Help a felt-maker in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey

Favourited 877 times

Host rating
Feedback
33
Last activity
23/11/2020
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Availability

2020

Min stay requested: at least a week

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Description
Hi. We are Sabri and Katie. Sabri has been making felt for over 10 years and currently sells his brand, on Etsy. I came to Istanbul as one of Sabris volunteers three years ago and have been making felt since. I share my time between San Francisco (where I work as a pediatric nurse) and Istanbul. We are a relaxed couple who love to play with colors. We are in the process of opening our first hat shop and for that need help with the felting process. Felting is a process of binding the fibers of wool together to hold a particular shape. This is done with manipulation of the wool by pressing and rolling with hot water and soap. This is a very hands on job that takes energy and attention to detail. However, no experience is needed and we welcome anyone interested. The felting process can take several hours depending on the size of the project and the energy you use. Felting is hard work (literally power is used at the final felting stage) but it is also fun to play with the materials and be surrounded by so many colors. We also dye our own wool and have many building projects simultaneously going on, so its a real mix of work. We would like a minimum of 1 week commitment and you would be expected to work 5 out of 7 days.
Meals are provided and access to the kitchen is always welcome for those that like to cook.
We eat mostly vegetarian and both love to cook.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Art Projects
Help with Computers/ Internet
Help
We are currently looking for assistance with felting.
We are also in need of Web design and internet marketing.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Turkish: Fluent
Accommodation
We live and work in a two level historical apartment with a large Garden space where we do most of our felting. We live upstairs with a salon and personal bathroom. Downstairs is the kitchen, working depot, bathroom, and rooms we can accommodate volunteers in. (You will share a room and bathroom with the other volunteer)
However, There is plenty of space to have some alone time during your off hours or breaks.
What else ...
Our home is located in the heart of Istanbul (galata tower) 5 minutes to istiklal street
Very close to metro, art galleries, pubs, bars and cafes. great neighbourhood for wandering around as there are many artisan shops nearby.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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Feedback left by and about host (33)

25/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Elizabeth) for host

We stayed with Katie and Sabri for one week. They were amazing hosts and really welcomed us into their home! Sabri’s work is creative and interesting and makes for a unique workaway experience. Katie made us so many delicious meals, we felt very spoilt! The home is in a great location with a big outside area and good vibes. Thanks for your… read more

(Excellent )

18/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Emalee) for host

I stayed here my last week of a 6 month Europe trip...very happy I did! This was so different and creative compared to the other workaways I had done (mostly farm work) and it was really interesting to learn about a new art. Sabri is great vibes and has a good group of friends equally interesting. The location couldn't have been more perfect and I… read more

(Excellent )

11/12/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Liya)

It's nice to work with Liya, she adapt quick and worked well. I wish you to best luck!

(Very good )

10/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Liya) for host

It was my first experience by this site. I stayed with Sabri 10 days. He is friendly, calm, good person with unusual creative thinking. He do great things and loves his work. It was very interesting to observe his work and art and also to khow about felting and to try it. I was surprised by many things and changed something in my thinking. We… read more

(Very good )

29/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

Ahh Sarah what can i say, it was lot of fun working and spending time with Sarah, Thank you for everything. Hope to see you again! All the best!

(Excellent )

07/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

Ah Sabri! You know what? It seems almost weird for me to leave you a feedback because I feel like leaving some feedbacks about...a friend.
Indeed, I couldn't stop saying "this is the most creative volunteering mission I've ever done" and it had been definitively the case. Your world is really fascinating: what you feel, the way you think, you… read more

(Excellent )

25/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Abbey) for host

I had a great time staying with Sabri and meeting his friends in Istanbul - a city which I instantly fell in love with.

He is located in the heart of the city so there is plenty to explore outside the front door as well as easy access to all forms of transport.

The work was fun and I really enjoyed learning the art of felting and seeing… read more

(Very good )

07/06/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Jiya)

I really so glad to know Jiya, , she is learn the felting very quickly and made very nice characters with needle, she is very talented and such a good person, we had a very nice time. Hope to see you again. Big hugs!

(Excellent )

04/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Jiya) for host

Indeed I spent such a great time in Sabri's place.
Certainly I could rest and chill at his place and make things with his support. I enjoyed a lot.
even though I was hurt myself so much though:p No pain no Gain Sabri! :)heheh
His visitors are also great, all creative beings. Glad to know other part of Istanbul that impossible to find as a… read more

(Excellent )

17/05/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Signe)

We spend so short time with Signe but It was enough to feel her beautiful energy. Hope to see you again.

(Excellent )

16/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Signe) for host

I met Sabri shortly in July, but I forgot to leave feedback! Though I never stayed at Sabris place, I did get to meet him in his wonderful little workshop, and got to learn a few felt tricks. Sabri is a true magician. It seems that he pulls his felt creations from some amazing realm of fairies. And he's kind too. The studio is located in the best… read more

(Excellent )

16/05/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Adrianna)

Love Ada sooo much!! She is adapt the felting so quicly, like a already know and add her skills on it. I really like the scarfs she made by self. She is very easy going, peaceful person. I had so much fun working with Ada. I hope see you again! Big hugs!

