by Noella Noelophile®
Who knew crochet could be so sexy?
Apparently, the answer is: Paula Crochet Fashion designer and yes4arts president Paula Bennett.
On Saturday, she shared that revelation–and put the “fun” in “fundraiser”.
Nonprofit yes4arts’ first major fundraiser, their “Fiber Arts Fashion Show”, happened Saturday evening, July 25th, at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. 
The program showcased the work of five different designers, while proving that crochet, knitting and needle arts extend far beyond their “Granny” image.
The show started with a series of sundresses, which Paula designed in crochet.
Local comedians Caitlin Catt and Kari Martin were enjoyable masters of ceremonies, even when the unexpected occurred (as it will, with regularity, in any live event). They kept the show going, at times engaging audience members, during costume changes.
DJ Steven Padilla served up an excellent music mix, complementing the onstage action but never overwhelming it. At times jazzy, at times uptempo dance, his selections set the tone for a celebration.
Three different jewelry designers’ creations were featured in the show…
…including these beautiful pieces by Eileen Karrigan, of Eileen’s Beaded Jewelry.
One hundred percent of the evening’s proceeds will go to support yes4arts, which is a 501(c) nonprofit offering free classes in crochet, knitting and sewing basics to all levels, from “beginner” on up. Yes4arts’ goals are both to preserve these arts, and to empower students to create their own wearables, both to wear and to sell.
We especially enjoyed this portion of the program: five outfits designed by Louis Fournier IV, of LF Cubed Designs. They’re made with–recycled circuit boards and e-waste!
Here, model Lulu Zhang models one of Luis’ creations. Kari and Caitlin pointed out, in their commentary, that this dress provided her with her own personal “windchimes”!
But perhaps the biggest hit of the evening, were these confections whipped up by designer Jodi Beth Gilbert, of All Tied Up Custom Corsets.
Her costumes evoked every fantasy character from Cinderella…
…to Maleficent.
The Shakespearean phrase, “high fantastical”, comes to mind here!
In addition to the show itself, attendees had the opportunity to browse the silent auction (presided over by Diane Gonzales, from the Global Gifts UNICEF Shop, at CRAFTED). 
Not surprisingly, these beautiful artists’ donations were well received!
So were the chorizo selections whipped up by Humberto Raygoza, a/k/a “Chori-Man”, and these decadent offering by Tamiza Teja, of Tamiza’s Treats. (Tamiza, we trust you took the calories out–yes?)
And visitors also had the opportunity to purchase these dolls, designed to interest the next generation in crochet…
…as well as some of these crocheted vests and dresses.
The evening’s grand finale was this selection of crocheted dresses which Paula designed, from the jail scene of the movie “Chicago”…
…including the “Queen Latifah” dress.
“I am beyond happy,” Paula said, at the close of the evening.
While the funds raised had not yet been totaled, Paula told us that six of the dolls and one of the dresses had been sold, and the contribution jar, for yes4arts, was full.
(This would be in addition to funds raised through ticket sales and the silent auction. After paying for the cost of the show–venue, equipment, etc., –all remaining funds go towards’ yes4arts’ ultimate goal: a mobile creative space, such as a van, that enables them to take their free classes to schools, shelters and other venues to continue empowering students.)
Congratulations, Paula and yes4arts staff, and thank you for a great time! We’ll see you at your “Santa’s Workshop” in November.
(LIke to get involved? You’ll find information on yes4arts’ free classes, and on ways you can help, by volunteering or donations, on their website.
Meanwhile, mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22–that’s when their “Santa’s Workshop” is happening at CRAFTED, in San Pedro!)