I struggled with post-natal depression...  crochet came back to my life and never left

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Fernanda Schneider and I’m the designer and maker behind WildWire.

I’m a self-taught crochet maker who grew up watching the amazing lace crochet my great-grandma used to make.

After college - I graduated as a dentist in 2005 - and my arrival in Ireland, life got too busy and I put my crochet hook aside.

When my first son was born, I struggled with post-natal depression and, besides medical help, crochet came back to my life and never left. 

I started making baby blankets and clothes but I always had the feeling I wanted to do something different with crochet.

While on the internet, browsing, I found out about wire crochet and it clicked: that’s it.

I had a good few years of practice before I felt confident about opening my business. In 2019, WildWire was born.

Where were you born?

I was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil. It is the southernmost state capital in Brazil with a population as large as Dublin.

Where do you live?

I have been in Ireland for almost 15 years. I am currently living in Bandon for the past eight years

Family?

I am married to Diarmuid and we have two amazing boys, Cian (11) and Adam (9). We also have three dogs - Piper, Olivia, and Maya. And a fish called Fishy.

Best friend?

That’s a hard one... I’m lucky to have a good few... My childhood friends are so close and dear to me, my best friend from college, my best friends from when I was living in Dublin, my husband...

I am so lucky to meet amazing people and keep them in my life in different stages of my journey.

Earliest childhood memory?

My third birthday party. All the kids were dressing up and I was a ballerina. My hair was so pulled back on a bun, it looked like I had a facelift done.

Person you most admire?

It might sound a bit cliched, but I have to say my parents. My mom was an unbelievably strong, fierce, and independent woman and my dad is such a kind, honest, and fair person.

They both gave me and my brother everything we needed, but not everything we wanted, and made us both aware of the social and economic injustice we were surrounded by.

Person who most irritates you?

I don’t have one specific person that irritates me... There are a few things that irritate me like racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia and I try my best not to surround myself with people that are like that.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I think my last holiday was a great one. My husband and I took the ferry and did a small tour through the north of Spain for a week in May, to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary.

Favourite TV programme?

I love Gogglebox. The concept of ‘people watching people watching telly’ still blows my mind but it works.

I love all TV shows involving Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer too.

Favourite radio show?

I don’t listen to the radio. Usually, when driving or cooking I listen to play-lists on Spotify, and when working, I listen to courses online or I’d have series on.

Your signature dish if cooking?

According to the family, I make a good Beef Parmigiana.

Favourite restaurant?

Library Street in Dublin.

Last book you read?

Dinner Party: A Tragedy, by Sarah Gimartin

Best book you read?

Blindness, by Jose Saramago.

Last album/CD/download?

Varias Queixas, by Gilsons (a bit of Brazilian music)

Favourite song?

If you only have one favourite song, you shouldn’t be trusted.

One person you would like to see in a concert?

I’d love to go back in time and see The Beatles.

Do you have a pet?

Yes. I have four.

Morning person or a night owl?

Definitely a night owl,

Your proudest moment?

As a mother, every milestone your kids achieve is a proud moment. As a woman in business, taking part in Showcase Ireland in RDS, in January.

Spendthrift or saver?

I’m certainly a spendthrift, but with that said I do love a good bargain.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

I’d love if there was a swimming pool in Bandon.

What makes you happy?

My life. I have an amazing and healthy family, great friends, and a business that fulfills me.

What else are you up to?

I recently joined Cork Craft and Design in Douglas so you can find my work (and sometimes me) there, as well as another 15 locations, including Canada.

Cork Craft & Design is celebrating the 15th year of Cork Craft Month this August. The milestone festival will feature events spread across Cork city and county. There will be a mix of free and paid events, including markets, family-friendly demonstrations and workshops.

The full schedule is available to view and book at https://www.corkcraftanddesign.com/ccd-event-calendar