Grace Lancaster, 11, to offer crocheted work at Madison Street Festival

MADISON – Young Grace Lancaster has wasted no time in learning about the business world. In 2024, she founded her crochet business, “Grace’s Wonderful Stitches.” This year, the 11-year-old is the youngest vendor at Madison Street Festival or MSF.

Using blanket/plush yarn with polyfill stuffing, Grace makes crocheted ‘plushies,’ stuffed animals, keychains . . . even emotional-support chicken nuggets!

Working as an MSF vendor has been on Grace’s “‘bucket list.’ I’m really excited about the festival. My family and I have enjoyed the festival as customers in years past; it’s one of our favorite events,” Grace said.

In the past year, Grace has already participated in four local craft markets/festivals. She has received customers’ positive feedback about good quality and pricing. “I’m also a tad bit nervous, because Madison Street Festival is the biggest market I’ve ever done as a vendor,” Grace said.

Grace’s most popular designs are loaf cats, axolotls, turtles, chickens, chicken hats, penguins, leggy frogs, pickles, mermaids, seahorses, elephants and more.

Her largest, most intricate creation is a large octopus. “It took quite a while to crochet all the legs and tentacles,” Grace said. “I also have smaller plushies that I make into backpack buddies or keychains. I’ll have all my items available at the Madison Street Festival.”

Grace’s merchandise carries a price point of $5 to $35. Kids are her target market.

A tabletop claw machine draws customers’ attention. An external battery pack — not a generator – powers the claw. She charges $5 per play; every player wins.

“The claw machine is so much fun! It’s like a claw machine at an arcade, but every player wins,” Grace said. Her mother Kim Lancaster bought the claw on eBay.

“It’s always a big hit and fun for the kids who visit my booth. The claw is filled with plushies, worth at least $5. Each player gets a token to put in the slot and unlimited tries until they win a plushie,” Grace said.

Grace’s crochet interest began at a swim meet with some girls using a beginner kit. For her eight-year-old daughter, Kim ordered the Woobles kit. “I technically taught myself. My mom was jealous so she grabbed a hook and yarn, and I taught some basic stitches,” Grace said.

At first, Woobles was too difficult for Grace. She put the kit in a drawer and gave up. Months later, she found the kit; this time, she watched every step very closely and succeeded in finishing the entire plushie.

“Crochet is a little tricky at first. You have to hold the hook correctly with just the right amount of tension on your yarn,” Grace said. Reading a pattern is complicated, too. If a stitch is incorrect, the shape will be wrong.

“I’ve inspired lots of my friends and family to pick up a crochet hook and try to learn,” Grace said.

Grace uses high-quality yarn, usually Bernat Blanket Yarn. She felt sad when JOANN Fabrics closed. To have her favorite colors, Grace must order online now.

“My mom and dad are very proud of me. I have learned a lot about customer service, saving money and being organized since starting my business last year,” Grace said.

A fifth-grader at Rainbow Elementary School, Grace most enjoys English and math. “Being good at math helps me be good at crocheting. When I read patterns, I have to add up every row and keep count of stitches,” she said.

At Rainbow, she participates in Elementary Student 2 Student leadership club, volleyball, advanced math and gifted education. Year-round, she competes in Madison Swim Association and with Madison Dolphins in summer.

Kim Lancaster, Grace’s mother, works as a speech therapist and in home health. Grace’s father, James Lancaster, works as a financial advisor at Regions Bank.

“My parents help me with my crochet work sometimes. They’re very supportive of my small business,” Grace said. Kim makes custom, felt eyes to add personality to Grace’s plushies. James helps with pricing for affordability but making a profit. Grace’s younger sister, Olivia, helps set up the plushies.

Grace’s other pastime is reading mystery books and biographies. “My family likes snow skiing. I’ve become a pretty good skier,” Grace said.

For more information, visit Facebook/Kim Lancaster or Instagram @Graces.Wonderful.Stitches (request to follow).