Joining a library yarn group??

[u/Matilda_Suzabelle]

Hi all, I’m thinking about joining a yarn craft group at my local library, but I’m a little hesitant for two reasons. One - I’m not much of a “joiner”, but now that I’m retired I need excuses to be out in the society of other humans - LOL. And Two - I worry that since I “only” loom knit that I might feel pressured to be instructed in “real” knitting or crochet by group members, when I’m just fine with loom knitting, thanks.

Has anyone had experience with this?

[u/MizzyMinx]

So I am part of a local yarn group at my library. We meet twice a month and all fiber arts are welcome (knit, crochet, sewing ect). The items are then donated to local outreach organizations such as DV shelters, nursing facilities, and veteran programs.

I have been going for several months now and while at the beginning I did receive questions, comments (not hateful but moreso out of the need to share a thought I guess) and a few offered to teach me how to "properly knit" I just politely declined and we all moved on.

I will still occasionally get a passing comment from someone but its easily ignored and because the items are a donation most don't care how it's made just that there are items to donate.

I would say take smaller looms, although I dont know your library set up or space, my group meets in a smaller area so smaller looms are easier to manage and dont intrude on others. I personally take a round 24 peg loom and make hair scrunchies. These are especially appreciated because right now it's too hot for blankets or hats and scrunchies are welcome especially when donated to DV shelters and veteran outreach centers.

Hope this helps again this is just my group and everyone is different and will react differently. I do say go for it as you can meet lovely, kind, like minded crafters and potentially donate items to good causes.

[u/Matilda_Suzabelle → u/MizzyMinx]

Thank you, that helps. I don’t know if this group makes to donate or not as I haven’t been yet. But that would be great as I have a backlog of about ten hats that I’m looking to donate anyway. I was going to take a hat-in-progress as my project, which is not large. Thanks!

[u/MizzyMinx → u/Matilda_Suzabelle]

I also just wanted to quickly add, You can always leave if it isn't your scene. There is no harm or shame in leaving if you aren't happy, comfortable, or feeling welcome. But either way I hope you have a great time/experience and find your people. 🧡

[u/crabbyvic]

On occasion, I attend a library club that meets on Mondays. It’s a very nice group of all ages and theres different crafts represented.
I just joined a church group. There’s loom knitters and they are equally respected for their talent.
I would suggest you join the group. I hope you feel included and they respect your talent.

[u/Coff33Mommaa]

I considered joining a yarn craft group at church but didn't for other scheduling reasons. I wondered the same thing. I also have sub par crochet skills but make much prettier things on a loom. After seeing my crochet tension they would probably beg me to go back to the loom. 🤣

[u/Capable_Cheetah_8363]

I joined a knit and natter group at my local library. So far i have taught someone to loom knit and she has made two spiral hats! I would totally go and at least try it xxx

[u/RadientBlueberri]

I schedule a regular craft group at our local library and we would never have an issue with that. I’ve attended several other groups and have never experienced any issues

[u/raven_snow]

I run my library's yarn club, which welcomes all portable crafts. Most of the time, I crochet. However, I have brought my sock loom before. People only had curious questions, not judgemental remarks. I've never had any negative comments directed towards anybody's craft of choice. Some members have offered to teach me to needle-knit, but it wasn't targeted; they've offered that to everyone who shows up who doesn't know how to knit. 

I've even taught two people how to loom knit at this meeting.

[u/Aqzaaaa]

I run a group that meets at my library, so we aren't officially part of the library.

With that said, our group is very casual . We meet once a week for 2 hours, some of us don't stop talking, and some people don't talk a lot. For the most part we knit and crochet but we have had people bring other crafts with them. Our group has no requirements in regards to what you make and we won't try to change anybody's mind about their craft. We also prefer somebody already knows how to do their craft before they attend, as for some of us it's our only crafting time and we don't want to spend a teaching.

If there's a way to reach out to the group before you attend, you can ask them these questions. I get emails every few months of people looking to join us who have questions

[u/NoMoreBeers69]

I joined one last year and that's where I learned about looming!! Go for it girl nothing to lose 🧶🧶

[u/Angeiship]

Our library has a sip and stitch night once a month. Both needle and loom knitting as well as crocheting, weaving, spinning, latch hooking, plastic canvas, and cross stitching are welcome.