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History of the Greater Boston Knitting Guild
The Greater Boston Knitting Guild (GBKG) was founded on January 28, 1993, following a surge of interest sparked by the First National Needlework Exhibition at the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union in Boston. Led by Doreen Hartley, Anita MacKinnon, and Marie Crocetti, seventeen knitters gathered to form what was first called the Golden Swan Knitting Guild—a name inspired by the swan symbol over the Union’s doorway and Boston’s iconic Swan Boats.
Early on, the Guild began shaping its mission: to promote the art and practice of knitting through education, community, and charitable giving. Programs were held monthly, and members quickly launched their first charitable project—selling a custom-designed “Love Sweater” to benefit the Children’s AIDS Program. ( click on the link for the pattern!)
In 1995, the Guild moved to a new space and adopted a new name: the Greater Boston Knitting and Crochet Guild. Under the leadership of President Jane Sibley, by-laws were introduced and a formal newsletter began circulation. As membership grew, so did the Guild’s ambitions. In 2000, meetings moved to the College Club of Boston. A few years later, the Guild adopted its current name—simplifying it to better reflect its focus and identity.
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By 2008, membership surpassed 150 individuals and 15 businesses. The Guild relocated again to Trinity Church in Copley Square, a larger space that supported growing attendance and a strong lineup of speakers, authors, and teachers from across North America. Alongside its monthly meetings and workshops, GBKG participated in local events, including a 2006 knitting exhibit in partnership with the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, and even made a brief appearance on the Today Show.
Then came 2020.
When the pandemic halted in-person gatherings, the Guild pivoted quickly embracing digital tools—setting up a Zoom account, learning virtual event logistics, and launching the Knit Notes and Quick Notes newsletters. The Guild’s new online format allowed it to book international speakers and reach members well beyond Boston. Programming expanded to include Show & Tell sessions, business updates, and a Monday Night Knitting series to keep members connected during lockdowns.
In the following years, membership surged. By early 2025, GBKG counted 400 members from across the U.S. and beyond—including Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
To support this growth, the Guild updated its by-laws, introduced online payments, overhauled its website, and implemented a membership management system. These updates streamlined operations and freed up volunteer time for programming, events, and community outreach.
Annual May Luncheons returned—with hybrid options, speakers from around the world, and virtual streaming for out-of-town members. GBKG also introduced “Knit Together” meet-ups and “Out of the Blue” events, creating even more opportunities for members to connect. In 2023, the Guild earned 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, gaining access to reduced rates on tools like Zoom, Mailchimp, and Google Workspace.
Throughout, the Guild remained committed to charitable work. Members regularly donated handmade items to local nonprofits, with drop-off stations featured at all major events. A new tagline—Boston and Beyond … A Fiber Arts Community—replaced “Knitters’ Home in the Hub” in 2022, reflecting the Guild’s broadened reach while maintaining its Boston roots.
Today, the Greater Boston Knitting Guild is one of New England’s most vibrant and well-regarded knitting organizations. It remains grounded in its founding values—craftsmanship, community, and generosity—and continues to offer high-quality programming in a welcoming, sociable environment.
And it’s still growing.
