Knit-Out & Crochet events around the country will be listed below in the coming months. Please check back for the location of an event near you.
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Booth Exhibits
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Booth Exhibits
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Doggone Cute Fashion Show
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Season's Best Fashion Show
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Show & Share
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Krafty Kids
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Fastest Knitter Competition
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There was something for everyone at the Second Annual Knit-Out & Crochet event at Mall of America-free lessons for beginners, fun fashion shows, opportunities to chat with popular authors and editors, dozens of free demonstrations, plus lots of beautiful display and giveaways at booths set up by CYCA members along two Mall corridors. There was even an international competition to find the fastest knitter and crocheter.
Eight-hundred new people learned to knit and crochet, thanks to the talents of more than 70 Minneasotans who volunteered their time to teach. Knitters and crocheters with problems sought out the Yarn Doctors, who counseled them on a variety of topics from figuring out how to read tricky instructions, to making cable stitches and changing yarn colors. For the first time, there was a busy Kids Krafts booth staffed by the enthusiastic 4-H Club from Washburn County, Wisconsin. In addition, to teach young people to knit and crochet, the teens taught Japanese braiding called Kumihimo.
The New York Times best selling author, avid knitter and Warm Up America Foundation Board member Debbie Macomber was a special guest at Knit-Out. Along with greeting her many fans, she taught a demo on kitchner stitch and hosted a special Warm Up America presentation.
Vickie Howell, host of DIY's Knitty Gritty television show and author, commentated several fashion shows as did Crochet Today editor Brett Bara, Knit Simple editor Carla Scott, and Kim Werker, editor of Interweave Crochet. The list of celebrity knit and crochet authors included Nicky Epstein, Kristin Nicholas, Edie Eckman, Lisa Gentry, Antje Gillingham, Annie Modesitt, Isela Phelps, Karen Thalacker, and Kim Werker.
The Rotunda Stage was bustling with activity. There was the crowd-pleasing doggie fashion show. All the pooches were terrific (and cute) but the two K-9 members of the Mall bomb sniffing team, BJ and Bronco, drew the most oohs and aahs wearing their official badges and very attractive handknit sweaters.
The "Season's Best" fashion show, a collection of accessories, sweaters, throws and outfits, drew rave reviews, as did the kids and teen fashion show, a first for the Mall Knit-Out. Dozens of knitters and crocheters participated in another new program addition, Show & Share, talking about and modeling their favorite projects.
Fastest Knitter and Crocheter Competition - What started are a friendly rivalry between the USA and the UK in 2002 has grown into an international competition. In 2001, the Craft Yarn Council of America and it's sister organization "across the pond," the UK Hand Knitting Association, agreed to seek out the fastest knitters and crocheters in their respective countries.
The first competition was held at a Knit-Out & Crochet event in New York in 2002; a second in London at consumer shows in 2004. Word spread of these events and by the time a third match was arranged at the recent Knit-Out at Mall of America, there were competitors from Canada, France and The Netherlands, as well as the US and UK.
Contestants are judged on how many garter stitches or how many double crochet stitches they can complete in 3 minutes. In the knitting competition, Lisa Gentry represented the US (Lisa holds the Guinness Record as the Fastest Crocheter); Ariella Lecuyer represented France; Wannietta Prescod, Canada; Miriam Tegal, The Netherlands (holder of the Guinness Record as the Fastest Knitter); and from the UK, Hazel Tindall. All the participants dazzled the audience with their nimble fingers but the UK's Hazel Tindall was victorious completing 262 garter stitches in three minutes.
Lisa Gentry also competed in the Fastest Crocheter contest against Jodi Cameron representing Canada. Lisa walked away with top honors completing 100 double crochets in three minutes. Dates for the next international competition will be announced later this year.
Knit-Out and Crochet events are staged by groups, guilds and retailers year-round. Check back at this web site for upcoming Knit-Out events.
Interested in volunteering to teach or helping out at a Knit-Out & Crochet event? Contact Craft Yarn Council at info@craftyarncouncil.com.
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More than 50,000 people visited Knit-Out booths and viewed the events spread over a half mile on the first floor of the Mall of America. Highlights of the Knit-Out program were, of course, the fashion shows, both the people and dogs, and the special events. For the dog show, CYCA collaborated with the Animal Humane Society. Eight of the organization's "Ambassador" dogs strutted their stuff. These are specially trained therapy dogs, many of which had been adopted from the Society's shelter.
On Saturday hundreds of Minnesotans gathered in the Rotunda for a special Warm Up America/Save the Children presentation. Congressional Representative Betty McCollum (she represents Minneapolis) traveled to the Mall to thank Minnesota participants in the recent Caps to the Capital campaign. The State walked off with top honors in the number of caps contributed and people participating from a state. (New York State came in second.).
