The Many Costumes of Knit and Crochet Aficionado, Lily Chin!

Almost 20 years ago at a Stitches East conference, Lily Chin conceptualized a unique and inspiring way to make her grand entrance at the Stitches student banquet… she wore a handmade costume!

Rather than just wear her “best” knits and crochets for the event, Lily thought that with the show being close to Halloween (Stitches East happens in mid-October), she would surprise everyone with a knit or crochet costume. Now a tradition years later, as of this past Stitches Midwest (August, 2014), Lily is proud to have created her 50th costume – that’s 5-0, fifty! Interestingly enough, she seldom wears her outfits again … except for on Halloween, and even then only occasionally. For now, they mostly sit in storage. We’d love for Lily to compile her fabulous costume designs into a book. Come on, Lily!

Through her wonderful costumes, the creative maven has portrayed many characters: Ariel the Little Mermaid, Morticia Adams, Cleopatra, and even Scarlet O’Hara from Gone with the Wind (noting that going to the bathroom with a hoop skirt isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do). Along with Scarlet O’Hara, her other favorites are the Statue of Liberty, which she made after 9/11, and last year’s dramatic “Brunhilde” (pictured below).

Everyone needs a creative outlet right? This happens to be Lily’s. Since she designs patterns for a living, this form of needle-crafting allows her to just have fun and not worry about pattern writing.

I personally love all of the detail that went into her Brunhilde, and even her Raggedy Ann doll outfit, which for Lily, evokes warm memories of childhood and good times. Her latest outfit, debuted at Stitches East in 2014, was inspired by Marie Antoinette (see above), and is knit with Vanna’s Glamour for the dress, with Wool-Ease in “Frost” for the wig.

I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Be sure to look out for Lily Chin and her amazing costume designs whenever you’re at a Stitches show, especially the night of the student banquet – she never ceases to amaze!