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.”

Introducing Yarnsgiving: A Season of Crafting and Giving with Heart

As the crisp air of autumn settles in and the holiday season begins to take shape, the Craft Yarn Council is delighted to unveil Yarnsgiving, a new initiative that celebrates the joy of crafting and the spirit of giving. Running from I Love Yarn Day on October 12th to Giving Tuesday on December 3rd, Yarnsgiving is all about making and sharing handcrafted yarn projects with those around us and supporting charitable causes.

Embrace the Spirit of Giving with Yarn

Yarnsgiving is more than just a campaign; it's a call to action for crafters everywhere to embrace the tradition of handmade gifts. The theme, "making with yarn and giving to others," reflects the warmth and generosity of the holiday season, encouraging everyone to create beautiful, heartfelt items that can be gifted to loved ones or donated to those in need.

Get Creative with Yarnsgiving

Yarnsgiving features a diverse array of projects perfect for the Thanksgiving season. Whether you're an experienced crafter or just getting started, there’s something for everyone:

• Charming Pumpkins: Add a festive touch to your home décor with knitted or crocheted pumpkins.

• Cozy Wine Bottle Cozies: Make your holiday gatherings even more special with cozy and stylish wine bottle wraps.

• Elegant Leaf Garlands: Decorate your space with beautiful, handcrafted leaf garlands.

• Stylish Napkin Rings: Enhance your Thanksgiving table with personalized napkin rings.

• Festive Wreaths: Create eye-catching wreaths to welcome guests and celebrate the season.

• And more!

These handmade creations not only add a personal touch to your holiday gatherings but also serve as heartfelt gifts or charitable donations.

How to Participate

Participating in Yarnsgiving is easy and rewarding:

1. Craft: Choose your project and start creating. You can find inspiration and patterns on yarnsgiving.com.

2. Share: Show off your creations on social media using the hashtag #yarnsgiving. This helps spread the word and inspires others to join in.

3. Give: Consider making a monetary donation or send your finished projects to Warm Up America!, a nonprofit dedicated to providing handmade blankets and other items to those in need.

Get Involved

For more details about Yarnsgiving, including project ideas, patterns, and how to contribute to Warm Up America!, visit our website at yarnsgiving.com.

Let’s make this season one of creativity, kindness, and connection. We can’t wait to see the beautiful projects you’ll create and the difference we’ll make together!

Warmest wishes,

P.S. Remember to follow us on social media and share your Yarnsgiving projects with #yarnsgiving to join the conversation and inspire others!

Behind the Scenes: Dan Lawson on Crochet in CBS's Elsbeth

by Britt Schmiesing

Photo courtesy of Dan Lawson

Recently CGOA president Lindsey was able to chat with Dan Lawson. He is an Emmy nominated costume designer who's worked on shows like The Good Wife, The Good Fight, Instinct, and Brain Dead and now he's working on the new hit CBS tv show Elsbeth. 

See the interview and read the transcript on crochet.org

Designer, author and instructor Tian Connaughton shares the following insights about you and your crochet.

Embracing Selfish Crochet

by Tian Connaughton

Does this sound familiar? Have you said this or heard it said? Can you relate?

In a world that glorifies productivity and selflessness, taking time for oneself can often feel like a luxury reserved for the privileged few. For many individuals, especially women, hobbies like crochet are viewed as costly and indulgent distractions rather than essential forms of self-care. The pervasive societal perception that crochet is a frivolous activity further compounds feelings of guilt and inadequacy among those who find solace in the rhythmic motion of hook and yarn.

At its core, crocheting is a form of self-care—a refuge from the chaos of everyday life where individuals can find peace, purpose, and creative fulfillment. The therapeutic benefits of crochet are well-documented, with studies suggesting that engaging in repetitive, rhythmic activities like crocheting can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. For many, the act of creating something beautiful with their own two hands serves as a powerful reminder of their inherent worth and potential for growth.

Yet, despite its numerous benefits, many individuals still struggle with feelings of guilt and selfishness when it comes to prioritizing their own crochet projects. The societal stigma surrounding women's hobbies, including crochet, often leads individuals to question the validity of their interests and desires, and the value of their time. However, it's essential to recognize that self-care is not selfish—it's necessary for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

In a world that constantly demands more of us, it's easy to lose sight of our own needs and desires. But by embracing our love for crochet and prioritizing our own well-being, we can reclaim our sense of identity and purpose in a society that often overlooks our contributions. One way to combat feelings of isolation and guilt is to connect with others who share our passion for crochet. Whether it's joining a local crafting group, participating in online communities, or attending crochet workshops and events, engaging with like-minded individuals can provide a sense of belonging and support. 

So, to all the individuals who feel guilty about taking time to crochet, remember this: your happiness is not a luxury—it's a necessity. You don’t have to earn your self-care or wait to feel worthy. You are deserving right now. So go ahead, pick up your hook and yarn, and crochet your way to a happier, healthier you. After all, you deserve it!

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Meet Tian and our other fabulous instructors at the 2024 (Ch Sp) Retreat!