Also on hand from Save the Children was Eileen Burke, who shared photos and a special video program celebrating the program and Save the Children's 75th Anniversary. On stage with Burke were Warm Up America! founder Evie Rosen and Foundation President Cheryl Gunnells. On Sunday, Evie also made a special presentation of Warm Up America blankets to Char Pfeiffer from Bridging, a local charity.
 
 
Kathleen Sams from Coats & Clark, Svetlana Avrakh from Bernat/Patons, and designers/authors Lily Chin and Margaret Hubert all presented demos at the recent Mall of America Knit-Out.
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Warm Up America Foundation President Cheryl Gunnells introduced Warm Up America Founder Evie Rosen to the Knit-Out audience. |
Representative Betty McCollum lauded the Minnesota Caps to the Capital Minnesota participants. |
Minnesota participants in the Caps to the Capital campaign in the Knit-Out audience. |
New York City, Sunday, September 17th, 2006
Eighth Annual Knit-Out & Crochet
Noon to 5 p.m., Union Square Park (17th Street between Broadway and Park Ave.)
RAIN OR SHINE!
It was a warm, sunny day for the Eighth Annual Knit-Out on September 17th, and more than 30,000 people enjoyed the free lessons, demos, displays, fashion shows, and other special events. Author of Knitting Rules and well-known blogger Stephanie Pearl-McPhee joined Knit.1 editor Adina Klein to commentate the fashion show. To the delight of the audience during fashion show segments, Stephanie shared some of her yarn truisms. For the first time, we asked the audience to tell us their favorite garment in the fashion show and to select their favorite sweater in the Doggie Idol show as well. (See photos below.)
What trends did we spot? There's was a lot of interest in crochet. The long line at the Learn to Crochet tent never stopped. And we were delighted with the number of teens and pre-teens taking lessons or visiting the Knit/Crochet Doctor table to ask questions about their current projects.
Following are just a few photos from the New York Knit-Out and don't forget to check below for a listing of upcoming Knit-Outs around the country.
This stunning coat from Vogue Knitting, Holiday '06 issue, won the Audience Choice Award.
Winner of the Doggie Idol contest was Shelle Hendrix Cain for her "Sponge Bob Square Pants" sweater.
Here are just a few more photos from the Knit-Out & Crochet fashion show.
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Lacy sweater |
Mitered red vest |
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Flower coat |
Kimono |
Kids |
Ann Tinker from Save the Children, pictured with John Laurie, chairman of the Craft Yarn Council, spoke to the Knit-Out audience about "Knitters & Crocheters for Newborns: Caps to the Capital," a program to create caps for newborns in developing countries and to raise awareness of the plight of newborn health issues. |
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Barbara Williams, president of the New York Crochet Guild, along with members from the guild, presented more 1,300 crocheted caps to Tinker for the campaign.
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Warm Up America volunteers worked all afternoon joining sections into afghans.
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The Kids Make It/Take It table was jammed all afternoon. Kids were learning to knit, crochet and craft with yarn.
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Demos are always a favorite attraction of Knit-Out attendees.
BUILD AWARENESS
SHOW YOUR TALENT
CREATE EXCITEMENT
SHARE THE FUN
WHAT'S A KNIT-OUT & CROCHET EVENT?
Knit-Out & Crochet events were started in 1998 by the Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA) with the help of volunteers to bring knitting, crocheting and yarn crafts to the public's attention. Now large and small groups and guilds nationwide are sponsoring Knit-Outs. Knit-Outs can be as informal as a group getting together in public to knit or crochet or large gatherings with a variety of activities. At CYCA Knit-Out & Crochet events, there are:
- Free, how to knit and crochet lessons
- Fashion shows
- Show & Share
- Demonstrations
- Product and magazine displays
- Children's yarn crafts area
- Knitting and Crochet Guild representation
- Charity knitting and crochet activities
Knit-Out & Crochet events are FREE educational and informational happenings. THERE IS NO SELLING. A Resource List is provided to direct consumers to area stores, mail order and Internet sites, where they could purchase supplies and to knit and crochet guilds and groups.
This brochure provides ideas and suggestions for planning such an event. There's no exact formula for success. Every town is different; every region varies. What's universal is that no matter where you live, when you knit or crochet in public, people stop, admire what you are doing and want to know more.
KNIT-OUT & CROCHET events were originally started in the fall, beginning in mid-September and continuing through mid-October, but now there are held year-round. CYCA hopes to maintain a listing of upcoming Knit-Out events at this site.
