Teacher bio's

• Stranded Knitting: Unlocking the Secret of Locked Floats 
• Colorwork Basics
• Knitting in the Shadows: an Introduction to Shadow Knitting
• Introduction to Intarsia
• Knitting with Beads
• Colorwork Cables 
• "You want me to do WHAT to my knitting?!" - an Introduction to Steeks 

Kyle Kunnecke has a not-so-secret passion for colorwork. Through his fiber workshops, he provides inspiration to his students, exploring the skills necessary to continue their personal knitting journeys. His patterns are published in books and magazines, by yarn companies, and under his label, Kyle William.

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His book, Urban Knit Collection (Revised 2nd Edition)—published by David & Charles—features 18 modern knitting patterns inspired by architecture and city life. This edition includes corrections to errata from the original release and a newly expanded section focused on the locked floats technique, a method for managing floats in stranded colorwork. Inside, you’ll find step-by-step photos showing how to trap floats in both two-handed and Continental styles, on either the knit or purl side of the fabric.

Kyle lives in Tacoma, WA, where he enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest while pursuing his career in the fiber arts. His studio is home to many treasures, including spinning wheels, knitting machines, and dyeing equipment, and he spends countless hours developing new projects and techniques. When time and schedule permit, he also leads workshops and classes online and at events around the country (and sometimes around the world!).

Kyle believes creativity has the power to heal, and that when we share our stories through craft, the world becomes a better place.

• Beginning Knitting for Crocheters
• Celtic Weave and Beyond!
• Introduction to Reading Crochet Patterns and Stitch Diagrams
• Multiple Ways to Crochet Ribbing
• Crocheting the Saxon Cable

Bonnie Bay Crochet is home for crochet designer Bonnie Barker and made possible with the help of her husband Craig and son Caleb. The name Bonnie Bay is actually borrowed from an old blueberry farm in the lowlands of South Carolina, where Craig was raised and spent many hours working hard on his parent's farm. On this site you will find Bonnie's blog postings, news about her designs, books and upcoming events, directions to her videos and anything else we think of along the way to promote the art of crochet and serve this wonderful community.

Bonnie started crocheting when she was 7 years old and has been fascinated with yarn ever since. Almost by accident she began looking to becoming published after receiving a call from a woman out of the blue from another state. This lady had seen Bonnie's afghan on display at the county fair and called to ask her for a copy of the pattern.  Since this lady was so interested, Bonnie figured maybe others would be too.  So using a small point and shoot digital camera, she took a few photos and sent them to the only publisher she was aware of:  Leisure Arts. Bonnie had been buying their publications since she was a teen.  Thankfully they liked her designs and sent a contract for 5 afghan patterns (Aran Afghans)!  

Since then Bonnie has designed many other leaflets with Leisure Arts, 2 books with Penguin Random House, several publications with Amazon (independently published), as well as patterns for Coats & Clark (Red Heart Yarn), Caron Yarns, Cascade Yarns, Crochet World Magazine, Crochet Magazine, Interweave Crochet. She has also enjoyed teaching at national conferences such at Interweave Yarnfest, the CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) Conferences, as well as the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival.

Bonnie is a wife, homemaker and a retired home school mom of 5 children and grandmother to 3 beautiful grandchildren. She is a graduate of Hialeah High School (Hialeah, FL) and of The University of South Carolina where she earned a bachelor's degree in music education. After having taught many children using music, she loves any excuse to take out her guitar, flutes or Irish whistles! She also loves dabbling in photography (which has evolved into videography), traveling with Craig, driving her Miata, and of course doing anything related to crocheting - just not all at the same time! Life is full; life is good; God is amazing!

• What the Flock 
• Wild Wonderful Wool
• Fleecing Around: How to Grow Great Fleeces
• Fantastic Fibers: More than Merino

Melinda Wamsley is the owner/shearer of Boss Mare Shearing and flock manager of The Ross Farms flock of rare and heritage breed sheep which has a home base in Washington County Pennsylvania. With a degree in Ruminant Production and Management from The Ohio State University she has taken her knowledge into her adventures while shearing. She also enjoys doing numerous educational demonstrations at notable festivals like Maryland Sheep & Wool, Fayette County Fiber Festival, Central Pennsylvania Fiber Festival and her “Celtic Crossfit” at Scottish Highland Games. Since participating in Maryland Sheep Shearing School in 2020 she has traveled the east coast and beyond shearing all breeds of sheep, goats, llama and alpaca. Her love of shearing has evolved to a love of all things fiber related and has made her life's mission to teach about the sustainability and humane practices of wool products. 

