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.

New CGOA Blogger - Caissa McClinton @artlikebread

Hello, CGOA!  I am honored to join the team of Crochet Guild of America bloggers!  

Hi!

I have been a member since 2011 and I am happy to serve my professional organization in this way.  I learned about the CGOA through the Yarn Thing Podcast with Marly Bird.  In fact, I owe my entire yarn crafting life to podcasts!  The only reason I ever picked up a crochet hook was because I was inspired by an episode of Craftypod with Diane Gilleland.

Before crochet, I was mainly a paper crafter, garment sewer, and jewelry maker.  I couldn't figure out why someone would want so much yarn!  My, how things change!  After realizing I would actually be making fabric by crocheting, I was in!  I had already sent in my request to join Ravelry (yes, it was in the invitation days) and as soon as I was approved, I ran out to the library and got a couple of crochet books.  I asked my mom for a crochet hook (a blue, plastic 3.75mm hook with a "Bates-style" head) and picked out some blue eyelash yarn from Michael's.  I was able to chain but quickly realized that it was really hard to see the stitches.  I still made a chain bracelet, though!  

It was 2008!  I wore the bracelet with pride!

So I went over to Jo-Ann's and (yikes!) spent over five dollars on a ball of maroon acrylic yarn, then went back to the book.  I then discovered that while I could make the chain, I couldn't advance any further because the directions said insert hook into stitch  I didn't know where in the stitch they meant!  By my estimation, there were three possible places to do that and I just wasn't sure what to do.  I don't remember how it came up, but I learned that a lady at my work named Evelyn could show me how to crochet.  She patiently showed me the double crochet stitch and from there things started to make sense.

Thanks to Evelyn for showing me the double crochet!

 Crochet really took off for me after I read Stitch N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker.  After doing all of the activities in that book, I felt equipped to make almost anything, and indeed, I was.

I am glad to have found the CGOA and I am looking forward to becoming more involved as a blogger.  I have started (and have yet to finish) the Master's Program.  Maybe y'all can cheer me on in my progress!  I am the founding President of the first Mexican Chapter of the Crochet Guild of America, but I currently live in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale Metro.  If you need help starting a chapter, please let me know!

I'm very interactive, so let's keep the conversation going.  How did you discover crochet?  What was your first crochet project?  

Please leave a comment here on the blog, and let's connect on social media!  I can be found on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, Google+,  and YouTube.  Join my monthly newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education.

CGOA's New Blogger Team

The CGOA Now! blog has some exciting things in store for 2016. We've just assembled a new team of volunteer bloggers who will be helping all your favorite long-term CGOA bloggers keep you up-to-date on CGOA news and all things crochet, so you can expect to see more frequent and informative posts in the new year!

We'd like to introduce you to the new team, but first...

Did you know CGOA Now! is your blog? All members of the Crochet Guild of America are eligible to submit blog posts for CGOA Now!. If you have something you'd like to say to the crochet community or would like to join the volunteer blog team (and are a current member of CGOA), please send an email to CGOAnow {at} crochet {dot} org.

And now on to our new blogger team!

Laura Blake

Laura's grandmother taught her how to crochet when she was 8 years old. She crocheted on and off throughout the years until she made a baby bonnet for a friend in 2013, and hasn't stopped crocheting since. She loves to show how beautiful crochet can be (and that's its not inferior to knitting). Her experience has now grown to include testing patterns and proofreading for designers. You can find her on the web on Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.

Marie Segares

Marie Segares is an accomplished crochet blogger and proprietress of Underground Crafter and the Creative Yarn Entrepreneur podcast. She is a Craft Yarn Council Certified Crochet and Knitting Instructor who regularly teaches fiber classes, has had patterns published in numerous magazines, and contributes to several craft blogs. While crocheting is her favorite craft, she also enjoys soap making, quilting, sewing, embroidery, and even knitting! She can be found on the web on Facebook, Ravelry, and YouTube, and on Twitter @ucrafter and @cyeshow.

Stacy Vaka

Stacy learned the art of crochet from her aunt when she was 12 years old. She launched her blog, Crochet Kitten (where she uses the nickname Animator's Wife), in 2007 to support her crochet and belly dance habits. She enjoys the mathematical, designing aspect of crocheting, but also likes putting together tutorials to share her love of crochet with the world. Find her on Facebook, Ravelry, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Book Review: Boho Crochet: 30 Hip and Happy Projects

Title: Boho Crochet: 30 Hip and Happy Projects

Contributing Editor: Marinke Slump

Book Review by Marie Segares, UndergroundCrafter

Boho Crochet is a collection of 30 crochet patterns by 10 popular crochet designers (including Etsy shop owners and bloggers) from the Netherlands, the UK, Ireland, and the US. These designers are known for their embrace of bohemian-style projects influenced by 1960s and 1970s crochet as well as their use of vibrant, contemporary colors.

