I'm Marie from Underground Crafter and this is my tenth post in a series where I spotlight a Crochet Guild of America member with an interview. 

Jess Mason.

This month's interview features Jess Mason from Screen to Stitch, a crochet designer and fiber artist community manager. Jess learned to crochet as a teen from her grandmother and has been designing patterns for the past several years. You can find Jess on Screen to Stitch. She is also on Ravelry and members of her Facebook group get access to free patterns a week early.

All images are used with permission and are © Jess Mason/Screen to Stitch.

Yarn Bombed Door Knob, free crochet pattern by Screen to Stitch.

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

Jess: I started crocheting at about 15 when my grandma taught me to chain. It was all I could do when I started, so I think I chained an entire skein of yarn to practice! Then my grandma taught me to single and double crochet. From there, I hopped on YouTube and the rest is history!

Batik Zipper Pouch, premium crochet pattern by Screen to Stitch.

UC: When did you start designing?
Jess: I started designing in 2013. I didn’t really think much would come of it, I just wanted to have a bit of fun!

UC: How long have you been a member of the CGOA? What’s your favorite thing about being a member?
Jess: I’ve been a member for two years. I love connecting with other members. I don’t have many friends that crochet, so being able to connect and chat with other crocheters is just a blast!

Zen Blanket, free crochet pattern by Screen to Stitch.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for relaxing?
Jess: Scrap blankets! Whenever I really want to zone out and relax, I work on simple, mindless projects like the Zen Blanket.

Cutie Acorns in 3 Sizes, premium crochet pattern by Screen to Stitch.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for challenging yourself?
Jess: Amigurumi…I love learning new construction techniques and different ways to make shapes with crochet.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects to give as gifts?
Jess: Hats and scarves, because there are so many different designs out there so there’s something for everyone.

Scrappy Snake, crochet pattern by Screen to Stitch in October, 2016 issue of Happily Hooked.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for colder weather?
Jess: Big, squishy cowls! I especially like this one from Purl Soho. 

Uni-CORN, free crochet pattern by Screen to Stitch.

UC: What are you working on in 2016? What's next for you?
Jess: 2016 is the year of connection! I’m building an awesome and fun Facebook community and that’s where I’m spending a lot of my time nowadays! I just love seeing people’s projects, answering questions and connecting with my fans! 

What’s next?! More patterns, more fun, more connection! ;) If you want to get in on some of that, join the place where it all goes down, my email list.

Thanks for sharing your love of crochet with us, Jess!

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.

CGOA Member Spotlight: Jessie Rayot

I'm Marie Segares from Underground Crafter and this is the third 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.

In this month's post, I'm talking with Jessie Rayot from Jessie At Home. Jessie is a crochet and knitting designer, blogger, and YouTuber. Jessie has a background in costume design and studio art which influences her design process. I had the pleasure of meeting Jessie in real life at Stitch N' Pitch last year, and since then we've become pals. We even co-host a monthly knitting (gasp!) link party together. (If you also knit, check it out here.) Jessie can be found online on Craftsy, Etsy, Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, Ravelry, Twitter, and YouTube.

All images are used with permission and are © Jessie Rayot/Jessie At Home unless otherwise noted.

Jessie Rayot wearing her Emily's Super Slouchy Hat, a free knitting pattern. Jessie also has a free crochet pattern version. 

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

Jessie: I first started to crochet when I was 8 or 9. My great grandmother taught me. I wrote about it a few years ago for NatCroMo. You can read the whole story here.

Amalthea, a free crochet shawl pattern by Jessie Rayot.

UC: When did you start designing?

Jessie: I started designing costumes in high school. I went on to earn a BFA in Costume Design from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. I worked as a costume designer and costume shop manager until I was 28. I had always kept my love of crochet with me, and I very rarely used patterns, I just improvised. Shortly after my twins were born, I started my blog, Jessie At Home, as a way to keep my family up to date on the girls. Eventually I started adding crafty posts, and in October of 2009, I posted my first written pattern.

Retro Ornament Throw, free crochet pattern by Jessie Rayot for Red Heart. Image © Jessie At Home.

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

Jessie: I joined CGOA in 2013. I love so much about it. I think my favorite thing about the CGOA is the opportunities it has opened up for me thanks to the comradery it fosters. It’s wonderful to be part of an organization that encourages working together, and helping each other!

Flight Hat, free crochet pattern by Jessie Rayot.

UC: How do you celebrate National Crochet Month?