If your group is planning a Knit-Out, please send detailed information to info@craftyarncouncil.com. We need to know:
Name of sponsoring group(s)
Time and place of the event
Exact directions to the location (be specific and brief)
What you plan to do
Local contact name and phone number
(phone numbers are essential in case CYCA staff has questions or if a member of the press wants to contact you)
Names, addresses and specific reporters' names at your local newspapers
You should send a press release to your local newspapers about your group's involvement, noting the location and time of your event. (See further details "Promoting the Knit-Out & Crochet Event" that follows.)
IT'S A GREAT GROUP PROJECT
Whether you are part of a knit or crochet guild or club, church group, friends or co-workers, Knit-Outs are a fun project in which to participate. You'll become mentors to new knitters and crocheters. It's a terrific way to build awareness for your guild or club. Plus, it's important that these novices know where they can get assistance after the event is over.
STAGING A KNIT-OUT & CROCHET EVENT
Location
1. Pick a Central Location Ideally, an event should be staged in a high-traffic area in your town or city. Outdoor sites can be considered, such as parks, or indoor locations, such as cultural centers, malls, recreation centers, etc. What's important is to have a central location, which is easily accessible to a large number of people.
2. Size of Space - There are no exact space requirements for these events. If possible, consider how many volunteers will be involved and then figure the amount of space they can "cover" comfortably. Having more space for people to sit around and knit and crochet is always preferable.
3. Free Space Rental - Local parks, cultural centers or recreation centers will frequently make space available at no charge for events of this nature because they are free to the public, of general interest, educational and are not money-making ventures.
4. What You'll Need - Tables and chairs are the most important items that you will need for a Knit-Out & Crochet event, so that people can watch demonstrations, learn to knit or crochet, etc. Easels are helpful for signs, and depending on the location, a portable microphone may be required. Platforms or risers also may be necessary for fashion shows and Show & Tell presentations. Check with the facility you are considering and ask about the availability of these items. They may loan them to you for the event.
5. Permits & Insurance - Many cities, especially if you work with parks and recreation departments, require permits or insurance for special events so it is important to ask about these things.
6. Easy Access - A site easily accessible by public transportation and by car is the perfect setting. Remember to inquire about parking and parking costs because the event may draw from surrounding areas. Also, toilet facilities must be convenient and food concessions close by and affordable.
Timing
1. Local preferences, volunteers' schedules, space availability, etc., are all factors that will influence the date selection.
2. How long should your event be? CYCA's past Knit-Out & Crochet events in New York City run from noon to 5 p.m. on a Sunday, but our Mall of America Knit-Out run for two days! Again, local accommodations, volunteers' schedules, etc., may dictate the exact schedule. Beginning late morning or at noon and running through late afternoon, allows enough time for a large group to visit the tables and displays. In addition, it provides time for beginners to learn one or both of these arts.
ORGANIZING THE KNIT-OUT & CROCHET EVENT
Volunteers are the key
* The success of this event hinges on a core group of dedicated crochet and knit enthusiasts, who are willing to volunteer their time and share their knowledge with others. It's an ideal project for a local crochet or knitting guild because it raises awareness of knitting and crocheting and of a group's activities.
* Develop a timetable leading up to the event.
* Designate "chiefs," individuals to oversee the three major areas of the Knit-Out & Crochet event:
1. Finding a site and organizing physical set-up of the space;
2. Scheduling events and organizing volunteers before and during the event;
3. Promoting the event.
* Prepare a rough layout of where events and volunteers will be located. Leave enough space for walkways around tables and activities. Stage fashion shows or Show & Tell (see "What to present at your Knit-Out & Crochet Event" below) programs in highly visible areas and remember there must be a cordoned-off space in which models can change.
* Designate sub-chiefs and be honest in evaluating each other's strengths. For instance, if someone has a fashion flair, ask if they would organize the fashion show; if another is an excellent children's teacher, ask her to organize the children's how-to area; and so on.
* When scheduling, remember to arrange to have enough volunteers early in the day for set-up and at the end of the event for clean up and tear down.
WHAT TO PRESENT AT YOUR KNIT-OUT & CROCHET
Learn to knit or crochet and chat areas
Teaching people how to knit, crochet or craft with yarn and providing a place for people to come together is the essential mission of these events. Informal and friendly is the atmosphere you want to create. Keep it simple.
Fashion show
Organizing an attractive fashion show can be a daunting experience. Here are some ideas on how to get started.
* Contact a local crochet or knitting guild and ask for their assistance. Guild members are a wonderful source of attractive, eye-catching projects, plus, they could provide information on how items are made.
* Local yarn retailers are another excellent source for garments and accessories. Often, they may have store models that they would be willing to loan, or perhaps a trunk show, i.e., garments provided on loan from a yarn manufacturer, that they would consider presenting.
