Starting a Stitch n Bitch Knitting Network is easy. There are just 4 Steps:

Step 1. Find a Suitable venue

Holding meetings at someone's house makes it more difficult to establish a regular night and time for your Stitch n Bitch so a public place, like a cafe, is recommended. Ideally you are looking for somewhere with good lighting that is non-smoking (don't want your new creation smelling like an old ash tray) where you can relax and chat to your fellow knitters. Check out potential venues. Ask around as there may be a great place that is suitable that you don't know about. The main things to consider are:

Are there enough seats for varying numbers?
Is it close to public transport?
Is it easy to find and well-lit?
Is there parking nearby?
Is there anything else happening on your chosen night?

Tips: Make sure that you agree with the cafe owners that it is OK for you to meet there before you advertise your Stitch n Bitch.

Step 2. Choose a Day & Time

Now that you have found a suitable venue, decide which day and what time your network will meet. No matter what evening you choose, there will always be a few people who won't be able to make it - so don't drive yourself crazy trying to please everyone. Friday is probably the worst choice for a Stitch n Bitch. Have a start time that gives people time to get there after work without a lot of empty time in between, e.g. 6.30 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Once you've decided on a time and place, the important thing is to try not to change it. Many members of Stitch n Bitches can't make it every week, so it's good to establish a regular time and place then they know where to turn up whenever they can make it. Also, potential members who are keen may be able to make alternative arrangements in the future.

Step 3. Spread the Word

Now that you have decided when & where your Stitch n Bitch will meet, you need to let people know:

Post a message in the Cafe on this site.

Tell everyone you meet about your group and tell them to tell their friends
Contact your local newspaper and radio station and see if they would like to run a story about your exciting new Stitch n Bitch
Check out any free local magazines or newsletters where you can advertise your Stitch n Bitch
Make a poster and put it all the places that you think your potential members will see it e.g.
Wool/Yarn retailers
Boutiques
Supermarkets
Local Library
Friends and family place of work - notice boards and intranets
Local college and university notice boards
...and any more that you can think of.

Tips:

Make your poster simple but eye-catching. Don't crowd it with too much information.

Include the time, place and a contact email/phone number - even if your poster contains all the information, many of your potential members will still wish to check the details before turning up. You can direct them to our virtual Cafe as the contact point, if you wish.

Don't include information that will go out of date quickly.

Always ask before you put your poster up. Don't worry about refusal - you'll be surprised how accommodating and helpful shops and businesses will be.

Step 4. Register your Knitting Network

Pop into the Cafe and post details of your network in the Cafe in the relevant geograhical area - remember to include a contact name and email - and tell everyone about your great network and find lots of new members. Note: remember to post any amendments and updates to your network.

This guide is based on "How to Start a Network" by Brenda Janish, Chicago Ill.

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