My Crochet Skills
I was taught to crochet by my mother at the age of fourteen. Intrigued by the speed of the craft and the simplistic designs of what my mother was able to achieve through double crochet, I became ‘hooked’ on the craft. She only knew how to double crochet, so I went and bought a crochet book because I was so bored of double crochet. From this moment of buying a crochet book, I taught myself the skills you see online today. Without my own children to pass along my skills, I have turned to the Internet to show others how to crochet
The Creation of The Crochet Crowd
The creation of teaching on YouTube was a fluke. A boring afternoon would end up turning into a multi-million view resource community page. People who are just finding me now believe I have come out of nowhere and I am experiencing instant success. Yes… the idea was a fluke but there is nothing instant about what I have achieved. The amount of work to build to my level is undeniable to borderline insanity during my journey. The hours and self-discipline involved have been enormous and continuous to be an everyday job to inspire thousands of people.
Role of The Crochet Crowd
I have been partnered with Daniel Zondervan since January 2009. Daniel is the co-creator of The Crochet Crowd. Daniel’s strengths are behind the camera in marketing, scheduling, newsletter creation and dealing with show logistics. He is also the marketing strategist for The Crochet Crowd ‘Live’. He is responsible for designing displays and interactions between guests and me. He has a keen eye for trends without following the industry. His involvement is an asset and makes the crowd the success that it has become.
My Role (Michael Sellick)
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Mikey Office Encourage creativity with viewers and followers on Facebook.
- Work with clients directly to use their products or patterns on camera.
- Give consumers choices and ideas when it comes to project creations on camera and in written patterns.
- Social network scheduling and campaign strategies.
- Participate with all social media outlets where The Crochet Crowd is associated to.
- Consult and implement social marketing campaigns for other crafting-based companies.
Daniel Zondervan’s Role
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Crochet Cruise Trends, projects and video consultant.
- Marketing strategist.
- Show logistics and scheduling.
Daniel is a huge supporter of Pinterest to gauge the next latest trends. It’s so amazing how he can predict a future trend by seeing what people enjoy doing on Pinterest.
Others In Our Team
Relationship with Yarnspirations
The Crochet Crowd is sponsored by and consultant with Spinrite Yarns but the public knows them as the branding of Yarnspirations.
Started unofficially in Fall 2010 with the local outlet store which morphed into hosting tent sales for the retail location. In winter 2015, we became sponsored on an ongoing basis.
Yarnspirations doesn’t have spokespersons which I thought was odd as the ultimate goal for someone like me is to be a representative of a brand. In being sponsored, my voice stays my own without being forced to echo talking points to share a point of view if I feel it’s not right for me (our community). A spokesperson has a completely different role.
We always have a choice to decline participation in a product or idea launch. If something is wrong in social media or if a trend is happening that isn’t planned. We can change direction immediately to adjust. We plan in real-time where Yarnspirations plans a year in advance.
While Yarnspirations patterns are always an option to film, we have the power to do our own thing as well. To self-design and create momentum customized for our community.
Our sponsorship pays for the development of tutorials, content and community management which takes a team of us to do. Each one of our team members has a role to try to keep us balanced. We don’t always get it right but we try. Some days, it’s really rough on social media when people backlash against something that was never intended or a person has intentionally thrown a social grenade into our community.
I say to my team often, the sponsorship pays for the party so our community doesn’t have to. It’s a win-win.
We don’t sell patterns on an individual basis. In fact, the only patterns for sale are inside our first-ever book below.
The Crochet Crowd Book
In Fall 2021, we released our very first real book that went into stores and online purchasing websites such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble and even Walmart USA.
Background
Over the years, publishers have approached us to write a book. I have declined them due to the workload and lack of desire to have a book. John from McIntyre Purcell in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia was persistent. Like really persistent.
What changed my mind was Jonah Larsen in cooperation with the ghostwriter of his book, Hello, Crochet Friends!. I realized that it’s possible to have a ghostwriter that knows how to write a book. I lacked that skill to keep it brief and yet on point. I asked if it’s possible to have a ghostwriter. Rick Conrad, a writer to help put the pieces, background and timeline together.
Rick interviewed Daniel and me three times and I also wrote about 50 pages of stories and timeline events that appear in the book. Rick pieced together the storylines and slashed what was irrelevant and sewed a timeline together. Remarkably, Rick was able to keep it in our own tone, slang and messaging.
The development of the patterns was almost random but on-brand for The Crochet Crowd. I decided not to ask any established, published, designers. We invited friends and even people who have never designed before. Jeanne Steinhilber, Anita Grover, Kathleen Nolen and Megan McHugh. With our testing team as the wind in our back to find our errors. They include Nancy Elliott, Diane Suder, Anita Grover, Cathy Lund, Michele Sanders, Donna Bondy, Wendy Marple and Kathleen Nolen.
