A Watford YouTuber and entrepreneur is creating a new “more compassionate” online platform for knitters.
Katt Weaver, 32, is set to launch her new business Roots and Stitches next month with the goal of creating a community for likeminded creators, that works differently from established platforms.
The lifelong Watford resident, who worked for charity New Hope Trust, has already grown an 11,000 strong online community through her Youtube channel Heather and Hops Knitting.
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After receiving a £2,000 grant from the Watford Young Entrepreneurs Scheme, Katt will be launching the new venture alongside her business partner Meri Wilson in mid-October.
She said: “We will be bringing content and tutorials for people interested in crafts.
"Roots and Stitches plans to branch out from knitting once it's grown its audience, eventually covering all different kinds of crafts.
“We want to grow to create a sense of community that is more compassionate and a much safer environment.
“Coming from the craft world ourselves, we will create a space where conversations can happen in a way that is safe and open for all.”
Katt stumbled across the entrepreneur’s scheme by chance, but said it has been vital.
She said: “I was walking to the park and I saw a poster for it, we had already had the idea but felt we didn’t have a way to do it.
"When I saw the poster, it felt right.
“The grant and the support mean we will be able to pay the people producing the content for us properly.
"It’s not often in crafts that you get paid a fair wage for what you do.”
Roots and Stitches was partnered with mentor Helen Froggett-Thomson.
Katt added: “Helen has been a real help with focussing us.
“She’s given me that accountability for the ideas I’ve said I want to do, pushing me to take it from wanting to do them to then going and doing them.”
Content creators set for the launch include:
Kelcey of Knitting Niqabi on Natural Dyeing, which includes a DIY tutorial.
Harper of Disyarning Designs on Creating Safe Spaces together.
Mickie of Skeinhead writing on Punk, Knitting & Community.
Alice of Whistlebare on Farming Mohair Goats.
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