The book opens with an introduction from Marinke Slump, who brought the collection together, and bios of each of the 10 contributing designers. Next, there is a Project Selector, which is a graphic table of contents with a thumbnail of each pattern along with the pattern name and designer name. (This is the only place in the book where the designer name is linked to the pattern.)

The first section, Crochet for the Home, includes 19 patterns for blankets, pillows, and decorations, including 4 “one star” (beginner) patterns, 11 “two star” (intermediate) patterns, 3 “three star” (accomplished) patterns, and 1 “four star” (advanced) pattern.

The next section, Crochet Fashion, includes 2 “one star” patterns, 8 “two star” patterns, and 2 “three star” patterns for women’s accessories such as neckwear, a shawl, a hat, fingerless mitts, and bags.

Each pattern page includes an introduction, a pattern skill rating, and a supply list that lists the yarn by weight and fiber type, but not brand. About half the patterns indicate gauge is not important. Most patterns include several full color pictures.

The final section is Crochet Techniques. Tools and Materials shares some general tips about yarn, hooks, and notions. Getting Started includes multi-step photo tutorials of basic stitches and techniques. There are also photo tutorials for increasing, decreasing, crocheting in the round, changing colors, joining and seaming, and finishing, and a written explanation of common pattern reading challenges. The book ends with a listing of the yarns used in each project and an index.

The bright colors and inviting pictures are definitely inspiring, and the detailed tutorials in the back make this book ideal for an adventurous beginner crocheter who is hoping to take their skills to the next level. All of the patterns have been previously published, and quite a few are available for free online. The book has also been “translated” from a UK version, and all of the patterns use US crochet abbreviations. However, some of the formatting has not made the transition, so US crocheters who are accustomed to reading patterns from traditional publishers will need to adjust to the lack of spacing (e.g., ch55 instead of ch 55).

The book is beautifully presented and would make a wonderful gift. Crocheters who spend a lot of time online may have already accessed some of these designs for free or by purchasing them on Etsy or Ravelry, but others would view the book with fresh eyes. As with any pattern book, your enjoyment will be increased if you love the patterns. Unfortunately, there is no Ravelry source page set up for the book, but you can see several photographs on the official Martingale page for the book here.

Full disclosure: A free electronic review copy of Boho Crochet was provided by Martingale. 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.
 

2015 CGOA Design Competition Winners!

The 2015 CGOA Design Competition was held last week at the Knit & Crochet Show (the conference for CGOA and TKGA members) at the Town & Country Resort & Conference Center in San Diego, CA.

There were many hands helping in the design competition this year. I want to personally thank my co-chair, Bobbie Matela, our judging manager, Karen McKenna, the many helping hands at the conference, including Edith Smith, Diane Miller and many, many more, as well as everyone who helped “man the booth” on the show floor (there are too many of you to list)! We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Now for the announcement of the winners in the 2015 CGOA Design Competition! 

 

In the “First Time Entrant” category, sponsored by Susan Bates, the winners are:

3^rd place - Harem Nights by Amy Curtin

 
2^nd place - Woodland Winter Jacket by Heather Galluzzi
 
1^st place - Emily Rose by Kayt Ross

 

In the “Young Designer” category, sponsored by The Marian G. Wilburn Foundation for Fiber Arts, the winner is:

1^st place - Catherine Wheels Skirt by Grace Rosburg

 

In the “Artistic Expression” category, sponsored by Creativebug, the winners are:

3^rd place - Danakil Depression by Kayt Ross

 
2^nd place - Cobblestones by Kayt Ross
 
1^st place - Spiral Blues by Ann Wicker

 

In the “Accessories” category, sponsored by Clover, the winners are:

Honorable Mention – Ombre Celtic Knot Necklace by Jennifer Ryan
 
3^rd place - Spring Floral Pin by Jean DeMouy
 
2^nd place - Eleanor Shawl by Kathryn White
 
1^st place - Hearts Galore by Sandy Gold

 

In the “Afghans & Home Décor” category, sponsored by WEBS America’s Yarn Store, the winners are:

Honorable Mention – Shades of Teal Afghan by Kayt Ross

 
3^rd place - Behind the Picket Fence Throw by Shari White

2^nd place - The Long & Short of It by Vicki Buford

1^st place - Country Gardens Pillow by Joyce Geisler

 

