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.

Across the Board CAL: Skipping Stones

Welcome to Part 2 of our Across the Board CAL!

It has been so much fun seeing the color combinations everyone chose for the Diamond Trellis strip, and even more exciting to hear that CGOA has picked up some new members this month! For those of you just joining, everything you need to know about the CAL can be found on this post.

This segment is brought to you by Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts, a company who specializes in exotic fibers and unique, hand-dyed yarn (check out their Meow and Woof collections!). They are donating not one, but two skeins of their never-before-seen Reinvent yarn for this segment's giveaway.

Reinvent is designed to appeal to the environmentally conscious customer who desires a luxury yarn that respects our planet. Made from reclaimed new fibres this beautiful yarn incorporates multiple trends in the knitting world, dyes beautifully, and provides a fabulous knitting, crochet, or weaving experience. With lots of yardage this yarn is suitable for a wide range of projects, and is competitively priced. Fiber content: 49% Wool / 34% Mohair / 11% Nylon / 4% Acrylic / 3% Silk.  400 meters / 437 yards per 100 gram / 3.5 oz skein.

The winner will have their choice of colors from their new Denim Collection set of color ways.

Reinvent from Ancient Arts Fibre Craft

Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win! Entries will be accepted from March 14th through March 27th, 2016, and a winner will be selected on Monday, March 28th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This segment's strip is Skipping Stones by Susan Lowman, former secretary on the CGOA Board and former co-chair of the CGOA Masters Committee (and current Professional Member of CGOA).

"Susan Lowman is well-known for her work with the Wiggly Crochet technique. If you've never tried it before, you're going to love it. You start by creating a mesh background then crochet your strips into that mesh. Susan has chosen to arrange the colors of rouge, lavender, and shocking pink so her strip has a very free-flowing feel that is reminiscent of ripples in a pond."

This is a fantastically textured strip that showcases the three-dimensional capabilities of crochet. The pattern starts on page 4 of the Across the Board booklet.

Share your progress in any of the following ways:

• Add a photo to this post using the "Add your link" button below (see this tutorial on how to do this)
• Post questions or comments in the comments on this post
• Join the discussion in our Ravelry and Facebook groups

*Special thanks goes out to Red Heart for donating the yarn that was used in the pattern book!

An InLinkz Link-up

Crochet QOTM: Your Favorite Crochet Stitch

Hey, CGOA people!  Are you as excited as I am for National Crochet Month?  I am sure you're aware of all of the different ways we can celebrate crochet this month.  If not, check out our CGOA Across the Board Crochet-Along with fab prizes, this past post with some great ideas, or skip on over to Crochetville and jump on their blog train!

 

I am really excited for today's post because today's post is all about YOU!  

One of the blogging goals for this year is to increase the sense of community in the CGOA, and therefore increase the already fantastic value in holding a CGOA membership!  To this end, I want to start a series of posts here on the blog where YOU contribute to the content.  Here's how it will work:

Each month I'll post a question here on the blog.  We'll then post it on our facebook page, where YOU can share your answers and photos (if applicable).  During the last week of the month, I'll round up some of the shining comments and images.  Then I'll post them here on the blog and we can all read about what others are up to!  I will also present the next question at that time.  Sound fun?

 

So the question of the month (QOTM) this time is What is Your Favorite Crochet Stitch and why?

I'll begin the fun by answering.  Although I don't necessarily use it that much, I love the Extended Single Crochet.  The reason I love it is because I just used this stitch in a project and it was elegant.  It's drapier than single crochet, as simple as double crochet, and produces a beautiful fabric when worked in the round.  You can see my new favorite stitch at the top of the above photo.

I am extremely interested in learning about the stitches that our members love, so let's keep the conversation going.  Please tell me your favorite stitch and why!  

Feel free to link to a tutorial or great book/pattern resource featuring your stitch!  Please leave a comment here on the blog, on our facebook page, or in any of the various forums I'll be checking.  If you want your tweet or gram to be found, please hashtag #CrochetQOTM on twitter or instagram.

I can be found on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, Google+,  and YouTube.  Join my monthly newsletter about crafts, crochet, and education. 

Across the Board CAL: Diamond Trellis

Welcome to Part 1 of our Across the Board CAL!

We are so excited to see the enthusiasm that our CGOA members have brought to this event. Just a reminder that everything you need to know about the CAL in upcoming weeks can be found on this post.

This segment is brought to you by Unicorn Fibre, a company who specializes in fiber cleaning and conditioning products to keep your crochet looking its best! They have graciously donated their adorable Unicorn Baby Gift Set for this segment's giveaway. It contains 4 oz each of their Fibre Wash, Power Scour, and Fiber Rinse products, all topped with a sweet baby unicorn plushy. This prize is being shipped directly from Unicorn, and is available to be shipped in the USA only.