• Introduction to Circular Machine Knitting for Charity, Profit, and FUN!
• Advanced Circular Machine Knitting - CARDI PARTY!

Brynn Riordan is a multi-discipline artist who has been teaching hand knitting, crocheting and machine knitting for over 15 years. She is passionate about all forms of fiber art and is thrilled to introduce others to the joys of Circular Machine Knitting. 

•  Tatting 101

Cyndi has been an avid crafter for most of her life, specializing in knitting, embroidery, soapmaking, dyeing and beadwork.  Her grandmother tried to teach her tatting when she was young without much success, but Cyndi was finally able to figure it out to honor her grandmother’s memory and has been teaching at previous versions of Stichburgh for about 8 years.  Cyndi has a B.S. in Chemistry and a M.S. in plant ecology and always tries to find ways to incorporate science with creativity.  She enjoys teaching and helping others earn about the natural works and sharing knowledge about various crafts.  She is currently employed as a hazardous materials transport manager at a global chemical company.  Cyndi also enjoys teaching about plants at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh and is a frequent guest speaker at many regional garden clubs.  She is also a big blues music fan, often attending several live music shows every week and learning to play guitar.  Her Ravelry user name is BluesSoBad.

• Spin It!
• Bag of Fiber Fun

Kim's bio needed

Whirly Bird Fibers

• Needlepoint Decorative Stitches 101

Arden Gray is a modern needlepoint brand founded by designer Hannah, inspired by her twins, Arden and Grayson, and a lifelong love of handmade creativity.

Before launching Arden Gray, Hannah spent more than a decade as a TV news anchor and reporter, where storytelling was at the heart of her work. Today, that same passion for storytelling is woven into every hand-painted needlepoint canvas, with each design created to feel relatable, thoughtful, and meaningful.

Arden Gray’s canvases are designed to inspire stitchers of all levels and encourage a slower, more intentional creative experience — one stitch at a time.

We are proud to partner with more than 50 independent needlepoint stores across the country, bringing Arden Gray designs to creative communities nationwide.

Be sure to connect with us on social media — we’d love to stay in touch!

• Broomstick Lace Choker 

Sarah is a fiber arts enthusiast from Rochester NY. She loves whimsy, color, and crochet wearables. You’ll leave her class feeling excited and ready to tackle your next idea. 
 

• Crochet with Wire and Beads
• Slow Stitch Wall Hanging with Whimsical Hanger

Kitty's bio needed

• Bargello 101: Stitch Your First Masterpiece 
• Needlepoint 101: A Beginner's Guide to a Timeless Craft
• Stitch Fiddle 101: Design Your Dream Crafts
• Corner to Corner Crochet (C2C) 101: Turn yarn into Art … One Corner at a Time

Elaine has been teaching classes at Stitchburgh (formerly Pittsburgh Creative Arts Show) for past 5 years. She learned needlepoint and bargello at her mother's side as a teenager and took up crochet 20 years ago to do something creative when her young daughters were watching PBS and Nickelodeon. An accomplished crocheter of blankets, large and small, she created her first C2C graphgan from a logo 6 years ago for a grief counseling center after the loss of her 14-year-old daughter. Since then, Elaine has taught classes in C2C crochet, bargello, needlepoint, graphgans and the Stitchfiddle computer graphics program.

In her other life, Elaine is the CFO of her family-owned manufacturing company, is a grief group facilitator and has organized her high school reunions for the past 20 years.

Elaine lives in Asbury Park, NJ with her husband and teenage daughter.

• Comfy Punk!

Learn how to crochet a custom patch made out of upcycled jeans. These can become the core of your next battle vest, jacket, bag, hat, costume and more! You will learn: Foundation Chain, Yarn Over, Half Double Crochet, Single Stitch, Sewing, Yarn Joining.

• Two Color Brioche
• Making Knitting Personal to YOU

 Luke Gilligan is a knitter, fiber artist, and technical editor with over a decade of experience in the craft. Through his work as a tech editor, he has supported hundreds of knitting patterns across a wide range of designers and fashion brands, developing a deep understanding of construction, grading, and what makes patterns clear, accurate, and enjoyable to follow.