In the “Thread Crochet” category, sponsored by Bernat, the winners are:
 
3^rd place - Blue Bird Doily by Kathryn White

2^nd place - Spring Leaves Wedding Dress by Brandi Isham

1^st place - Free Spirit Doily by Kathryn White

 

In the “Fashion” category, sponsored by Interweave Crochet / Love of Crochet, the winners are:
 
Honorable Mention – Lollapalooza by Julia Bryant

Honorable Mention – Blue Poppy Lace Coat & Poppy Pin by Alla Koval

Honorable Mention – Checkerboard Cardigan by Shari White

Honorable Mention – Aegean Dress by Kristin Lynn
 
3^rd place - Velella Poncho by Shari White

2^nd place - Tunica Geometrica by Susan Walsh

1^st place - Legacy by Kathryn White

 

For “Technical Merit”, sponsored by Mary Maxim, the winner is:
           
Spring Leaves Wedding Dress by Brandi Isham
 

For “Peoples’ Choice”, sponsored by Happily Hooked Crochet Magazine, the winner is:

 
Spring Leaves Wedding Dress by Brandi Isham
 

And the “Grand Prize” winner, sponsored by Red Heart, is:

 
Emily Rose by Kayt Ross
 

Please join me in thanking all of our generous and supportive sponsors this year. And a big “CONGRATULATIONS” to all the winners in each category of the competition!

 

If you'd like to see photos of the winners, please see my blog post here: http://thecrochetarchitect.com/2015-cgoa-design-competition-results/.

 

If you'd like to see photos of all the entries in this year's design competition, please see my Flickr album here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskfWHM9T.

Now it’s time to get those hooks busy designing entries for next year’s CGOA Design Competition!

 

Happy crocheting,

Susan Lowman

2015 CGOA Design Competition Co-Chair

 

Book Review: Playtime Stackers

Title: Playtime Stackers
Author: Donna Collinsworth

Book Review by Renee' Rodgers (www.reneecrochet.com)

Cute, cute, cute! That’s how I would describe this new booklet from Annie’s and author Donna Collinsworth. 

A unique offering, Playtime Stackers has six playsets that include stacking rings with a doll that hides neatly inside. For crocheters who like to make toys, this is a perfect fit. 

Projects are suited for both boys and girls. Instructions are written, without diagrams; but if there are any difficulties, just visit StitchGuide.com for help. 

All of the toys in this book would make adorable baby shower gifts or birthday presents for the little ones. 

(Annie’s, 2014; pages, $8.99, ISBN: 978-1-57367-599-4)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Playtime Stackers was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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.

Book Review: Crocodile Stitch Afghans

Title: Crocodile Stitch Afghans
Author: Joyce Lewis

Book Review by Renee' Rodgers (www.reneecrochet.com)

If you’re a crocheter, you would have to be living under a rock to not know about crocodile stitch. It has been a very popular stitch for several years now. 

Enter Crocodile Stitch Afghans, a collection of five new blankets. My personal favorite is the Water Lily Throw. 

All instructions are written in a clear and concise way. As an added bonus, if you need any extra help to complete the projects, a visit to StitchGuide.com will clear things up. 

If you need a new crocodile stitch project, this book has it!

(Annie’s, 2014; 24 pages, $8.99, ISBN: 978-1-57367-562-8)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crocodile Stitch Afghans was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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.

Book Review: Hooked on Crochet! Afghans

Title: Hooked on Crochet! Afghans

Book Review by Elena Hunt (www.beatriceryandesigns.com)

Annie’s has done it again!  Hooked on Crochet! Afghans is a fabulous crochet pattern book and a great addition to my crochet library!  There are six magnificent patterns by three great crochet artists. This 28 page pattern book has easy-to-read instructions, including written instructions and crochet graphs for each pattern.  If you have been looking for a unique afghan pattern, this book is for you.

The eye-catching Pretty Peacock Afghan (pg. 7) that graces the cover of this book is top on my list to make and has been one of my favorite afghans this year. Another favorite is the Bouquet of Daisies Afghan (pg.37); I would love to make this afghan for my own home, perfect for a summer throw.  There is also a Jewel Tones Tunisian Afghan (pg. 4) and a Baby Heirloom Afghan (pg. 12) for those of you who are looking for something in those styles! 

The patterns in this book vary in skill level from easy to intermediate, but the clear and easy to read instructions would make any of these patterns doable for an average crochet hobbyist.

If you love to crochet afghans like I do, I hope you will try one of the great patterns in this book and get Hooked on Crochet! Afghans into your crochet library too!