Unicorn Baby Gift Set from Unicorn Fibre

Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win! Entries will be accepted from February 29th through March 13th, 2016, and a winner will be selected on Monday, March 14th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This segment's strip is the Diamond Trellis by Kate Steinke, the Chair of CGOA's Volunteer Committee.

“Kate's elegant Diamond Trellis strip uses three different colors; pale plum, lavender, and shocking pink, to help you gain experience with colorwork. You will change colors within rows and carry color changes up the side of one row. The beautiful trellis pattern is achieved by working chain loops that remain free from the background stitches, giving a very textural effect to this strip.”

This strip offers a fantastic opportunity to practice color changes and "carrying" unused colors to avoid having multiple ends to weave in. It can be found on Page 3 of the Across the Board 2015 booklet.

Are you ready to get started? Then let's go! Share your progress in any of the following ways:

• Add a photo to this post using the "Add your link" button below (see CGOA blogger Marie Segares' tutorial on how to do this)
• Post questions or comments in the comments on this post
• Join the discussion in our Ravelry and Facebook groups

An InLinkz Link-up

Get on Board with CGOA's Across the Board Crochet-Along!

March is National Crochet Month, and the Crochet Guild of America is going to be kicking off the festivities with a very special crochet-along (CAL).

Did you know that one of the many benefits of joining the Crochet Guild is free access to exclusive crochet patterns for members only? It's true! And beginning February 29th, we'll be hosting a CAL for CGOA's members-only Across the Board afghan pattern, available for download here.

Note: While the pattern is free, you do have to be a CGOA member in good standing to download it.

The Across the Board afghan was designed by CGOA's own board members. Red Heart graciously donated the yarn that was used to design this project. It's made up of seven different strips, each of which feature a different crochet technique. If you ever wanted to expand your crochet skills, now's the time! Some of the featured techniques you may have never seen before.

Here's everything you need to know about the CAL:

Community!

Not only will you be able to post pictures of your progress on the CGOA Now! blog, we will also have a Ravelry group and Facebook group you can join to discuss your project.

Join the Facebook group here and Ravelry discussion here.

Support!

As mentioned above, some of the techniques used in the afghan may be brand new to you. One of the advantages of making this afghan during a crochet-along is support from your fellow crocheters if you get stuck on something. Plus, who doesn't want to show off their hard work?

If you'd rather not make the entire afghan, feel free to pick the strips that interest you the most and turn them into scarves. This CAL can be anything you want it to be.

Giveaways!

Everyone loves a giveaway, and we are thrilled to have some awesome sponsors donating prizes for this event. We will spend two weeks on each strip of the afghan, and each two week session will have a new sponsor and giveaway prize. We'd like to keep the prizes a surprise for now, but please join us in giving a big thank-you to our sponsors:

Unicorn Fibre

Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts

Knitter's Pride

...and our Grand Prize sponsor:

Berroco

Note on Giveaways: As the prizes will be shipping directly from our sponsors, there may be some international shipping restrictions, depending on the sponsor. These details will be mentioned in that segment's giveaway.

How do I join the CAL?

Book Review: Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg

Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg
Book Review by Jessie Rayot of Jessie At Home

I noticed this book on Amazon when it was still in pre-sales, and when I was asked to review it, I was super excited! I've never tried fair isle Tunisian crochet before, but it's been on my list of skills to learn for quite some time. Brenda's book was just right for me!

Brenda starts out with a great introduction about what this technique is, how it can be used, and how she learned and fell in love with Tunisian fair isle. She then continues on with a spectacular technical section. Brenda takes the time to explain the importance of things like floats, gauge, swatching, and blocking (with plenty of pins!). Then there are 15 pages of stitch explanations with step by step photos. This makes every stitch so easy to understand and master, even if you've never tried Tunisian crochet before.

Next Brenda takes the time to teach some skills, techniques, tips and trick, and to give pointers on notions needed and even color planning. By the time I got to the first pattern, I no longer had any questions about how to create Tunisian fair isle, or if I could. I had every tool I needed and was ready to go!

The book continues along in an intelligent pattern order, starting with smaller and easier projects. The first 2 patterns are boot cuffs, which are quite hot right now! The first boot cuff pattern has a simple chart with short floats. Though it may appear as though these (and many of the other patterns) are worked in the round, all the patterns in this book are worked flat and seamed together. No worries about seaming though, Brenda explained all that in the beginning of the book.

I love that there are 2 or 3 of most type of pattern in the book, such as the boot cuffs, ear warmers and neck warmers; but all with different charts. This allows the crocheter to become confident with the pattern while working on improving their fair isle technique.

Though there are plenty of easier patterns, Brenda does include some patterns to help the reader grow their skills even more. There are 2 patterns that use more than 2 colors, there are some blankets for those wanting a larger project, and there are even a couple sweaters.

Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg is a great book for those looking to expand their crocheting skills into Tunisian fair isle, and for those who already know Tunisian fair isle but want to improve those skills or find more wonderful patterns and charts to use.

Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg can be found HERE on Amazon and retails for $21.95. You can also find the Ravelry listing HERE.

Now for something extra special from Brenda and Stackpole - your chance to win a FREE copy of this awesome book!!

To enter the Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet book giveaway, you must be 18 years of age with a valid shipping address. Giveaway is open to USA residents only. Giveaway ends February 21st at end of day eastern time. One winner will be contacted by email for their shipping address, once the winner replies with a valid USA shipping address, the winner will be sent the book. Winner must reply to notification email with a valid shipping address within 1 week or a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Full disclosure: A free electronic review copy of Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet was provided by Stackpole. 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 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.

Book Review - Animal Heads: Trophy heads to crochet

Title: Animal Heads - Trophy heads to crochet
Author: Vanessa Mooncie
MSRP: $19.95 USD

Book review by Pia Thadani - Stitches'N'Scraps


Once in a while you come across something truly unique and different...and you're not quite sure what to think of it. That was this book for me when I first saw it. Looking through the book though, I quickly fell in love with these designs.

The book contains patterns for 10 different animal heads: Mouse, hare, fox, ram, swan, lion, stag, bull, black bear, and zebra. Each pattern has great attention to detail, and a variety of yarns and materials are recommended to create the different textures. The overall effect is very realistic!

  

  

The patterns do vary in difficulty, however each starts with a clear and detailed summary of how the piece is constructed, so you know what you'll be getting into before you start. I particularly love that each pattern includes charts in addition to the written instructions. I find charts easier to follow, but as both are provided you can choose your favorite, or refer to both.

It should be noted that this book is published in the UK and uses UK terminology. This differs from US terminology in some important ways. For example what we call a single crochet is what they call a double crochet, and what we call a double is their treble. Here's a conversion chart that shows some of the differences. The book contains detailed photo tutorials for each stitch and technique used though, so there's no need for confusion!

Faux taxidermy has never really been part of my decor choices, but these lifelike, well written patterns are quite tempting. I can imagine they would be really cute in a child's room, and would fit well with a Noah's ark, jungle, or other animal based theme.

As a side note, this book has left me with a naughty little desire to make one of the mouse heads and attach it in a corner so it's peeking out from under the sofa - just to see if anyone notices!


Disclaimer: A free review copy of Animal Heads was provided by GMC Publications. 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. All images of interior pages were supplied by the publisher and are used with permission.

How to Begin a Local Chapter of the CGOA

Hey!  Do you want to be a part of your local Crochet Guild of America chapter?  

When I joined CGOA, I know that I did, but unfortunately there was no chapter anywhere near me.  (Believe me, I searched!)  To top it off, I was living in Mexico!  I became active in the Cyber Crochet of CGOA Chapter on Ravelry, but I still wanted more.  I had been meeting with my local stitch group, but we still wanted to be part of something bigger!  I had been toying with the idea starting a local chapter of the CGOA in Mexico City, and with the support of my stitch group and my friends from the cyber chapter, we made the dream a reality.

Starting a Local Chapter Might be Easier Than You Think

To start a local chapter of the CGOA, you need

• At least one active CGOA member.  Yes, that's it.  The other members of your group don't have to be members of the CGOA, but the more the merrier!  
• To fill out some paperwork (just 3 pages).  The paperwork you need to fill out is the APPLICATION FOR STARTING A CGOA CHAPTER  In this form, you will have to share basic information, including the proposed Chapter Name (get creative & have fun!), The President's name (this will be YOU if you are the only CGOA member), and general information about the chapter and the president's contact information.  
• Forty bucks.  Payment is easy, because it can be made online.  It's a group contribution.  No one owns the chapter.  As a chapter president, I can tell you that I have had people contact me because of the CGOA chapter listing.  It's a great way to network for crochet and get your group's name out there!  
• A list of members.  CGOA asks for a list of members and officer titles.
  
• The Web Form.  If you do not want your personal information shared on the public end of the CGOA website, fill out Information for the CGOA Web Site Posting of Member Chapters.  This is how the public will find you and contact you for crochet opportunities! 

So that's the paperwork you need to fill out to create your chapter.  For even more information, check out the resource page on crochet.org.  To be honest, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.  Once the application is received, it is reviewed by the CGOA and you will receive notification of your status in a timely manner.  

Your Chapter Can Be Informal or Formal

So now that you have your group, you can meet as a CGOA Chapter! Yay!  My chapter's first event as "Ganchitos" was a yarn bombing in a local park.  It was beautiful and inspiring!


Ganchitos meets regularly and does whatever kind of event the members care about.  It's not terribly formal, but your chapter CAN be!  The beauty of the CGOA is that it leaves room for your group's personality to shine.  If you're formal - be formal!  Here is a list of ideas for chapter programs.  

I am very much in favor of getting more local chapters going, so let's keep talking.  Are you active in your local CGOA Chapter?  Have you ever thought of starting a chapter?  What do you think would be great ideas for chapter programs?  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. Get those hooks up!