Textiles: Introduction to Crochet
This 4-week class will offer a well-rounded introduction to the art of crochet taught by Sadie Young, the creator of The Tangled Self, an installation at the Denver Art Museum. Class will begin with instruction on the basics of crocheting in 2D, using single crochet and double crochet, allowing students to work on a small project, such as a scarf or beanie. Later, students will expand their knowledge of 2D stitches and build a deeper understanding of different stitches with hands-on assistance. As the class progresses, students will learn more complex methods of crocheting and how to crochet in the round, perform color changes, and more! Students will also learn about the basic tools needed for crocheting as well as tips and tricks for specific tools.
This class will cover the differences between yarn types and provide guidance on where to source various yarns. The instructor will introduce students to the basics of reading patterns and impart the necessary foundational knowledge and confidence to crochet simple items without a pattern. The goal of this class is for students to leave the course with the knowledge they need to continue crocheting on their own as well as leave classes with finished items to treasure forever! The class will spend time in the installation The Tangled Self, where students will learn how the instructor problem-solved specific sculptural and 2D elements inside of the installation.
About the Educator
Sadie Young is a multimedia and installation artist whose practice spans crochet, fine oil portraiture, carpentry, and immersive installations. While she has explored a variety of mediums, her solo artistic voice resonates most strongly through fiber arts. Since creating her first large-scale yarn installation in 2020, Sadie has been captivated (hooked) by the medium’s versatility and tactile connection. Though she continues to explore other materials and mediums in her large-scale projects & studio practice, yarn remains at the heart of her solo work.
Sadie’s art is deeply influenced by her background in psychology, particularly Jungian concepts, which inspire her exploration of the self and emotional landscapes. She earned her BFA from MSU Denver in 2015 and months after founded Spectra Art Space, a woman-owned gallery and immersive art experience venue in Denver. Spectra supports emerging and local artists through rotating exhibitions, events, and award-winning immersive experiences, with a mission to make art accessible to creators and patrons alike. Spectra has received several awards including recognition as #1 in Arts and Entertainment from Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of America’s 150 Favorite Mom-and-Pop Shops and multiple accolades from Westword Magazine for Best Immersive Experiences. In 2023, Sadie was honored as a Marquis Who’s Who listee.
As Spectra’s founder, creative director, chief curator, and installation artist, Sadie has spearheaded 11 large-scale immersive experiences and created installations for events around Denver like the Denver Film Festival. Sadie has been hosting, producing, and curating music and art events in Colorado since 2009. She continues to produce dynamic events and installations that invite audiences to reflect, connect, and engage with art on a transformative and accessible level.