His work is rooted in a simple goal: demystifying knitting so it’s easier to understand and more enjoyable to follow. By translating complex design elements into clean, accessible instructions, he hopes to  bridge the gap between creative vision and real-world execution.

In addition to tech editing, Luke designs patterns, teaches classes, and shares insights from his experience to help knitters build confidence and independence in their craft. He has taught at events such as Vogue Knitting Live and maintains an active presence online as @WoolEnthusiast. 

• Needle Felted Owl 

I dove into the creative pool decades ago and have come out with a love for the fiber arts.  From painting, to doll making, to rag quilting, to patchwork purses led to a friend giving me an article on repurposing old wool sweaters.  So about 18 years ago I was introduced to Needle Felting and I've been giving it a stab ever since.  Though flat was fun, I soon found that #d was my creative muse.  I loved felting and teaching others how to make snowmen and Santa ornaments.  But I still wanted to go bigger, so over the years I have experimented with both wet and needle felting to develop what i call Feltie Forms.  These firm shapes have given me the ability to bring forth fanciful creatures and freakish full-sized pumpkins.

• Punch Needle for beginers
• Weaving on a potholder loom

Gwen is a former teacher turned fiber farmer and enthusiast. She has 3 degrees in education and currently works for the PA department of education. She joins her passion for teaching with her love of spreading creativity by teaching fiber arts courses. Experienced in every aspect of fiber arts, from the hoof to the skein and beyond, the possibilities of what can be created keep her inspired. Her latest passion is working with reclaimed fibers, using primarily industrial waste items that otherwise would be in the landfill. She sees it as the ultimate challenge to create something beautiful from what others consider trash. 

• Make a Turkey Wing Broom
• ow to make a Cobweb Broom
• How to spin using a Dealgan Spindle

Hello my name is David Shepherd of Shepherds Woodworking in Ohio. Originally my training was in cabinet making.  Eventually my talent led me to the fiber arts community. The first item I made was a crochet hook and as the years have passed I have grown in what I make out of wood. From Turkish Spindles, yarn caddy’s, squirrel cage swifts and brooms.  My father and I put much thought into all the products we make.  We have helped customers with spare bobbins, and other antique items that may need a little love. The classes that I offer are always a great  experience. Watching a student leave with a broom they make or fiber they have spun is wonderful. I am looking forward to seeing you at my class. 

• How to use a Twining Loom
• Learn to spin using a Turkish Spindle
• Flower Pin Loom

 Hello, my name is Sara Gee. Until two years ago I did not know the fiber arts community existed. Since then I have learned how to spin fiber on my Turkish Drop spindle. Although I do not knit or crochet. Making items on looms sparks my creativity and allows me to use my spun yarn. Showing others how to use looms and how to spin on a Turkish spindle brings me joy. I have a full time job and two kids 21 and 19.  In my spare time I love to sew and learn new techniques and patterns. I am looking forward to teaching and meeting new people.  

• Painting with scrap fabric

Claudia is a self-taught quilter who has been quilting for over 30 years. She has been writing online tutorials and creating YouTube videos for about 12 years. Her YouTube video tutorials have been recognized by YouTube in October of 2020 as their Creator of the Day, and more recently in March of 2022 as part of their celebration of International Women’s Day as one of their Women Creators on the Rise.

Claudia’s work continues to become more widely recognized. In 2021, 2022 and 2023 she was named an Island Batik Brand Ambassador. Since 2021, she has been a designer for Island Batik, a division of Lumin Fabrics, and has had four signature fabric lines with them. She is a 2026 Benartex Fabrics Sewcial Star.  In addition, she has been a social media influencer for a number of companies.  Her designs have appeared in Make Modern Magazine, Quilter’s World, Fons & Porter Quick & Easy Quilts, Quiltmaker and Woman’s World.  Her work, under her brand name, Create with Claudia, can be found on her website:

www.createwithclaudia.com and other social media sites. She lives in Slippery Rock, PA with her husband and deaf rescue dog Frisco.

• Intro to Nalbinding

You may recognize Donna from her booth at festivals, but she has also taught classes for close to 30 years. She now owns The YarnSmith with her hubby Sam, but her love of teaching started way back in the 80's as a cosmetology teacher. Over the years she has taught fiber related classes to Girl Scouts, 4 H groups , at many yarn shops and fiber festivals, and has been known to give crochet lessons to anyone, anywhere at anytime !