Crochet Nation
One Nation Under Yarn
Charter Citizens
Crochet Nation has hosted Crochet Cafes in cities across the country...spreading the crochet love to many new citizens, certifiying new hookers, and inspiring the experienced in the process. However, those listed below played a major role in the birthing of the Nation. The first five were featured in five episodes of the DIY Television Network's craft show, "Uncommon Threads."Gwendolyn Faye
As a young girl, Crochet Nation Founder, Gwendolyn Faye, had a dream to open a boutique to sell custom-designed and crocheted sweaters. She knew how to knit, but liked the challenge of making her creations look more sophisticated than what was thought to be possible with crochet. She abandoned her childhood dream when she got the idea that no one would pay what her sweaters were actually worth, given the amount of time required to craft each piece by hand. Still crochet has always been a part of her life. She has been known to crochet at her son's basketball games, in meetings, church gatherings, at lunch, hanging out with friends – wherever.
Keisha Young
Keisha's grandmother taught her how to crochet one day when she and her cousins were off from school to keep them busy. She has never used patterns and has designed her own bags from the beginning. And after meeting Gwen through Jill, she became one of the founding
citizens of Crochet Nation. Her claim to fame is her crocheted bags...like nothing you have ever seen...www.kyoungstar.com.
Marlene Polnett
After seeing Gwen crocheting at a friend's house in November of 2002, Marlene was intrigued by the craft and decided to teach herself. A week later she was creating her own finished pieces. Though she learned from a book, she starting designing and crocheted an afghan for one of her daughters right away. As a single mom of twin girls, crochet has been a source of personal escape and joy.
Michelle Stampley
Michelle learned to crochet from her grandmother when she was 7 years old. The first thing she ever made was a blanket, and she's been
making them ever since. She doesn't use patterns. Her grandmother taught her the first stitch, and she took it from there. She was
ecstatic when Gwen, her cousin, invited her to join in on a Crochet Cafe. She has since learned how to read patterns, and she looks
forward to every gathering to learn something new from each citizen.
Jill Head
Jill is a singer/songwriter, makeup artist, hair designer, jewelry designer who started drawing her clothing designs at about 11 years
old. She started crocheting at about the same age, but never really made anything. Ideas were in her head, but they never made it past her
drawing pad. She actually started making her designs in November of 2004 when she picked up a crochet hook and started learning the craft
for real at the very first Crochet Cafe. Though she cannot read a pattern to save her life, Jill's design skills are mind-blowing. We
always say that she makes "beautiful mistakes." She is inspired by the ability to create things never before seen, and she enjoys the outcome
of her designs.
Marcus Williams
When Marcus showed up at Gwen's door sporting his afro puffs, he had no idea that years later he would be an instrumental part of the
birthing of a Nation...a Crochet Nation...his illustrations are the foundation of the Crochet Nation vibe. In addition to being an amazing
illustrator, Marcus is a phenomenal singer and aspiring hooker.
Lamar Wilson (Pictured)
Lamar's musical prowess is showcased in the Crochet Nation National Anthem. He's the composer and often the performer at Crochet Cafes.
Check him out at: www.myspace.com/lamarchosenone2.