Knitting may be a solitary activity, but regular community with other knitters and crocheters in my small town is a bright spot in my life.

You should really start one of your own. It’s easy. Promise.

Cities offer so many opportunities to meet at local yarn stores and in coffee shops. But what if you live in a small town that rolls up the sidewalks at 8pm like I do?

You could meet at a local library, cafe, or church. I began by asking a local business owner if we could meet once a month in her new store. I knew it would be a great fit for a knitting group and her business. I decided to call it a Stitch & Hoot because we meet at The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods Store.

It might be tempting to start meeting in each other’s homes but meeting publically allows us to post publically and attract new members, and sometimes knitters just visiting family for the holidays.

Read this article about the benefits of joining a group and ideas for finding members if you plan on starting one.

I knew that the community I craved could thrive in such a welcoming space. Five years and seven months later this group of mostly women, still meets once a month to knit, drink wine or Topo Chico, and catch up with each other’s lives, or rather to Stich & Hoot.

Some come to knit, others come to hoot. Hey, this would be a great t-shirt or tote!

If you ever find yourself near Elgin, Texas on a 3rd Thursday, come by The Owl at 7pm. We’d love to have you.