Our Venue
Le Loft Chicago is a bright, airy creative space in the heart of the West Loop — steps from some of the city’s best coffee, food, and energy. With floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and curated design details, it’s a venue made for connection and inspiration. It’s the perfect setting for a weekend of creativity, community, and meaningful conversations at OML 2026.
Professional Networking Forward
As a business networking conference for knit and crochet designers,
OML Chicago offers space to learn, connect, and elevate your creative career. You’ll leave with new industry relationships, practical insights, and the confidence to take your next step.
A Space That Inspires Making
Our Chicago gathering will spark professional growth through intentional programming and the collective momentum of makers learning side by side. It’s a space where ideas flow easily, industry insight feels within reach, and creative entrepreneurs are supported.
Community + City Energy
OML Chicago brings our community into the heart of a city known for its art, grit, and creative brilliance. The weekend lets makers feel plugged into something bigger offering the rhythm, culture, and inspiration that Chicago naturally offers.
YOUR HOST
Jewell Washington is the founder of Our Maker Life, a knitwear designer behind Northknits, and a dedicated entrepreneur with deep experience in social media strategy, community building, and business storytelling. She’s known for hosting warm, intentional events that offer real connection with practical, actionable takeaways, creating the kind of experience where people leave inspired and ready to grow.
Hosting OML in her hometown of Chicago, Jewell brings together her love of community and her passion for helping makers and creative professionals sharpen their skills, reach their goals, and see new possibilities in their work. It’s all about gathering in the city that shaped her, learning from each other, and creating space for what’s next.
Experience a weekend designed for creative business growth.
Join the event waitlist and
we'll send you the details.
