Imagine learning crochet from a stuffy professor who throws around terms like "yarn over" like it's second nature. Yeah, that was 2008 YouTube for Mikey. Meanwhile, his mom's chill voice was all, "Just wrap that hook, Michael." crochet wasn't clicking. Frustrated (and maybe a little hungry for snacks his mom hid while crocheting masterpieces), Mikey decided to film his tutorials. Mikey's version has to come through for what was ahead.
It was supposed to be a connection spot, a way to teach crochet in plain English (or should we say, Mikey-speak?). Fast-forward to today, and that "connection" has become a massive online community—The Crochet Crowd! Who knew turning your mom's secret voice into a teaching revolution would be a recipe for success? Definitely not Mikey, but that's the beauty of following your thought processes and crochet-loving instincts.
Imagine this: 1988, no internet, just a teenager and a dream of mastering crochet. Unlike today, no quick online searches for fancy stitches. Back then, a young Mikey ventured to Lewis Craft, a bygone haven for crafting dreams. One book, a gateway to endless possibilities. His mom, his first crochet guru, showed him the basics. But the real magic? It bloomed years later, in 2024, through a community he built – The Crochet Crowd. Stitch by stitch, video by video, Mikey wasn't just teaching; he was learning, too. From the vibrant sea of talent on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, his skills grew alongside theirs. The point? Inspiration can come from anywhere, even a dusty craft store and a single book. And who knows, maybe your passion, like Mikey's, could spark a whole community – a testament to the power of sharing and learning.
So what's the problem with a fourteen-year-old boy, even in 2024?
Stuck at 14 with zero credit card and a burning desire to crochet beyond the basic stitch? Feeling like those fancy patterns are locked behind a tollbooth? Mikey feels your pain (and your empty wallet).
Listen, in the crochet world, some teachers have sponsorships and fancy websites that keep the free tutorials flowing. But not everyone can turn this into a full-time gig, you know? A few bucks here, a few bucks there for patterns, it adds up faster than yarn unravels on a clumsy beginner's project.
Mikey, with the awesome Yarnspirations as his partner in crime, is all about smashing those cash barrier walls. Free patterns, no strings attached, just like his mom taught him (probably with a stern look about not unravelling her stash!). This is exactly what Mikey would have wanted as a teen – a way to learn without breaking the piggy bank.
Sure, Mikey's got a YouTube Membership with some fancy backstage passes for his superfans, but that's just the tip of the crochet hook. There are literally THOUSANDS of free videos to get your creative juices flowing. So, grab your yarn (borrow it from a friend, we won't tell!), and get ready to crochet your way to happiness, Mikey-style!
Ultimately, the goal is to keep education as free as possible. With a strong community sense, it's very possible thanks to the support of so many who access our resources.
Thank you Michael for this insight into your and Daniel's life and journey. I am from South Africa and I tell you now that the yarn that is available as value yarns in Canada and USA are only things that I can dream of. I have been crocheteing since I was 10 years old and started with crochet cotton and doilies. I am 62 years old and you have opened a new world to me.
Yarn, throws and wearables have only been in my life for aboot 10 years. I am so glad to have found you and enjoy your content and love the idea of free education. You are and inspiration to others.
As a 88yr old with losingg visionn your tutorials andwell writtwwn patterns have allowed me to continue dobating dozens of baby blankets and hats, afghans
Ivew tried other sites but always go to the Crochet crowd for ideas and help
Thank you for sharing all you do. It's a lot of work and I definitely appreciate it.
Mikey is awesome he is a great source for crochet and he brings tons of smiles to my day
Mikey aka Michael is just a lovely person with boundless creativity. I am so thankful I found him. My crochet skills have greatly increased with the aid of his patterns and tutorials. I enjoy following with the tutorials and his light humorous banter❤️.