Planning a Local Knit-Out
General Guidelines to Sponsor a Knit and Crochet Event
Groups and guilds nationwide are sponsoring Knit-Outs. Knit-Outs can be informal get-togethers or large gatherings with a variety of activities.
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. The year-round events are free; there is no selling.
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 lessons, fashion shows, demonstrations, product and magazine displays, children’s yarn crafts area, Guild representation, and charity activities.
A Great Group Project
Knit-Outs are a fun project that knit guilds, crochet guilds, clubs, church groups, friends or co-workers can plan and sponsor. Knit-Out sponsors become mentors to new knitters and crocheters, and holding this event is a terrific way to build awareness for guilds or clubs. Novices will love knowing where they can get assistance after the event is over.
Important Components of the Event
Location Any event’s success depends on location, location, location. Choose a high-traffic central location accessible and amenable to a large number of people. 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. Consider places that are accessible by vehicle or public transportation, that have rest areas, and whether or not any permits/insurance policies are needed.
Timing Local preferences, volunteers' schedules, and space availability are all factors that will influence the date selection and will dictate the exact schedule. Specific run times will vary. Past Knit-Out & Crochet events in New York City ran from noon to 5 p.m. on a Sunday, but the Mall of America Knit-Out ran for two days. At the very least, 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 Volunteers are the most important asset to a successful event, and organizing is their primary function. Once they are found, they can really get to work by finding a site, scheduling activities, promoting the event, and making sure "The Day Of" goes smoothly.
Gathering Supplies Yarn, needles and hooks are the basic supplies that will be needed. Post a request for yarn at work, church, or the library, etc. Donate stash yarn.
Beginners learn easiest by using medium-to-bulky weight yarns that are relatively smooth. It also is easier to see their stitches when they use a lighter color yarn.
Remember to label items that need to be returned. People are then less likely to walk off with them after the event.
CYCA has a sheet of basic how to knit and how to crochet instructions which they make available, and which can be reproduced as a free handout. Contact them at info@craftyarncouncil.com to discuss this.
Follow-Up Organize a follow-up committee of key volunteers to thank other volunteers, to evaluate the success of your Knit-Out & Crochet event and to finalize the event.
CYCA would also appreciate a forwarded summary of evaluations, photos and any press pick-up.
Following these suggestions along with their linked counterpart articles will help any craft event run smoothly. Good luck.
