When Nykole Cadigan came across a video of a “knitting rave” held in Toronto, she immediately texted it to her friend Emily Marquis.
“We need to do this in Portland,” she texted.
The two women, both 38 and friends since they were sixth graders in New Gloucester, were well-positioned to throw a high energy craft party. Marquis has been an event planner for more than 15 years, and Cadigan is an avid knitter and has worked in fiber arts for many years.
So on Sunday, the duo did just that. At the “Craft Social” they hosted at Portland’s Maine Studio Works, more than three dozen crafters gathered along tables to bead friendship bracelets and charms, make flower crowns and collage while socializing and enjoying a live DJ’s beats.
“I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but when we got here it was really awesome,” said Rachel Mishra, 42, whose friends brought her to the event. “Everyone was immediately into it.”
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For $25 tickets, attendees could have any crafting supplies and provided nonalcoholic beverages. The event was BYOB, but some crafters appreciated the chance for a club-like atmosphere that focused on crafting instead of drinking.
“As a sober person, it’s a nice in-between,” said 38-year-old Sarah Corrigan, of Portland. “Sometimes on a night out, I wish there was an activity to do.”
Under shimmering ribbon chandeliers and vibey purple lights, the sounds of laughter and chatter rose above the DJ.
“It’s a fun activity and way to socialize,” said Emily Arbaugh as she worked on a collage. “It’s nice to come together on the weekends.”
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Cadigan and Marquis hope to throw other craft socials throughout the year in Portland and potentially the Midcoast. While some people may think of crafting and dancing as having distinctly different energies, Marquis views making and moving as going exceptionally well together.
“I believe creating is a good balm for feelings of helplessness in the world,” said Marquis, who lives in South Portland. “It gets people engaged.”
Cadigan put this combination into practice. Bobbing to the music’s beat, her knitting needles danced as she crafted the start of a sweater.