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Contacts for events
Every effort is made to ensure these listings are correct, but you are strongly advised to book in advance and check dates, times and venues before attending

Please send new information for What's On! as far ahead as you like and as early as possible to:
Marion Postlethwaite
by email

Spread the Word:
If you're organising a knitting or crochet event (including Guild Group / Branch meetings), do send details for inclusion on the UK Hand Knitting Association website to Geraldine by email

SlipKnot

Themes and Deadlines:

SlipKnot #125
(published Autumn 2009)
Theme: Colour
Deadline: 30 June

SlipKnot #126
(published Winter 2009)
Theme: Winter Wonderland
Deadline: 30 September

What's On!

Regional Branches and Groups

For security reasons contact details and other information relating to Regional Branches and Groups are not included on this website automatically, even though they appear in 'SlipKnot', but only when organisers have given specific permission for this.

If you believe your group's information should be listed, deleted or amended/updated, please click here

Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire
– meetings on last Saturday of the month, 2-4pm in the Needle & Thread Crafty Studio, Leighton Buzzard.
Contact: Judith Morley • Tel 01525 379571
Co-ordinator: Jane Barton • Tel 01525 852024 • email

Birmingham (Warwickshire & West Midlands) Group
– meeting on Saturdays every two months or so, 11-12.30 in the Edwardian Tea Rooms at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery • We sit at a corner table to have a cup of coffee and knit/crochet, chat and show off our latest work – also exchange yarns and patterns, and give help if required. Non-members are welcome. If you can't make our meetings, the Birmingham Stitch & Bitch group meet in the Tea Rooms every Saturday 11-1.00
Contact: Sarah Cage • Tel 0121 433 3486 • email

Buckinghamshire Branch
– meetings usually on 4th Tuesday of the month, 2-4pm, in Iver
Contact: Paula Fenwick • 07850 603508 • email

Derbyshire Branch
– meets 3rd Thursdays of the month, 10am - noon, at The Friends' Meeting House, St Helen's Street, Derby • £1 (£2 with speaker/demo)
Contact: Mary Hawkins • email

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East London Crochet Group
Contact: Barbara Mann • Tel: 020 8599 3130

Leeds & Bradford Branch
– meetings at Headingley St Columba’s United Reformed Church, Headingley Lane, Leeds LS6 2DH, 7.30pm-9.30pm, £3 per session including light refreshments, on:

The second meeting is for Knit 'n' Natter and Crochet 'n' Chatter group. Bring along your current project, or something you're having problems with, or something you've finished and want to show everyone.
– New members are always welcome: we’re not experts, just enthusiasts!
Download current programme for 2009 here

Lincolnshire
– Do you live in Lincolnshire? If so Fiona Baker would love to hear from you as she's planning to set up a Guild BGroup • email

London Branch
– Venue: Union Chapel Project, Compton Avenue, London N1 (near Highbury & Islington station)
– Bring a packed lunch and a mug; tea and coffee will be provided.
Contact: Eleanor Slingsby on 0783 573 2752 or Michelle Ryan nezumi@nezumiworld.com

North Leicestershire Branch
– meets 2nd Monday of the month, 11am-2pm • For venue, contact co-ordinator or Bea Poulter on 01509 569808

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Penzance Group
– All meetings are from 2pm on the third Monday of the month (except December is the second Monday). As from 16th February we will be meeting at Trevelyan House, Chapel Street, Penzance. This is where we met for the first four years or so of our existence and we are delighted to be able to return there. (We no longer meet at Fountain Court, nor at Iriss' Singer Sewing Centre.) • Contact: Susan Hoyle • email • View/Download 2009 Programme flyer (pdf)

Pinner Branch
– meets 3rd Tuesday of the month, 2.30-4.30pm, at Café Nero, Love Lane, Pinner, Middlesex

Reading Branch
– Reading Museum, Blagrave Street, 1.45-3.45 from January 2008. The museum is in the Town Hall Building opposite the rear of M&S. Meetings are not always in the same room, but styaff will direct attendees to the correct room. Visitors always welcome. If you don't attend regularly, check the programme for supplies. Always bring needles, hooks and yarn, which should be smooth and light coloured unless stated otherwise.
Contact: Sheila Ryle, 44 Webster Close, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4NW • Tel: 01628 628096 • Email

