Paly junior Anne Threlkeld has always had a passion for creating. While Threlkeld is an active water polo player, rock climber and volunteer for various organizations, she also makes sure to save time for her creative interests. During winter break of 2021, Threlkeld began experimenting with crocheting. Using a ball of yarn and a crochet hook, Threlkeld has learned how to make numerous tops, hats, animals and additional clothing pieces. 

“My grandma used to crochet little toys and stuff,” Threlkeld said. “I think she taught me and then from there on, I started learning through YouTube videos and the internet.”

Threlkeld originally started crocheting in elementary school but did not fully invest in the art form until last year.

“I like that you can turn a piece of string into anything you want,” Threlkeld said.

Threlkeld has always enjoyed creating items through different art forms. Crocheting has been a perfect way to explore a new medium.

“I like making things with my hands,” Threlkeld said. “And I used to go through phases where I’ve been really into origami and [things like that].”

While Threlkeld has loved crocheting as a pastime, she has faced the occasional challenge. 

“For me, picking materials is annoying sometimes because you want it to be high quality but you don’t want it to be too expensive,” Threlkeld said. 

Threlkeld has been able to use her skill as more than an at-home activity. She has been volunteering with an organization called Bay Area Blanket Project and crochets items for them. 

“[Bay Area Blanket Project] is run by two students at Castilleja and they collect handmade blankets, mittens, hats, scarves and quilts and give them to victims of intimate partner abuse and unhoused individuals,” Threlkeld said. “I saw them on Instagram and decided I should put my hobby to good use.”

As people began to notice Threlkeld’s talent, her hobby soon turned into a business.

“I would make a lot of things and people started asking me, ‘Oh, can you make this for me’ and, ‘Oh, I’ll pay you,’” Threlkeld said. “Then enough people [asked me to make things, so] I was like ‘I’ll just make a little business.’” 

While coming up with her business name, Dino Yarn, Threlkeld wanted to choose something that was casual and happy.  

“The idea of dinosaurs just always makes people happy because there’s something childish about it,” Threlkeld said. “I decided that’s how I want my brand to be.”

Threlkeld creates a wide variety of items, ranging from hats to headbands to clothes to plushies. Each item takes a different amount of time; the most time-consuming are sweaters and other clothing items. 

Customers reach out to Threlkeld through Instagram, sending a picture or description of a design they like. Once the design has been agreed upon, color preferences, material preferences and measurements are shared. 

With her experience, Threlkeld is able to estimate production time and give her customer a finish date. She also sends pricing before making the item to ensure customer satisfaction. Threlkeld commissions for Paly students, Palo Alto neighborhood members and even out-of-state residents.

To balance business with her busy life, filled with school and extracurriculars, Threlkeld makes sure to pace herself, crocheting both for her business and also as a relaxation technique.

“Even if it’s just for five minutes a day, like when I wake up before I go to school, I usually like knitting or crocheting just to relax,” Threlkeld said. “When I come home in between practice or just whenever I need a break, I’m basically knitting or crocheting.”

Keeping her passion in mind, Threlkeld enjoys making commissions, considering them a continuation of her hobby. 

“It doesn’t feel that different from when I was just crocheting for myself,” Threlkeld said. “It’s just I don’t have a bunch of pieces in my house anymore.”

Threlkeld’s business is currently open for commissions, so be sure to reach out @dino.yarn, if you’re interested in buying one of her yarn creations. Threlkeld is focusing on keeping balance in her life, but may ramp up business in her free time.

“For now, I want to keep it [the business] pretty small because I don’t want to overwhelm myself with customers,” Threlkeld said. “Maybe over the summer when I have more time, I’ll try to expand a bit more.”

Enjoy a video tutorial from Anne herself!

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