Here’s a map if you’re not sure where the pub is:

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Also, ‘like’ our page on Facebook to keep in touch with others in the group and check for any last minute meeting changes.

We’ll look forward to meeting you at Stitched Up soon!

Currently we have cross stitch, knitted bootees, shawl and jumpers and crocheted granny square blankets emerging. We even had a spinning wheel this week… come along and share whatever you are working on.

Downshifting Week began 7 years ago and this year takes place between Saturday 23rd and Friday 29th April. Downshifting is about finding a better work / life balance, slowing down the consuming and embracing living with a little less. I think we could all do with a bit of that.

Anyway, this year’s featured activity is the Community Blankets Project – getting together with a group of knitters or crocheters and making patchwork blankets for vulnerable people in our community. I know us crafters are quite a thrifty bunch already but to make these blankets as sustainable as possible, the idea is to source the yarn from your unused stash or local charity shops or anywhere that otherwise it would have gone to waste.  Then get along the local press to raise awareness about downshifting, supporting each other and crafts. Sounds like a good idea doesn’t it?

Well, if you’re up for a bit of community crafting, pop over to Tracey’s InterNational Downshifting Week website to find out more. She wants to know what you’re doing and to be in touch with your group. She might even come to visit you!

Here’s a video Tracey made to tell you all about it:

A piccie of my first crochet square is above if anyone would like to join me in making a community blanket here in Nottingham.

For the near future we’ll be getting together at The Samuel Hall Wetherspoons Pub in Sherwood.

We may try out other venues in the area but will post something up here on the blog so please do check back before coming along.

All crafters are welcome to bring along their own projects but do bear in mind that some things, like sewing machines, won’t be practical for the pub. Hand sewing, knitting, crochet and other things that don’t need lots of space or equipment are all ideal!

Knit Nottingham

Is a brand new shop just opened last weekend on Mansfield Road in Nottingham City Centre. They sell all types of yarns, needles and locally designed patterns. They are also planning various knitting workshops and group charity knitting projects so there are plenty of ways you can get involved.

Their website isn’t up and running yet but you can find out more at our friend Guzzi Sue’s blog or you can e-mail them at knit@knitnottingham.com and when the website is up it’ll be at www.knitnottingham.co.uk

The White Rabbit Teahouse

The beautiful White Rabbit Teahouse on Hounds Gate in Nottingham is running a knitting group every Tuesday from 28th September, 5.30pm to 7.00pm. It is £4 each including tea and cake and beginners are welcome. Visit the White Rabbit Craft House to find out more.

Knitting in a Country Pub

Knitting designer Chrissie Day is hosting Autumn all day knitting classes at The Plough Pub in Normanton on the Wolds. Visit Chrissie’s blog for full details of the classes and venue.

Stitched Up

Of course knitters are very welcome to come along to Stitched Up. We don’t provide knitting classes because we are a social craft group but if you love to knit then do come along!

Tell us more – If you know of any new yarn shops opened in Nottingham or upcoming knitting classes or groups let us know about them in the comments below….

To find out where meetings will be please contact Laura at laura@stitched-up.org.uk .

Watch this space for more news about the group, our meet-ups and plans for the future!

It doesn’t matter what sort of craft you like to do – knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing, beading, card making, lace making – anything, all crafts are welcome! Take a look at our blog posts below to see some of our craft projects.

If you’d like to join us, come to The Workshop (624a Mansfield Road, Sherwood Nottingham, NG5 2GA), on the first floor above the Cooperative shop and opposite the Ginza Japanese restaurant. Wednesday evenings 6pm – 8.30pm.

We’ll look forward to meeting you soon!

From the top we have Jacqueline, a Textile Workshop regular knitting a scarf from some lovely pink Rowan wool.

Then we have Emmeline, practicing her knitting skills and gaining confidence all the time!

Vicky is making a lovely granny blanket like the one she made for a gift.

Stefka is crocheting a desk zombie for her new desk at work (and to guard the paperclips…)

Sue is knitting a scarf from a lace pattern

And just to show it’s not just a knitting/ crochet group I am embroidering some gingham with a folk pattern for a bag.

We still meet every week, and we’re a friendly bunch – why don’t you come and join us?  As we’re not a class we just bring along whatever projects we are working on (and can carry!) and chill out for a couple of hours.  And eat cake/ biscuits.  How much better does it get?

So, following tradition (well if you can call one other baby blanket making event tradition) I’ve made Milo a blanket. This time its a cotton quilt of the Very Hungry Caterpillar with appliqued gingham flowers, apples and pears.

It turned out a square shape (because of the print) so it might make a better play or changing mat than a blanket but I don’t mind what his mum uses it for as long as she likes it.

The blanket is bright and colourful like this funky little chap I found on the garden today. I wonder if he’s very hungry too…