The 2018 CGOA Chain Link Conference is fast approaching and I can’t wait! This year will be the fifth conference I have attended since I joined CGOA five years ago. What keeps me coming back year after year…the classes, the inspiration, the friendship possibilities, and the always-spectacular marketplace. A huge bonus…the location of this years’ conference – Portland, OR.

Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate/expert crocheter…extrovert or introvert…you will find the conference to be a great experience.

CLASSES ARE VARIED in experience levels and interests…from learning new crochet techniques (too many classes to mention)…to Simplifying Symbol Crochet or Math for Crocheters…from Customizing your Crochet or Beading Three Ways…to Drop Spindle or Home Dyeing Safe and Simple. For a quick class listing, which includes the experience level, visit: https://www.crochet.org/page/CL18ClassList

When not in classes, why not check out the MARKETPLACE? For attendees, there is a preview on Thursday evening so you can check it out before it opens to the public. The Marketplace is open to everyone Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm/5 pm. Plenty of time to get in some shopping between visiting with friends, attending classes, and checking out the area.

DESIGN COMPETITION is open to all CGOA Members. Do you have a project you designed that you would like to enter? This year there are 6 categories…Fashion, Accessories, Home Décor & Afghans, Artistic Expression, and Thread Crochet. The deadline is fast approaching…June 30, so don’t delay if you would like to enter: https://www.crochet.org/general/custom.asp?page=DesignCompetition

There is so much more I could talk about regarding this years’ conference, however, why not check out the complete schedule of events at: https://www.crochet.org/page/CL18Schedule

One last item to mention…beautiful PORTLAND, OR that sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers with the backdrop of the amazing Mount Hood.  There are so many sites and possibilities...from Powell's City of Books to Lan Su Chinese Garden, from the Oregon Zoo to Voodoo Doughnut, and much more. https://www.travelportland.com/things-to-do/activities-attractions/

See you in Portland, OR

Getting To Know You - Jenn Williams

Welcome to the new series "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...

Jennifer Williams - I like to go by Jenn

Location:  Crittenden - a small town in northern Kentucky.  I grew up here, lived in California for 30 years, and have returned to my roots for retirement.

How many years crocheting and/or how did you learn to crochet:

I've been crocheting, with varying intensities, for about 45 years.

My grandmother taught me to crochet, and my interest was rekindled in the 8th grade by a teacher who taught us after school.  My grandmother crocheted beautiful doilies, and I proudly display many of them in my home.  I also remember a hideous scarf that we worked on together.  It was about 8 feet long, maroon, with horizontal stripes of white, red, teal, and yellow.  

In school, I distinctly remember a few crochet projects.  One was a neon green acrylic bikini, and another was a very large (and heavy) purple cotton mouse pillow.

In college, I completed an Annie's afghan kit, which my parents use to this day.

Do you crochet with your left hand or right hand and how do you hold your hook: 

I crochet right-handed, with a knife hold.  I don't remember this being a choice, it's just what I've always done.

What is your favorite hook:

When working with worsted weight yarn, I prefer an H or I Boye hook.  I've become quite fond of the clay grips, and usually have a hook grip design from Day by Day Crochet in my hand.

What is your favorite yarn:

I suppose as our experience grows, our taste evolves.  Since I've begun creating garments, a dk weight is my favorite.  It has a nice drape.  I enjoy alpaca, and any interesting mixes - silk, bamboo, linen, hemp, etc.  My new home has a lot of heat and humidity, so open designs in lighter fibers are a new interest.

What is your favorite crochet stitch, and why:

The most intriguing stitch to me right now is a cable stitch.  I find it to be more challenging.  For me, crochet patterns and stitches are like puzzles, and a complex cable stitch is a great brain teaser.

Do you prefer a written pattern, a chart, or both, and why:

I have always had a knack for reading patterns.  I've taken classes in chart reading, and can do it, but prefer to use the chart as confirmation, or as a backup in case I get stuck. I don't like following videos to make projects.  I like puzzling it out for myself, and also controlling my own pace.  To me, following a pattern is like reading the book, and the video is watching the movie.  

