TTC Knitalong 2012

photo courtesy of Michelle Hotchin

On July 14, I participated in my fourth TTC Knitalong.  What a remarkable (and sweaty!) day filled with yarn, knitting, and great friends. Over 90 people took part in this giant yarn crawl/knit-in-public spree. The knitting community continues to blow my mind. This year I took part in a more active way than ever before and I'm so happy I did.


People often ask who "actually runs" the Knitalong and the answer is, "We do". As Glenna says, "We are people with skills." We get things done.  Just look at us!
Planning for the Mid-July event starts in late April, often in a pub. with the choosing of a date and mapping of tentative routes.  A more formal meeting later and jobs are assigned.  There are stores and sponsors to contact, donations to solicit and collect, and a press release to create and distribute. Graphics are created, registration is administered, bags are ordered and the pins are made.  Not to mention keeping on top of  blog and Ravelry posts and Twitter.

The night before the big crawl, we assemble to assemble.  The swag bags and prize packs are created and counted out for each team.  Team lists are printed out and distributed. This huge operation requires the consumption of much wine. 
Then it's time for the big day.

Here, happy members of the most excellent Team Red knit on the St Clair car. 

My co-captain Emily and I both look smashing in Red.

Our stowaway Clara models a store sample.

At the end of a fun but tiring day, we assemble at a pub for prizes and refreshments.

A few years back, we discovered we had a little registration money left over after covering basic expenses.  We voted on a charity and chose Sistering because it is a local organization and it serves marginalized women in an inclusive way. Also they use knitting and crochet as just one of their many community building tools. Over the years, the TTC Knitalong  has tried to increase the fundraising aspect of our event. Through increased efficiency and enrollment, as well as the acquisition of sponsors, we raised over $1200 this year! The icing on the cake is that we got coverage in Torontoist, a well established Toronto media outlet. Amazing.