Michele Raim

Fill the Empty Nest Crochet

North Liberty, Iowa

Michele grew up in Cedar Rapids and went to Iowa State University where she met her husband, David. They live on a farm near North Liberty and have two grown daughters and two new sons-in-law. Michele works for the Iowa City Community School system and she and David volunteer for 4-H and are involved in their church.

Michele’s business, Fill the Empty Nest Crochet, started in 2016 when her youngest daughter graduated from High School, and she found extra time on her hands. While looking for a new creative outlet, Michele happened to see a video about amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed animals made from yarn. One animal led to another and another and another. Michele has expanded her needlework endeavors in other directions, but is best known at Gallery on Main for her varied and colorful crocheted toys.