Jessie: I usually try to find something fun to do on my blog. This year I'm planning on LOTS of product reviews. Most of the reviews will be for products that will be included in the 2016 Yarn and Wine Tasting next month. 

Joseph's Puff Stitch Blanket, free crochet pattern by Jessie Rayot.

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

Jessie: Something that is easy to memorize, but not so simple it becomes tedious. My Skylark in Wonderland pattern is an easy to memorize 4 row repeat, and I found it quite relaxing to make!

Skylark in Wonderland, free crochet pattern by Jessie Rayot.

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

Jessie: Something with new or difficult stitches, learning new skills. Tamara's Kismet Square is one of my most challenging patterns, which is why it includes videos and photo to help you along.

Tamara's Kismet Square, free crochet pattern by Jessie Rayot. 

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

Jessie: Cowls, hats, scarves… things most people will actually use. Several years ago I designed a set of winter patterns that I used to make nearly all of my Christmas gifts. If I can figure out something that is perfect for the person I’m gifting it too, that’s even better! Basically, I love giving what will make the recipient happy. 

Eli, Ali & Leo Winter Set, 6 free crochet patterns by Jessie Rayot.

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

Jessie: Everything!! Total Crochet World Domination! :)

I’m really excited about the Yarn and Wine tasting I'm running at a friend's vineyard next month, and about all the conferences and trade shows I'm attending.

Thanks so much, Jessie, for sharing your love of crochet with us.

CGOA Member Spotlight: Kristine Mullen

I'm Marie Segares from Underground Crafter and this is the second 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.

In this month's post, I'm talking with Kristine Mullen from Ambassador Crochet. Kristine is a crochet designer and tech editor, and she can be found online on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter, as well as in her pattern shop.

All images are used with permission and are © Kristine Mullen/Ambassador Crochet.

Kristine Mullen.

Underground Crafter (UC): How did you first get started crocheting? 
Kristine Mullen (KM): My mother taught me to crochet when I was 5, but I didn't pick it up again until I was in my 20's and pregnant with my first daughter. 

Candy Cloud Burst Baby Afghan, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: When did you start designing? 
KM: I started designing in 2007. A friend of mine had a preemie (30 weeks gestation) and I wanted to make him a blanket. I couldn't find anything I liked so I decided to make my own. It was at that point I realized I loved designing my own patterns.

Hat for Hope, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: How long have you been a member of the CGOA? What’s your favorite thing about being a member? 
KM: I have been a member of the CGOA since 2013. My favorite part is the networking. I feel like everyone has been very willing to help, promote, and encourage each other because we're all in this together.

The Royal Bow Beanie, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: You're also a tech editor. Can you tell us what you do as a tech editor, and how you got started? 
KM: A tech editor checks a pattern for errors. It can be everything from math errors, to formatting or style issues. For me it all started when I was a tester for a designer. She started noticing that I was picking up on errors beyond what a tester would normally find and asked if I had ever thought about editing. It has since become a passion of mine. 

Super Bulky Winter Hat, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: Has tech editing influenced your design work at all? If so, how? 
KM: It has definitely helped me branch out beyond hats and baby blankets, but I don't think it has necessarily influenced my designs. It has definitely influenced my writing style though. Now I try really hard to write a pattern that can be read by any level crocheter so that even if the stitch work is difficult the pattern won't be hard to understand. 

Indigo Falls Infinity Scarf, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for relaxing? 
KM: I love working up infinity scarves and cowls.

Gray Skies Gradient Shawl, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen, and winner of the Fan's Choice Award for Battle of the Stitches Round 8.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects for challenging yourself? 
KM: That's a good question. I love to try experienced or challenging patterns, but I don't know that I have a specific project type. I think I lean more towards stitch combos and overall design. I guess if I had to pick a project type I would pick shawls or sweaters. 

Waves of Grayce Chevron Baby Blanket, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: What are your favorite types of crochet projects to give as gifts? 
KM: I love making baby blankets and scarves to give as gifts.

Awareness Ribbon Afghan Project, crochet pattern by Kristine Mullen.

UC: What are you working on in 2016? What's next for you? 
KM: I'm spending more time tech editing and I want to put myself out there and submit more designs for publication. I also want to help people advance their crocheting skills.

Thanks so much, Kristine, for sharing your love of crochet with us.

CGOA Member Spotlight: Beth Graham

I'm Marie Segares from Underground Crafter and this is the first post in my new series for CGOA Now! Each month, I'll be shining a spotlight on a CGOA member and sharing a bit of her story with an interview.

