Get Your Stitch On: Michele Costa of Stitch Up Events

Inside: Explore the world of Stitch Up Events with Michele Costa. Join like-minded yarnists for a wonderful time of creativity and connection.

This interview was originally published in the March 2024 Digital Edition of Crochet Foundry Magazine.

We had a chat with Michele Costa, a prolific crochet entrepreneur and community leader. The theme of this chat was Stitch Up Events, where crocheters of all kinds get together and enjoy crocheting and good company. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and a warm afghan if you live where it’s cold, and read all about Michele and Stitch Up Events.

Hello Michele, when did you learn to crochet and how did you get into the crochet industry?

Well, some would say I was basically born with a 5mm crochet hook in my hand, because while I do not remember who showed me, I do remember yarn and hooks as far back as the memory goes. I remember going with my mom or grandma to Woolworths near Grand Central station in NYC where I grew up and picking out yarn and hooks like it was my own version of a trip to the toy store.

In my previous career of event & television production, I would often turn to crochet as a tool to stay centered and grounded and creative. Over time I was able to turn that passion into a small business selling handmade goods. As my knowledge and love for the craft grew, I shifted focus to design work and launched my blog in 2016.

There is something so incredibly special about crochet and people who crochet. I call it a “heritage craft”. The concept of taking your hands, a tool, and string and creating something – often born from an idea in my head – is quite magical. Being able to turn this into my career, business, and livelihood is beyond my wildest dreams.

What has crochet and the crochet community provided you that you didn’t find anywhere else?

This is a great question. Confidence. The biggest thing designing crochet and being part of a crochet community has taught me is how to be confident and remain curious at the same time. Confidence in my stitches and my ideas. Confidence in my designs and in my knowledge. Confidence in myself has come over time, but I have seen it grow the more I build my crochet business.

Being part of a crochet community has helped me remain curious. Curious about new yarns and stitches. Curious about designing and always stay learning and trying something new.

Can you give us an overview of Stitch Up Events?

The goal of Stitch Up Events, since the beginning in 2017, has always been to create spaces for fiber enthusiasts to come together and celebrate their love of fiber. It sounds simple, I know, but it’s more than that. It’s a place to really connect.

Stitch Up attendees are invited to “just show up and have fun”. That’s the only rule. That’s because we work incredibly hard to create an environment where everything is provided within the ticket cost. No extra costs at the event. All workshop and activity materials are provided by our sponsors and partners and all meals are included within the ticket cost. This allows us to control the environment we are creating and build a truly immersive event.

By using hosts rather than traditional instructors, each Stitch Up creates a community learning environment. Our hosts are there to guide attendees through an immersive and fun fiber weekend and attendees can learn from our hosts or other members of the community. This proves more effective than the pressure of timed classes.

We find people teaching and sharing with each other and connecting. It really is a very special thing.

We see a lot about community in your various socials and sites, why is that important to you?

When I was young I spent a lot of time with my grandpa. He was a businessman in the neighborhood where we lived and the nearby areas and often took me to work with him. Sometimes I would fake sickness to miss school and just hang out with him.

What I remember most about that time was how everyone in the neighborhoods and community knew him. We would walk down the street and people would just yell “Yo, Mr. G” or “Hey Al” (his name). People recognized his car and they knew I was his granddaughter.

He would leave me with one of his building managers, Pedro, while he went to meetings or about his business. I would play with Pedro’s kids and his dog and watch the bodega with him. I would say hello to all his customers.

These memories and this time really instilled in me the deep value of community. I believe community is truly what connects us as humans.

In building my own businesses, especially with crochet and fiber arts, I work hard to emulate the things I saw in my grandpa growing up. And always ask myself – what can I do to contribute? How can I serve my community? This comes from those memories and that time.

What do you like most about Stitch Up Events?

My favorite thing is that after each event I send out a survey to attendees and ask for honest feedback. One question, “Did you learn something new” is my favorite. In that question I find the most joy because I cannot even count the times I have read that people not only did in fact learn something new but were equally excited to share or teach someone else something. It reminds me why that event is so special.

What crafts other than crochet can we expect to see and learn about at Stitch Up Events?

Traditionally we focus on knitting and crochet but we encompass all fiber arts. We have had Tunisian Crochet and hand knitting as well.

We’re so excited about Stitch Up Events – where can we learn more and get tickets when there’s an upcoming event?

https://stitchupevents.com/chicago

Anything else we should know about you or Stitch Up Events?

I love my toy poodle Vinchi. I love crochet. I am excited for the event this year. If you see me at Stitch Up or any event. Come say hey and let’s talk yarn!

And of course, tell us where else we can find you on the internet, please!

Register for Stitch Up Chicago and find out about other events at Stitch Up Events.

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