After already making friends online thanks to our mutual passion for hand made items, I headed straight for the best wool shop in town Ja Wol, belonging to my new friend and knitting mentor Saskia of Sas Knits It Again, and I was not disappointed!
// image //
Being a creative minx and Jack of all trades, Sas happened upon her gorgeous store following a life time love of knitting and everything involved in this woolly world of wonders. Learning many of her skills (and trust me, there's loads!) from her beloved grandmother, she embarked on a career in marketing and communications in the music industry, indulging in her hobby during her down time, never knowing what fantastic opportunities lay just around the corner for her. Several years and an adorable family later Saskia finds herself lady of the manor, owning her own hive of creativity and production, selling all manner of treasures, including yarns and all tools needed to knit, crochet or embroider yourself silly, books, buttons and even ready to go kits for beginners to advanced crafters.
// image //
Ja Wol, situated in a seriously design-cool street in Rotterdam, holds home to workshops and lessons, as well as brilliant and warm hearted advice and truly hilarious and fantastic conversation. Sas herself was incredibly welcoming, taking me under her wing and providing me with a sanctuary to visit any time, quickly becoming the first strand of friends/ contacts of my own (out side my comfort zone of Dutch family).
// image //
The workshops are suited to all level of crafters, taught by wonderfully friendly people in an easily understandable way. If you head over here you can see a huge selection of some of the finished items made by the gang, and get a great idea of the range of classes available.
// image //
If you find yourself in the area you really truly must pay the lovely ladies here a visit, stop by for a coffee and a chat and treat yourself to a ball of wool or two (good luck deciding which to take home, I must have paced up and down the shop 65 times before finally choosing!)
// image //
The friendliest place to indulge in some knitting nerdiness, full to the brim with colourful choice, talented folk and maybe even a biscuit or two!
I can't wait to pop back in for some more supplies and to visit my newest of pals. The only trouble is deciding what to make first, with my lovely new yarns!
// image //
Have you found any great new craft suppliers, independent shops or market stalls holding the best hand made treasures around? What new hobbies or crafts have you decided to explore lately?
Aw this all looks so lovely. I'm a very slow knitter, but kinda feel inspired now to give it a go again :)
ReplyDeleteSteph xo | Influence Blog
Steph, go for it! Just think of the ridiculously cute things you could make for your little one!!
DeleteAh man i'm so jealous - while there's a lot of indepdent stores around here, crafty ones are a bit few and fair between so I have to rely on the chain store JoAnns for some of my supplies - although lately i've been stocking up and recycling things from estate sales which makes it a lot cheaper in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI've tried so many times to learn how to knit but i just end up in knots, I certainly took to crocheting a lot quicker, although i've been spending most of my spare time lately cross stitching which is my little relaxing pleasure from the stress of house buying.
Recycling pieces is a whole creative craft of it's own leading to some exciting results. And of course saves some pennies!
DeleteYour cross stitch rocks my world, still in love with the Star Trek one ; )
I am not, nor do I think I ever will be, a knitter (my poor Mum has tried so often over the years to teach me but, unfortunately, has failed thanks in part - ok, all parts - to my impatience!), however, I really enjoy having a good yarn-browse and Ja Wol looks like it'd be THE perfect place to do so. What an absolutely wonderful write up, Gem - you've done Saskia and her beautiful shop proud!
ReplyDeleteHaha!! Patience is indeed a massive part of it!! I shriek quite often and have mini tantrums here and there but i'm afraid i'm well and truly addicted. How very rock and roll of me ; )
DeleteThis is such an exciting thing! to do something fun and creative like this and to make new friends in a new city :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos too! xx
A step in the right direction I think, Meg : )
DeleteI've been knitting a lot as of late, currently in the process of making a bobble hat..:)
ReplyDeleteWould love it if you could take a look at my blog and even follow!
http://candidlychloe0912.blogspot.co.uk/
Chloe xx
Reeeeally? Awesome. I look forward to seeing an outfit post, including the bobble hat in all it's glory, on your blog, when it's finished!!
Delete