Building a community is like trying to write the first few words of a post—you’re full of ideas but unsure where to start. So, I guess the beginning is as good a place as any...

Like many of you, I learned a big lesson during COVID: I took the small things for granted. Local, in-person knit groups—those vibrant gatherings filled with laughter, inspiration, and connection—were suddenly on pause. Online groups popped up, but they often consisted of the little cliques that had already formed locally. Don’t get me wrong; those groups were great for keeping in touch, but… they just weren’t the same.

There’s something truly magical about being surrounded by people who are your tribe. You know what I’m talking about—someone finishes a long-term project and holds it up for the group to see, glowing with pride. Everyone cheers because they’ve been following every stitch of that project’s progress. They’ve shared the excitement, the struggles, the triumphs.

I.Y.K.Y.K. (If You Know, You Know.) It’s hard to put that feeling into words—belonging, shared joy, and connection. So instead of trying to describe it, I built it.

I met someone who told me about this immersive community platform, he and his team created. At first, I was skeptical—too good to be true, I thought. After all, I’d just built a Fiberarts Community server on Discord. If you’ve used Discord, you know it’s a powerful tool (and it’s free), but it’s not exactly user-friendly, especially for something as warm and visual as a knitgroup.

But then came GoBrunch. I didn’t fall in love right away—it probably took three tries—but when it clicked, I was hooked. (Honestly, I’m thinking we’ll need a 12-step program for this soon.) Picture attending a virtual knitgroup where you see the space, interact with people visually, and actually feel like you’re there. It’s not just text on a screen—it’s a full experience.

That’s when the Fiberarts Community was born, and let me tell you, it’s unlike anything else—online or off. I know because I’ve looked.

The community space is open 24/7 and completely free. No emails, no passwords—just pick a name, an avatar, and come on in. When you “walk through the front door,” you’ll find a main community space with a directory and a bulletin board to keep you updated on what’s happening. From there, it’s all yours to explore.

Gather with friends. Meet new ones. Each room offers something unique, with tools like circle cams, presentation screens, and (my favorite) Artybot—your fiber arts assistant. It’s a space designed for creativity, connection, and collaboration.

But here’s the thing about community: you have to start somewhere. I feel a bit like Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams—“If you build it, they will come.” Except it’s not quite that easy.

So I’ve set a date. Starting January 8th, 2025, the Fiberarts Community will host “Knit Happens Wednesdays” every week from 1 PM to 3 PM EST.

I have a friend who started her own initiative—something she truly believed in. She picked a time and just… showed up. Week after week, she sat there alone until, one day, people started joining her. Slowly but surely, her passion built something that added real value to people’s lives.

That’s what I want for Knit Happens Wednesdays. I’ll be there every week—showing up, waiting, ready to welcome you. And don’t think I’ll let you forget about it! I’ll be reminding you in emails, the newsletter, the podcast, and on social media because I believe in this space and its bright future.

Community takes time to grow, but I know it’s worth the wait. I hope you’ll come, pull up a chair, and be part of it.

Let’s make Knit Happens Wednesdays something special—together.

Until next time friends...

In a world where kindness can sometimes feel in short supply, the Facebook group "Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada" is a breath of fresh air. This vibrant community of crocheters is dedicated to spreading joy one stitch at a time, and their impact is felt from coast to coast.

The group consists of people from all walks of life, united by their love of crochet and their desire to make a difference. From local members in my hometown to participants across Canada, the spirit of generosity and creativity is infectious. These talented individuals create small, delightful crochet items and leave them in public places for others to find, brightening the days of countless strangers

What makes these random acts of crochet kindness so special is the personal touch. Each item is handmade with care, embodying the time, effort, and love of its creator. Whether it's a cute amigurumi character, a colorful flower, or a cozy little heart, each piece carries a message of warmth and positivity.

Imagine walking through a park, having a rough day, and suddenly spotting a cheerful crochet creation with a note that says, "Take me home, I'm here to brighten your day!" These small tokens of kindness can turn someone's day around, reminding them that there's still good in the world. It's a simple yet powerful gesture that resonates deeply with those who find them.

