Moored upon the Kennet and Avon Canal in Berkshire a unique craft venue can be found.
A 63 foot narrowboat nestled in the British countryside, the cool water lapping underneath and above a colourful array of flowers decorate the boat top. Inside is a crafters heaven, luscious materials, crochet bunting and basket upon basket full of wool!
On a winter's day the mist rolls off the canal, which sets a pretty scene, but if you were to peer through the port hole windows of the boat you would see a group of people sat around the open plan living room next to a cosy fire happily engaged in conversation and flourishing in their newly found love of crafting (and floating).
Sophie Hale set up A Boat Full of Wool in 2017. Her mission - to get more young people involved in crafting and to offer adults a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Sophie’s craft addiction began as a child when she was taught to knit by her Nan and she has fond early memories of evenings spent making pompoms with her family. The organic experience of seeing a natural material knit up into something lovely to wear has become an addiction in itself. Even better if it keeps her warm or decorates her waterside home. This ‘doing it yourself’ is a pure pleasure and is something Sophie wants to share with others.
Sophie’s workshops are run on a weekly basis running from different locations on the canal. Sophie teaches in small groups of 4-5 people offering that one to one support needed to help her clients receive the maximum tuition from her workshops. Beginners Crochet and Arm knitting prove to be popular workshops. In Beginners Crochet Sophie teaches all the basics of Crochet from holding the hook to changing colour and in three hours students go away with skills for life and having learnt how to make a traditional granny square. Arm knitting is absolutely perfect for beginners; needing just your arms and a giant ball of soft chunky yarn, in two hours each student walks away with a gorgeous knitted throw.
Does this float your boat? Contact Sophie now to book.