Sheffield Area Branch
– 2-4pm at Central United Reformed Church, Chapel Walk, Sheffield • 07850 551739

South Devon
– Meetings 10am to 4pm, subs are £2; please bring a packed lunch

Surrey Branch
– Meetings on the 4th Wednesday of the month (except December) at Victoria Hall, Ash Hill Road, Ash, Near Aldershot, GU12 5DA, 10.30am to 3pm. Charge £2 (also covers rent), tea/coffee provided, bring own lunch. We are a friendly group, current members ages 30 - 90 all abilities. Visitors welcome. Bring needles/yarn and current project. Tuition available with occasional group workshops.
Contact: Janine Rees • 01252 852038 • email

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Tilton-on-the-Hill Branch
– meets last Wednesday of the month, 12.30pm for 1-4pm (unless otherwise indicated) at The Village Hall, Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire. Bring packed lunch

Tyne & Wear Branch
www.communigate.co.uk/ne/knitandcrochet

Wiltshire Branch
– 'Knit and Nibble' meetings in Chiseldon, near Swindon • Please note change: from June meetings are on weekday evenings – dates set month on month, so please telephone/email to check when the next meeting will be and, as before, ring/email beforehand for directions to venue • Please bring some knitting or crochet; drinks available. £2.50 per session • Non-members welcome and any level of expertise. If you are new to the crafts please bring medium-sized needles and plain wool, if you can, and we will help you learn – we're a friendly group of knitters and crocheters who are happy to share knowledge and enjoy discovering new aspects of their crafts
Contact: Anthea Winterburn • Tel: 01793 740325 • Email

Do you live in the North Cotswolds area?
There seems to be a large gap with no knitting/crochet group for South Warwickshire, North Oxfordshire or North-east Gloucerstershire. If you would like to be invloved setting up a local group, please contact Ann Bartlett, Shipston-on-Stour by email

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Other Groups and Activities

• Brent Adult & Community Education Services (BACES), Carlton Centre, Carlton Vale, London NW6 5RTA: Various courses in Crochet, Knitting, Felting Dyeing, Embroidery and Beaded Jewellery • Tel: 020 7644 9460 • www.nezumiworld.com nezumi@nezumi.com

• Buckden, Cambridgeshire: Knitting UK are planning to hold courses and are asking for course suggestions • They may be contacted on 01480 819397 or info@knittinguk.com

• Button & Skein is a knitting boutique and craft workshop space in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Downstairs is a warm and friendly wool shop, selling natural British yarns, quirky accessories, books and gorgeous handcrafted gifts. Upstairs in the bright and airy workshop room we run a programme of creative workshops and events for all ages and abilities. Download Workshops & Events, Summer 2009 for full details of regulars, such as 'Thank Knit It's Monday', 'KniTuesday Knitting Clinic', Macclesfield 'Stitch & Bitch', workshop sessions to suit beginners and all skill levels and special events including our KniTea Party, Stitchy the Seamonster and Yarn Bombing Summer School
• More info: www.buttonandskein.co.ukhello@buttonandskein.co.uk

• Cast-Off Knitting Club meetings • www.castoff.info/meetings.asp

• City & Guilds Course
www.distanceknitting.com

• Debbie Abrahams Workshops
www.da-handknits.demon.co.uk

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• Guild of Machine Knitters: course listing at www.guild-mach-knit.org.uk/courses.htm

• Interknit Café (Farnham, Surrey) runs workshops • www.interknitcafe.uk.com

• Keep & Share: learn machine and hand knitting in a relaxed and creative environment with award-winning knitwear label 'Keep & Share', Lugwardine, Hereford • All one-day courses are £60, weekend courses £140 • More info at www.creativebreaks.co.uk • To book or enquire, contact Amy 01432 851162 or courses@keepandshare.co.uk

• Knit Design Online – City & Guilds Hand Knit Textiles distance learning courses with Loraine McClean • www.knitdesignonline.com email

