The Knitting group that became a Friendship group.

Friday, March 1st, Hitchin Stitchin' celebrated its 10th birthday with a  lunch at The Sun Hotel.

Early Days

Hitchin Stitchin' is a knitting group that went from small beginnings in a room above Tim's Art Supplies in March 2009, to a large group of friends who meet every Friday morning (10am) at The Sun Hotel.


We're knitting together in Hitchin.

Let's Knit magazine published an article of how it all began in 2009.

Hitchin Stitchin' is more than just a knitting group. We are a community group whose members take part in local events and fund raising activities. The group has yarn bombed Hermitage Road and the Triangle garden, 

and, since 2014, we present an art installation (yarn bombing) in St Mary's Churchyard. Last year's theme was All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small.

Members created a memorial poppy display and sold hand-made poppies for the 2017 Poppy Appeal. The display and fund-raising were hosted at Festiwool 2017. Festiwool was launched in 2014 by Hitchin Stitchin members, led by Philippa Gregory.

Phillipa (left) at the Hitchin Festiwool, 2017 

Members also provide Hitchin Bid with hand-made Bunnies for the annual Great Easter Bunny Hunt.

In addition to these activities, group members are busy creating items using the skills of knitting, crochet, sewing, and embroidery. Several members have set up small businesses and are involved  in teaching, thus passing on traditional crafts to the younger generation.

It's not all hard work. Long-lasting friendships have been formed, weekends away have been enjoyed, trips to local places of interest organised, and, of course, the world has been set to rights (again) every week over a cup of coffee.

Secret Santa

Hitchin Stitchin's Christmas coffee morning was well attended this morning.

Our host, The Sun Hotel, gave us access to the large private dining room, for which we give many thanks.

We had to open more tables to seat the 20 members who attended. There was much greeting of old friends (and new) and catching up on one another's news.

Eventually, when everyone was settled with their knitting and crochet, and filling up on tea, coffee, and Christmas nibbles, the Secret Santa activity began. There was much hilarity and rapid passing-the-parcel, as the story of the Wright's family Christmas was recited.










Everyone seemed pleased with the Secret Santa gift they received.

Rabbit KAL

On 7th September, Rabbit KAL packs will be available for those who have signed up to knit a rabbit for the The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund, to help children cope with long parental absences.

Each pack contains 20g of aran yarn, stuffing, the pattern. You will need some black yarn for the features, and some red yarn for the clock face.

Each child receives 2 rabbits, along with the story book. One rabbit has a frowning clock face, the other a smiling clock face.

Members  can choose to knit both rabbits, or   work with a partner to produce a pair of rabbits.

There is no deadline for this KAL. Help will be provided at the Friday meetings. As each pair is completed, it should be sent, with the name(s) of the maker(s) and Hitchin Stitchin' enclosed, to the following address

Royal Navy & Royal Marines Children’s Fund
311 Twyford Avenue
Stamshaw
Portsmouth

All thing bright and beautiful

All creatures great and small.

Hitchin's knitters, crocheters, and artists are adding to the Art Installation in St Mary's Churchyard.

Competition time! 

Find these three cakes at this years ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ display in St Mary’s Church, Hitchin. Take a photo of the cakes and the first 4 people to post pictures of all three cakes will win 2 free tickets to Festiwool. 

All you have to do is post your pictures on Facebook, twitter or Instagram. Tag @festiwool and use the hashtag #festiwin

The hunt starts NOW !

Art Installation

St Mary's Churchyard.

Today was Day One of the Art Installation.

Hitchin Stitchin', Festiwool, and Woolly Chic began installing the exhibits that have been created for this year's Hitchin Festival.

   

There's lots more to come, including the chance to add your own hand-made poppy to Hitchin's commemorative poppy exhibit, throughout July.

It doesn't have to be knitted, so long it is hand-made from natural or re-cycled materials, it is welcome on the visitor's section beside the Hitchin Stitchin heart.

July 2018 - All things bright and beautiful

All creatures great and small.

Butterflies

Hitchin Stitchin' will be taking part in this year's Hitchin Festival, with an Art Installation celebrating all living creatures.

Rhesus is one Cool Dude,

Wander through the trees and see if you can spot your favourite. Perhaps you will see Rhesus.

Easter Bunny Hunt 2018

Our bunnies are gathering at Hitchin Bid for this year's Big Easter Bunny Hunt.

Hitchin Stitchin's 2018 Colony

Find the bunnies in Hitchin's local Independent shops from 31 March.

More Bunnies

for Hitchin's Big Easter Bunny Hunt 2018

worked in crochet

by Zoe Hyde

Members' work

Today I received two wonderful items from Hitchin Stitchin' members.

The first was from Jane (@gardeningwitchdesigns),    who had made me this great, canvas, drawstring bag in which to carry my swift. It's lined and the outer material is the same colour (almost) and fabric as my Kromski loom bag. I look forward to keeping all my dowels together and safe from loss.


Rating:  *****

The second item was this cuddly bunny (Edward) from Clare. It's the first of this year's entries for Hitchin's Big Bunny Hunt.

Love his daffodil-coloured bow tie.












Spring is on its way.

Armistice Day 2017