Free things to do this week ft. Knitting at Oddest, Central Library + Islington Mill

Knit Chorlton at Oddest Bar (pictured)
The thought of going to a pub to knit is probably a bit twee for some, but knitting’s a big deal these days and twee ghetto Chorlton’s biggest and best bi-monthly knitting club takes place in Wilbraham Road watering hole Oddest. Perfect for both seasoned woolsmiths and relative amateurs, it gives you an opportunity to mix with other knitwits and maybe fashion something to tide you through the cold winter. Happy hour at Oddest runs 5-7pm, so it’s worth dropping by a little early to take advantage of their new winter cocktail menu. After all, those needles will be needing some fuel.
Tue 17 Nov, Oddest, 414-416 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 0SD. Tel: 0161 860 7515, 7pm, www.oddestbar.co.uk

Science Festival Exhibitions at Central Library
The Manchester Science Festival may be long over, but here’s one last chance to catch this highlight at Central Library. Two exhibitions from the Festival finish this Thursday. The first is Telling Tales, an exhibition about social communication disorder. The second, called Stroke, is a collection of work created by stroke survivors, which highlights the immense mental and emotional difficulties that they face. Don’t miss this last thread of the Festival before it disappears for another year.
Mon 19 Oct – Thu 19 Nov, Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. Tel: 0161 234 1983, 9am – 8pm, www.librarylive.co.uk

Christmas Market at Islington Mill
Christmas comes early to Islington Mill as they open their doors for the annual festive market. Following hot on the heels of the city centre Christmas markets, this is an entirely different kind of seasonal treat altogether: The Mill’s artistic community comes together to bring you the best prints, craft and other unique goodies all inside, all of which can be bought direct from the artist. There’s also Crimbo favourite mulled wine, musical entertainment from the Northern Quarter Boys Choir and St Philip’s School, and vegan food courtesy of Mother May I’s kitchen – a fine counterpoint to the hog roasts and strudel of St Ann’s Square. It’s only runs from Wednesday evening through to Thursday, so don’t waste your opportunity to pick up a truly one-of-a-kind gift.
Wed 18 Nov – Thu 19 Nov, Islington Mill, 1 James Street, Salford, M3 5HW. Tel: 0161 278 6404, 5pm – 9pm (Wed), 2pm – 9pm (Thu), www.facebook.com

Click on ‘This Week‘ for more ideas of free things to do – there’s also a new, weekly free yoga class to try every Saturday at Lululemon in St Ann’s Place – read our preview.