Knit Happens Kilkenny was created in October 2022 when Brooke decided the city was crying out for, well, knitting in the pub!
Brooke has a multitude of creative talents including drawing, painting, crafting, knitting, crochet and even graphic design. But what good are all these talents if you can't create a like-minded army and take over a local pub?
So she did just that! One week later Knit Happens Kilkenny was twenty five strong and is still growing. Made up of yarn ninjas, absolute beginners and people revisiting the craft after many years, the group is growing organically and maintaining a rather robust community spirit throughout.
The group continued to snowball, so in February 2023 Emily, Clare and Marian came on board!
Emily is a full-time local knitwear designer promoting her 100% Irish merino wool clothing line. Between machine knitting, hand knitting and crochet this talented lady is an encyclopaedia of information on our beloved craft.
Clare is an SNA at a local primary school here in Kilkenny. She promotes the craft in the classroom environment by teaching students how to knit and crochet. "Start them early" she says! Both inside and outside of the classroom Clare is an extremely talented and passionate knitter and crocheter. She loves her handmade stuffed toys and clothing and she always has a new project on the go!
Marian is a complete and utter crafts diehard! So much so that she teaches art and craft full time to adults with learning disabilities. However knitting and crochet has a very special place in her heart. Her fabulous talent shines through in the mountains of baby blankets, among everything and anything else, that she creates. Of course our Marian is the brat of the group so if you ever notice her up to divilment you may as well join in!
The backbone of Knit Happens Kilkenny is community. The girls facilitate a free and welcoming open door for all individuals of every level interested in the craft. This is unmistakably seen every Wednesday at the meet-ups where more experienced attendees are happy to lend a hand with beginners. It also acts as a space to unwind, make new friends, catch up with existing ones, give out about the weather and enjoy a hot chocolate! Understandably it can be super scary to even think about going along, be it alone or with a friend, no matter what your experience level. For this reason the collective group cannot emphasise enough how much absolutely everyone is warmly welcomed.
Clare
Brooke
Marian
