Meet the Maker behind The Peanut Yarn
This June, we’re delighted to introduce Rachel Rees – the creative force behind The Peanut Yarn – as our Folksy Maker of the Month. Based in Cardiff, Rachel combines a lifelong love of crafting, a background in geography, and a passion for photography to create joyful, imaginative crochet designs inspired by nature, food, and family life. From crocheted peanuts to glittery pigs in blankets, her makes are full of charm and character, often with a heartfelt story behind them.
We caught up with Rachel to learn more about her journey, her inspirations, and what’s next for The Peanut Yarn.
Shop 10% off The Peanut Yarn on Folksy with the code PEANUT10
Hi! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into crocheting?
Hi, my name is Rachel and I am married with four children, living in Cardiff. Crafting has always been a huge passion of mine and I have always had a keen eye for design. Even as a Geography Teacher it was all about those corduroy elbow patches and plaid! I studied Marine Geography at University, and I feel in my element near the ocean. I love coastal walks and observing the sheer power of the physical landscape.
I was taught to knit as a youngster by an array of strong women, a mother, two grandmothers and a host of special aunts. I fondly remember ‘matinee coats’ being knitted on a Saturday afternoon, whilst eagerly awaiting the birth of a new baby.
Crafting and making has always been in my genes, and after many false starts I eventually taught myself to crochet in the last few years.
Where do you get your inspiration from for your makes?
It’s simple…Nature and Food!
Having a geographical background definitely means that I am drawn to more natural colours and various textures displayed in our environment. Wool by its very nature, is a perfect medium to explore, experiment, use, and create with.
Food brings me joy, but it hasn’t always. Becoming a mother definitely changed my priorities. My eldest son was born with severe allergies, including nuts. New parenthood brought many obstacles navigating anaphylaxis. I believe a crocheted peanut is a safe peanut! I have used this challenge as a source of inspiration. He is on safe ground with my crocheted cakes!
Do you create your own designs, or do you use other people’s patterns?
I always look to create my own patterns and designs for the items I sell. I tinker with ideas, shapes and sizes until I find a pattern that I feel is suitable and that I am happy with. This process can take hours, days and weeks and involves a lot of frogging sometimes!
On occasion, for pleasure or for gifting, I will follow a pattern.
What’s your biggest challenge to date that you have made?
Early in 2024, I was commissioned to make a doll to accompany a book launch for a new children’s author. It was the first time tackling such an important and complex make. The book highlighted living with an obvious birthmark and I felt like I had to get it right and do it justice. It was a real honour to be asked and it still gives me great pride and pleasure to know that it accompanies the author during her book readings around schools, even today!
What is your favourite item you have made?
Last Christmas I made Pigs in Blankets. They were a huge success and in my opinion, no Christmas dinner is complete without them! Disco Pig was the outright favourite due to his glittery yarn blanket. They will definitely be making a return this year!
What is your working area like?
Calm, relaxed and tidy, until an order comes in when chaos ensues! At that point there are balls of yarn everywhere, stitch markers galore, scissors and scrap yarn ends strewn all over the floor. My husband and children know to stay well away!
I have a favourite crochet chair perched directly in front of a TV and numerous baskets filled with various works in progress.
What was the first item you made?
My first item was a crocheted pumpkin. Halloween has always been a big occasion in our house. I was engaged on Halloween, married on Halloween and almost gave birth on Halloween (she was one day late!). My husband always says, if you are going to marry a witch you have to marry her on the right day!
Do you have any plans for the future?
My head is full of so many ideas which include Summer Sweet Treats, Afternoon Tea and Breakfast Goodies.
I have always loved taking photos. One day I am hoping to combine my love of photography and crochet to create accompanying greetings cards to feature alongside my products.
Is there a piece you would like to crochet but have not got round to it yet?
We are huge Wallace and Gromit fans! My eldest son (now 23!) was obsessed as a young child and still is today! This obsession has carried on with all his younger siblings!
What does a typical week look like for you?
Luckily for me, each week is different and a world away from a time when I had to follow a strict timetable. If I am not making, I can be found taking photos, videoing or editing. However, my favourite way of spending time is dreaming up new ideas and planning my next video shoot.
Shop 10% off The Peanut Yarn on Folksy with the code PEANUT10 *offer ends 30th June
Meet the Interviewer
The maker asking the questions this time is the incredibly talented Florist, Zoe’s Blooms
Read more about Zoe here – Meet the Maker Interview
Shop Zoe’s Blooms on Folksy – Zoe’s Blooms
