‘I’d be happy to teach you. But you might need a bit of patience.’
‘What a great idea. Knitting classes. Why don’t we do that? We can have sessions around mine, or you can do them here. Knitting classes on a houseboat sounds fun.’
‘That’s not a bad idea at all. I’d never thought of anything like that, although my dream is to…’
I consider admitting my dream to Beatrix. I know Abe previously mentioned that she has some contacts at the flea market, but I would hate to get a stall there due to favouritism.
‘I was thinking of opening a stall, once my Dutch is a little better. That’s my dream, anyhow.’
‘That’s a great idea. I have some contacts down at the market. The one we went to when we first met. Would you like me to ask them if they have anything available? You might have to join a waiting list.’
‘Oh, I don’t want any special treatment, but I’d be interested in knowing how long the waiting list is.’
‘Leave it with me. I’ll find out for you.’
‘Really? That would be wonderful. I wouldn’t mind being added to the list because maybe by the time something comes up, I could be ready. I still need a bit more time.’
‘For sure, I’ll do that. What name shall I call your enterprise?’
‘Ooh, I hadn’t thought of a name.’
‘Every business needs a name.’
‘Hmm. It would have to be something crafty,’ I admit.
‘Yes, something to do with knitting and crafts,’ agrees Beatrix.
‘Get Knotted? No, that sounds a bit negative. It’s hardly welcoming!’ I say.
‘How about something like Spin a Yarn,’ says Beatrix.
‘Hmm, people might think I’m some kind of liar.’
‘Okay then. Let’s keep it simple. Cosy Creations by Sandy?’
‘I love that idea. I can see it now. Perfect.’
‘Great. So, you have your business idea, now we need to find you a stall.’
‘If only it was that easy.’
‘Have faith. I’m sure something will come up.’
‘Thanks, Beatrix. You’re as amazing as your brother. You two really are so helpful to people.’
Beatrix smiles and gets up to leave.
‘Talking of being helpful, I’d better get back to that brother of mine. I’m not being very helpful now.’
For the rest of the afternoon, once I’ve finished my homework, I focus on my goal of launching Cosy Creations by Sandy. I finish off the jumper and start on a new piece of felting since I will no doubt need samples to persuade the market to have me there. It’s going to take time to get all the stock made up, but, if there is one thing I have learnt on my journey here, it’s that reaching your goal takes hard work and tenacity and that is something I am not afraid of.
Chapter Thirty
Two weeks later, Beatrix has spoken to her contact at the market and put my name down on the waiting list. They said that when a place opens up, they will need to meet me and discuss what I’ll be selling. It isn’t as straightforward as giving me a stall simply because I know someone. This is great news, though as I want to be given the stall on merit, and it leaves me enough time to create some nice pieces that will hopefully convince them to choose me.
In the meantime, Beatrix has managed to get together a knitting group for every other Monday evening at my houseboat, which starts tonight. My new life seems to be coming together, and it is all thanks to Beatrix and her friends. She even knows someone who is selling a second-hand bike I can have. Tomorrow, I will finally have my own wheels so that I can cycle around the city just as Abe and Beatrix do.
As Abe potters in the kitchen, helping me get everything ready, I have some last-minute concerns about starting a knitting group. I have never taught anything in my life. What if they don’t understand a word I’m saying and can’t grasp my advice? Despite trying to remind myself that these are Beatrix’s friends, and they are all very lovely, the thought of teaching people something new still fills me with some dread. However, I soon have ten ladies in my living area, including Beatrix and Theresa, who have all brought a pair of knitting needles and some wool and are ready to cast on. My voice shakes slightly at first as they all stare at me, awaiting instructions.
