Michael Sellick, or Mikey as he's known to millions, isn't just a crochet instructor; he's the friendly face that's welcomed so many of us into the wonderful world of yarn. His story isn't just about hooks and stitches; it's a testament to the power of sharing a passion and building a community.
For Mikey, it all started with his mom. Imagine being 14 and watching your mother effortlessly create beautiful scarves in just a few hours. That's the image that sparked his lifelong fascination with crochet. He was hooked (pun intended!) by the speed, the simplicity, and the sheer magic of transforming yarn into something tangible.
A Look Back
Before The Crochet Crowd, Mikey was an 18-wheeler long-haul truck driver. A magazine for truck drivers had an article about donating time to a classroom in the United States. Mikey's nickname came to be through answering the call and teaming up with a grade-five special needs class based out of New York, USA, three years ago. The simple job was to write postcards to the students in the places where he would stop and tell the kids stories about the environment, location, and people along the routes.
With the internet becoming more accessible, Michael discovered YouTube and opened a channel in 2007. The channel was designed to communicate with the kids, showing them places, not just posting pictures. Only to realize that several months into it, the school had YouTube as a blocked resource. Others viewed the videos of the trucking adventures with no genuine interest.
Fast forward to 2008. Picture this: Mikey is searching for a lost crochet book, a quest that unexpectedly leads him to YouTube. He discovered a vibrant community of crocheters sharing their knowledge, and a lightbulb went off. He thought, "I can do this! I can share my love of crochet too." And so, The Crochet Crowd was born.
What started as a simple YouTube channel has blossomed into a global phenomenon. Millions of us have learned from Mikey's warm, approachable teaching style. He has a knack for breaking down even the most complex stitches into easy-to-understand steps. Whether you're a complete beginner nervously holding a hook for the first time or an experienced crocheter looking for inspiration, Mikey's got you covered. A significant part of that accessibility stems from his dedication to providing explicit, visual instruction. One of his considerable accomplishments, and a game-changer for his teaching, was mastering the art of creating crochet diagrams in Adobe Illustrator. This skill enabled him to visually represent patterns and techniques with unparalleled clarity, making crochet even more accessible to learners of all skill levels.
But The Crochet Crowd is more than just tutorials. It's a community. It's a place where we can connect with fellow crocheters, share our projects, and celebrate our creativity. And at the heart of it all is Mikey, with his genuine enthusiasm and infectious love for the craft.
Beyond the online world, Mikey has also shared his expertise through his book, "The Crochet Crowd: Inspire, Create & Celebrate," a treasure trove of patterns and stories from his crochet journey. He's also a popular speaker and workshop instructor, traveling the world to connect with crocheters face-to-face.
Behind the scenes, Mikey's journey is shared with his partner, Daniel Zondervan, the co-creator of The Crochet Crowd. Together, they're a dynamic duo, managing the community, creating fresh content, and dreaming up new projects. Their home in Nova Scotia is shared with their furry family, consisting of two Great Pyrenees dogs and two cats.
Mikey's legacy isn't just about the stitches he's taught; it's about the joy he's spread. Through The Crochet Crowd, he's empowered countless people to discover the magic of crochet, one stitch at a time. He's not just teaching a craft; he's building a community, fostering creativity, and sharing his passion with the world. And that's something truly special.
Importance of Sponsorship
In the intricate tapestry of The Crochet Crowd's journey, a pivotal thread weaves through the partnership with Spinrite Yarns, known to the public as the branding giant Yarnspirations. The union, born in the unofficial embrace of Fall 2010, emerged from a local outlet store and blossomed into a collaboration that transcended the ordinary.
In 2015, The Crochet Crowd partnered with Yarnspirations in a sponsorship that went beyond a typical business deal. Instead of using spokespeople, The Crochet Crowd, and specifically Michael Sellick, kept their authentic voice and remained in charge of their content. This meant they could choose which products and ideas to support, even if it differed from Yarnspirations' usual plans. While showcasing Yarnspirations' yarn, The Crochet Crowd also designed their own projects, keeping their content fresh and relevant to their community. The sponsorship helped fund tutorials, content, and community management, allowing the team to focus on sharing their passion for crochet, even when things got tricky online. This unique partnership allowed The Crochet Crowd to stay true to its community while growing and creating.
The Crochet Crowd Book
In the vibrant hues of Fall 2021, The Crochet Crowd unveiled a milestone in their creative odyssey – their very first book. This tangible treasure found its way onto the shelves of stores and online platforms like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even Walmart USA.
