We're still collecting donations
On the 31st October 2024 we'd raised £10,378 with 247 supporters in 78 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Our aim is to open a local craft shop where crafty people can come hang out and learn new skills with other like-minded people.
by Justine Robson in Littlehampton, West Sussex, United Kingdom
On the 31st October 2024 we'd raised £10,378 with 247 supporters in 78 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
WHO I AM
Hello! I'm Justine Robson, coming to you from sunny Worthing on England's south coast, and I want nothing more than to bring you the finest craft shop Rustington has ever seen. I'm talking classes, supplies, craft kits, gifts, and even a little coffee bar. But before I get into all the details, for those of you who don't know me (or don't know much of my story), here's the short version:
For many years I worked in finance, and truth be told, I did really enjoy it. But in 2014 the wheels came off, and I had a breakdown. I've spoken openly about this over the years, so I won't get too far into it now. But let's just say it was a very tough time in my life - multiple panic attacks every week, unable to leave the house, and many nights spent wondering if I would ever feel 'normal' again.
I never would've gotten through this period of time without the support and love of my partner, who amongst many other things, built me a craft room in the garden where I could heal and work with my hands, getting back to my crafty roots. I also helped my mum set up a Facebook page called 'Made With My Own Lilly White Hands', where she could share her crochet projects. As some of you will know, this grew into a huge, crafty community and was the true beginning of where I am now.
We started teaching classes around 2016, then running crochet retreats, and flash forward to 2022 when I opened the doors to the first Carry on Crafting Festival which is now the craftiest, most fun annual event. Oh, and I also now run a monthly crochet subscription box business called Little Box of Crochet. It has well and truly been a wild ride.
This brings us to now and the next step in this crafty adventure - our bid to open a craft shop.
It was early 2020 when my partner first told me about a shop up for rent down the road from our house.
It had been a longtime dream of ours to open up a crafty place of our own, and up until then it had only been a pie-in-the-sky fantasy. But now he was putting it out there in the open where we could actually consider it.
At the time I wasn't quite ready for it; however, a year later it was still available and so he pointed it out on a walk one day. It was cute, old fashioned, and exactly what I had pictured in my mind it would be. Somehow it now resonated with me that I wanted to do it. So we looked at the plans online, asked to view it, got our hopes up... and then it was gone.
Another year later on the morning of our first Carry on Crafting Festival, we looked at a different shop. It was perfect. We would soon find out, though, that the universe had other plans.
At the festival everything changed when I was offered the opportunity to take over the Little Box of Crochet business. It was an offer I couldn't refuse, and so we decided to put the shop on the back burner so we could focus on LBC.
But the dream never died, and so we would occasionally look to see what was out there. And then, one fateful day about a year ago, the most perfect place in Rustington became available. Within a week we had put in an offer.
Which leads us to today.
THE SHOP
The shop we are looking at is actually the first ever shop that was opened in Rustington, so this place is old and historic! There are two parts to the shop - the main entrance where you'll be able to buy yarn, sip coffee, and sit on a Victorian sofa while you knit and natter with your friends. The second half of the shop will be filled with an eclectic mix of craft supplies, craft kits, beautifully selected gifts, a haberdashery corner, and all manner of lovely things. Upstairs will be the classroom where we'll be hosting everything from crochet to sewing, macrame to terrarium building. There will also be an office for us to use as our business base instead of using my dining room table as we have been all these years!
The building is owned by the local church, and due to needed building works and various legalities, it has taken much longer than we anticipated for it to be ready for use.
We intended on getting the shop first and then getting a warehouse to house stock, pack boxes and store everything we need for the festival, but unfortunately we had to do it the other way around. We ended up using our money to get the warehouse first as my house was bursting at the seams and we knew it was going to be a much longer wait for the shop.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
And now for the big part: why I am asking for your help to make this dream a reality.
I knew we had found the perfect building to help complete my dream. This beautiful old shop in Rustington is exactly what I have always wanted a place for like minded people to gather and be creative. A place full to the brim of lovely things! A village where we could become a part of the community, get involved and put a much needed craft shop back where it belongs. I also needed the upstairs space so we could expand the businesses as they all feed into each other and I had been working from my dining room for too long. Chloe and I need an office!
But starting all these businesses in such a short period of time is not easy and we spent our savings on the warehouse, whilst we waited for the shop. The warehouse was a big deal, but I am so glad we got it as it already has really helped with the Festival and with Little Box of Crochet, but it came at the expense of the shop.
We think this shop can be an integral part of this village and of course my businesses as everything I do is about bringing people together and getting creative whether it's a hobby, you're a small business or it's for your mental health, we are here. So please, if you can help me make this become a reality, I would be so thankful. We have lots of wonderful rewards for you to choose from. I am so very grateful for any contribution.
We want to use the money, to get the deposit and rent paid in advance to give us some breathing space. We will be doing the shop up, painting inside and out and we would like to put the original writing back on the front of the shop but with a twist. We will be wallpapering and upcycling inside to give you an eclectic crafty feel to the shop with of course a Cath Kidston inspired flourish as is my trade mark. We need to get the sign made for out front and we also need to make sure we are fully stocked for our grand opening.
