Anne Brodie, who lives in Virginia, Co Cavan, admits she’s “addicted” to knitting. “It’s a daily ritual for me to knit something and I find it relaxing and fun,” she says.

However Anne – who is also a talented quilt maker – only really started to explore her passion for crafting after retiring from the family farm.

“My husband is a complete businessman, so I was the farmer of the house,” she laughs. “Back then it was a family-run farm. All my six children would work on the farm helping with the milking and with the family cheese business,” says Anne.

Now, having reared her family and with her son managing the farm, Anne has been able to spend more time developing her hobbies, winning many awards for her output, including first place for her bed quilts in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

“Winning awards is great, but for me knitting is my passion and there is a great social side too,” she says.

Indeed, after moving to Virginia, Anne joined a quilters group, where 20 retired women would gather to create beautiful handmade quilts and share stories over a cup of tea. She also got involved in “Activate Virginia”, where she shows people how to knit and make woollen masterpieces.

Anne regards knitting “as a great skill for anyone to have” and believes that a handmade quilt or piece of knitwear is a unique present to give to a loved one. “I have made each of my 19 grandchildren a quilt, and I am planning on making a special quilt for my son and daughter-in-law’s 25th wedding anniversary,” says Anne.

As the Virginia show fast approaches, Anne is preparing two quilts for display. Has she any tips for budding crafters?

“It’s all about the visuals, I love creating quilts with bright colours and standout patterns and I think that’s why the judges liked my entries,” she says.

But she adds that it’s all about practice too; so don’t worry when things go wrong. “Making quilts and knitting are meant to be enjoyable,” she says. “They take time and effort, but the end results are definitely worth it.”

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