Adelaide business Darne Creations is all about making memories. This stunning range of handcrafted clothes and accessories are designed for creating moments to remember. Perfect for today’s wardrobe and tomorrow’s memory box, these heirloom pieces are created to be loved for now, then packed away to be loved again by siblings, friends and future generations… and they’re gosh darne adorable.
Behind the memory making, lies a very important message coming straight from the heart of founder and chief crochet creator Sharne and her gorgeous little family. We chat with Sharne about her special occasion creations and the curation of her community.
Tell us about yourself and your family!
My name is Sharne, I’m married to Dan, and last year we gave birth to our first baby Alfie! Alfie was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect when we were 20 weeks pregnant and we were told he would require several open heart surgeries throughout his life. When he was born we were flown to Melbourne (twice!) for him to have his surgery; it was a very long and difficult time for our little family. Alfie has now just had his second open heart surgery and is doing so much better, he turns one in June and we can’t quite believe the little miracle that he is.
How did Darne Creations come about?
I have been crocheting since I was 11. I learnt how because I wanted to make a gift for my newborn cousin. When my son Alfie was born and I went on maternity leave, I realised my true dream and passion was to grow my business into a full time thing. When Alfie was diagnosed with CHD the whole purpose and mission of Darne Creations really developed into what it is today.
A large part of my community is creating a safe haven and space for heart families to share their stories and ask questions. I have always openly shared Alfie’s journey and in turn that has helped lots of other expectant mothers with babies who have CHD prepare for their own child’s needs. I believe it’s important to nurture, give back and serve my community of new mums, and heart mums. I really do love my business, and it’s so much more than just the products. It is a way of life, and a way of raising awareness for CHD and supporting fellow heart kid families.
What’s special about your pieces?
All of the crochet clothing that you see in our boutique is handmade by me. For the larger pieces, like the cardigan they can take up to two days to make… in between running around after a 10 month old!
All of our items are made from yarn I order from Bendigo Woolen Mills, right here in Australia. I love supporting local, so it’s a privilege to be able to keep everything ‘in house’.
What’s your favourite heirloom piece in your collection?
My favourite piece has to be our bobble overalls. Not only is my little boy Alfie modelling them, I’m proud to say that I developed part of the pattern myself. They are versatile, in a range of the most beautiful earthy tones you can find and just look so good on!
My Scar Buddies
There are a lot of little ones out there who may feel different, or left out because their body looks different to everyone else’s. Darne Creations customise special bunny buddies to any scar, to look exactly like your little one.
My Scar Buddies were made to help your little ones embrace their scars, teach them what they went through and help them have a little friend who looks just like them!