Despite publishers wanting The Crochet Crowd to write a book for years, Michael always declined due to workload. It wasn't until John from McIntyre Purcell and inspiration from Jonah Larsen's book (which used a ghostwriter) that he reconsidered. Michael and Daniel were interviewed, and Rick Conrad wrote the book, capturing The Crochet Crowd's unique style.
Instead of hiring designers, Michael invited friends and beginners to create patterns, with a dedicated testing team ensuring quality. Learning to develop crochet diagrams in Adobe Illustrator became a crucial new skill. The book-writing process taught them valuable lessons about pattern writing, design, and visual communication. They hoped the book would solidify their place as bloggers and authors in the crochet world. Michael realized that patience was key to completing this challenging but rewarding project. The book became more than just patterns; it was a story of their passion and creativity, a legacy for future crocheters.
Angie says
Hello mike say I would love to have a pattern for one of those aprons that you put on your dish soap .. I can’t seem to find a pattern anywhere for one … my great grandmother used to make them but unfortunately she never had a pattern to pass on
Mikey says
I'm not sure what you mean. How do you make an apron for a bottle when so many brands are different in shaping?
Christine Pagsanhan says
Well it is a pleasure to meet you. I appreciate all you do and share with us. Im new to the crochet art. Im left handed and people who tried to teach me were not. Covid brought me to you. You also helped me keep my sanity. For that Im forever grateful. I am not close to being a master nor sell items I make. What I make are gifts because teaching me was a gift and I do not profit from it. I should be paying you if anything. Bless you, Daniel and your pets. And you make a difference in the world.
Camille says
What a beautiful article.! The crochet world needs more stories like this for inspiration. I watch Yarnspiration/ Mikey often when he does video tutorials. Thank you so much for sharing it all. Keep up the great work and I pray you have continued success❣️??
Danielle P. says
Mikey is an awesome guy! I’ve watched many of his videos and even though I’ve been crocheting for almost 35 years, I almost always learn something new from him. Thank you so much Mikey, you are a true inspiration! Oh, and your fur-babies are adorable!
DD Donnelly says
Mikey and Daniel, I just wanted to let you know that I greatly appreciate all that you have done. When ever I get stuck, I have gone to your fine teaching. You have inspired me to stretch and grow. I was shown how by my grandmother back in the 60's and am passing it along to my granddaughter s. You are a major asset to their growth. Thank you. We will be watching for a long time to come.
Mikey says
Thank you DD for your confidence in me to show you some tips and tricks. I hope you had a great weekend.
Johna Wrzosek says
Mikey I watched your video on C2C, and I am left handed. Do I start on the right corner? I have never made one so I want to get started on one. Thanks.
Mikey says
You can start on any side, just be consistent when following along.
Lilli Boettcher says
Where do I start I guess first to say thank you for helping me learn new Stitches my favorite part is your mystery which was a giraffe and a few other things. So thank you for all your help and videos which was so easy to follow also would like to take the time to say thank you to Daniel for the music that he plays so beautifully okay stay safe bless you both big hugs from Falls City Oregon
Celestine Dunlop says
I have been following Mikey on Crochet Crowd for afew years. I absolutely love his humor, teaching skills, fabulous designs, his generosity of allowing us into his home. I could go on and on. What can I say but he has opened up a whole new world to me of this wonderful craft. Thank you Mikey?
Mikey says
Thank you Celestine for putting up with me and the teachings! haha. I love to share when I can.
Michael
Wendy Valender says
A fantastic teacher with a contagious laughter!
Samantha d says
Thank you for being one of my "crochet wizards" I wanted to learn how to crochet but never had the patience as a child. Which is a shame cause alot of women in my family do amazing work. A few years ago thanks to you and a few others I've learned how and now am "hooked"!
Marina King says
Mikey has definitely taught me more than I ever thought I would learn. Now I love learning new stitches and pushing myself to learn harder patterns.
Michelle McCartney says
Hi Mikey...from Michelle in New Zealand. I stumbled across your site some months back and have been "hooked" ever since. I am currently on round 32 of a crochet along blanket. Your left hand crochet videos are fantastic and have allowed me to learn many new techniques. I am a self taught left handed crocheted and never thought I would achieve anything other than simple stitches. Thank you, thank you, thank you. What a wonderful human being you are.
Ashe Mohammed says
Hi Michael you are awesome l love crohet and knitting as well I really want to go in to it deeply but I need to know how to order for wool and get a beautiful design's thank you.
