For Valerie Leroy of Mean Crochet Machine, it’s the opposite. “Crochet is with one hook, not two needles. It’s much easier to pick it back up if you make a mistake, and it’s far gentler on my hands. Knitting is harder.”

You can take either opinion as expert, as both have been at work on these crafts since childhood. “I started when I was six because I was fascinated by the memory of my deceased mother knitting and crafting,” says De Laere. “It was a way of preserving her memory and of keeping her alive.”

Leroy’s start was more competitive, at eight years old: “I learned it in school, always trying to be the best and be faster than the teacher. When I watch TV, I have to do something with my hands, so I’d crochet blankets.”

Today these women have turned their hobbies into something more. De Laere, 42, offers workshops in her home under the moniker Violent Knitting Femme. “Th e name is derived from a band I love, the Violent Femmes, and the NYC venue the Knitting Factory. I wanted a name that clearly stated that my work was about craft, but nothing too sweet and old-lady-like because I believe one can use the old crafts in an innovative fashion. At the same time, I wanted to exude a do-it-yourself punk attitude. My husband came up with the name, and I thought it was perfect – knitting and rock’n’roll wrapped up in one little ball.”

She offers three-hour sessions on Mondays and Saturdays for €70 per person to a maximum of five people at a time. In addition to her undivided attention, you get a drink and piece of homemade pie. “People can knit whatever they want,” says De Laere. “If someone just wants to learn a few techniques or has never knit a stitch in their entire life, that’s fi ne. Everybody is welcome.”

De Laere turned her lifelong hobby into the business Mean Knitting Machine back in 2008. Selling her accessories to shops, as well as producing jewellery and other crafts at various fairs, she’s developed a small fan base. She began the workshops just last autumn with little promotion and has been surprised at their success. “People seem to find me anyway.”

The similarly named but entirely separate Mean Crochet Machine, meanwhile, is the work of Leroy. Crochet is “something I have to do,” says the 36-year-old. “It’s creating something from nothing. Wool and needles, and two hours later you have a doll. I think it’s pretty amazing.”

The creator of wool caps and shawls as well as dolls and teddy bears, Leroy had surgery on her foot in August and knew she’d be stuck on her couch for months, needing a project. “I named it, so it feels more real. I make gifts for people and I’ve put photos online to see what they like. The reaction so far has been very good.”

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