I was invited to visit a Knit/Crochet Group by someone (Nina, bunnyjean08 on ravelry) who saw my projects on Ravelry.
On the one hand, I was thrilled that someone had looked at my pieces and wanted me to be part of their group... on the other hand, I was terrified of going into the midst of a group of people I didn't know... people who might critique the way that I hold my hook (unconventional at best), the yarns that I choose, or the projects I love to do.
Although members of my extended family will dispute this... I am kind of a loner... I am not lonely... I am not a recluse from the world... and I have friends and family with whom I am extremely comfortable with... but for the most part, I choose to spend my free time at home, doing crafts, cooking, reading... whatever.
So when I got Nina's invite... I was a little nervous... I had never crafted with a group (unless you count elementary school, which I don't). I emailed her back, thanking her for her compliments of my work... exclaiming over hers (definitely check her out next time you are on Ravelry... she does fair isle knitting... beautiful!)... and then told her that I wasn't much of a "joiner".
She replied promptly ... telling me that it was ok if I wasn't a joiner... it was an informal group... they meet at a coffee house (which is about 5 miles from my house)...and that I should reconsider... she then proceeded to tell me about the group.
I made up my mind to go last night... and I am glad that I did!
Everyone was very friendly... there were lots of knitters... and I wasn't the only one there with a hook! I saw all kinds of yarn being used... not just the high-end yarn "crack". I also really enjoyed the diversity of the group... there were all ages...and lots of different "walks of life" there. There were all levels... and all kinds of projects. There was talk of charity projects (not mandatory... but I will definitely participate!)
I got some ooohh's and ahhhh's over my skullerific tote... and some, thanks to Nina, were already familiar with my projects. And they even gave me a cute little gift (see above)! (They were prepared... with crochet hooks!)
It really was nice being in a group... lots of laughter... lots of conversation...lots of projects... it was really a creative environment!
So I recommend that if you havent met with a group... maybe you should...You might just have more fun that you thought you would! I certainly did...
who knows? I might even become a regular!
3 comments:
I'm glad you're enjoying going to the fibre group. I've recently started going to a s'nb. I was a bit hesitant because I didn't know what to expect and I was the only crocheter, but the people there were really welcoming. They're interested in learning about what I do too, which is nice. You have some beautiful work. I would imagine the people in your fibre group would gain a lot from sharing with you.
I hold my hook rather unconventionally as well, and I'm a lone knitter/crocheter...
I'm glad I read this post, I'm going off to college in the fall and there's a knitting group. I've been debating joining it for the 2 very reasons you mentioned.
Now I think I'll give it a go.
So are you going again tonight?
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