Crochet Nation

One Nation Under Yarn

About


In our technologically advanced age, we have email, online communities, picture phones and more. All of it is designed to help us connect and communicate. Yet, we are more isolated than ever as a society. Crochet Nation™ is the answer. A group of Georgia girls may have found the solution to America's divided state. They are building a Crochet Nation™. To many, crochet is a dead art, reserved for grandmothers and those with too much time on their hands. But for them, crochet is a metaphor for self-expression, creativity and community. Citizenship is open to all, regardless of age, ethnicity, and even gender.

Jill Head and Keisha Young lived in the same building. Jill kept telling Keisha about an avid crocheter like her that lived in the same apartment complex. She had intended to introduce them for months. So finally, one day Keisha heard a knock at her door. It was Jill and…Gwen. Keisha showed Gwen some of her bags, and they chattered away about their crochet dreams and aspirations. Gwen said that she had always wanted to teach crochet, but not in the sterile classroom setting of a craft store. She wanted a setting where people could come relax, mellow out, listen to some music, etc. Keisha responded, "Oh, like a crochet cafe!" In a major lightbulb moment, Gwen screamed, "That's it!" And after a few hours of frenzied planning before bedtime, Crochet Nation was born.

Gwen called Keisha to notify her of what they were about to do (it didn't matter that Keisha barely knew her or that they had only talked for a matter of minutes the night before). The first two Crochet Cafes were scheduled. Roles were defined (even for people who had no idea that they were about to be involved), and within a week the logos were designed...the national anthem written...the flag designed (every Nation HAS to have a flag).

And just eight months later, the founding citizens were flown to Los Angeles, California to record five episodes of a new craft show, "Uncommon Threads." Now in its second season, "Uncommon Threads" reruns can be seen on the Do It Yourself (DIY)  (www.diynetwork.com) and HGTV Television Networks (www.hgtv.com).
 
Pictured: Seated Left to Right - Michelle Stampley, Gwendolyn Faye. Standing - Jill Head, Keisha Young. Not Pictured: Marlene Polnett