Part 5 of the Ava Shell has been added to the pattern! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the remainder of the back. We will complete the armhole and neckline shaping. Next week we will be doing all the finishing work - sewing, border, and peplum.   

Reminder: Gauge is critical with this pattern! I swatched 3 different brands of DK yarn and 2 had one gauge size and 1 needed a different hook size from the other 2 brands.

The pattern is free so it's not too late to join us!

Head over to the Ava Shell pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Chain Link 2017 Fashion Show

The 2017 CGOA Chain Link conference is over and once again it ended with the Banquet and Fashion Show which was sponsored by Leisure Arts. The Fashion Show is a chance for all our CGOA members to show off what they have made. Some items are one-of-a-kind pieces made for the show, others are designs that have patterns available and some are designs that will be coming out in the coming year.

There has been a request for a list of the garments from the show and where the patterns can be found. Where known, the name of the designer and pattern availability is listed with the name of the Fashion Show garment below.

Reflective Pantsuit – Gina Gallina   Modeled by Gina

Pineapple Miranda Pantsuit – Gina Gallina   Modeled by Sparky

Blues Vest – Kathryn White   Modeled by Kathryn

Nan’s Shrug – Laurinda Redding  Modeled by Sharon

Sargassum Shawl – Pia Thadani  Modeled by Elisa

Celtic Filet Shawl – Susan Lowman   Modeled by Amy

Stormy Weather Vest – Cathy Robbins   Modeled by Nancy

Summer Seaside Shawl from “Wraps for All Seasons” – Andee Graves   Modeled by Creusa

Oswego Sunset Shawl – Shari White   Modeled by Shari

Adalene Cabled Vest – Jennifer Pionk   Modeled by Heather

Granny Square Shawl – Michele Maks   Modeled by Regina

Beaded Gray Shawl – Susan Lutz Kenyon  Modeled by Tammy

Beachside Wrap – Laurinda Reddig   Modeled by Lauren

California Wildflowers – Barbara Hynes  Modeled by Barbara

Krpa Silk Dress – Cathy Robbins  Modeled by Danielle

80’s Diva – Urmie  Modeled by Rani

Cozy Quilted Vest & Scarf – Margaret Hubert & Nancy Smith  Modeled by Nancy

Cascading Lace Cardigan – Juliette Bezold  Modeled by Kathryn

Reina Cardigan – Jennifer Pionk  Modeled by Heather

Bling It On! Poncho – Shari White   Modeled by Shari

Midnight Sparkle – Joan Davis (modified from a Jenny King pattern)  Modeled by Regina

Tunisian Crop Top – Lily Chin  Modeled by Sharon

Greek Holiday – Jenny King  Modeled by Amy

Scoop Neck Top from “Fringe Benefits”  – Melissa Leapman   Modeled by Danielle

Cherry Schwimm Vest from Leisure Arts publication “The Long & Short of It”   Modeled by Elisa

Winterfall Ruanna from “Wraps for All Seasons”  – Andee Graves   Modeled by Lauren

Rainbow Circle Vest from Red Heart.com – Tammy Hildebrand   Modeled by Tammy

Jewelled Sweater Coat  - Creusa Gillmore  Modeled by Creusa

70’s Princess – Urmie   Modeled by Rani

by Andee Graves
Mamas 2 Hands

Ava Shell - Part 4 - Back Bottom

Part 4 of the Ava Shell has been added to the pattern! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the back of the shell. You will begin at the waist and work up to the armholes. Next week we will be working the armholes and neckline of the back.  

Reminder: Gauge is critical with this pattern! I swatched 3 different brands of DK yarn and 2 had one gauge size and 1 needed a different hook size from the other 2 brands.

If you're just joining us, here's a little sneak peek of the stitch pattern for the main body of the shell.

Head over to the Ava Shell pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet

Book Review and Giveaway - Rainbow Crocheted Afghans

The book reviewed in this post was provided by Search Press. All opinions are those of Jessie At Home. This post contains affiliate links.

Rainbow Crocheted Afghans by Amanda Perkins is an amazing and beautiful crochet book that every crocheter should have in their library. It is full of colorful afghan patterns and great tips and tricks.

Amanda starts the book as most do, with an introduction. From there she moves onto a couple of pages on color theory. Her color choices throughout the book are stunning, so pay attention to this part, she has a lot to teach!

Next we move onto equipment, such as yarn and hooks, and then techniques. Amanda is great at making sure she explains the techniques you will need to succeed in creating the afghans in this book, and even more of your own design.

There is even a section on "how to use this book" that explains the best way to use the book. Amanda goes on to teach a bit about crochet charts as the book is full of them - but don't worry, the patterns are written as well!

Now that all the pre-pattern business is done, it's time for the patterns. Each one is full of color and amazing design. There is a little introduction to each pattern along with the supply list and other tips you will need to make the pattern.

The patterns are well written and full of charts and graphs that show color placement and motif placement. Amanda has thought of everything you will need to succeed in replicating her lovely afghans!

You can get your own copy of Rainbow Crocheted Afghans from Amazon HERE.

Would you like a chance to win a copy? Well here you go! To enter the Rainbow Crocheted Afghans giveaway you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid shipping address in the contiguous US. Giveaway ends on August 14, 2017 at end of day. One winner will be contacted by email for their valid shipping address. They will have one week to reply or another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

9 (Mostly Free) Back-to-School Crochet Patterns

I’m Marie from Underground Crafter and I’m sharing another seasonal roundup of crochet patterns designed by Crochet Guild of America members! (If you’re a crochet designer and a CGOA member and would like to grant us permission to use your patterns in these roundups, please contact me via my blog.)

This month’s roundup features 9 (mostly free) crochet patterns for back-to-school season, including bags, supply organizers, and teacher gifts. Photos are used with permission of the respective designers. Enjoy!

Clockwise from top left:

• Basketweave Mini Messenger Bag by Underground Crafter (free)
• Wolf Pencil Holder by Blackstone Designs (premium)
• Old Fashioned Paperback Book Cover by Oombawka Design (free)
• Purr-fect Backpack by Celtic Knot Crochet for ILikeCrochet (premium)
• Water Bottle Bag by Marty Miller via FaveCrafts (free)
• Chasing Chevrons Page Hugger by A Crocheted Simplicity (premium)
• Shark Time Pouch by Moogly (free)
• Teacher’s GallonFriend Classroom Toy by Vashti Braha (premium)
• Apple Coasters forTeacher by Pattern Paradise (free)

If you enjoyed this roundup, please share it on your favorite social network to spread the word about the talented designers in the Crochet Guild of America!

Ava Shell CAL - Part 3 - Front Neck & Armhole Shaping

Welcome back to the Ava Shell Crochet-a-Long! If you're just joining us you can get all the info about the CAL, including a complete schedule and links to previous posts HERE.

This week you'll be working the armholes and neckline of the Ava Shell. Once this section is complete the front will be finished. Next week we'll work the back of the shell. 

Reminder: Gauge is critical with this pattern! I swatched 3 different brands of DK yarn and 2 had one gauge size and 1 needed a different hook size from the other 2 brands.

If you're just joining us, here's a little sneak peek of the stitch pattern for the main body of the shell.

Head over to the Ava Shell pattern for the CAL instructions. 

Join in the crochet-a-long and share your progress with other crocheters.

• Get more information about this crochet-a-long here.
• Stop by our Ravelry group or Facebook group to chat or ask questions. We can’t wait to see your progress! 
• Ravelry members can also add the pattern to your Ravelry favorites.
• Share your progress on social media with hashtag #cgoasummercal and #cgoacal 

Kristine

Ambassador Crochet