Kent Crafts – a new online knitting community

Kent Crafts is an online store which sells handmade items and knitting patterns. The Knit and Crochet club will launch later this year, and aims to bring together a new community of crafters. We caught up with owner Leanne to find out the motivation behind this ambitious aim.

Tell us about Kent Crafts – how did it get started, and what are you aiming to achieve?

I’ve always loved crafts and spend a great deal of my free time making things, just for the pleasure of doing it. I got to thinking that other people might be in the same situation, so I started sharing some of my knowledge online and selling some of the things I had made at local craft fairs and then online.

After my mum retired, she joined me in all these activities and now far exceeds my level of output! It’s a great way for us to spend time together and we’re always learning, teaching and sharing our projects. In 2013 I decided I wanted to take Kent Crafts to the next level and make it more than just a hobby. I’d met many people over the years who wanted to learn some of our skills so I decided to start a membership site, like a club, where like-minded people could come together and join my mum and me in our creative endeavours.

Where and when did you learn to knit?

I learnt very basic knitting and craft skills at a child in after-school care and from my grandmother. I was born and raised in Africa and television was pretty awful from what I can remember. While it was mostly an outdoor lifestyle, I was encouraged by my grandmother to occupy my time with things like knitting, sewing, embroidery and other crafts. A lot of my own clothes were made by her, and I distinctly remember mum making me a new school jersey every winter - I was always losing them for some reason!

I couldn’t afford a lot of the beautiful garments I saw in magazines, so by the time I was a teenager I was making my own - making patterns out of newspapers and, after a few disasters, ending up with an outfit. I did this with knitting as well, experimenting with leftover yarn. A few garments came out the wrong size, and ended up as gifts – I’ve lost track of how many people have benefited from my knitting sizing errors over the years!

Leanne and her mum’s knitted items are on sale at www.kentcrafts.co.uk

Why did you decide to turn crafting into a career?

Well, I’ve reached a stage in my life where it’s important to me to make my living doing the things I love, rather than just “doing a job”. I looked back over my short life and thought of the moments where I got the most pleasure or enjoyment, and crafting came up a lot. It had become part of my life without me even realising it.

Tell us a little more about the knitting basics tutorial series. Where did that idea come from?

The idea for the series came to me after chatting with a colleague. He wanted to learn to knit but was overwhelmed by all the techniques and abbreviations. I was able to boil down everything to a few really basic and essential stitches which underpin every complex technique. When I was learning to knit, I learnt mostly by being shown, and I figured others would too. That’s the essence of the series – it’s there to get you started.

How was the video production – was it a lot of fun getting behind the camera?

I’m not so sure about fun - more like nerve wracking! The first video took about six attempts and it’s still not perfect. Video is probably the one thing in the knitting club that I’m uncomfortable with because I’m out of my comfort zone. I still have a lot to, but I’m getting better and I’m relaxing more when recording.

Leanne’s videos will be available as part of her online Knit and Crochet club.

What do you hope to achieve with the videos – is it about creating a sense of community?

The videos are really designed just to show people how easy it is to knit and to demonstrate to everyone what the club has to offer if they want to become a member. I’d really like it to be full of active, engaged knitting enthusiasts, who are eager to learn and share. I have a series of videos running for experienced knitters and I’m aiming to create a community where knowledge sharing and “show & tell” plays a big part.

What’s coming up next?

I’m still busy putting together the videos, patterns, charts and forums that make up the knitting club. It’s early days but I have high hopes! I’m lucky I’ve managed to persuade my mum to design some more patterns, and to help with re-master the vintage ones we have rights for. I’m also working on a Knitting Essentials book and companion DVD which builds upon the knitting basics tutorials, and will be given to all new club members.

What’s the best bit about your job?

Oooh, I’m spoilt for choice! I really get a kick out of seeing someone make their first item, once they’ve worked their way through the first few stitches. Being able to share my knowledge and help others get the pleasure of achievement is an amazing feeling. I also love experimenting and designing, which gives me a good excuse to have a cupboard full of the most exquisite yarns - I probably have enough to keep me going for another 10 years! 

Explore the designs at Kent Crafts, and keep up-to-date with the latest knitting club news at www.kentcrafts.co.uk