Mikey says
You can get designs on this website if you just surf on through. There are 1000's of free patterns here. As far as ordering yarn, I'm unsure where you live but I would just order online but check to see if they ship to wherever you are before you get too heavily invested in time. Some don't ship across into Canada, where I live, for example.
Irene says
Yes I'm hooked....I've watched you crochet sweaters...and other things....but sometimes I just enjoy watching you crochet and like it when you get the gigglas....God bless...fromEl Paso Tx 79938
Crystal Chinn says
Wow!
I saw you twice on U tube. You are one of a very few that are easy to understand and follow. This is my first time at this site. Nice
Mikey says
Thank you for visiting our site Crystal. 😀 Hope you can find some new projects to try. 🙂 Michael
Deborah says
Love your video for the calico flowers scarf. What colour yarn did you use for the neutral toned model?
Also, what do you think of the addi swing hooks?
JK says
Thank you Mikey. I always enjoy any project you do. I have done many. You are brilliant, this coming from a former Nova Scotian. Thanks so much. Great videos and patterns to follow. It's great when a parent teaches a new skill. I love crocheting and want to thank you for all the tutorials.
Katrina says
I thoroughly enjoy learning how to crochet from you. I have been willing to attempt patterns that I would not even dreamed of.
Please continue to keep your high quality standards.
Holly Core says
Dear Michael, I am laid up for a little while and this morning I turn on my iPad and low and behold on google is this wonderful article about you! I read it through and found it so very interesting. I also enjoyed reading about your relationship with your parents. It sounds like they were very encouraging in your craft of choice. I wish one of my 5 sons would like to learn crochet. Lol I just really wanted to tell you that I am so grateful for you and the whole crochet crowd. I found you because my friend Melissa told me about you and I checked your site out and I was “hooked.” I would like to say what year, not sure, but I will say my first crochet along was the happy hearts Afghan. I actually made it twice! I have crocheted for 35+ years easily, maybe more and I still don’t know everything. You have truly opened my eyes up to a whole new world of crochet. Thank you for making things clear and easy to understand. I feel a lot more knowledgeable and confidant because of you. I look forward to watching your continued success, keep on hooking! Blessings to you and the rest of the crochet crowd team.
~Holly Core,
Bellefontaine, Ohio
Mikey says
Good Morning Holly, I hope you are feeling better! Thank you for your appreciation. Like anything in life, people find their own passions and hobbies. Keep on hook'n!
Rosey Chandler says
Mikey, you're awesome and so talented. I've been a subscriber since 2008 and have made many of your crochet creations. Like your mom, I only knew how to double crochet and make granny squares. You've taught me so much and I look forward to continue learning with you. Much love to you and Daniel. ❤ Rosey
Mikey says
That's a really long time ago eh! Thank you for your quick story and happy hook'n to ya! 🙂 Michael
Jana says
Loved this Mikey but how old is this bio? It says you have one cat, Riverstone and we all know what happened to her 🙁
This has to be a few years old now.
Still it’s nice to see pop up on my google feed.
Love you both!!
Marina King says
I would have to say it's from at least 2018 possibly early 2019 because it was after they moved here, but before Riverstone, puss-puss and binky-boo
Carole Schueneman says
Love your story and love, love, love what you do. Most of my life was spent knitting and only dabbling in crochet as I always liked the look of knitted projects over crocheted. But Mikey has opened up a whole new world of crochet to me with his TEXTURE - so many beautiful things with texture, to the point now that I look for patterns with texture and am loving it. So much so that I've kind of switched. Also, with all the ergonomic crochet hooks, at 72, it's easier on my hands than the thin, very hard knitting needles. Thanks Mikey, I've learned soooooo much from you on improving my crochet skills and I am absolutely loving crocheting texture!!!
Dee a tibbs says
I taught myself or should I say you taught me. I learned from watching your videos and to read patterns from you . You did actually show one of my cotton washcloths. I was really surprised you had chose one of mine. But, I did want to say I really enjoy watching and learning from you. Thank you for all you both do,for all of us.
barbara rowell says
Hi Michael. My name is Barbara Rowell. I move little town in Ga. On the way I lost all my crochet hook and knitting needles. I like to know help out. Love making thinks for cancer patients. Hear on warm springs ga. I need get the yarn and needles . Please help me out.God bless you
For you love . kind I know in your or anyone you know can help me out. I love you videos on YouTube. Thank you. Barbara Rowell.here my email address barbararowell2730@gmail.com.my contact for home address..I be very grateful.
