Aloha Knitters (formerly Honolulu SNB)
Here's the deal: Aloha Knitters collects no dues, you are not required to show up at meetings, there is no leader/owner/boss, and the age range of members goes from "still in high school" to "has grandchildren". You do have to join the Yahoo! group in order to read and post, but it's so that we don't get inundated with spam. We don't require a novel for the "why do you want to join" - that's to screen the spambots as well as to get an idea of where people are coming from and how they are finding the group (it's nice to know if you will just be visiting, for example). There is a good mix of experience levels going on, and everyone has been very open and welcoming to new members and visitors of all stripes. If you are worried about being weird or shocking, don't be. Honey, have you seen what I design and knit? The Mocha Java meetings can have anywhere from 5 to 10 in attendance, usually. If you want to have dinner, Mocha Java has a full menu that includes vegetarian options, Shintani diet options, and breakfast all day. They do ask that we not bring in outside food or drinks. If you don't know if we are the sort of people you would like to hang out with, you can always show up one day, get a drink, and casually sit at a table or at the counter with a magazine, observing the group in action. Huge sunglasses optional. If you are very new and would like some pointers, please post to the group and let us know when you will be coming, if you have your own supplies, and if you've been trying to learn from a specific book or leaflet. We've also got a MySpace Profile (www.myspace.com/alohaknitters) and a MySpace Group (http://groups.myspace.com/alohaknitters). You don't need to be an Aloha Knitters member to be added to the friends list or to the group.
Honolulu meetings are every Thursday at Mocha Java, Ward Center, inside. This may change, so check the Yahoo! group before making plans!
There's also a Hawai'i Knitters Webring, so you can even sort of meet us before you meet us!
Currently, there are no regularly scheduled meetings outside of Honolulu, but members will post to see if anyone wants to meet up at a particular location/time/date. All ages, backgrounds, and skill levels are welcome! You don't even need to knit, crochet, or spin! If you'd like to learn, just post to the list and let us know.
Dear Aloha Knitters,
What a small world...it took me a while before it dawned on me that this it the yahoo group i have just joined! New to the craft it took me a day to get my foundation chain flowing and then half a day (today) to FINALLY get adding on to the chain with my first crochet. Yes, crochet because for some reason I was able to pick it up more easily than knitting...it may have to do with the fact that I am working one less hook...who knows. Anyhow, I look forward to meeting others who are new to the craft and those who have been knitty with it for some time. If anyone is in Waianae please let me know; it would be much more convenient to arrnage a knitting get together closer to this end...however I am aslo for leaving the country for a breath of town air (once in a while).
Thanks!
Posted by: Angela | March 12, 2006 at 08:26 PM
Hi. I have a 12 year old who would like to learn crochet. My mom showed her a basic stitch, but my mom is left handed and my daughter is not. I am willing to learn along with her. Would this be a good group for us? thanks.
Posted by: Denise | November 08, 2006 at 05:20 PM
Denise, I emailed you more info about Aloha Knitters and other options - also added a post about knitting and crocheting classes to the Aloha Knitters sidebar to the left. Thanks!
Posted by: mk | November 09, 2006 at 06:52 PM
I WANT TO LEARN TO KNIT. TRIED SELF TEACHING MYSELF TO KNIT FROM A BOOK AND GOT STUCK. IS THERE A MEETING WHERE I CAN MEET PEOPLE WHO KNOW HOW TO KNIT AND CAN HELP ME??
Posted by: Jennifer | October 20, 2007 at 09:08 AM
Hi i bascially have the same question as Jennifer. Is there anywhere where I can take classes I can't seem to find anything. I live by the zoo area.
Posted by: Sonia | October 23, 2007 at 06:28 PM
Jennifer, Sonia, please check out the link in the top left sidebar of this page for my suggestions on how to find classes on O'ahu. Hope it helps!
Posted by: mk | October 23, 2007 at 09:24 PM
MK! You're in Hawaii, huh? I'm in Alaska. Obviously, we are no where near each other, but we do have the whole "not connected to the continental US" thing in common...
Posted by: Crissy | December 29, 2007 at 12:11 PM
I would love to attend meetings! The fatal flaw for me is that I live in Kapolei. During the day driving into the city: not so bad. At night: a little low on visibility in some areas. I have heard a rumor of a group that meets in Pearlridge... Is this true? I think there may be others out this way, and some even further, that would also be interested.
Posted by: Hope | February 12, 2008 at 08:43 PM
I'd love to know more about the Aloha Knitters and their meetings. Also, I knit baby hats, sweaters and booties for charity, any ideas about who to give them to in Hawaii?
Posted by: cathy | May 19, 2008 at 04:55 PM
Cathy, the Yahoo group has the most up-to-date information on when/where members are meeting. Someone in the group is likely to know where to send donations locally, or you could try checking with Sue at Isle Knit (I know she's organized donation drives before). You could also check in with shelters and hospitals.
I've also emailed you if you wanted to ask any specifics privately.
Posted by: mk | May 19, 2008 at 06:29 PM
This is what I was looking for. Is it still going at Mocha Java? What time is it? and what do I bring?
Posted by: pauline | March 12, 2009 at 01:45 PM