Gosport craft studio throws open its doors for first birthday — and everyone's invited along
A much-loved Gosport craft studio is celebrating its first year on Stoke Road with a community open day — and it's inviting the whole town to come and be part of it.
Flamin' Good Crafts, the friendly crochet, sewing and craft studio at 85 Stoke Road, Gosport, will host a free first birthday open day on Saturday, July 18, marking twelve months since the founder, Sarah Cawte, opened the doors on her creative space.
Make a free badge and join the flock
Visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome to drop in, have a cuppa and craft along — no experience needed. The centrepiece of the day is a community appliqué flamingo banner, where everyone who comes along can add their own personalised badge to a giant fabric flamingo that will hang permanently in the studio as a record of its first year and the community that built it.
There'll be free taster sessions for anyone who's always fancied trying crochet or sewing but never quite dared, alongside the regular faces from the studio's weekly craft club — a group that has become as much about friendship as it is about making.
Sarah, who has taught crochet, sewing and sewing-machine skills for over six years, was recently recognised with a commendation in the 2026 Gosport's Best Independent Business awards.
Sarah Cawte, owner, Flamin' Good Crafts said: "Moving from our cabin at the marina to this studio was a dream come true. Having more space for more people to join the craft club has been wonderful. My regulars have thrived, and we welcome new members all the time. It's a sanctuary for those who want connection alongside craft, and it's amazing how many friendships have been knitted together over a hook and a cup of tea…"
The studio's first year has also sparked new local partnerships. Nearby Dolly's Tea Rooms opened specially to host a "Craft Staycation Weekend" for Sarah and her crafters earlier this year.
Tracey, owner of Dolly's tea rooms said: "Sarah has been so supportive. She created a 'Craft Staycation Weekend' and booked afternoon tea on the Saturday and a roast dinner on the Sunday, so we opened specially for her and her crafters and gave them a wonderful weekend."
For many of the studio's regulars, Flamin' Good Crafts has become far more than a place to make things.
Craft club member Sue: "I live on my own and the days can feel very long and quiet. Craft club gives me something to look forward to every week — I've made things I'm proud of, but more than that I've made friends. It's been a real lifeline."
The open day is part of Flamin' Good Crafts' wider commitment to championing Stoke Road's independent businesses and giving local people a warm, welcoming place to slow down, make something by hand and connect with others.
The Flamin' Good Crafts first birthday open day takes place on Saturday 18 July 2026 at 1.30pm to 4pm at 85 Stoke Road, Gosport PO12 1LR. Entry is free. To let Sarah know you're coming, book a free place here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flamingood-crafts-1st-birthday-tickets-1992430254526?aff=ebdssbdestsearch