Unsung Heroes #3

Karen Klemp

By Gwen Blakley Kinsler

 Karen is a long-time member of CGOA since 1994; as with many things in her life, she marched to her own drummer and became a Chain Link Newsletter subscriber when she lived in Germany with the Foreign Service. At the time, she was able to buy crochet magazines in the PX. The magazine she chose had an ad for the newsletter and she immediately subscribed!

 After dropping out of college, Karen Eastman decided she did not want to live in Ottawa, Illinois, her hometown. At the suggestion of a friend in the late sixties, she achieved the Foreign Service qualifications and joined “to see the world!” Her first overseas posting brought her to Liberia; it was there that she met a young Foreign Service Officer on his initial assignment, as well. Steve Klemp became Karen’s husband in 1975, and they launched an exciting life of work and travel.

Karen Klemp. Past President

By the time she officially became a CGOA Member in 1996, Karen had been an avid crocheter for some time. Her grandmother had taught her as a child, but when she picked it up again in her twenties, she saw a beautiful skirt and top in McCall’s Needlework magazine that she really wanted to make!  When asking Granny, reportedly a little “crabby,” for help the reply was “Make it yourself!” Karen did just that and recalls that she wore the outfit with pride for years!

That same year Karen and Steve were posted in Washington, DC and they both attended their first conference in 1997. She also attended the Post-Conference CYC Teacher Certification program. Many long-time members will remember Steve as he attended 25 consecutive conferences with Karen, attended the banquets; learned to crochet in Karen’s “Spouse Class;” learned to carve a crochet hook in Nancy Nehring’s class; and at times, stepped out to visit cities’ highlights!

After retiring in Washington, D.C. in1999, Karen was selected three months later as the President of CGOA! You may wonder how someone fairly new to the organization would be undaunted by this challenging volunteer position! Karen was promoted to the position of Foreign Service Officer in 1983, and as such she headed up Sections that handled budget, personnel management and security at Embassies and Consulates around the world.  She also believes that in Foreign Service she became an experienced manager and gained the ability to help people deal with their problems.

Rolled together, these experiences led to leadership skills valuable to CGOA while she served from 2000-2002 as President. She says, “My two-year term exposed me to a new concept that I didn’t know existed: the magnitude of interest, the love and passion for crochet that others have is truly amazing! I thought I was the only one that felt that way.” Inspiration from crochet clearly mingled with Karen’s career in the six countries in which Karen was posted. She believes that her last assignment in Zagreb was especially rewarding. “As a Refugee Coordinator, I funded and oversaw a program that paid Bosnian and Croatian refugees to knit and crochet clothes for children in Bosnia. We bought yarn for the women; and patterns were provided by staff members from the International Rescue Committee.”

In addition to her role President, Karen also served on the Education Committee for four years and helped to select conference teachers and answered inquiries about crochet techniques. She started a CGOA chapter in Fairfax County, Virginia: “Innovative Crocheters Chapter” and was the first Liaison to CGOA.

Today, Karen is employed as a Master Teacher for candidates seeking Teacher Certification from the Craft Yarn Council. From attending many conferences, she has made life-long friends through CGOA and keeps in touch with past students and“crochet-aholic” friends. Now living in Wilmington Delaware since 2023, her life has been enriched by a Fiber Group that welcomes all fiber crafts. Karen is often  asked by knitters to teach crochet and is willing to share her knowledge with anyone. A fan of fingering weight yarn especially when it is hand-dyed, she sells her original design patterns at Ravelry.com/designers/Karen-Klemp, and her username is almostamy.

Today Karen is happy she has time to share her passion for traveling with Steve as well as staying in touch with friends around the world!

Many thanks to this Unsung Hero who contributed so generously to CGOA! During many years as a Member Volunteer, Karen carried out the core ideals of the Mission:

To provide education

Embrace innovation

Create connections

While setting a national standard for crochet

 To all members: I am looking for future “Unsung Heroes” to interview. If your chapter has a member who you think deserves this honor,please contact me at crochetkween@gmail.com

 Portions of this article were taken from an article I wrote for the Chain Link Newsletter, issue June/July 2000.