What is your favorite item to make and why: 

Creating a crocheted garment has always been my ultimate goal. Once I found the Get Squared program, created by Jenny King, I've been able to have great success creating garments.  I also enjoy shawls because of the interesting patterns and possibilities, as well as their versatility.  Shawls can be draped over a chair, incorporated in an outfit, wrapped around the waist or head, used as a robe (at home or traveling), one size fits all, and they are a welcome gift.

Who do you crochet for? Yourself, family, friends, pets, charities? 

At the risk of being  called a "selfish crocheter," I have to say that I crochet for myself.  I've made hats and sweaters for new babies, an afghan for a friend's wedding, shawls and slippers for friends. But there is always the fear of being crushed by a recipient who won't like the item, or won't use it.

Have you ever participated in a yarn bombing? 

At one time, I began yarn bombing an adult tricycle with an attached "trunk," called The Crochet Bike.  I taught crochet out of the trunk, and could also ride the bike around.  I've used The Crochet Bike when demonstrating at Michael's, and also at The Maker Faire.

How long have you been a CGOA member, and what is a fond memory from a CGOA Conference that you’ve attended? 

 I've belonged to the CGOA for 6 years.  Stitches West was near my home in California, but I wept tears of joy when I discovered the CGOA annual meeting.  I've attended 2015 in San Diego, as well as 2016 in Charleston, and am looking forward to Chicago in 2017!  My favorite memory was participating in the fashion show in 2015 modeling my Get Squared cardigan, and hearing ahhs from the audience when it was revealed that I made the cardigan in one weekend.

Do you belong to a local CGOA chapter in your area? 

There isn't a CGOA chapter in Northern Kentucky where I live, and one of my goals is to change that by starting a group.

What are your crochet goals for the future: 

I believe that we all have a "crochet calling," an area that ignites our passion.  Mine happens to be teaching.  I have no children, and I believe that my legacy - the evidence that I have walked this earth and that it is different for my time here - is to pass along the skill of crochet to others.  I've taught at Michael's for 5 years, and am looking forward to teaching classes on Get Squared for Jenny King.

Any crochet tips that you would like to share:  

From my years of teaching, I've developed some tips and tricks...

• Large Bobby pins make good stitch markers, and are easy to reposition.
• Dental floss containers are fine yarn cutters when traveling.
• Print out the TSA regulations for hobbies and carry them with you.
• Photocopy patterns from books and magazines for portability and so that you can mark on them.
• Bags that hold produce at the grocery become good yarn carriers and dispensers.  Choose the crinkly bags with a zipper top and holes for ventilation (contain mini bell peppers, cherries, grapes, etc), wash and air dry.  Zip your cake of yarn into the bag, using the ventilation hole for dispensing.

Do you have any other favorite past times, interests, sports, or crafts you enjoy doing?

I invite my parents, Hazel (87) and Leo (88) to dinner once a week.  It's a chance for me to try new recipes, be creative, use some of my nice things, and to honor them.  

I enjoy crafty things, like coloring, cold process soap making, creating bath salt mixtures, and decorating.

Anything you would like to share, not covered above? 

 In addition to my parents, my supportive boyfriend Tim lives nearby.  I retired this year from my career as a sales trainer for a biotech company, and couldn't be happier with my new life.  

Here's a really short, easy recipe:

Pumpkins spice bars

Mix together 1 box of spice cake mix and 1 can (15 oz) of pure pumpkin.  Pour into a greased pan and bake at 325-350 for 20-25 minutes.  

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

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.

National Crochet Month and the CGOA Masters Program

First of all, I want to thank Amy Shelton at Crochetville for putting together this National Crochet Month Blog Tour: “A Tour through Crochet Country”! Please consider supporting Project Night Night, the charity we’ve chosen to support during March, 2013, for National Crochet Month. For more information about Project Night Night and this crochet blog tour, please visit the Crochetville blog post here: http://crochetville.com/a-tour-through-crochet-country-natcromo-blog-tour/.