Mikey says
Morning Barbara, hopefully you have a local craft store that you can purchase a crochet hook at. They are pretty inexpensive. I would start by buying just one of your favourite sizes and slowly rebuild your collection over time. I don't know of anyone in your region to ask them to send them their hooks to you. I'm sorry you lost your hooks. 🙁
Tara says
You should take down her address from the site for her own protection.
Marina King says
Thank you for the suggestion, I fixed it.
Rocio Ramirez says
MichaeI, love your story. I made the spider web Blanket for my grandson.
I really thought I wouldn't been able to do it. But your clear instructions and easy to follow you video allowed me to. Although I got scared that you didn't go through the whole knitting on the video.
But I kept looking at it.
I did finish it.
I just need to buy another white yarn because I went three spikes short.
My grandson ,11 years old loved it.
Told it's ok grandma don't buy more yarn it's looks great anyways.
Thank you so much Michael for your wonderful teaching and thanks to Daniel Zondervan behind cameras he does a spectacular great job.
God Bless both of you.
Happy and Blessed 2020
Jill Williamson says
I first found the crochet crowd while learning the Tunisian around the world pattern, watching video on YouTube, immediately found a great tutorial with Mikey at the helm and joined..
I am an avid follower now..
Your bio was interesting and tells allot, you are a great teacher, personality plus..
Athena Chronis-Putnam says
Love your story. Are you only on Facebook? Had to delete my Facebook account. Facebook wouldn't fix so I've gone to Instagram. Are you on Instagram too?
My husband's mother taught my husband to make doilies when he was a young boy before television but they didn't keep up with it. My mother taught me when I was five. Over 60 yrs ago. I still love crocheting. I don't do anything fancy. Donations and baby blankets and lap afghans for sale. Have you contacted the 11 yr old young from Africa who was adopted by an American couple. He's done a wonder with yarn and a crochet hook. ?
Mikey says
We are on YouTube as well but only use Facebook for real-time community interaction.
Kathrien Hasbrouck says
I love your story and perseverance. I always love finding new sources for my obsession.
ildi says
I've crocheted two hats so far based on your tutorials, the swirl and the shadow shells. Your instructions are great, easy to follow, thanks for all your hard work!
Lynne Stranick says
Very nice bio. Would truly enjoy joining your next crochet along. Would you be so kind to inform me as to how I would join, etc ? Thank you very much! Respectfully, Lynne Stranick
Carlee Burletoff says
First time I've come across you. This sounds wonderful! Looking forward to learning from you. Can do basic stuff but would like to grow in my crocheting skills. How do I join The Crochet Crowd?
Marina King says
The Facebook group? You just have to hit like and go from there.
Keryl says
How do I get started on the Cal now I’m progress or is it too late? What are the rules and yarn type and tutorials. Very interested!
Faith says
Can you please create a pattern for a lightning bolt that is 48 inches by 18 inches. I need it for a school project
Katherine Brown-Daniels says
I enjoy watching the tutorials you put out and have done a few of the projects it has help be with calming myself from anxiety and helped boost my mood when feeling depressed love the videos of the crochet groups looks like so much fun you have inspired my 13 year old as well to learn to crochet as I have shown her your YouTube videos
Ruth Garcia says
I am a bit confused. On the chrysanthemum pattern for the flora afghan, on round 12 the directions say to fasten on with"C" and finish with fasten off"B". Is this a typo. Also the pattern calls for 3 colors but you use 4 in the video tutorial. Is this just to show additional ideas of creativity? Thanks for all you do. I've learned so much.
Devin Folks says
More colours were just an option to use. Let you decide what works for you. 😀
Carole Mullins says
I have made 2 of the peppermint throws and they turned out beautifully thanks to the tutorial by Mikey. They were the hardest pieces i have ever attempted to make and would never have finished them without Mikeys help. Thanks so much.
Marina King says
That's awesome! well done 🙂
Patt says
I have followed you for years. I am do proud of all your accomplishments! Love you and Dan and thank you for all your hard work!!!!!
Janie says
I find Crochet Crowd to be the easiest to understand as well. Thanks for your time, it's a pleasure to watch and learn.
Janie
Dawn E gomes says
I absolutely love watching and learning from Michael. You are truly amazing at what you did. That's for making me a better hooker..
Randy Bothman says
Nice bio! I have followed you for years and now I feel like I know you as a friend. I first ‘met’ you when I too was trying to expand my stitch knowledge and I looked for your videos because they were the easiest to understand. Then I found Crochet Crowd and have followed it ever since. Thanks for all you do and I hope we get to meet one day either on a cruise or one one of my many journeys to parts unknown!!
With grateful respect to both of you...
Randy Bothman
Roseburg, Oregon