President: Jenny Owen
Members: Around 50 attendees each week
Membership price: Free
Regular meetings: Mondays 5-7pm in Hidden Café
Contact: luusnb@gmail.com
Whether you’re nutty about knitting or you’ve never set hands on a pair of needles before, Stitch ‘n’ Bitch welcomes all skill levels to indulge their creative side. Although the majority of members seem to be knitting at meetings, others also work on sewing projects, while some are giving crochet a go. Stitch ‘n’ Bitch also runs other craft workshops every now and again for crafts such as card making and beading.
The atmosphere in the Union’s Hidden Café on Monday evenings is relaxed and friendly. Until two weeks ago I was a complete knitting novice, but having purchased one of the society’s starter kits (a pair of knitting needles, some yarn and a set of instructions) for just £2.50, and been to two weekly meetings, I’m already addicted. After a long day of lectures, knitting is incredibly therapeutic. The committee members are encouraging and supportive, and there is always a woolly expert on hand to help if you have any problems, or are simply seeking some inspiration for your next project. Each week there is a mix of beginners, eager to learn new skills, and more advanced knitters, who can share their passion and develop their knowledge.
As well as offering teaching in knitting and crochet at every session, Stitch ‘n’ Bitch runs themed workshops throughout the year, which are set to include poppy making on 5 November for Remembrance Day, hat making on 19 November, and a Christmas craft session on 3 December. The society is open to suggestions so if there is a particular skill you are desperate to learn, ask one of the committee members and they will either try to teach it themselves or find someone else who can. Regular socials include meals and trips to local craft shops.
It’s not just hard work though, as there is always plenty of time to gossip and drink tea! The sociable, fun environment makes it easy to meet people outside of lectures from various courses and in different years of study. Hidden Café also extends their popular £2.50 tea and cake offer from Wednesdays to Monday evenings for members, so come along for a cuppa and some cake with a large helping of creativity!
words: Alexandra Thompson
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