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Hooked on Crochet! Afghans was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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.

Book Review: Crochet with Love Knots

Title: Crochet with Love Knots
Author: Jenny King

Book Review by Jennifer Cirka (www.jaybirddesigns.com)

If you are interested in making lightweight summer accessories, do I have a book for you! Crochet with Love Knots by Jenny King has some beautiful and trendy designs in the famous love knot stitch. Plus, I have a confession to make. I never learned how to make a love knot. Trust me, I always wanted to, but I was intimidated by the complexity of how they looked. So, I decided to conquer my fear and learn a new stitch while reading this book to review.

This booklet from Annie's features eight different and fashionable patterns using the love knot stitch. All patterns are rated easy to intermediate in skill level and use different weight yarns. The booklet includes detailed instructions with photos that excellently describe how to make a love knot stitch, plus there is also a stitch guide and metric conversion chart. 

When I find a little more free time, I am looking forward to making the Sunset Circlet Wrap. I think it would be a great addition to my wardrobe for summer. Something simple to dress up jeans and a tank top while still looking professional. Right now, I'm not sure what color I would want to make it. 

When you are ready to learn a new stitch and make some amazing accessory items, Crochet with Love Knots will make a great addition to your library. 

(Annie's, 2014, 423 Pages, $9.99, ISBN 978-1-57367-539-0)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet with Love Knots was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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.

Book Review: Amamani Puzzle Balls

Title: Amamani Puzzle Balls
Author: Dedri Uys

Book Review by Lorene Eppolite (www.cre8tioncrochet.com)

Amamani Puzzle Balls by Dedri Uys features six adorable amigurumi animal puzzle balls. These loveable animals are based on traditional Amish puzzle balls.

Each puzzle ball comes apart in three pieces. Many of the puzzle ball pieces are interchangeable.

All of the creatures are super adorable and Dedri’s patterns are easy to understand and work up. The information section at the beginning of the book explains in great detail everything you’ll need to know to design you very own Amamani Puzzle Balls. The Basic Parts and Pieces section breaks it down even further.

Additionally, each creature has detailed illustrations and photos to really help you follow along without question. 

This is one of the best designed books I have ever had the pleasure of reviewing. The Stitch Guide at the end of the book along with the website provided will help any experienced crocheter or very determined beginner, be able to make these adorable little guys (and gals).

Amamani Puzzle Balls is available by Annies Crafts in either hardcopy or digital download for $10.99.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Amamani Puzzle Balls was provided by Annie's Crafts. 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.

CGOA Masters Day at 2015 Knit & Crochet Show

The CGOA Masters Committee is pleased to announce this year's CGOA Masters Day to take place at the Knit & Crochet Show in July in San Diego, CA. For more information about the Knit & Crochet Show, along with the CGOA and TKGA classes and events, please visit this website: http://www.knitandcrochetshow.com/.

Here's all the information you need to know in order to register for this year's CGOA Masters Day (registration is available through the Knit & Crochet Show website, listed above):

CGOA Mastering Crochet the CGOA Way 
(Note that you have the option to take morning, afternoon or BOTH)

Two Sessions: Morning: 9am-12pm and Afternoon: 2pm-5pm
Price: $40 member/$50 non-member per session
Room: Salon Three

If you’re currently enrolled in the CGOA Masters program, would like to learn about the program, or simply want to take your crochet skills to the next level, join us for a full day or half day of information specifically targeted to enhance basic crochet skills and skills necessary for the CGOA Masters program. Topics covered will include: organizing your Masters notebook, getting gauge in rows and rounds, yarning over correctly, weaving in ends invisibly, joining smoothly, fastening off neatly, reading your stitches, foundation stitches, blocking and 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.

Morning Session Will Cover:
Information and skills specific to the CGOA Masters program
(Introduction to the Masters program, introduction to the committee and the reviewers, organizing your notebook, reviewing Masters swatches and more)

Afternoon Session Will Cover:
Enhancing crochet skills
(Improving your basic crochet skills, reading & understanding patterns, knowing your stitches, finishing, blocking and more)

Supplies to bring: Swatches for informal review, portfolio in progress (or finished), swatch(es) for blocking, worsted weight yarn and crochet hooks.

Homework: Write down your questions for the CGOA Masters co-chairs and portfolio reviewers. Make any swatches from the program that you’d like to have reviewed onsite.

We hope you'll take advantage of the 2015 CGOA Masters Day and all that the Knit & Crochet Show (CGOA Conference) has to offer!

The CGOA Masters Committee