Weekend in New York: Julie’s first Vogue Knitting Live

Experience Vogue Knitting Live through the eyes of a VKL newbie! gosadi community member Julie Desjardins of @Julie_ACCROchet made her first trip to the Big Apple’s Premier Fiber Festival this past January and today she’s taking YOU along for the ride. From gosadi fun and games to seeing her designs displayed in our Designer Showcase, let’s get a fresh take on the show from a fellow designer and teacher. 

January was marked by my first time at Vogue Knitting Live at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square, NYC. For the crochet enthusiast that I am, this event was pure heaven. I went to New York with the Man - our first trip outside Quebec together (impossible!?).



As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by the hustle and bustle in the corridors of the Marriott Marquis. Knitting and crochet enthusiasts from all walks of life, gathered to exchange, (spend all their money), learn and share their love of yarn, crochet, knitting and all that goes with it. I checked out the class programming and woah: the weekend offered a multitude of opportunities to enrich one's skills and discover new techniques.

Having already taught at VKL's virtual events, I was delighted to finally meet Gabby - who coordinates the classes - in person. In fact, I'm teaching again in March! Coincidence? I think not! Here’s a link to my class if you're interested.

One of the highlights of the event for me was undoubtedly gosadi’s "designer showcase", a static fashion show featuring various crochet and knitting projects from our community. Two of my own creations were on the show floor, displayed on mannequins along the event corridors. What an incredible experience to see my designs and creations highlighted alongside other designers I admire.

On Friday evening, I was able to take part in the VIP party and the gosadi Game Night. I met and hung out with Shelley from Spincushions, who made the trip from Australia where she lives. We've collaborated before, so it was really cool to be standing next to her table when some very nice people took pity on the lone Canadian.



Between events, my husband and I explored the streets of New York, walking all over the city. We attended a Broadway show (Sweeney Todd), soaking up the magic of the stage while cursing our long legs in the tiny seats at the very top of the theater. I saw rats playing in the subway and we decided that the true beauty of Times Square is revealed at night, when the dazzling lights illuminate the sky.

During our escapade, I also took the time to do a few laps of the yarn market, located on two floors of the hotel (!!). A hundred booths, where wool was very well represented, but where I also found a beautiful silver pendant - a circle with the word "crochet" stamped on it by Indigo Lane. It was the perfect souvenir to immortalize the experience. I saw many of my favourite colleagues as well as inspiring new faces in the community.



Going to my first ever Vogue Knitting Live was exhausting. in the best sense of the word. Energy was abound and all the steps were worth the effort for in person connections and conversations. It was a celebration of creativity, inspiration, and community. I left feeling inspired, with a heart full of precious memories and arms full of hugs. I can't wait to attend my next events this year and tell you all about them!

Stay tuned for more crochet adventures with Julie. Head to her Designer Landing Page to explore her creative journey and if French is the next language on your bucket list, Julie is an incredible resource to the maker community. Ready for even more Industry Insights? Subscribe to our Newsletter to stay up-to-date!

Keep reading: Breaking Language Barriers: The Art of Translating Crochet Patterns with Julie ACCROchet