Crafting Connections
How Ochiltree’s Krafty Crew Stitches Community Together
Jackie Anderson
Every Wednesday, laughter, conversation, and the rhythmic click of knitting needles fill Ochiltree Hub as members of the much-loved Krafty Crew gather to share their passion for crafting. What began as a small group in 2019 has blossomed into a thriving weekly activity that brings people together from across Ochiltree and the surrounding communities.
Founded by Ros Smith and Stella Reid before the Covid-19 pandemic, Krafty Crew has grown steadily over the years. Today, the group welcomes around 12 regular members each week, alongside a steady stream of visitors who drop in whenever they can.
However, Krafty Crew is about much more than knitting and crafts. For its members, the weekly gathering provides an opportunity for social interaction, the sharing of ideas, and the satisfaction that comes from completing creative projects. The group offers friendship, support, and a sense of belonging among like-minded people who share a genuine passion for crafting.
Members describe the gathering as an important boost to their wellbeing, helping to maintain cognitive skills, reduce rural isolation, and provide a place where people can simply enjoy each other’s company and, as they jokingly put it, “put the world to rights.”
The choice of venue was an easy one. Members say the Ochiltree Hub offers a warm and welcoming environment that perfectly reflects the spirit of the group. As a facility built by the community for the community, the Hub fulfils exactly the type of vision that activities such as Krafty Crew were created to achieve.
While individual projects remain at the heart of the group’s activities, members regularly give back to the wider community through a variety of creative initiatives. Their talents have helped provide resources for Bookbug sessions, create eye-catching community-themed post box toppers, knit decorative flowers for planters and local events, and craft the poppies used in the village’s Remembrance Sunday Parade. The group also supports vulnerable families through knitting hats and comforters for premature babies.
The breadth of skills within Krafty Crew is remarkable. Members bring expertise in knitting, crochet, cross stitch, needlepoint, felting, punch needle, embroidery, and even provide alteration services for community members on a voluntary basis. The sharing of these skills ensures that experienced crafters and beginners alike can learn from one another in a supportive and encouraging environment.
At the heart of the group are its dedicated members: Ros Smith, Stella Reid, Sheila Duncan, Morag Ross, Carol Brown, Carol Reid, Heather Brown, Jane Hunter, Annie Thiedman, Elizabeth Biggins, Kerri Reid, and Carol Ann. Together, they have created far more than a crafting club. They have built a network of friendship, creativity, and community spirit that continues to enrich lives across the area.
As Krafty Crew continues to grow, it stands as a shining example of how a shared hobby can become something much greater: a place where skills are nurtured, friendships flourish, and community connections are strengthened one stitch at a time.
The Community Café has become a valued part of village life, offering a relaxed and inclusive space for people to meet, socialise, and enjoy affordable refreshments. Whether dropping in for a chat or attending one of the Hub’s many activities, visitors are always assured of a warm welcome.
