A few easy steps to start your own Bitch n Stitch group!
Step 1. Find somewere to meet.
Holding meetings at someone's house makes it more difficult to establish a regular night or day and time for your Stitch n Bitch so a public place, like a cafe,auberge or Salle de Fete 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.
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 or day 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.
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:
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
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
Post details of your network On this website and www.stitchnbitch.co.uk 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.
Holding meetings at someone's house makes it more difficult to establish a regular night or day and time for your Stitch n Bitch so a public place, like a cafe,auberge or Salle de Fete 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.
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 or day 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.
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:
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
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
Post details of your network On this website and www.stitchnbitch.co.uk 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.