• Missenden Abbey: Knitting and crochet courses • Tel: 01296 383582 •

• Needles and Hooks: a group run by Rowan Yarns Design Consultant, Heike Gittins • meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at Nelson's Cafe in Ruthin • Contact Heike by email or phone 07876508344

• Park Lane College Knitting & Crochet Courses
More info: c.lelliott@parklanecoll.ac.uk www.arca.uk.net/missendenabbey

• Residential Courses in Scotland
www.handspun.co.uk

• Rowan Weekend Workshops: cost £75 for two days' tuition, refreshments and buffet lunch • Call 01484 681881 or visit www.knitrowan.com

• Ruth Lee one-day Workshops to coincide with her exhibition Let No Loop Down at The Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes, North Yorkshire on 25th April, 16th May, 18th June 2009. 11am - 3.30pm • More info here

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• Sale (South Manchester) Knit 'n' Natter Group • We meet at the King's Ransom pub, opposite Sale metrolink station, with easy access by tram or by bus to Sale Town Centre. Plenty of free parking to rear of pub. Members and non-members of all abilities very welcome. No charge, just turn up and look for knitters nattering! • 1st Monday of the month, 6-9pm • Contact: Debbie Tomkies • Tel 0161 973 7390 • email

• Stitch & Creative Craft Showswww.sccshows.co.uk

• Stitch & Kvetch Meet at the Roebuck, Pond Street, London NW3 at 8pm some evenings • More info

• Stitch Knit & Natter Meet every Thurdsay (apart from 28th May), 2-4pm, at The Terrace Room, Joseph Whitworth Centre, Dale Road, Darley Dale, Matlock • We are a happy, friendly group of like-minded folk who enjoy all forms of stitching, knitting, crochet and natter. The cost is £1.50 per meeting per person; refreshments are available and anyone who may be interested would be very welcome. No need to make prior contact but it may be advisable as alterations are presently ongoing at the centre and there may be a room change to be advised of • Contact: Marilyn Swannell • Tel: 01629 733246 • email

• St Xavier's Sixth Form College – Community Education, London runs Special Interest and Creative Arts 10 week evening courses in Knitting and Crochet several times a year • More info

• 'United in Knitting' (Worcester) meet on most Saturdays from 11-1pm at the Pump House Environment Centre, toward the rear of Gheluvelt Park, Waterworks Road, Barbourne. We welcome most crafters, whether they are just enthusiastic, beginners or pros • If you're interested, contact Dawn Lewis at unitedinknitting@hotmail.co.uk

• Weekly Crochet Class at Moore, Nr Warrington, Cheshire, on Thursdays, 10.30am-12.30pm. Mixed ability covering all types of crochet. Pay as you learn in a friendly village hall. Free refreshments. Tutor: Judy Jones • email

• Weekly Crochet Class and 2-day Crochet Courses, at The Textile Workshop, 678, Mansfield Road, Sherwood, Nottingham, under the aegis of South Notts College • Tutor: Margaret O’Mara. Crochet thread 2-day class 28 Jul & 4 Aug, 15-week class 14:00-18:00 starting 1 Sep and 20-week course 18:30-21:30 starting 23 Sep • Tel: 0115 9603337

• West Dean College, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0QZ • Tel: 01243 811301 or 0844 4994408 • short.courses@westdean.org.uk

• Yarn & Thread, an informal craft and social group, where we bring our own work, sometimes try something new, help and guide each other, etc, etc … , at St John Ambulance Hall, Station Road, Manningtree, Essex • first Tuesday in each month, 2-4pm • Contact by email

