We have a local "Stitch & Bitch" group that has always met independently of any yarn shop - they meet in one of the local cafes. Knitters will always congregate, whether or not they can buy "stuff" when they do. It's the reason I do a stitch & bitch at MediaWest that's always well-attended. Even though we may be knitting in the panels we attend, getting together with like-minded craftspeople and schmoozing about it is always a draw.