(Excellent )

07/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Adrianna) for host

Love Sabri so much! He is trully awasome, and his mind and works are just amazing. Every day spent there in the company of his young, artistic friends, creative minds and good music was unique and enjoyable. The studio is in the very heart of the center of universe and all the things, which is Taksim, but on the other hand separated from the noise… read more

(Excellent )

08/05/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca)

Working with Rebecca is very easy and calm. She is so kind and compatible person. Thank you so much for everything, hope to see you again! ::)

(Excellent )

14/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Rebecca) for host

Thank you!
To Sabri and his wonderful friends: thank you for making my stay so lovely. Everyday my fingers were different colours from felting new hats and scarves. In this creative space, you are free to use your imagination and make some beautiful things - all with Sabri's help. He is a kind and patient teacher and very good at what he does.… read more

(Excellent )

18/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Julie Højholdt & Ditte Johanne)

Very nice to work with Laust. He is very friendly , easy going and hard worker. Thank you for your helps, hope to see you again in the future.

(Excellent )

27/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Jeanne)

We had such a good time while Jeanne was here. She has a very positive attitude and is easy to be around. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip and come back to say hello when you are back in Istanbul

(Excellent )

13/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (Jeanne) for host

I had a wonderful time staying with Sabri! He is so kind and talented. His work amazes me, constantly coming up with new designs and he makes it look so easy! I enjoyed learning the felting process and being a part of this Workaway. Great people. I'll definitely stop by the next time in Istanbul - can't wait to see the shop. All the best!

(Excellent )

27/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (katie)

Katie is a very nice volunteer, she is a hard worker and full of energy. I really enjoyed her company and she is also cooking very nicely. She is welcome back anytime!!!!!!

(Excellent )

22/01/2016

Left by Workawayer (Genevieve) for host

I had a fantastic time creating felted hats, scarves, and gloves with Sabri. He is a master of his craft, incredibly patient and kind, and allows the volunteers room to flex their creative muscles. Friends would pop by for visits, join us for lunch or dinner, and sometimes serenade us with pop tunes strummed on the guitar. When I had difficulties… read more

(Very good )

13/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer ()

We spend really nice time, Thank you very much for everything! Hope to see you again! Huge hugs!

(Excellent )

26/11/2015

Left by Workawayer () for host

Sabri is amazing!
Thank you all!
Big hug!

(Excellent )

13/12/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Jeremy)

What a pleasure it was to work along side Jeremy and Milo. They enhanced the environment with thier positive energy and sense of humor. I would highly reccomend them for just about any task. I hope they will stop by again in the future as they are now good friends. Best of luck with your travels and life

(Excellent )

20/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Jeremy) for host

Sabri, what can we say? You are truly one of the nicest and most genuine people that we have met through Workaway so far. Your dedication to your craft and your willingness to teach others is an inspiration and we couldn't have asked for a better Workaway experience!

Making felt hats day in and day out was enjoyable, unique, and surely… read more

(Excellent )

22/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Diana)

Really nice to spending time with Diana, we worked around 3 weeks and it's lot of fun. she is very good worker and enyojful person. She is cooking well . Also she is painting very nice. Thank you for everything! i already miss you. I hope you see you again!

(Excellent )

11/08/2015

Left by Workawayer (Diana) for host

I stayed in Istanbul helping Sabri for three wonderful weeks, I learned to felt hats and shoes and tiny mushrooms. During my time there it didn't really feel as a volunteering experience but more just like staying with a friend, helping out and creating beautiful things. The atmosphere is that of a relaxed little artist's nest hidden in the heart… read more

(Excellent )

05/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Elias Antonio )

Elias is a very nice worker and good person. He is very kind and considerate. I wish you all the best in your life and hopefully your road to lead you again here one day my friend. You are always my guest.
Thank you very much!

(Excellent )

26/07/2015

Left by Workawayer (Elias Antonio ) for host

Sabri is a great artist and good person and i can say now he is my new good friend, and the studio of sabri is located in a historical district of istanbul.

thanks for everything Sabri!

(Excellent )

24/06/2015

Left by Workawayer (alia) for host

Sabri is now my dear friend, so much that everytime im in istanbul i go out for a beer with him in the park, or just visit and chat with him for hours in his studio.
He is a reserved person at the beginning, but give him time to get used to your english accent and you will discover a true friend - i had some of my best talks ever with him!
He… read more

(Excellent )

14/05/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Beth)

Beth is really nice person, she is compatible and easy going. Quick learner and hard worker. She also very entertaining and happy person. Thank you very much for everyhing Beth! Hope to see you again. Big hugs!
Have a best trip!
Sabri

(Excellent )

13/05/2015

Left by Workawayer (Beth) for host

I just finished helping out in Sabri's studio and had a fantastic time! He is not only incredibly talented, but also extremely kind. He really involves you in the artistic process and let's you get started right away. His studio is in an excellent location to boot! Thanks for everything Sabri! You are a gem of a human being!

(Excellent )

14/05/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Inna)

Inna is very nice person, considerate, polite and quick learner. She also excited for new things and very happy person. Thank you very much Inna, hope you everything goes well for you. Wish you best trip in the world. Thank you very much!
Warmly hugs!!!!!!
Sabri

(Very good )

22/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Inna) for host

The studio where a volunteer stays is located right in the city centre and most historical sights can be reached quite easily out there. The atmosphere in the studio is very creative and artistic and the working hours are quite artistic at times too:)
Sabri-the-star-of-felting, thank you for everything! It was a pleasure to work with you, and… read more

(Very good )

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Host ref number: 545195628837

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