* The Show & Tell portion of the Knit-Out & Crochet event can be developed into an informal fashion show, with knitters and crocheters sharing their project ideas. (Show & Share, or "Bring 'n Brag" as it is sometimes called, is always a crowd-pleaser. Knitters and crocheters bring or wear finished garments or accessories and discuss how they were made.)
* If there is a design school and textile department at a local college, consider contacting them for garments.
* You may find a source of non-professional models at a local high school or college who would love the experience.
What's important about any fashion show is to have a script prepared that will help the audience understand how a garment is made and what they have to know in order to make a similar project (skill level involved).
Charity Knitting & Crochet
Adding a charity project to your event is a win/win addition. People like to share their talents to help others, it attracts knitters and crocheters who might otherwise have attended, and you are doing something worthwhile for your community. CYCA always has a special Warm Up America! section at its Knit-Outs and we receive numerous donations. When possible, we also invite other charities to join our events.
SUPPLIES
Yarn, needles and hooks are the basic supplies that you will need. If you are a knitter or crocheter, you probably have skeins tucked away in closets or under the bed that you would be willing to donate. If not, post a request for yarn at work, church, or the library, etc. Gather extra needles or hooks and label them with your name, so that people are less likely to walk off with them after the event.
Remember, beginners have an easier time if they learn using a medium- to bulky-weight yarn (worsted-weight to chunky yarn) that is relatively smooth. It also is easier for them to see their stitches when they use a lighter color yarn.
CYCA has a sheet of basic how to knit and how to crochet instructions which we make available and which your group could reproduce as a free handout. The Council also offers these basic instructions on its web site, which can be downloaded. (See e-mail and web site addresses below.)
PROMOTING THE KNIT-OUT & CROCHET EVENT
Publicizing your event will ensure a good turnout. It is extremely helpful to develop a press release and to create a simple flyer. To assist you, the Council provides the Knit-Out & Crochet artwork in jpeg files above.
* Determine the media, the groups or individuals you feel should be alerted about the Knit-Out & Crochet event and should receive a release. The media list should include not only your daily newspaper, but weeklies and large-circulation dailies in your state, local radio stations, TV, city and state magazines.
* Ask if volunteers in your group have friends or contacts in the media.
* Compile the list, hopefully on a database, mail the release and follow up to answer any questions they might have.
* Personally contact other groups or individuals who share your love of knitting, crocheting and yarn crafts and alert them to the event. Not only will they want to attend, but they may volunteer to help.
* Contact retail stores in your area to see if they would like to have a table to display their class information and if they will allow you to display Knit-Out flyers in their stores.
Where to Post Flyers
Retail stores
Colleges
Schools
Recreation facilities
Libraries
Book stores
Event site
Any gathering place around town
NOTE: Libraries and bookstores are wonderful places to promote a Knit-Out & Crochet event. Suggest a special display of crochet and knitting titles near the flyer.
THE DAY OF THE KNIT-OUT & CROCHET EVENT
* Designate one coordinator to oversee all aspects of the Knit-Out & Crochet event set-up; someone who can direct volunteers to where they are needed and pull others to cover emergencies.
* Set up a Volunteer Check-In Desk, i.e., a point at which volunteers sign in and receive their assignments for the afternoon. It is helpful to have a simple floor plan of the Knit-Out & Crochet event to provide to volunteers so that they can direct consumers.
* Hand out evaluation forms to visitors and designate areas where the sheets can be dropped off.
* Designate at least one volunteer as Knit-Out & Crochet photographer.
* Make sure some volunteers come early for set up and some stay later to help with clean up and tear down.
* Have a way to identify volunteers, such as name tags or same-color T-shirts.
EVENT FOLLOW-UP
* Organize a follow-up committee of key volunteers to thank volunteers, to evaluate the success of your Knit-Out & Crochet event and to finalize the event.
* Please forward a summary of your evaluations and any press pick-up to CYCA offices (info@craftyarncouncil.com), along with some of your Knit-Out & Crochet event photos.
KNIT-OUT & CROCHET EVENTS ARE NOT JUST FOR GROUPS!
Knit-Outs are all about crocheters and knitters across the country getting out and crocheting and knitting in public: on the bus, on the train, at work, at play, at school, in the mall, or at a ball game.
Share your enthusiasm with everyone! When people watch you crocheting or knitting and see that it's fun, relaxing and rewarding, they'll catch your enthusiasm and want to learn, too.
Let's keep the ball rolling!
Craft Yarn Council of America, P.O. Box 9, Gastonia, NC 28053
Tel: 704-824-7838 or E-mail: info@craftyarncouncil.com
Visit the Craft Yarn Council of America's Web site:
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