Knitting Night at the Library

I think that knitting is a lovely hobby except sometimes it gets kind of lonely. Let’s face it — it’s a solitary activity. I don’t need my husband to count stitches with me or my friends to decide what colour to use next. And for the most part, people who don’t knit themselves, don’t care about knitting at all. So, I decided to start a new knitting group to hang out with other local knitters in the library. I have been to many knitting groups around the city, and all of them have their charm and special atmosphere but I figured that adding one more couldn’t hurt.

Knitting Night

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday

(this month — September 10th and 24th)

7:15pm – 8:30pm

Program Room at Captain William Spry Public Library

This group will be open to all crafters — just bring your projects along. There is no need to sign up, it’s “drop-in” and free. Thanks to people who donated yarn, we will have a “community yarn stash” and needles that will be available to the group members. This might be interesting for people who knit for charity, new knitters or those who want to start knitting again but hesitant to invest in yarn and tools. Actually, anyone who is not knitting because yarn is not a priority on their budget is welcome to dig into this stash. And if someone needs a place to donate the yarn they “fell out of love” with, we would gladly accept it. (Provided the yarn is clean, not scratchy and doesn’t smell funny.)

If there is interest, I would like to start informal peer-to-peer tutorials about different techniques — tips and tricks that we learned over years and want to share with others.  It also might help with the socializing, topics like “How to join yarn invisibly”, “My favourite cast-on method”, or “Frogging vs Tinking” can be good conversation starters. I personally love “Show and Share” thingie, when we can bring our finished objects and brag (or complain) about them. If someone struggles with the pattern or a project that became a hot mess, maybe someone in the group could help out.

Also, we could use library resources for printing out patterns, looking up techniques on youtube, or even borrowing knitting books. I also have a few donated books with vintage patterns — some people might like them. We are allowed to bring snacks, so maybe we could have some food there, too.

If some of the members would like to knit for charity, we could take a closer look at the Spryfield community — non-profits, schools, and churches in the neighbourhood that need hats, scarves, mittens or any other items.

If you know someone, who could be interested, please share this information with them. I would really appreciate your feedback, whether you plan to come or not. Do you attend any knitting groups and if so, what do you like about them the most?

Knitting Groups in Halifax

As promised, I made a list of knitting groups around Halifax, after checking with people who run them. They confirmed the times and locations, and provided descriptions to reflect the spirit. Some are a bit structured, some are very informal. I am more or less familiar with four groups and can say there is something for everyone. These groups are not associated with the charity knitting blog, some of them have their own charity projects; some members knit for charities, some don’t. The list is impartial, like a public service announcement, although I could say something nice about the groups I attended. Clicking on the group’s name will take you to its Ravelry page where you can ask more questions.

I am sure there are other groups in the area — in local coffee shops, libraries, churches, senior residences, high-schools, and various workplaces. If you attend an awesome knitting group that is not listed here, would you mind sharing in the comments?

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Halifax

Fireside Knitters

All knitters are invited to bring their favourite project to out cozy cafe for an informal social time of knitting and conversation with fellow knitters from many different parts of the world. Share stories, knitting tips, and make new friends! Donations of yarn are always welcome! Keshen Goodman Library, bi-weekly, Wednesday, 10-11:30 am. (September 4,18; October 2, 16, 30),

Knitco

“We are a group of knitters from all levels, including those learning to knit to those who may be considered pros, who get together once a month for knitting, socializing, sharing and learning. We meet on the first Monday of the month unless otherwise noted at 7 p.m. at the Joseph Howe Superstore in Halifax. All are welcome.”

Knitting Out Loud: HRM knitters

“We meet Tuesdays at Cafe Ristoretto (in Bishop’s Landing down on the waterfront) from around 7 pm until 9:30 pm. We’re an eclectic group of knitters (some would call us a motley crew) who reside in the HRM. We get together to knit, gab, bitch, and laugh hysterically at sometimes bawdy humour. Hence the title.”

Evening Knitting Group

Every Monday night 6 to 8pm at Humanity Cafe (Conner of Young and Agricola)

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Dartmouth

Dartmouth Knitters and Brave Trevellers

“This group is for those of us who meet in Dartmouth on Wednesday nights around 7 pm. We meet at the Starbucks inside Chapters at Mic Mac Mall. We don’t have a lot of rules, or any real listed rules to be honest. But keep in mind: This group is listed as mature because it is for grown-ups. 18 years or older. Other than that, just don’t be an ass and you’ll be fine.” Note: please check the group’s discussion board on Ravelry to make sure the meeting takes place.

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Cole Harbour

Knitting for Charity

“We meet monthly, every fourth Wednesday evening 6:30 pm-8:30 pm starting in September 2016. Please contact us for meeting dates during summer of 2016. We meet at the Cole Harbour Public Library which is in Cole Harbour Place at 51 Forest Hills Parkway in Cole Harbour. No need to register, it’s a drop-in format. Anyone with further questions can call our Information Desk at 490-3821.”

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Mahone Bay

Have a Yarn, Tuesday Afternoon Knitting Group

Join us Tuesday afternoons 1:00-4:00 pm for knitting and tea at Have a Yarn. Knit and chat with fellow knitting enthusiasts. Bring your knitting and a chair!
Can’t make it to our Tuesday afternoon knitting group? Join us Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm for some relaxing and social knitting, free of charge.

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Wolfville

Gaspereau Valley Fibres Knitting Group

Join us on Thursday afternoons from 1 – 4:30 pm and Tuesday evenings from 6-9 pm. Bring your knitting, rug hooking, spinning, or felting and inspire and be inspired by fellow fibre enthusiasts. All levels of skill are welcome and help is always available.