Starting a Stitch Club

I’m a big advocate of craft clubs. What’s better than spending some time with some like minded folks, building friendships and sharing in your mutual love of crafting. So I thought I would ask ALBION designer Frances Abel all about the one she helped set up.

Over to you Frances . . .

“Cheeky Stitchers is the newest incarnation of the original London Stitch Club.

Like for many other stitch clubs, covid dealt us (I say us although I didn't discover needlepoint until mid 2020!) a rough hand and meetups were off the table for a while.  And of course as with physics, stitch clubs at rest will stay at rest.  

Things were very quiet until Amanda Posniak (@rollinwithmystitches) relocated to London. I had 'met' Amanda a few months ago through Instagram and also connected with Hannah Lane (@hvlane) through the platform.  Together the three of us organized a small meetup with members of the old stitch club in November 2022. 

Sitting together at a long communal table in the middle of the pub, we chatted about how we wanted to bring this stitch club back to life.  We knew that with London as our base the possibilities for connection, learning and fun were major. 

Amanda previously ran the New York Stitch Club so she came to us with lots of experience.  Together we created a name, brainstormed a logo and set up our new instagram account.  Now we are having monthly meetups with a lovely mix of regulars and newbies joining us each time.

Our hope is that we create a real community, very much of the more is merrier vibe.  Many of us Cheeky Stitchers are transplants and so to be able to come to a group like this, where we have such an incredible hobby in common, is really really special.  As I said after our last meeting when we made friendship bracelets, stitched and chatted for hours, I've found my people!”

Frances Abel @francesabelstudio