Knit Today

Five years ago, Philip Turner ran a catering business, and had never knitted before. Now, he owns a craft shop in Cuckfield, Sussex, and leads a successful knitting club! “I am a chef by trade, but always enjoyed arts and crafts, says Philip. “One day, I decided to sell my catering business and buy Sussex Crafts.” Because the shop sold wool, Philip decided he needed to learn how to knit. “You need to know about your products if you are selling them – it all comes down to good customer service!” The knowledge paid off, especially as customers started asking about having a club at the shop. The club has been going for four and a half years now, and has around 20 members. “We have every experience level, from beginners to those who have been knitting for a long time,” says Philip. “It can get very noisy when the club meets at the back of the shop!”

     To respond to the growing interest in learning crochet, Philip has started a special crochet club. “The crochet club is going very well,” he says. “I love crochet, so I also teach it.”

     If there’s a charity in need of knitted items, chances are the club has helped out in some way. “We knit for charities that ask for help in knitting magazines, or an organisation that one of the club members hears about,” explains Philip. Some of their projects include items for the Sailors’ Society, and jumpers for African charities. They’ve just finished knitting hearts for The Children’s Society’s Big Stitch. What’s next for the club? “We shall see what charities need us in the new year,” says Philip.

 

Crafty Knitters meets Wednesdays from 1-4pm at Sussex Crafts, 45 High Street, Cuckfield, West Sussex. For more information, call ( 01444 455611 or visit www.sussexcraftsltd.co.uk