Knitting and crocheting devotees swarm YarnCon for threads and thrills: 'It's all about community'
Thirty minutes after YarnCon kicked off on Saturday, the fiber fair was already buzzing with chaotic energy.
Crowds were spilling into booths full of sweaters, shawls, spindles and needles. Makers were happily spinning and weaving. And people were squeezing — and sometimes smelling — yarn. Lots and lots of colorful yarn.
“I don't need it,” said Kimberly Carlos, of Dyer, Ind., a self-proclaimed “fiber enthusiast” who stood in line for hours to get into the free event at Plumbers Hall in the West Loop. “Most of us don't need it. But it's kind of like my relaxation. Yarn is my therapy.”
More than 2,000 people are expected to visit YarnCon, which continues on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual fair launched in 2007 to support local, independent fiber producers, who could not afford to participate in major craft shows. After a small start at the Pulaski Fieldhouse, the event has now grown to feature more than 60 vendors from Illinois and throughout the United States.
In contrast to the frenzied environment at the fair, the act of knitting or crocheting has a calming effect for hobbyists. YarnCon attendees reported benefits to their mental health, praising the activity for helping them build community, learn a skill and find an alternative to the fast-fashion craze.
“Because of the slow nature of the craft, it's really allowing you to sit and spend time with yourself,” said attendee Michael Smith, of Rogers Park. “Everything's so fast-paced. Whether you're scrolling on Instagram or TikTok, it's very overstimulating.”
Smith said knitting and crocheting communities have allowed him to make friendships amid shrinking "third places," or social social spaces outside of home and work.
“I'm happy that the city has something like this for fiber nerds to come out and be in community with one another," he said.
It's also appealing for attendees to make connections with vendors, said Natalia Uribe Wilson, of Woodlawn, who founded YarnCon with Sara Ware, of Kalamazoo, Mich. It's a different experience than visiting a big box retail store, she added.
“When you buy it here, you're meeting the person who dyed it, spun it and raised the sheep," Wilson said. "You can actually learn about the product and the hands that made it.”
Among the Chicago vendors was Grace Cocking, owner of Gnome Depot Fiber, who specializes in hand-dyeing yarn. Cocking said she remembers saving up to attend to YarnCon as a customer each year; now, she interacts with patrons who do the same and specifically seek out her business.
“It's such a big deal,” she said. “Every year, people line up earlier and earlier. I think it's all about community.”
Anna Hrachovec, owner of Chicago-based Mochimochi Land, praised the “warm and welcoming” environment at YarnCon, as well as the creativity on display.
"People are really innovative here," said Hrachovec, who specializes in knitted toys.
That inventive spirit can also be found among YarnCon attendees, who show up in their best homemade duds. Debra Jacobson, of Minnesota, wore a sweater featuring a vibrant western motif of cacti and chili peppers that was 25 years in the making.
“I had it all done, except I had to sew one sleeve on and crochet a button,” she said. “I was so tired of it, because it was so intense. But when I finally decided I was coming here for my birthday, I said I'm going to get that sweater done. ”
Some attendees like Brooke Brown, were even stitching onsite. She crocheted a multicolored headband to match her sweater and fanny pack while standing in line.
But the Lake in the Hills resident wasn't always so skilled. Her first attempt at crocheting a piece for her best friend's newborn a few years ago didn't go as planned.
"It was supposed to be a queen-sized blanket," Brown said. "It was not. It was like a trapezoid. But I gave it to her anyway. She still has it."
But the learning process is part of the draw for the fiber devotees.
"I try to do a new craft every year because I feel like being an adult beginner is very important and humbling," said Emily Schwegman, of Logan Square, who took up knitting years ago and has plans to learn to crochet.
“I'm really sad about how much fast fashion is taking over," she said. "So I love things that are made by hand. I love having to put in the work and learn what actually goes into making a garment.”