"Unsung Heroes" #2

 Unsung Heroes #2 

BJ Licko-Keel 

By Gwen Blakley Kinsler 

BJ, a Founding Member of both CGOA and the Northern Illinois Chapter of CGOA (NICGOA), is proud to say that she celebrated her ninety-first birthday on April 3, 2025! 

 At age 5, BJ was an active child who could be bothersome at times! When her mother, an avid gardener, tried to do what she loved, she often sat BJ on a blanket to keep an eye on her. One particularly frustrating day, her mother finally gave her a hankie, thread and a small hook and told BJ to crochet! The rest is history! 

BJ is also a talented knitter and learned at an early age from her younger sister. “Crochet and knitting have been an integral part of my life since then,” she explains. “I always have a project on the hook or needles!” 

BJ recalls, with admiration, her mother’s talents. She often designed her own crochet projects, as written patterns were uncommon at the time. BJ still remembers three large window shades in their living room, made of fine thread, designed by her mother. ”It was truly an inspiration,” she says! 

With an AB degree in Psychology from the U of IL at Chicago and a BA in Photography from Columbia College, BJ enjoyed a long career in the printing/publishing industry. Her first job was at the Printing Industry of Illinois which was a great learning experience. From there, she qualified to begin work at the Publishing Division of the American Bar Association (ABA). For twenty-three years, she oversaw all publishing there! 

Getting close to retirement age in 1994, BJ began looking to join a group of stitchers. Coincidentally, Threads Magazine advertised the Inaugural Crochet Conference, “Ancient Roots ~ New Beginnings,” and BJ called the contact number. It was Me! 

After enjoying that first conference, BJ attended each one thereafter until 2019! Looking back on the many experiences and different states where they were held, she talked about her transformation as a stitcher. “I met friends from across the US and other countries, that without CGOA I would not have. Amazing designers and teachers inspired me with their skills and willingness to share their techniques.” 

An active member of her chapter, NICGOA, BJ always got to the meetings despite the hour-long drive in heavy traffic. “I always helped the chapter whenever I was needed, and I served a two-year term as President. After earning the Craft Yarn Council Certificate of Teaching Skills in 1995, I found so much joy in teaching, not only at Chain Link Conferences, but at my local chapter and in my suburban area as well. Guided by her bond with other designers, BJ is adept at the intricacies of both crochet and knitting which enables her to combine the best of both techniques. She served on the CGOA Education Committee as a Portfolio Reviewer. 

“Because of my art background, I am intrigued with the graphic qualities of crochet. I have an extensive collection of stitch dictionaries and a diverse collection of historic patterns.” 

Volunteering for CGOA both locally and nationally, is very personal for BJ. “My interest in the personal contact found at meetings along with the opportunity to teach others motivates me.” Her joy from teaching and her interest in antique crochet patterns merged with the publication of Magical Misers Purses ~ Crochet Patterns with Victorian Inspiration, co-authored in 1999.  

Since retiring from teaching crochet, BJ has donated her time to Hospice of the Calumet Area in Munster, Indiana. She makes original-design crochet lap robes, afghans, and knitted shawls, and devotes her stash yarn to these projects. The finished sizes are most useful in this patient care environment where there is great need. To get involved, check with your local area Hospice. 

For thirty years, BJ has been a living example of the Mission of CGOA: 

To provide education 

Embrace innovation 

Create connections 

While setting a national standard for crochet 

BJ has generously offered to share her original design edging pattern. She requests that you download it for your personal use only.

