Saturday June 13 was off to a good start when I spied 5 hot air balloons floating across the sky on my way to Yoga.

I was already pretty excited about the day, as I had organized an event to celebrate World Wide Knit in Public Day and keen to catch up with friends and perhaps meet some new knitters. Melbourne was kind enough to put on some glorious sunny mid winter weather.

I traveled into the city with a bit of train knitting to start off the KIPDay! I had chosen to hold the event at the Arbory Bar. A new venue alongside Flinders St railway platforms overlooking Southbank and the Yarra river, this is a very 'Melbourne' venue!

12 noon arrived and so did the knitters! Our reserved table of 8 soon had to be expanded as at one stage there was 20 of us. I had posted details of the event on the City of Melbourne 'thatsmelbourne' web page. It seems that quite a few knitters were in search of a gathering.

Some women arrived late, saying they had been stuck in a pokey corner inside Melbourne Central and they were so thrilled to find us at this gorgeous venue. It seems I was the only person who had been to the Arbory before. With a great menu and relaxed atmosphere everyone was very impressed (even if the music was drowning out the conversation at times).

Coincidentally, June 13 was also World Gin Day so it was totally appropriate to have a G&T as we knitted!

Such an eclectic group of crafters had gathered, all inspiring and happy to be part of a wonderful community.

Amongst those who came to the event was a Mother and Daughter doing the most amazing Tunisian Crochet. Such a creative pair. The mum (whose name I've apologetically forgotten) even brought some arm knitting she had been working on to show the group.

Other women were part of the Yarn Corner, a group of Yarn Bombers who have brightened up our city square.

The lovely Chantal was knitting her Dad the most luscious bed socks.

Louise was adding to her stash of Hexipuffs for her Beekeepers quilt.

A very friendly lady from Wales told us wonderful stories of her knitting childhood. Including completing a Fair Isle jumper at the age of 11. Incredible.