If we manage to raise the money and go into our stretch fund we want to use this to get the building next door to convert into a classroom which is wheel chair accessible giving more people a chance to get crafty with us.
THE REWARDS
NEW REWARD!
We have finally added a historical walking tour to the rewards. A 2 hour walking tour around the village for just £10.
We are having stickers and badges made as we speak so I will add photos when I can.
For those of you pledging for a virtual brick, we are going to hand write everyone's name on one of the walls in the shop, so when you come and visit us you will be able to look for your name!
We have added these lovely tote bags with our logo on the front. These are great for shopping or if you're a crafter they make a great WIP bag (Work In Progress). Please note this is a mock up for the bags we will order. Postage will be added later if you can't come to the shop in person.
Or you can go for the cheeky version! I LOVE COC tote bag, perfect if you are a fan of the Carry on Crafting brand.
First we gave you stickers and badges, but now we are giving you mugs! China mugs with either logo on, sensible or cheeky, the choice is yours!
NEW REWARD!
You asked, so here it is another kit. Designed by myself, how about a lovely French Fancy pack? All the yarn you need a printed pattern and a stitch markers. You will receive 4 x 100g balls of Stylecraft Special DK (white, lemon, fondant and walnut) which is plenty to make lots and lots of cakes. You'll also receive a 25g ball of dark brown (not in the photo) to use as icing.
You can choose from one of our previous Little Box of Crochet boxes (we will give you availability, just ask). These fabulous boxes are filled with everything you need to complete the pattern included. Great for yourself or as a lovely gift.
Next we have the two different Advent Calendar boxes, The Vintage Wreath and the Candy Cane Sleigh.
The Big Summer Box is like Hen's teeth, so we were thrilled when we found some to share with you. These won't stick around for long. Everything you need to make this project is in the box along with lots of goodies.
The VIP Festival Package is one not to miss and we only have ONE available. Get a fully glamped bell tent, your pitch, entry all covered, plus electric hook up, festival merchandise, food vouchers to spend with our amazing food vendors and get a free class of your choice at the festival.
TESTIMONIALS
"Justine and Carry on Crafting are the reason I go to work. I spent the first 39 years of my life thinking I didn’t belong anywhere. But then I met Justine and “my tribe”. Carry on Crafting is more than a shop, it is the reason I go to work, to earn money to spend on beautiful and nostalgic items that make my heart sing and yarn that is fantastic to work with in a huge range of colours and weights. It is and continues to be my saviour " ~ E.Stakim, Worthing
"I first met Justine when I joined her beginner’s crocheting class, and from the very start, I was struck by her incredible passion for crafting and her genuine love for bringing people together. Over the years, our friendship has blossomed, and I’m honored to play a small part in supporting Justine’s crafting endeavors, especially with the festivals she organizes.
Justine’s vision for a dedicated crafting shop would be a tremendous asset, not just to our local community but to the wider crafting world. Her enthusiasm for crafting is deeply rooted in her desire to help others and to create a welcoming space where everyone can feel at home. Crocheting has become my happy place, a vital tool for my mental health and well-being, and I know that many others would find the same peace and joy in Justine’s shop. It would be more than just a place to buy beautiful yarns and kits; it would be a sanctuary for learning, relaxing with a cup of tea, and connecting with like-minded crafters. We all stand to benefit from such a wonderful addition to our community." ~ H. Nimmo, Lancing
"Justine and I have known each other for many years. She started her business with small crochet classes and started to branch out from there. She started with a statement one day 'I am thinking of expanding classes to weekend retreats. What do you think?'
She had worked out Where, When and how it would all work. That was in 2016. Justine now has a whole festival in July and one in December all around crafting, encouraging stall holders not only to sell finished wares and supplies but teach classes, making it an all round experience. With all that you can also camp there too, she really had thought of it all for the crafting industry.
Along with all the crafting experience in a festival, retreats and classes, Justine has a crochet subscription box with everything you need in a box, Little Box Of Crochet, beautiful boxes that land on your doorstep each month.
With a thriving Instagram and Facebook pages Justine shows you what is happening, answers questions, has live sessions and posts what new patterns for crochet has grabbed her attention and what yarn is new on the scene.
I am so pleased to call her my friend and successful business woman in the crafting industry. Someone who has time to answer your queries, can have a cuppa and chat and really show us what a business woman can achieve, while still having fun with her friends and customers." ~ C. Jeffrey, Billingshurst
"Justine Robson ….. what is there not to say about this wonderful lady whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with for the last few years ….. both as a vendor and also a friend .kind, caring, hardworking and 100% supportive . She has an endless supply of energy and passion about what she does. I have had the pleasure of being a vendor at the festivals since the beginning and nothing is to much trouble for her ….. Justine goes out of her way …. and above and beyond to make sure everything and everybody is ok ….. and she listens and encourages feedback from her vendors as to what we can improve upon and what doesn’t work .Each year we watch as the festival grows bigger and better …… and that is all down to this amazing lady." ~ J. Caplin, Worthing
THANK YOU
For taking the time to look at my campaign and for helping us on our way, it is really appreciated.
All my love
Justine xx
This project offered rewards