Etsy Labs is a space which has been set up by those hard working people at Etsy in their new premises in Brooklyn, USA. The goal of Etsy Labs is to: “… provide a space where Etsy members can be creative together, learn from each other and share their skills.” And the vision Etsy has is that one day these labs will be found all over the world.

You can learn more about Etsy Labs on their website and you should also visit the Flickr page for the Labs where lots of interesting developments can be seen.

The Labs have been looking for donations of materials and equipment while they’ve been setting up, and a while back I sent them a bundle of fabric and other sewing materials I’ve accrued over the years but have never managed to use (which is hardly surprising given that I can’t sew to save myself!).

Plus I stuck in some very Australian chocolates as a thanks to all at Etsy for their efforts in keeping the place running and trying to keep everyone happy. This photograph is from the Lab’s Flickr photostream.

I also included a selection of fine crochet cottons which belonged to my late grandmother, Peg Lawton, who was an astonishingly good crocheter. She created the most beautiful, fine lace-like work - including once making a very intricate and heavy bedspread for my aunty and uncle which took a very long time to complete.

I’m sure she would have been thrilled to imagine her cottons ending up on the other side of the world with a view to people she’s never met making use of them.

I’ll write more soon about my Nan’s life and also her amazing crochet work. I’m hoping to soon start work on a collection of one off pieces of jewellery and objects to celebrate her life. My plan is to hold an exhibition of these pieces in due course - hopefully in Adelaide, Australia which is where she spent most of her life and was dearly loved by a diverse array of people.