision and not the way others do. Work at it until its perfect and go by your own standards.
