I'm Marie Segares from Underground Crafter and this is the fifth post in a monthly series for CGOA Now! where I shine a spotlight on a CGOA member and share a bit of her story with an interview.

Pia Thadani.

This month's interview is with Pia Thadani from Stitches'N'Scraps. Pia's been crocheting since her mom taught her as a child. She also knits and has dabbled in cross stitch, embroidery, needlepoint, rug hooking, and scrapbooking. Pia is a crochet and knitting designer who can be found on Stitches'N'Scraps as well as Craftsy, Facebook, Ravelry, and Twitter. 

All images are used with permission and are © Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps. 

Blueberry Hill, free crochet pattern by Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps.

Underground Crafter (UC): How did you first get started crocheting? 

Pia: My mom taught me when I was very little. I think I was about 4 or 5 years old. At first she taught me to make chains by hand. For a while, I just made dozens of very long chains and then braided them together to make jump ropes. It was probably another year or so before I started actually crocheting with a hook.

Crocodile Stitch Pixie Hat, free crochet pattern by Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps.

UC: When did you start designing?  

Pia: In 2013, I published what I consider my first real pattern, my Crocodile Pixie Hat. To this day it’s still one of my most popular ones!  

Hugging Tree, free crochet pattern by Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps.

UC: How long have you been a member of the CGOA? What’s your favorite thing about being a member? 

Pia: I joined the CGOA in 2014, and I’m so glad I did! I can’t really tell you my favorite part, because there are so many good things that have come from my membership. I found a local guild chapter which is very active with monthly meetings, workshops, fun activities, and an annual retreat. I went to the Knit and Crochet Show last year, and found that the discounts on classes and events more than paid for my annual dues. I also completed the Master’s program – which I’ll tell you about next.

 

Round the Mulberry Bush, free crochet pattern by Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps.

UC: You completed the CGOA Master's program. Can you tell us about your experience? 

Pia: When I was looking into the Knit and Crochet Show, I learned that they have a little ceremony each year where Masters graduates receive their pins. I decided right then that I would get my pin at my first show and it would be awesome (and I did, and it was!) The instructions seemed deceptively easy, but I soon found out the reviewers really are looking for perfection, and I had to redo a few of the swatches. The hardest part of the whole process was waiting for the reviews. Somehow, I ended up a lot more emotionally invested in it than I thought I would be, and it was torture waiting to hear back. The review notes were very thorough, and I did learn a LOT about my strengths and the areas where I need to take more care. The Masters committee is made up of really friendly, encouraging people who do actually want you to pass, and are happy to help you get there.  As nerve wracking as the process was, the satisfaction and pride in completing it feels amazing. I wrote a little more about my experience here.

 

Simple Crochet Balls, free crochet pattern by Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps.

UC: Last year, you wrote a great post about attending the Knit and Crochet Show for the first time. How has going to the conference impacted your work as a designer and blogger?   

Pia:  I was lucky enough to have some on-line designer friends who helped me with what to expect and what to bring with me to make the trip successful from a business standpoint. Getting to meet some of them in person was one of the best parts of the trip. I made some great contacts, and I feel like I came away with a better overall understanding of how the different aspects of the fiber industry (like yarn companies, publishers, and designers) all work together. I learned some of the “who’s who” of different companies, and put some faces to the names. I also spent some time just watching what the veteran designers were doing and who they were talking to.  It wasn’t all business though, I had a lot of fun and made some new friends. It was such a great trip that I plan to go back every year if I can. I feel like the more I go back, the more valuable the experience will be each time.

Pacific Sunset Mitts, free crochet pattern by Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps.  

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for relaxing? 

Pia: I like working with sport or DK weight yarn. A relaxing project for me would be something made all in one piece, without a lot of ends, preferably in a stitch pattern I don’t have to concentrate on too much as I’m usually watching tv at the same time.

Dew Drop Necklace, free crochet pattern by Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for challenging yourself? 

Pia: Thread or complicated lace is challenging for me, but I also don’t particularly enjoy it. My favorite challenge is actually working out a new design. Figuring out how to make the yarn do what’s in my head, preferably in a way that’s easy for someone else to follow, is a little like solving a puzzle…and I love puzzles!

Ribbed Fingerless Mitts, free crochet pattern by Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects to give as gifts? 

Pia: Non-size specific items. These stretchy, Ribbed Fingerless Mitts are one of my favorites because they fit everyone. Shawls and scarves are another go to. Hats can be ok if there’s enough stretch that they can fit a variety of sizes.

Twilight Reverie, free crochet pattern by Pia Thadani/Stitches'N'Scraps.

UC: What are you working on in 2016? What's next for you? 

Pia: A little bit of everything, really. It feels like 2016 was already filled by the first week! I’m excited to have lots of opportunities to work with other designers and groups this year, including a contribution or two on this blog. I’ll also be designing a pattern for the Holiday Stashdown CAL, and one for the Moogly Afghan CAL. I would like to work on getting some patterns published in print publications as well if possible. Other than that, I plan to focus this year on developing and sticking to a more regular blogging schedule, including writing more patterns. I found I didn’t have a lot of summery handmades to wear at the show last year, so some of those new patterns are likely to be wearables as I try to build my personal wardrobe a bit.

Thank you so much for sharing your love of crochet with us, Pia!

CGOA Member Spotlight: Mistie Bush

I'm Marie Segares from Underground Crafter and this is the fourth post in a monthly series for CGOA Now! where I shine a spotlight on a CGOA member and share a bit of her story with an interview.

