Escape to e-knitting

Adapting to the current times, one group decided to go digital – we chat to Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington Online Knit & Natter...

One group suddenly found that in March 2020, all of their usual face to face groups across North Yorkshire & Darlington came to a sudden halt due to national restrictions. However, the dedicated crafters were adament that this didn’t have to stop their groups from networking, instead they would just had to change how they provided their services. They decided to trial something new to them – testing out the world of the web! At first they weren’t sure how well received online groups would be, so they trialled an online Zoom knitting group using the popular knitting group first.

SETTING UP THE GROUP

First they contacted everyone who attended the Northallerton (Knit & Natter) and Darlington (Stitches) groups. This was a great opportunity for both knitting groups in di erent locations to be able to come together and network, plus, members had the opportunity to meet new people from di erent areas. As this went so well for both groups, the decision was made to open up the online group for anyone and everyone to join. One of the huge positives of hosting the group online is that, quite literally, anyone across the UK can take part!

From sharing tips and improving skills, the group provides a supportive social community network

POPULAR PROJECTS

The group doesn’t have set projects but everyone that attends engages in some form of knitting, sewing, crocheting and crafting during the group. They have found individual projects tend to work well on Zoom as they are a great focal talking point. Individuals can explain what they are working on and people can ask questions.

GET INVOLVED

Anyone is welcome to join the Zoom Knit & Natter! Thea, the Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, hosts the Zoom group every Tuesday between 2-3pm. If you are unsure how to access Zoom please don’t let that discourage you, the Co-ordinator can explain what Zoom is and how to access the group. For more information and details on how to access the Zoom meetings, please contact Thea Fulton, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at thea.fulton@ ageuknyd.org.uk or by calling 07483 058831.

Want to know more?

If you have a knitting group you would like featured, please get in touch at simplyknitting@immediate.co.uk.

At the time of print these classes and groups were active and running.

Moving the group onto a digital platform helped opened up possibilites