 PEACOCKS-TAIL-EDGING HANDKERCHIEF

	Materials:	Handkerchief with scalloped, hem-stitched edging (approximately 10 hem-stitches per scallop) 1 ball size #20 crochet cotton thread (approximately 200 yards) in your choice of color Size 10 (1 .30mm) or size Il (1 .10mm) steel crochet hook steel sewing needle (for sewing in ends)
	Finished Size:	Will depend UPOn size of handkerchief. Model is 9-1/2 inches square not counting edging.
	Gauge:	One 10-stitch repeat per scallop
	Definitions:	Ch(s) = chain(s), sl st(s) = slip stitch(es), SC(s) = single crochet(s), dc(s) = double crochet(s), 5-ch p(s) = 5-chain picot(s)
	Stitch Guide:	To make 5-chain picot: ch 5, sl st in stitch just below first ch made.
	Instructions:	To begin, attach thread in the hem-stitched space at bottom of the first "valley" in the first scallop to the left of any corner.
FOUNDATION Row: PATTERN ROW:			Ch 1 , sc in same place, sc into next 9 hemstitched spaces, * 10 scs into next 10 hemstitched spaces of next scallop, in the extra space at the corner (sc, ch 5, sc); repeat from * until the foundation row is completed, ending with a sl st in the first sc. (Note: If a scallop does not have exactly 10 spaces, adjust the number of stitches by increasing or decreasing a stitch. To increase, make 2 scs in the same space; to decrease, (yo and bring a loop through the next space) twice, yo and bring a loop through all 3 loops on hook.) To begin the first motif, ch 1 , sc in the first stitch (in same place as sl st), 4 scs in next 4 scs, ch 5, 5 scs in next 5 scs.

Follow instructions for B and C below to complete the first motif.

A)            For following motifs, * scs in next 5 scs, ch 5, 5 scs in next 5 scs.

B)            Ch l , turn, sc in first sc, in ch-5 sp (5 dcs, 3 trs, 5 dcs), skip next 4 scs, sl st in fifth sc.

C)            Ch l , turn, skip sl st, (sc in next st, ch 3) 6 times, sc in next st, 5-ch p, sc in same st, (ch 3, sc in next st) 6 times, sl st in side of sc, sc in last foundation st.

Repeat from * across first side, ending with a sc in the last sc of repeat in foundation row just before the corner stitches.

To make corner motif:

D)            Sc in first corner sc, in corner ch-5 sp (4 scs, ch 5, 4 scs), sc in second corner sc.

E)            Ch 1 , turn, sc in first sc, in ch-5 sp (5 dcs, 3 trs, 5 dcs), skip next 4 scs, sl st in fifth sc.

F)             Ch l , turn, skip sl st, (sc in next st, ch 3) 6 times, sc in next st, 5-ch p, sc in same st, (ch 3, sc in next st) 6 times, sl st in side of sc, sc in last foundation st.

Complete the following three sides, ending with a corner and 

a final pattern scallop. Join the round with a sl st in first sc;

 fasten off the thread and carefully sew in the ends.

FINISHING: Rinse the hankie with a mild detergent, and either pin out the scallops and air-dry, or carefully iron out each scallop with the iron set at "cotton."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **To all members: I am looking for future “Unsung Heroes” to interview. If your chapter has a member who you think deserves this honor, 

please contact me at crochetkween@gmail.com 

 

The Mission of CGOA:

The Crochet Guild of America provides

education,

embraces innovation,

and creates connections,

while setting the national standard of crochet

 

To all members: I wish to interview future “Unsung Heroes” for this Series. If your chapter has a member whom you think deserves this honor by setting an example of the Mission of CGOA, please contact me at crochetkween@gmail.com

 Unsung Heroes #1

Pam Oddi

By Gwen Blakley Kinsler

Pam Oddi has a long history of serving CGOA as a volunteer. 

I wanted to catch up with her, just as the 30^th Anniversary Celebration was ending, to hear her thoughts on three decades as an avid supporter of our beloved organization.

Pam Oddi

She attended the Inaugural Crochet Conference in1994 and brought a wealth of abilities along: computer and organizational skills plus experience with not-for-profit groups. While at her first conference, Pam was happy to help wherever needed; getting involved became her contribution at each consecutive conference. Her path to CGOA leadership was becoming evident!

Volunteering to take over the Chain Link Newsletter in 1995 led Pam to become the CGOA Vice President in 1996. During her tenure, she coded the first website for the fledgling organization. She also had the foresight to obtain the domain name that is still in use today: crochet.org! Pam thinks of her work for CGOA, as the webmaster from 1996-2006, with pride as one of her “lasting contributions.”

I asked Pam if she has a favorite saying, and she recalled her mother encouraging her to realize that “one gets out of volunteering what is put into it.” Pam stepped up to be the CGOA President and served from 1997 until 1999. She says, “My membership afforded me the opportunity to meet a diverse group of crocheters, as well as famous designers from so many places in the US and the world. Crocheters become fast friends and designers are real people who know me.”