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July 2009

On now -10 Jul San Luis Valley Folk Arts and Fiber Festival
in Monte Vista, Colorado, USA • Hosts the International Freeform Crochet Guild Exhibit, "Four Seasons” – artists from Colorado to Australia and Ireland participate
4 Knitting & Crochet Guild 31st AGM
at Ruddington Methodist Church and the Framework Knitters' Museum, near Nottingham More info
[Full details supplied with SlipKnot 123 in March 2009]
4 Sheffield Branch
Sharing skills
4 An introduction to natural indigo and woad dyeing
Contact: 0161 718 3818 • email
4-5 Keep & Share
Machine Knitting for Beginners • More info
4-5 Keep & Share
Advanced Machine Knitting: Seamless • More info
4-10 Visual Arts Students' End-of-Year Show
West Dean College, West Sussex
4-19 Button & Skein Special Event: Stitchy the Seamonster
Part of the Three Shires Textile Festival. Use your knitting and stitching skills to help us to create the tremendous, the fantastic … Stitchy the Sea MonsterMore info
6 Jerwood Contemporary Makers Exhibition Event
'Meet the Makers', 6-8pm at the Jerwood Space, 171 Union Street, London SE1 0LN – artists will share and discuss their approaches to making in relation to production, factories and new technology • More infoPress Releasewww.jerwoodvisualarts.orgEntry free but booking is essential on 020 7654 0179 or email
10 Leeds/Bradford Branch
The Guild’s Collection: The Guild possesses one of the most extensive collections of knitted and crocheted artefacts in the UK. This is your chance to get your (gloved) hands on some of them. A talk by Liz Gillett on highlights and recent additions to the Collection.
10 Decorative Knitting
with Heike Gittins at Stash Fine Yarns, Chester • More info: www.celticove.com or phone 01244 389310
10-11 Button & Skein Special Event: KniTea Party
Part of the Three Shires Textile Festival. Tea, cake and lots of knitty activities for all the family, with help on hand to introduce new knitters to the basic skills, and ideas for more experienced knitters to try something new. Drop in 10-4 both days More info
11 Kid Silk Haze Workshop
with Heike Gittins at The Voirrey Embroidery Centre, Brimstage, Wirral • More info: www.voirrey.com
11 Reading Branch
Möbius Strips. Intentional or accidental. Used for shawls and wraps. These strips can be knitted or crocheted • Bring the usual supplies and double-pointed or circular needles and crochet hooks
16 Derby Branch
'My Journey to Tangent Treasure' – Talk by Sue Gent, The yarn of a shop owner'
17-18 The Retirement Show, Olympia
The Guild will be 'On Show' here; please contact the 'Guild On Show' organiser if you are able to participate on stand duties
18 Guild Open Day, Lee Mills
20 Penzance Group
22 Surrey Branch
24 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Informal get together to knit/crochet/natter
24 Beaded Knits
with Heike Gittins at Stash Fine Yarns, Chester • More info: www.celticove.com or phone 01244 389310
26 Knitting on a Monument, 5-6pm, Trafalgar Square, London
Guild member Anne Makepeace from Gosforth has been chosen to go on the empty Fourth Plinth in London's Trafalgar Square as part of sculptor Anthony Gormley's 'One and Other' project. Anne says, "If you are in London on Sunday 26th July I would love it if you could come and support me, shout hello, and knit around the plinth in Trafalgar Square and help prove that Knitting and Crochet is fun, friendly and not at all old fashioned!" Anne is also appealing for people to knit or crochet flowers for her to take on to the plinth, which more here
28 Buckinghamshire Branch
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August 2009