Crochet diagrams were designed by both Daniel and me. The book forced us to finally learn how to do the diagrams and be consistent.
The Benefits of Writing a Book
- Forced consistency in pattern writing.
- Writing a manual for myself to design better and to have resources on hand for cross-reference.
- Learn Adobe Illustrator to draw the diagrams myself. That was hell to learn but I finally got it.
- To be established as a traditional author instead of a blog author.
- Patience… my gawd was it hard.
Personal Information
We live in the village of Greenwich, Nova Scotia near Wolfville, home of Acadia University. We relocated from Ontario in 2018 to begin a new story. It was difficult to do what we do in the small town of Walkerton back in Ontario and we moved to change our life’s circumstances.
We Have Additional Family Members
Binky Boo is a tabby cat. She’s been injured in the past and we rescued her from the SPCA. She has back and leg issues but when food is involved, she’s remarkably healed. She loves to lick faces when she is gets attention.
Published Articles & Video Presentations
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Keep It Free with Mikey Featured / Guest Blogger for FaveCraftsBlog, Creativ Festival and Stitch & Unwind.
- Written product reviews and filmed product video reviews for a number of crafting companies.
- Editor for The Crochet Crowd.com Online Newsletter since January 2011 to present.
- Contracted social media consultant/director for crafting-based companies.
- Granted filming rights of several major crafting-based companies.
- The latest technology of semi-professional filming and video editing computers and software.
The Power of Social Media Links & Video Usage
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Yarnspirations Mystery Crochet Along I have successfully partnered with companies associated with crafting products and services.
- Videos create educational opportunities. I try to balance these videos with being affordable, creative and not too complicated for people to follow on camera.
- Trends depend on the season and presentation of products as a whole for the entire crafting industry. With crafting having seasonal trends, The Crochet Crowd Network experiences the same highs and lows with the seasons. Summer being the low point and winter being the high point.
- It’s easy but I am expected to be honest about a product or service. I will not film something that doesn’t fit with the community, nor will I give a negative review on something as there are tremendous consequences that can impact sales and jobs across the spectrum. If I don’t like something, I keep quiet about it as it serves no purpose for me to have jobs ruined as a result of a terrible review.
- I refuse to work with any company or product where I believe the consumer isn’t getting sufficient value through product and/or customer service.
Demonstrations / Teaching
- In-Store Demonstrations of products/projects.
- Online Videos for The Crochet Crowd and established partnered companies under their own brand.
- Public speaking at crafting guilds.
- Crafting conventions.
- Crafting festivals.
Belief
I believe that crocheters are smart individuals and can tell the difference between being pushed to purchase versus an inspirational demonstration. I believe if a crocheter really wants to purchase something, they will find a way.
This belief allows me not to harp on about the products in video demonstrations of projects. Yes, I say the brand and the yarn count but I don’t go on about where to buy it, pricing and more. That’s on the crocheter to find out more. That’s what a spokesperson would do, which I am not.
I allow the inspiration to be the motivation. This is what makes my relationship with Yarnspirations so ideal. They allow us to run our community and inspiration to custom fit it to our community.
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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
I’m not sure what you mean. How do you make an apron for a bottle when so many brands are different in shaping?
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.
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❣️🙏🏽
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!
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.
Thank you DD for your confidence in me to show you some tips and tricks. I hope you had a great weekend.
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.
You can start on any side, just be consistent when following along.
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
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💜
Thank you Celestine for putting up with me and the teachings! haha. I love to share when I can.
Michael
A fantastic teacher with a contagious laughter!
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”!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Thank you for visiting our site Crystal. 😀 Hope you can find some new projects to try. 🙂 Michael
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?
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.
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.
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
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!
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
That’s a really long time ago eh! Thank you for your quick story and happy hook’n to ya! 🙂 Michael
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!!
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
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!!!
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.
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 [email protected] contact for home address..I be very grateful.
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. 🙁
You should take down her address from the site for her own protection.
Thank you for the suggestion, I fixed it.
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
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..
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. ?
We are on YouTube as well but only use Facebook for real-time community interaction.
I love your story and perseverance. I always love finding new sources for my obsession.
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!
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
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?
The Facebook group? You just have to hit like and go from there.
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!
Can you please create a pattern for a lightning bolt that is 48 inches by 18 inches. I need it for a school project
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
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.
More colours were just an option to use. Let you decide what works for you. 😀
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.
That’s awesome! well done 🙂
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!!!!!
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
I absolutely love watching and learning from Michael. You are truly amazing at what you did. That’s for making me a better hooker..
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