Welcome to "Getting To Know You" on the blog. This is an opportunity for our members to share a little bit about themselves, and for us to learn more about each other and continue the family feel after leaving the annual conference. Although we may crochet by ourselves in our own homes, we are not alone in our love of crochet, and we have more in common than we realize. By sharing our experiences and knowledge, we will all learn something new about each other and the art of crochet! This month, enjoy getting to know...

Anne McFarland

Location: San Diego, CA

How many years crocheting and/or how did you learn to crochet? I’ve been crocheting for over 45 years.  I taught myself from a Coats and Clark “Teach Yourself” booklet.

Do you crochet with your left hand or right hand and how do you hold your hook? Right hand and knife hold

What is your favorite crochet hook? I don’t really have a favorite hook.  I use Susan Bates and Boye interchangeably except when I am doing puff or cluster stitches, when I prefer Susan Bates. 

What is your favorite yarn? I particularly enjoy working with Baah Yarns La Jolla, a fingering weight superwash Merino yarn that’s hand-dyed right here in San Diego County.

What is your favorite crochet stitch?  I don’t really have a favorite stitch.  Instead, I enjoy discovering new stitches and stitch patterns, either in stitch dictionaries or just by playing around. 

Do you prefer a written pattern, a chart, or both?  Both

What is your favorite item to make? I enjoy making clothing because it is functional as well as creative.  I also enjoy making jewelry, scarves and shawls, things for the home, baby things – just about anything!

Who do you crochet for?   My favorite crochet recipient is my 12-year-old granddaughter.  I also crochet for myself, family, and friends, and I make things to sell at craft fairs. 

 How long have you been a CGOA member, and what is a fond memory from a CGOA Conference if you’ve attended one?  I have been a member for a number of years, but I’m not sure how many.  I attended my first conference when it was here in San Diego in 2015.  It was thrilling to meet so many designers that I had only read about before then.

Do you belong to a local CGOA chapter in your area?  No – There is no chapter in San Diego.  I wonder if there is enough interest to start one?

What are your crochet goals for the future? I want to keep learning and growing as a crocheter and crochet designer, and to finish at least a few of the multitude of WIPs that are taking over my home.

Any crochet tips that you would like to share?  I like to think of a crochet pattern as a suggestion and a starting point – I almost always tweak patterns to make them more to my liking.

Do you have any other favorite past times, interests, sports, or crafts you enjoy doing?  Right now, my time is pretty well occupied with crochet – making, designing, teaching and selling.  I volunteer for the San Diego Opera and enjoy walking, especially along San Diego Bay. 

Thank you for sharing with us Anne, it's been fun "getting to know you"!

To keep in touch with Anne, favorite her Ravelry and Etsy shops.

Ravelry click HERE

Etsy click HERE

Become a CGOA member today, click HERE to join.

Have a great day!
Carolyn

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Brought to you by blogger contributor:

Carolyn Calderon

The Purple Poncho

If you would like to be a featured member, please contact her HERE.

Book Review - A Garden of Shawls

Title: A Garden of Shawls
Author: Karen Whooley
MSRP: $21.95 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches'N'Scraps


Spring is around the corner, and I'm completely obsessed with light, lacy shawls right now. Of course that means I was thrilled when I got the chance to review this book!

A Garden of Shawls includes 12 lovely shawl patterns. Some of the designs are more solid, with lacy edgings and borders, while others feature all-over lace designs. With this selection, you're sure to find the perfect shawl for any occasion, whether you need something dressy and elegant, or something more casual and relaxed. I particularly love her use of big, bold borders on some of the shawls, like this one called Palisade.

The shawls come in a variety of shapes as well, including rectangles, triangles, and rounded shapes. One of my favorites is Solar. The points give it a distinctly "sun-like" shape, and it has a beautiful ombre effect that's sure to brighten up anyone's day!

This book is being released on April 4th (which is my birthday, how perfect is that?) and will be available in both print and ebook formats. You can pre-order it now though, and the author is running an awesome giveaway on her site! Read more about the details on the main book page. 

Disclaimer: A free review copy of A Garden of Shawls was provided by Karen Whooley. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission.

9 Free Crochet Patterns for Spring Flowers

I'm Marie from Underground Crafter. Each month during 2017, I'll be sharing a seasonal roundup of crochet patterns by some of the many talented designers who are members of the Crochet Guild of America. (If you're a crochet designer and CGOA member and would like to give us permission to include your work in these roundups, please contact me via my blog.)

This month's roundup features 9 free crochet patterns for spring flowers. These crochet flowers include embellishments, motifs, and floral projects. All photos are used with permission of the respective designer or publisher. Enjoy!

Clockwise from upper left corner:

• Mayapple Flower Square by Underground Crafter
• Flower Power by Pattern Paradise
• Rose Flower Embellishment by Oombawka Design
• Carnation Boutique Afghan Square by The Crochet Dude
• Spring Pineapple Floral Lace Doily by Crochet Memories
• Dainty Flower Crown by Just Be Happy Crochet
• Logo Flower Square by Kim Guzman
• KanzashiFlower with video tutorial by Naztazia
• FlowerPower Flip Flops by Cre8tion Crochet

What are your favorite crochet projects to make with flowers?

2017 CGOA Chain Link Conference

JOIN US IN CHICAGO!

Registration for the 2017 CGOA Chain Link Conference is now open! 

Visit the CGOA website for all information on the conference - including event details, a list of available classes, weekend schedule, directions, and more. 




Brought to you by blogger contributor:
Kristine Mullen
Ambassador Crochet