Having attended several conferences, Pam got to know members of the Northern IL Chapter of CGOA (NICGOA). In 1999 she moved to Illinois with her husband, Andy, from Northern Minnesota.  Soon after, she joined NICGOA and has been a member ever since! Her service to her chapter became her focus, yet she always maintained her dedication nationally to CGOA. Pam believes that “Each CGOA member needs only to determine what skills they can offer. Each of us has something that we can contribute; and it is sure to lead to a feeling of belonging to the group!”

Pam wanted to find connection especially the in-person kind, to find meaning and purpose in her hobby. She hopes to inspire other CGOA members to do the same.

When I asked Pam what she discovered that is unique to crochet or is personal to her, she quickly responded. “Crochet cannot be done by machine; it cannot be mass-produced! Calling herself a “progressive activist,” Pam quips, “I need to learn to do that!”

Pam’s long-time membership in CGOA has had many rewards in addition to her friendships. She believes that for everyone effort is required to get the most out of membership.  She recalls, “I went to all the conferences, took all the classes, and earned the CYC Teaching Certificate. I can now write patterns or modify others. It would not have happened without CGOA.”

She explains, “Today crochet is my passion and volunteering for the Crochet Guild of America is my hobby.” In recognition of her many years of service to the Guild as a living example of the Mission of CGOA, Pam received a Lifetime Membership in 2004!

 

First Chapter Members of CGOA Celebrate Their 30^th Anniversary

By Gwen Blakley Kinsler

When I heard from Karen Navoy that the Northern IL Chapter of CGOA was celebrating 30 years as a chapter, I was honored to be invited along with several other Charter Members. NICGOA first met in June of 1994 and again in July to plan a crochet display for a library showcase.

Northern Illinois Chapter

Their determination, enthusiasm and thriving fellowship is what I love about my chapter; I am still a member even though I moved to Indianapolis in 2015! The greetings and the hugs when I arrived were overwhelming, to say the least! I was impressed that seventeen of the thirty in attendance were old friends and long-time members. Also seeing so many new faces signaled to me that the chapter is alive and well.

President Nicole Hall started with a brief business meeting, followed by an abbreviated show & tell. We had ordered our CGOA swag as a group, and it was waiting for us. 

Sally made the Queen for me; my swag is pictured

Sally Bassett and Connie Jurinak planned the party and were excited to get it started! There was a beautiful anniversary cake, a display table filled with memorabilia, photos albums and anniversary gnomes made by Sally for all of us. 

30th Anniversary NIC CGOA

I had the honor of presenting the CGOA Masters of Advanced Stitches and Techniques pin to Tom Toussaint. Tom is very special to our chapter, not because he is our only male member, but because he is involved with his community and family of ten, as well as dedicating his crochet life to developing his skills! Congratulations, Tom!

I was the only founding member who was able to attend the party, and when I least expected it Sally and Connie offered me a seat on the “throne” with “red carpet,” and I was made “Queen for a Day!”  It was an honor to be appreciated, but it meant the world to me to see with my crochet buddies again after such a long time!

                                                        Connie Jurinak & Rosalie Johnston

When I was invited, I agreed to speak about the history of CGOA and my role in creating the first Chain Link Crochet Conference. I’ve often said that the first conference happened selfishly from my need to meet and crochet with others. After the conference kicked off, generous volunteers brought ideas, skills and enthusiasm that “birthed” CGOA and nurtured it all these years to the great organization we enjoy today!

It is my wish that every crocheter is able to enjoy a chapter like NICGOA and know that even crocheting with a friend could develop into just that! CGOA is there to help and to answer questions. 

Afterwards, I reached out to the members that were at the Celebration, and this is what they had to say about their chapter membership:

“It was wonderful to share our chapter’s history which is so interesting especially for new members.”

Memorabilia Table

“I keep coming back to meetings for the camaraderie, to learn new technique and for the inspirational Show ‘n Tell.”

“The opportunity to join in chapter workshops and retreats together are so much fun.”

“I have learned to turn mistakes into treasures using creative, rapid design changes.”

“I have tried challenging techniques which I would have never tackled before.”

“We have grown beyond the granny square and classic ripple afghan.”