1 Sheffield Branch
Knit and Natter – preparation for Norton Show
1-2 Keep & Share
Knit your own Keep & Share Cardi • More info
3-9 Creative Connections Shetland
Summer Schools, Fiddle Frenzy, Makkin' Wi'Words, Art Craft Experience, Shetland's Storytelling Festival, Showcase Concerts, Artist Residency, Exhibition, Festival Club • More info
8 Sheffield Branch
At Norton Show
8 Reading Branch
Creating Flowers and Corsages. I've seen a small crocheted flower brooch for sale for £6 – Now's the time to make our fortunse • Bring the usual supplies and double-pointed or circular needles and crochet hooks
10-14 Uppingham Summer School: Machine Knitting
Course details: www.uppinghamsummerschool.co.uk • 01572 820800
10-14 Button & Skein: Yarn Bombing Summer School
Week-long summer school for young people, focusing on the contemporary phenomenon of ‘yarn bombing’ or ‘knitted graffiti’ as a way to learn knitting and crochet skills • Suitable for young adults aged 13+ • £130 More info
14 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Starting and ending: There's more than one way to cast on and off.
Bring: examples of casting on and off that you like to use. A members' evening to share ideas.
15 Guild Open Day, Lee Mills
17 Penzance Group
20 Derby Branch
Nesting Dolls, a standing stitch sampler with Margaret O’Mara and Mary Hawkins – for crochet and knitting
20-23 East London Crochet Group
Residential Crochet Weekend at All Saints Pastoral Centre, London Colney, nr St Albans. Exchange and experiment with other crochet addicts. Theme: 'Inspirations from Japan'More info
20-23 The Festival of Quilts
NEC, Birmingham • More info: www.twistedthread.com
22 Pathwork Knitting Workshop
Marlow, Bucks. Contact: 01628 471397 • email
22-23 Fibrefest 2009
an extravaganza of textiles and fibre organised by the Blackdown Hill Natural Fibre Group held in the grounds of Coldharbour Mill, Working Wool Museum, Uffculme Devon • More info: www.fibrefest.co.uk
26 Surrey Branch
28 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Informal get together to knit/crochet/natter
28-30 The Stitch & Creative Crafts Show
Manchester Central • Tel: 01822 614671 • More info: www.sccshows.co.uk
28-31 Chilterns Craft Show
Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames • More info: www.ichf.co.uk
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September 2009

4 Airedale & Wharfedale Branch
Decorating with beads – Carol
5 Sheffield Branch
Knitting and crochet with wire
5 Stash Busting Ideas
with Heike Gittins at John Lewis, Trafford Centre, Manchester • More info: www.johnlewis.com • Tel: 01223 361292
5-6 Keep & Share
Machine Knitting for Beginners • More info
5-6 Keep & Share
Advanced Machine Knitting: Trims & Finishing • More info
10 Washing Machine Felting
with Heike Gittins at John Lewis, Cambridge • Tel: 0161 7463556
10-13 The Knitting & Stitching Show
NEC, Birmingham • More info: www.twistedthread.com
11 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Entrelac (without the fiddly triangles): Traditional approaches to entrelac (literally 'entwined') knitting require triangles at all the edges. Emily Lynne Wilcox's method does not. Mary Hawkins will show how to work this construction technique. It is equally suitable for crochet although Mary will concentrate on knitting.
Bring: two colours of smooth double knitting yarn plus a pair of 4mm pins (or your crochet things if you want to 'convert'). A hands-on evening with a regular visitor
11-12 I Knit Weekender
Workshops and presentations, Friday night fashion show and party, cgharity projects and exhibitions, at the Royal Horticultural Halls & Conference Centre, 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE, 10am to 6pm • More info here
11-13 Weald of Kent Craft Show
Penshurst Place, Tonbridge • More info: www.ichf.co.uk
12 An introduction to natural indigo and woad dyeing
Contact: 0161 718 3818 • email
12 Guild Open Day, Lee Mills
12 Reading Branch
Invisible and Tubular Cast On and Cast Offs • Bring the usual supplies
15 Penzance Group
Making buttons – more about making the right buttons for your piece
17 Derby Branch
Steeks on two-handed colour knitting in the round – Scissors-on demo by Sheila Tonks
18-20 The Stitch & Creative Crafts Show
Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Esher, Surrey • Tel: 01822 614671 • More info: www.sccshows.co.uk
19-20 The 9th Costume and Textile Fair
Wolterton Hall, Norfolk
Details: Laurel Walpole 01263 584175 or Rita Taylor 01263 586507
21 Penzance Group
23 Surrey Branch
24-27 Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts Show
Westpoint Centre, Exeter • More info: www.ichf.co.uk/creativestitches
25 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Informal get together to knit/crochet/natter
26 Keep & Share
Hand Knitting for Beginners • More info
26 Keep & Share
Advanced Hand Knitting Workshop • More info
29 Buckinghamshire Branch
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October 2009