In this month's post, I'm featuring Beth Graham. Beth is a crochet teacher and designer living in Ontario, Canada. I first "met" Beth online several years ago, and we've been virtual friends ever since! We've bonded over our love of crochet and our (prematurely) gray hair. 

Beth teaches at her local yarn shop, Shall We Knit? in Waterloo, Ontario, and on Craftsy. (CGOA members can get 50% off her Fun & Fantastic Textured Stitches Craftsy class by using this link.) You can find Beth online on Facebook, Ravelry (as BethGraham, in the Beth Graham Design group, or on her designer page), and Twitter.

All images are used with permission and, unless otherwise noted, are © Craftsy.

Beth Graham.

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

Beth Graham (BG): I learned to crochet 14 years ago, after moving to Canada from the United States. I’d seen my sister-in-law do lots of crochet – in fact, she’d made my son’s beautiful and beloved “yellow blankie” when he was born several years prior to our move – and thought that crochet would be just the thing to keep me occupied during my first long winter.

I’m a left-hander who had previously failed at many crafts, in part because I believed them to favor right-handers. I finally was successful after getting Mary Thomas’s First Steps in Crochet, which began with the assurance that crochet is really a two-handed activity. 

Something about that new information freed me to try again, and now is fundamental to my approach in teaching adults.

It's a Trap, crochet pattern by Beth Graham. Image © Anne Podlesak.

UC: When did you start teaching crochet?

BG: I began teaching crochet about 7 years ago at my local yarn shop at the same time that I returned to university for a teaching degree. The shop owner and I both assumed that my gig would be short lived, that I’d stop once I got an elementary teaching position. In that weird way that life has of twisting and turning, though, the public school thing never completely happened, and here I am, concentrating on crochet teaching and absolutely loving it!

As other teachers know, we often get as much from our students as we give them. My adult learners constantly help me improve my own crochet – as well as my teaching skills – and I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to work with them. With my new online class, Craftsy has allowed me the potential to reach even more folks who would like to learn with me.

Swirly Blanket, crochet pattern by Beth Graham. Image © Gillian Martin.

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

BG: I’ve only been a member of the CGOA for about five years and confess that I haven’t been an active participant to this point. My favorite thing about being a member is reading what other folks are up to throughout North America. I would love to become more active in the organization.

Scarf Theory, crochet pattern by Beth Graham. Image © Beth Graham.

UC: Has teaching influenced your design work at all? If so, how?

BG: My design work is almost entirely influenced by my teaching interests. I’m a former librarian and proofreader, so care a lot about clear communication and sharing knowledge and resources. My designs are all meant to support beginner to advanced beginner crafters and help them gain the confidence and tools to tackle more difficult projects.

(My secondary, sneakier goal in design is to persuade knitters of the beauty and utility that is crochet. Keep that under your hat!)

Bandwagon Blanket, free crochet pattern by Beth Graham. Image © Beth Graham.

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

BG: Lately, I’ve been working almost exclusively on my Bandwagon Blanket, which consists of Tunisian crochet mitered squares made from sock yarn scraps. I am loving how patchwork-y it is! 

Playful Textures Scarf, a crochet pattern by Beth Graham from her Craftsy class, Fun & Fantastic Textured Crochet Stitches. 

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

BG: I really crochet mostly to relax, and I design to challenge myself.  My overarching challenge? Offering patterns that use simple techniques and at the same time have a satisfying, classic appeal to both encourage newer crocheters and to convince knitters to give this craft a try. 

Simple Textures Dishcloth, a crochet pattern by Beth Graham from her Craftsy class, Fun & Fantastic Textured Crochet Stitches. 

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

BG: My favorite gifts are things that can be used – and used up – so dishcloths are my natural go-to. I recently designed the Simple Textures Dishcloth to accompany my Craftsy class, and I’m sure will be making lots more of those to give away. 

UC: What’s your crochet Resolution for 2016?

BG: I am so very close to finishing my Bandwagon Blanket, so that’s first on my list. I would also like to learn more about slip stitch crochet. (Tanja Osswald has some lovely, intricate slip-stitch designs that are on the top of my list.) As well, I want to continue to improve as a crochet teacher.

A Crinkle in Time Cowl, crochet pattern by Beth Graham. Image © Gillian Martin. 

UC: What’s next for you?

BG: I’ve got a design coming out soon in the Knit Picks Independent Designer Program and another about to be released in the latest Crochet One-Skein book from Storey Publishing. I want to continue balancing work with third-party publications and independent designs throughout 2016.

Thanks so much, Beth, for sharing your love of crochet with us.