Get Knitting! A Craftivist Knitting Circle with Conscious Closet Club

Beginners and seasoned stitchers alike are invited to join Chicago Fair Trade’s cozy craftivist knitting circle! Supplies and fair trade tea provided!

Craftivism weaves together the joy of handcrafting with the power of collective action. Making your own garments and accessories encourages more mindful consumption and helps push back against the waste and exploitation encouraged by fast fashion. Around the world, textile arts are expressions of cultural identity and community resilience—every stitch connects us to a global heritage of makers.

Fiber artist and community educator Kristine Brandel will be your guide in a relaxed afternoon of knitting, conversation, and camaraderie.

All materials—needles, fair trade yarn, and inspiration—will be provided along with fair trade tea for sipping. Whether you’re casting on for the first time or refining your technique, Kristine will guide you through the basics, help you troubleshoot, and introduce new skills to explore. Share tips, swap stories, and enjoy a welcoming space where community is celebrated. Make sure to check out our museum, including our exhibit all about fast fashion.

CFT members -- if you'd like to join, please contact us at info@chicagofairtrade.org for your discount code!

Reserve your spot and join us!

About the Chicago Conscious Closet Club

The Chicago Conscious Closet Club is an initiative of Chicago Fair Trade and a community of Chicagoans interested in ethical clothing and fashion. Inspired by the book The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth L. Cline, the group learns from one another, shares resources, and explores all aspects of ethical fashion - from garment care and repair to labor rights and responsible consumption.

About Chicago Fair Trade

This event is hosted by Chicago Fair Trade (CFT), a nonprofit promoting fair trade - an alternative business model that alleviates poverty and protects the planet. CFT educates Chicagoans about ethical trading practices, challenges corporate malpractice through advocacy, and operates the world’s first fair trade museum.

Event Details

📍 Location: Chicago Fair Trade Museum, 4704 N Broadway, Uptown

🚇 Transport: Near Wilson Red Line stop and 36, 81, and 151 bus routes

🕠 Time: 2:00-4:00 PM

💵 Cost: FREE for members, $10 for non-members