Marissa Alain

I’ve always been drawn to creating with my hands. That passion first led me to study sewing, where I learned the technical skills and craftsmanship that continue to influence my work today. Sewing taught me patience, precision, and the satisfaction of turning an idea into something tangible. It also gave me the confidence to pursue a creative career doing what I love.

A few years ago, a friend suggested we learn to crochet together just for fun. I had no idea that one simple decision would completely change the direction of my creative journey. What started as a casual hobby quickly became a passion. I fell in love with the endless possibilities that crochet offered—from experimenting with stitches and textures to designing pieces that were both beautiful and practical.

Before long, I found myself wanting to share what I was learning with others. I started teaching small crochet workshops in James White Park, creating a welcoming space for anyone interested in learning. Those gatherings eventually led to teaching at the Fernie Arts Station, where I discovered just how rewarding it was to help others build confidence and create something with their own hands. Teaching has become one of the most meaningful parts of my work, allowing me to connect with people, foster creativity, and build a supportive fibre arts community.

That passion eventually grew into my business, Stitched by Marissa. What began with teaching and selling handmade pieces at local markets has evolved into offering sewing alterations, designing original crochet patterns, collaborating with local businesses, and continuing to teach workshops throughout the Elk Valley. Whether someone is picking up a crochet hook or sitting down at a sewing machine for the first time, I love helping people discover the joy of making something themselves.

Creating within the Fernie arts community has been an incredible experience. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with talented local makers, yarn companies, and small businesses that share a passion for supporting creativity. Whether I’m teaching workshops, participating in local events, or connecting with fellow artists, I’ve always felt welcomed and encouraged. Although I’ve recently moved to nearby Sparwood, Fernie remains an important part of my creative journey, and I’m excited to continue building those relationships throughout the Elk Valley.

This year marks one of the biggest milestones of my career: writing my first crochet pattern book, STITCHED. Bringing this book to life has been both exciting and incredibly rewarding. It represents months of designing, pattern testing, writing, photographing, and collaborating with local yarn companies and makers. More than just a collection of patterns, I wanted STITCHED to celebrate creativity, slow making, and the joy of learning something new. My hope is that every project inspires makers to create pieces they’ll treasure for years to come.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing Stitched by Marissa through workshops, new pattern collections, collaborations, and future books. My goal has always been to make fibre arts feel welcoming and accessible while encouraging others to discover the confidence that comes from creating something with their own hands. 

Handmade pieces tell stories, preserve traditions, and create meaningful connections, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of that tradition.

I’m looking forward to celebrating the launch of STITCHED this October and sharing this next chapter with the community that has supported me from the beginning. I hope the book inspires others to discover the same joy that a friend introduced me to just a few years ago—the simple act of making something with your own two hands.

Marissa Alain is the owner and designer of Stitched by Marissa. The STITCHED book launch is happening October 23, 2026, at the Fernie Arts Station. Visit stitchedbymarissa.com or follow her on Instagram @ stitchedbymarissa for more information or contact her directly at @email.