1-3 Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts Show
Cardiff International Arena • More info: www.ichf.co.uk/creativestitches
2 Airedale & Wharfedale Branch
A general crafts day
3 Sheffield Branch
Knit and Chat – knitting in public in the Millennium Galleries
3 Last 2009 Guild Open Day, Lee Mills
3 Hand Knitting Day School
St Ives, Cambridgeshire
Contac t: 014840 495717 • www.aclearning.org.uk
8-11 The Knitting & Stitching Show
Alexandra Palace, London • More info: www.twistedthread.com
9 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Double Knitting – a workshop with Lesley Fidler: Find out how to knit a fabric that looks like stocking stitch on both sides and so is ideal for items where both sides are visible, such as scarves, or for reversible garments
Bring: two colours of smooth double knitting yarn plus a pair of 4mm pins
10 Hand Dyeing for Beginners
Using Koolaid and synthetic dyes
Contact: 0161 718 3818 • email
12-19 National Knitting Week
More info
15 Derby Branch
AGM and programme planning with Special Show and Tell
17 Reading Branch
Knitted Gifts – this should be in time for Christmas • Note: this is the 3rd Saturday
17-18 Keep & Share
Knit your own Keep & Share Cardi • More info
19 Penzance Group
22-25 Crafts for Scotland
SECC, Glasgow • More info: www.ichf.co.uk
23 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Informal get together to knit/crochet/natter
24 Christmas Gifts
with Heike Gittins at John Lewis, Trafford Centre, Manchester • More info: www.johnlewis.com • Tel: 01223 361292
27 Buckinghamshire Branch
28 Surrey Branch
29-
1 Nov
The Knitting & Stitching Show
RDS, Dublin • More info: www.twistedthread.com
30-31 Textiles in Sussex: East Sussex Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers celebrate 2009 UN International Year of Natural Fibres
Visit the exciting world of weaving, spinning and dying – demonstrations and 'Have-a-Go!' at Lewes Town Hall • Details here
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November 2009

5-8 Crafts for Christmas
NEC, Birmingham • More info: www.ichf.co.uk
6 Airedale & Wharfedale Branch
Double layered knitting – Lesley Fidler
7 Sheffield Branch
Getting ready for Christmas
7 An introduction to natural indigo and woad dyeing
Contact: 0161 718 3818 • email
13 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Stars: Helen Jordan will lead a workshop on Stars in time for Christmas
Bring: your choice of festive yarn and a suitable crochet hook
14 Reading Branch
Cardigan Front Bands – how to change a printed pattern by creating your own style of band • Bring swatches to work bands on
14 Hand Knitting Day School
St Ives, Cambridgeshire
Contac t: 014840 495717 • www.aclearning.org.uk
14-15 Keep & Share
Knit your own Keep & Share Scarves • More info
16 Penzance Group
19 Derby Branch
Chevrons in knit and crochet, and EZ (ee-zee) mitts with Mary Hawkins – Short double-pointed needles useful here
19-22 The Knitting & Stitching Show
Harrogate International Centre • More info: www.twistedthread.com
24 Buckinghamshire Branch
25 Surrey Branch
27 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Informal get together to knit/crochet/natter
27-29 Creative Crafts & Gifts for Christmas Show
Highland Hall, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh • Tel: 01822 614671 • More info: www.sccshows.co.uk
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December 2009

4 Airedale & Wharfedale Branch
‘Jacobs Join’
5 SheffieldBranch
Knit and Chat
5-6 Keep & Share
Machine Knitting for Beginners • More info
5-6 Keep & Share
Advanced Machine Knitting: Punchcards • More info
6 Airedale & Wharfedale Branch
Jacob's Join
10 Derby Branch
Fuddle, knit and crochet quiz and “bran tub”
12 Leeds/Bradford Branch
Looking backwards and forwards: What have you made in 2009? What knitting and crochet extravagances have you bought? What new ideas have you met? What are you going to make next year? The traditional social evening with a faith (=pooled=Jacob's join) supper.
Bring: a little finger food to share, your 2009 successes and 'unintended results' and your plans for next year
12 Reading Branch
Show and Share, plus Christmas Cheer!
14 Penzance Group
15 Buckinghamshire Branch
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January 2010

23-24 Keep & Share
Calculate Your Own Patterns • More info
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February 2010

20-21 Keep & Share
Knit your own Gladys Cardi • More info
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