Building Community One Stitch at a Time

What happens when you combine the relaxed energy of city nightlife with a love for craft and community? You get ROC Fiber Night, a weekly gathering where fiber artists of all kinds come together to create, connect, and support one another in Rochester, New York. More than just a meetup, it's a thriving, welcoming space for makers to share their passion and build lasting friendships.

Building Connections During Uncertain Times

It all started in 2020, when a small group of friends turned to Zoom during the COVID lockdown to stay connected through fiber arts. I had just started learning to knit after years of crocheting, and many in our group were picking up new skills as well. In a time of uncertainty, our weekly meetings became an anchor—something stable and comforting amidst a changing world.

As restrictions eased, we transitioned from virtual to in-person meetups, gathering in parks, outdoor cafés, and even on each other’s patios. One thing about fiber crafters, we tend to draw attention when we stitch in public. And when I say fiber crafters, I don’t just mean knitters and crocheters. Our group is wonderfully diverse, including spinners, needle felters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, weavers, and more.

ROC Fiber Night founder Megan Granger (center) works on a knitted project at Flight Wine Bar in Rochester, NY, with bartender Ileana (left) and owner Sue (right). Flight Wine Bar is among the many local cafés, restaurants, and shops that provide a gathering space for ROC fiber groups, who in turn support their businesses.

As we stitched along, people would often stop to chat, excited to see fellow fiber artists “in the wild” enjoying their craft. The best part? Inviting them to join us! Watching someone’s face light up when they realize there’s a welcoming group just waiting for them is always a joy.

Scaling Up

As our numbers grew, so did the need for better organization. Initially, we relied on an informal text thread and a page on my Megs & Co website. But as our group expanded, now boasting over 500 members, it became clear that we needed a more effective system for communication, especially since our location changes weekly.

When the weather allows, the group takes their meet-up outdoors, even knitting into the sunset at times. Here, a group gathers at the Lift Bridge Lane and outdoor-use space next to Lift Bridge Yarns in Fairport, NY.

The solution? A combination of a Discord server (a group-chat app) and a weekly email newsletter. The email goes out the day before each meetup, landing directly in members’ inboxes so they always know where to find us. If plans change, I can quickly send updates.

Our Discord group started as a simple group chat but has evolved into a dynamic community hub. Members discuss projects, share inspiration, and ask questions, making it easy to connect outside of our weekly gatherings. It also serves as a great icebreaker for newcomers. Attending an event alone can be intimidating, but being able to introduce yourself online first or even ask someone to save you a seat makes joining in much easier. Some members have even found us before moving to the area, making friends before they’ve arrived, while others stay connected from afar after relocating.

All crafts are welcome at ROC Fiber Night.

Supporting Local Businesses

Beyond building a strong community among crafters, ROC Fiber Night has also developed meaningful partnerships with local businesses. Finding venues willing to host a group that fluctuates between 8 and 30 people on any given week isn’t always easy, but we’ve been fortunate to find welcoming cafés, restaurants, and local yarn shops that provide cozy spaces for our gatherings. In return, we support these businesses by ordering food, drinks, or supplies during our meetups. These partnerships have allowed us to keep our events completely free while also fostering a sense of connection within the local economy.

ROC Fiber Night gathers at Flight Wine Bar.

Over the past five years, ROC Fiber Night has grown from a casual Zoom call into a vibrant community of fiber artists who inspire and support each other. Our name embodies the diversity of crafts that represent our group with a nod to our beloved city, Rochester, as through craft, we’ve built friendships, learned new skills, and strengthened our ties to local businesses—all while simply doing what we love.

If you’re in the area, we’d love for you to join us at our next meetup. And if you’re looking to start a fiber group in your own city, don’t be afraid to begin small. A few friends, a shared love of fiber arts, and a welcoming attitude are all you need to get started. The connections you’ll make along the way will be more rewarding than you can imagine.