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Susan Lowman. I’ve been a professional member of CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) since 2003. In July, 2012, I was asked to join the CGOA Board of Directors as the secretary and Liaison to the Masters Committee. In October, 2012, I became one of the two Co-Chairs of the CGOA Masters Committee (the other Co-Chair is Jane Rimmer). I’ve also been a Masters portfolio reviewer since September, 2010.

I thoroughly enjoy being an active member of CGOA, which is comprised of members of all ages, skill levels and nationalities. We’re all very supportive of each other and help each other improve our crochet skills and knowledge. Corporate, professional and individual members mingle effortlessly at the annual CGOA Conferences and on the CGOA website. We support and encourage each other in our crochet endeavors, whether we’re professionals or hobbyists. We all love crochet and we speak the same crochet language!!! Joining CGOA is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Many professional opportunities have opened up in my crochet career (and in many other crochet designers’ careers) because of being a CGOA member and attending the annual conferences. My crochet skills and knowledge have improved through CGOA, too. I can’t imagine not being part of such a fantastic organization with members who are dedicated to the advancement of crochet!

As Co-Chairs of the Masters Committee, Jane and I work to improve the Masters program, correct errors in the program, oversee the portfolio reviewers, train new portfolio reviewers and answer questions about the program. I am passionate about teaching and helping others improve their crochet skills and knowledge. I consider it an honor to be part of the CGOA Masters program and to carry on Jean Leinhauser’s vision for the program.

The Masters program is a way for CGOA members to assess their crochet skills and knowledge, as well as to show their mastery of crochet stitches and techniques. Once enrolled in the CGOA Masters program, each candidate receives the written instructions for the course, which is comprised of making 48 crochet swatches and answering 13 questions. The Masters candidate compiles all of their swatches and their answers to the questions into a portfolio. When they’re all done, they notify Offinger Management Co that their portfolio is ready to be reviewed (Note: Because of the huge response to the program, there is currently a waiting list for reviews). Once the candidate reaches the top of the waiting list, their portfolio is reviewed by 2 volunteer Masters portfolio reviewers and returned to the candidate with a detailed written review of the work in the portfolio. If the candidate passes the program, they receive a certificate of completion and a Masters pin, as well as recognition in the CGOA newsletter and at the CGOA Conference. If the candidate has too many errors in their portfolio to pass, they are given the option to correct the mistakes and resubmit the new swatches/answers for another review. Hundreds of CGOA members have enrolled in the Masters program, testing and increasing their crochet skills/knowledge through the Masters program.

CGOA has had several Masters programs in the past, which are no longer offered. In 2010, the late Jean Leinhauser created the current Masters program, “Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques”. For more information and/or to enroll in the Masters program, please visit the CGOA website here: http://www.crochet.org/?page=MastersInfo.

When I’m not working on the CGOA Masters program, I’m busy blogging and designing crochet patterns for publication on my website at http://www.TheCrochetArchitect.com, as well as in crochet books and magazines. To see all of my published crochet patterns, please visit my Ravelry designer page here: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/susan-lowman. I also tech edit crochet patterns (to find the mistakes and correct them before the pattern is published) and teach crochet classes, as time allows. I’ve taught crochet (and shuttle tatting) classes at the CGOA Conferences in 2009, 2010 and 2012. I’m scheduled to teach 6 crochet classes at the upcoming CGOA Conference in Indianapolis this year in July. I’d love to meet you in one of my classes at the conference this year! You can see the full list of crochet (and knitting) classes offered at the conference here: http://www.knitandcrochetshow.com/. I’m not sure when registration begins, but if you’re a CGOA member, you’ll receive an e-mail when it’s time to register for the conference.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this look inside the CGOA Masters program. If you’re not a member of CGOA, I hope you’ll check it out and seriously consider joining. And if you can’t attend a CGOA Conference, please look for a local CGOA Chapter to join so you can connect with other crocheters in your community! The CGOA website is http://www.crochet.org.

I’ll be blogging again on my website on March 26^th for my “designer” stop on the National Crochet Month Blog Tour. Please stop by and see what I’ll be giving away that day!

Happy crocheting,

Susan Lowman