Three best friends are locked in a battle against the rising cost of doing business, armed with knitting needles, sewing machines, and a crowdfunder. The Kiwi Fruit is Cute, an independent crafting shop in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, is known for its charity events, free community drop-in sessions, and Make & Mingle gatherings where crafters travel from far and wide to work on projects together - because crafting alone is apparently too sensible.

When their previous home at Cavendish House shut down earlier this year, the shop relocated to Lower High Street, where overheads have since 'doubled.' To keep the lights on, they've launched a crowdfunder, because nothing says 'inclusive and affordable' like begging the internet for cash.

Siobhan Westmacott, co-founder, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "We are really in the position of trying really hard to make sure things can keep going month on month." She added that the trio works other jobs and takes no wage from the business, personally funneling their own finances into the shop. "As much as the business is growing... it is a real struggle at the moment," she said, describing a 'difficult period.'

The shop, named after Westmacott's old email address, was also founded by Samantha Potter and Zarina Ismail. Potter, who has been best friends with Westmacott for over five years (and presumably with Ismail too), said: "We don't want to give up, we want to keep making this work."

The fundraiser, according to the shop's crowdfunder, is for 'the practical stuff that keeps the doors open' - a core restock order, filling shelf gaps, and giving the business some breathing room while sales build. Charities like Oscar's Community Corner also use the space for their own crafting projects, adding to the shop's community cred.

Meanwhile, a charity application is pending, but that's expected to take several months - because bureaucracy moves at the speed of a snail knitting a sweater.