One of the wonderful aspects of "Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada" is the camaraderie among its members. The group shares cute little patterns with each other, ensuring that everyone has access to a variety of delightful designs to craft. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. The shared patterns range from adorable animals and whimsical characters to lovely flowers and hearts, providing endless inspiration for acts of kindness.

But the group is more than just a repository of patterns. Members offer advice and support to each other, creating a nurturing environment where everyone can improve their skills and feel part of a community. Whether someone needs help with a tricky stitch or wants feedback on a new design, the group is always ready to lend a hand. This spirit of cooperation and encouragement strengthens the bonds between members and makes the act of giving even more meaningful.

To make the act of giving even more special, the group has created QR codes and labels that members can attach to their crochet items. These labels often read, "Take me home, I'm here to brighten your day!" and include a QR code that links to the group’s Facebook page. This allows the recipients of these random acts of kindness to learn more about the initiative and perhaps even join in the fun. It's a clever way to spread the word and grow the community, ensuring that more people can experience and contribute to the joy of crochet kindness.

If you’re a crocheter looking for a way to give back, or if you're simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade crafts, consider joining "Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada" on Facebook. The group is welcoming and supportive, providing a platform for sharing creations, ideas, and stories of kindness. Whether you’re looking to share your own patterns, seek advice, or simply spread some joy, you’ll find a like-minded community ready to embrace you.

In these challenging times, it's heartwarming to see how a simple crochet hook and some yarn can create ripples of joy. "Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada" is proof that kindness doesn't have to be grand or costly; it can be as simple as a small crocheted gift left for someone to find. So, let’s celebrate these wonderful crafters and the happiness they spread, one stitch at a time.

By participating in this group, you not only get to indulge in a creative hobby but also become part of a nationwide movement that touches lives in the most delightful ways. Join "Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada" today, and start spreading some handmade joy!

Until next time friends...

Some days, it’s tough to start anything, even just writing the first sentence. I know what I want to say, but getting it out is a struggle. You know those days.

For the past six months, I've been working to build an online Fiberarts Community with all the bells and whistles. It's been fun learning new things and designing online experiences, but I've been neglecting the real world. It's been over a month since I've picked up my paint brushes and several weeks since I've spent more than half an hour knitting. My real-life art has been overtaken by the digital life I'm building. I now see this is a classic example of not balancing life and work.

I recently spent 8 days at my MIL's and thought I had everything set up to work, but of course, there were tech glitches. I managed to get some work done, but it had been so long since I spent an afternoon knitting, and Lake Huron was just meters away. So, I decided to take a break. Between tech issues, spotty internet, two dogs, a lake, and my knitting, it was an easy choice.

I found it worth the effort to devise a method to keep track effectively. Many knitters have shared their hacks online, but I particularly enjoyed the guidance from The Yarn Queen NZ’s YouTube video—it was a real game-changer for me.

To help manage the colorful sections, I turned to the Knitting Genius app on both my tablet and phone. It's packed with helpful tools and well worth the annual subscription.

As someone with a neuro-divergent mind, I can hyper-focus on a project but often struggle to remember where I left off if I step away for a while. This was one reason I hesitated to start this project, especially since working with short rows can be confusing and, if done incorrectly, can result in gaps.

My breakthrough came when I received a gift card for a local yarn shop, London Yarns. There, I met Judy, who had just finished her own version of the shawl. It was gorgeous, adorned with purples and pinks and a stunning edging in a crochet stitch known as the crab stitch, which she executed in the main colour. Inspired by her use of German Short Rows—an easier alternative to the traditional method—I decided to give them a try after watching a helpful tutorial by The Blue Mouse Knits.

With a solid plan in place, I began my shawl, although I frogged it several times until I settled on a colour combination that resonated with me. Now, several sections in, I find the process of knitting this shawl addictive. Each section's texture is more captivating than the last, and it's the first time I’ve worked with the garter stitch and thought, "Wow, that's beautiful!"

I have a lot on my plate, so I'm not sure how long it will take to complete the shawl, but I do know that each time I pick it up, it fills me with joy. What more could a fiberartist want?

Until next time friends...