If you made it your resolution to get more into arts and crafts this year, why not check out the Fleet Knitting Club?
It’s been an institution in the town for almost two decades, so there is a wealth of experience to draw from. We chatted to the club to find out more.
What are the benefits of joining a club rather than knitting solo?
When things go a little wonky, the instructions aren’t clear, or you get stuck with a problem, we can put our heads together to offer suggestions and solutions to get things progressing again. Recent shares have been asking for advice on which button and colour combination to use, and ideas on how to join a troublesome seam.
Tell me about the club – what can someone expect from joining?
We meet one evening per month, ten months of the year. Due to holidays we don’t meet in January or August as most people can’t make it. We meet in the evening to accommodate those who work during the day. There are several other local clubs that meeting during weekdays.
We used to have regular speakers, but given the difficulties of the last couple of years there are far fewer speakers who are willing to attend meetings in person. Instead, we have been sharing the knowledge learned by our members over many years and theme meetings to deep-dive into a particular method or pattern.
As a branch of the Knitting and Crochet Guild we are privileged to have started having a trunk show once a year where we get to see close-up a few items from the Guild’s extensive collection. Each meeting is written up on our blog where you can see topics discussed over the last 18 years!
In the past you’ve donated items to local charity shops. Will you be supporting any charities in 2023?
The club used to make things and take up to the Friends of Royal Marsden charity shop but the shop closed a few years ago.
Here is a list of the ideas shared with the group of charities to support during 2022-23:
- The Mission to Seafarers are asking for knitted hats etc.
- Project Linus – making small blankets for toddlers.
- Checking with local nursing homes if they want twiddle blankets/muffs/blankets for beds.
- Camberley All Night Café – Homeless night centre at Camberley
- Knit-a-square – making for refugees oversea
- Christmas angels – knitted or crocheted. Get left out and about.
Find the pattern here, more information here.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a novice knitter?
Come along! We welcome anyone with an interest in yarn-based crafts, and can you help you learn the basics. The Guild has some wonderful beginner resources (found here) but you can’t beat learning by sitting next to someone, watching and replicating. We have left and right handed knitters.
What would you say to someone thinking of coming along?
Come along and see what you think. The cost is £4 per meeting for those who want to just give one session a try, or can’t regularly make the meetings. If you feel comfortable joining then the subs are £25 for the whole year (ten meetings). Take a look at our blog to see some of the topics and projects that members have worked on recently. The church hall has seats and tables, and is heated, though you may want to bring a warm layer for particularly cold winter meetings.