Local market crafter, Carol George, first joined Wool Market in October 2023. After moving to a new area, she and her husband, John wanted to make an effort to be involved in their local community and the market presented the perfect opportunity for her to share her hobby with others. Despite always having expressed an interest in sewing and crafting, Carol has worked in a variety of full time professions, including being a real estate agent and a skills for life leader at a prison for 12 years.

It was only after recovering in hospital for 5 months that Carol discovered a new outlook on life and realised, she wanted to get back into her craft. She began making a range of handmade, unique products such as: tote bags, aprons, bibs, and peg bags.  She made it a personal goal to specialise her products for each and every customer, so many orders are made to order for each person with different fabrics, designs, shapes, and patterns.

Carol found the Wool Community Market a welcoming environment to sell her handmade crafts, calling it “an enjoyable experience”, where the people aren’t there to make a profit, but to work together for something. Also pointing out how elderly people are often isolated in the community, so the market is an important resource to socialise and have a chat.

“I enjoy going to Wool Community because I feel like I have a part to play in sharing my gifts and talents. But, also, meeting people and just generally making them feel happy and accepting and part of the community. I just enjoy being with people and sharing with them.” Belonging to there was very important to her road back to good health.

Now alongside her frequent market visits, Carol teaches maths for adults and children from 9 – 16, continuing to be a vital part of the community.