Mistie Bush.

In this month's post, I'm talking with Mistie Bush from American Crochet. Mistie is a wife and mother of five. She considers herself blessed and extremely fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom. Mistie started crocheting in 2004 while pregnant with her youngest and later started writing a few patterns. She soon realized that crocheting and designing were her passion! Mistie is a crochet designer and blogger who can be found on American Crochet and well as on Etsy, Facebook, G+, Instagram, Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.

All images are used with permission and are © Mistie Bush/American Crochet.

Storm at Sea Lapghan, free crochet pattern by Mistie Bush/American Crochet.

Underground Crafter (UC): How did you first get started crocheting?

Mistie: My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 16 years old but didn’t really start crocheting until 2004.

Color Block Dragonflies Scarf, free crochet pattern by Mistie Bush/American Crochet.

 UC: When did you start designing?

Mistie: I started designing in 2005.

Enchanted Mirrors Infinity Scarf, free crochet pattern by Mistie Bush/American Crochet.

UC: How long have you been a member of the CGOA? What’s your favorite thing about being a member?

Mistie: 3 years. I like learning from those who are more experienced.

Last Minute Open Weave Baby Blanket, free crochet pattern by Mistie Bush/American Crochet.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for relaxing?

Mistie: Blankets, scarves/cowls, and shawls, like the Color Block Dragonflies Scarf and the Last Minute Open Weave Baby Blanket.

Springy Top, free crochet pattern by Mistie Bush/American Crochet.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for challenging yourself?

Mistie: Clothing, like shirts, jackets and such, like my Springy Top pattern.

Gracie's Shrug, free crochet pattern by Mistie Bush/American Crochet.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for warmer weather?

Mistie: Skinny, light weight scarves, open shawls, light weight tops, and shrugs, like the Enchanted Mirrors Infinity Scarf and Gracie's Shrug.

Twist-Ago Washcloth, free crochet pattern by Mistie Bush/American Crochet.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects to give as gifts?

Mistie: Shawls, blankets/lapghans, scarves, and items for the home, like the Twist-Ago Washcloth, Stained Diamonds Wrap, and Storm At Sea Lapghan.

Stained Diamonds Wrap, free crochet pattern by Mistie Bush/American Crochet.

UC: What are you working on in 2016? What's next for you?

I’m currently participating in Wonder Crochet Blanket CAL. 

I have a few surprises in the works: blankets, putting together a few more CALs that will gear towards fall/the holidays and summer, patterns for charity, and a few other things.

I want to get my CGOA Master of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques, start making tutorial videos, get published in major crochet magazines, and hopefully publish a book.

Thank you so much, Mistie, for sharing your love of crochet with us.

Happy National Crochet Month from CGOA Secretary, Susan Lowman

Happy National Crochet Month! It’s great to have a whole month to celebrate crochet! Since CGOA is an integral part of National Crochet Month, it’s fitting that the CGOA Board members participate in Crochetville’s National Crochet Month Blog Tour again this year. Many thanks to Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka for putting together this blog tour. We’re supporting the charity, Halos of Hope again this year. For more information about Halos of Hope, visit their website here: www.halosofhope.org.  

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Susan Lowman. I’m a professional member of CGOA, working as a freelance crochet designer, technical editor and teacher. I’m the secretary on the CGOA Board of Directors again this year, the liaison to the CGOA Masters committee and co-chair in the CGOA Masters program. I’m also one of the 2 co-chairs of this year’s CGOA Design Competition. But I’ll let the other co-chair (Bobbie Matela) tell you about the Design Competition in her blog post tomorrow! I love being involved in CGOA!!!

I’m very excited to tell you about the first full-length CGOA Masters Day that we’ll be presenting this year at the CGOA Conference (aka: Knit & Crochet Show or Chain Link Conference) in July in San Diego, CA. Our first CGOA Masters Day was held last year at the conference in Manchester, NH, but it was only a half day. Our full-length CGOA Masters Day this year will be loaded with helpful information on how to improve your crochet, including such topics as getting gauge, weaving in ends invisibly, joining smoothly, fastening off neatly and much more. We’ll also be reviewing swatches in the program to teach you how to review your own work and we’ll explain what we’re looking for in the portfolio reviews. The day is split up between the morning session and the afternoon session, so you can pick the session you’d like to attend or attend both!

Jane Rimmer (the other co-chair of the CGOA Masters program) and I, along with some of the other Masters Committee members (aka: portfolio reviewers), are very excited about this Masters Day and we hope you are, too! We’ve got a lot planned for the day and look forward to sharing it with all those in attendance to help further everyone’s crochet skills and knowledge!

If you’re currently enrolled in the CGOA Masters program or you’d like to learn more about the program, you’ll want to attend the CGOA Masters Day on Wednesday, July 22 from 9 am – 12 noon and 2-5 pm. To read more about this year’s conference, including the schedule for the CGOA Masters Day, please check out this page.

For more information about the CGOA Masters program, visit the CGOA website here. This is the main page for the Masters program on the CGOA website. From here, you can go to other pages on the CGOA website to find out even more about the program.

For more information about the Knit & Crochet Show, check out this website. The complete show schedule, including more specific information on the classes, is all there for you to read and plan your conference experience, along with registering for a fabulous time!

Happy National Crochet Month and happy crocheting!

Susan Lowman

www.TheCrochetArchitect.com

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