Tracey Basic Crochet Scarf Pattern
13 hours ago
Announcing: 2012 Design Competition Winners
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Doris Chan, Andee Graves, and Shari White (the Design Competition Committee) are pleased to announce:
CGOA 2012 Design Competition Results
Category: Accessories, sponsored by WEBS, Americas Yarn Store
Third Prize $100
30 “Romantic Pineapple Shawl”, designed by Kathryn White
Second Prize $200
44 “Vineyard at Dawn Shawl”, designed by Linda Dean
First Prize $300
29 “Knots of Love Shawl”, designed by Kathryn White
Category: Afghans, sponsored by Red Heart
Third Prize $100
69 “Diagonal Modern Art”, Nancy Smith
Second Prize $200
67 “Ahana”, designed by Brenda Bourg
First Prize $300
34 “Princess and the Pea”, designed by Michele Wilcox
Category: Fashion, sponsored by Interweave Crochet
Third Prize $100
51 “Cool Breeze Tee”, designed by Jill Hanratty
Second Prize $200
49 “Glendalough Shrug”, designed by Jennifer Ryan
First Prize $300
65 “Mystique”, designed by Tammy Hildebrand
Category: Small Wonders Jewelry, sponsored by Boye and the Crochet Dude brand
Third Prize $100
14 “Hairpin Lace Bracelet”; designed by Jean DeMouy
Second Prize $200
10 “Marseille Necklace”, designed by Shelby Allaho
First Prize $300
47 “NC Necklace”, designed by Karen C. K. Ballard
Category: Thread Crochet, sponsored by AllFreeCrochet. Com and FaveCrafts.com
Third Prize $100
27 “Southern Rose Doily”, designed by Kathryn White
Second Prize $200
18 “Pineapple Rose Delight”, designed by Carol Booth
First Prize $300
24 “Charm Blouse”, Natalia Kononova
Category: Fanciful Fashion, sponsored by Tahki Stacy Charles Yarns
Third Prize $100
62 “The Whirlwind”, designed by Diana Toni
Second Prize $200
17 “Freya Dress”, designed by Linda Skuja
First Prize $300
25 “Summer Dreams Bolero”, designed by Dot Drake
Category: Artistic Expression, sponsored by Tulip Company
Third Prize $100
33 “Sensory Herbary”, designed by Martha Furman Kojro
Second Prize $200
38 “Cat Tree”, designed by Sachiko Adams
First Prize $300
28 “Ageless Elegance Gatetop Purse”, designed by Kathryn White
$200 Special Award for Technical Merit, sponsored by Designing Vashti
25 “Summer Dreams Bolero”, designed by Dot Drake
$100 Founders Award, sponsored by Gwen Blakley Kinsler
34 “Princess and the Pea”, designed by Michele Wilcox
$1000 Grand Prize, sponsored by Vogue Knitting Crochet
52 “Reversible Rowan Tree Vest”, designed by Laurinda Reddig
Thursday, March 1, 2012
What do you know? It's March again already, and that means it's National Crochet Month! Your CGOA Board of Directors invites you to help us celebrate! Let's have a month-long conversation and Crochet-Along right here on the blog.
Do you plan on doing anything special in March to help promote awareness of just how awesome crochet is? Please post a comment and let us know your plans. Feel free to post links to your activities!
If you need help deciding how you’d like to help promote crochet during March, here are some ideas:
Promote crochet.
Teach someone to crochet.
Offer to create a crochet display at your local library.
Write a book review of any crochet book. (Post it here on the blog!)
Expand your own crochet skills.
Learn a new crochet stitch or technique.
Experiment with a new yarn.
Visit your local library to see what crochet books they have.
Crochet for charity.
Select a special charity to crochet for during March.
Explore new charities you might like to crochet for. A good resource for finding charities is Lion Brand's Charity Connection.
Make new crochet friends.
Attend a local crochet meeting.
Join or start a local CGOA chapter.
Strike up a conversation with someone you see shopping for yarn. You can break the ice by asking if they know March is National Crochet Month!
Let's have a month-long party in celebration of National Crochet Month!
Do you plan on doing anything special in March to help promote awareness of just how awesome crochet is? Please post a comment and let us know your plans. Feel free to post links to your activities!
If you need help deciding how you’d like to help promote crochet during March, here are some ideas:
Promote crochet.
Teach someone to crochet.
Offer to create a crochet display at your local library.
Write a book review of any crochet book. (Post it here on the blog!)
Expand your own crochet skills.
Learn a new crochet stitch or technique.
Experiment with a new yarn.
Visit your local library to see what crochet books they have.
Crochet for charity.
Select a special charity to crochet for during March.
Explore new charities you might like to crochet for. A good resource for finding charities is Lion Brand's Charity Connection.
Make new crochet friends.
Attend a local crochet meeting.
Join or start a local CGOA chapter.
Strike up a conversation with someone you see shopping for yarn. You can break the ice by asking if they know March is National Crochet Month!
Let's have a month-long party in celebration of National Crochet Month!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
We received this touching story via email directly from the author, and thought you might be interested in reading it.
Fabric of Life: Melissa's Crocheted Table Cloth Gift
By Keith John Paul Horcasitas
© 2012 Keith Horcasitas. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
A short story about Melissa's crocheted table cloth gift for my wife, and how it continues to transform me - initially, in how to be a better listener and social worker and continually, in finding ways, like she did, to craft the fabric of life for God, myself and others.
It was the first Sunday of the month, so we got ready to coordinate the donuts' ministry after the 9:15 AM Latin Mass at St. Agnes in Baton Rouge like we usually did. After picking up the donuts and getting to church before Mass, I set up the table outside to be ready for when the little (and big) kids would come running later for some sweet rewards for good behavior in church.
The table cloth this time was different from the normal white covers we usually used - it was a beautiful crimson red crocheted circular shaped cover that fit neatly over the folding table; Maria must have put this in the supplies bag, since it was in January, technically still in the Christmas season (not in any way symbolizing my support for Saban's Alabama - for what was then the upcoming BCS game in New Orleans that LSU lost!). A rush of memories suddenly came over me as I recalled this table cloth, which I had commissioned Melissa to make many years ago for my sweetheart, Maria, before we were married. And with March being "National Social Work Month," I couldn't help but see how instrumental Melissa was with my development in the field.
When I first met Melissa in the fall of 1981, I was unaccustomed to interacting with folks at nursing homes. So I was a little tentative in knowing what to say as a greeting or how to fully engage with her. Even though this was part of the mental health outreach work that I was involved in to isolated elders in the San Joaquin area of California per the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), I had not previously done a lot of visitations, either personally or professionally, with elders.
Her semi-private room door was already ajar, so I gently knocked on it to alert her that I was coming in and said, "Is this a good time for a visit, Ms. Melissa," as I had been foretold by the charge nurse that she was someone identified who may possibly benefit from professional contact for depression and isolation. It sounded like Melissa had no local family contacts and was very limited in her mobility due to severe degenerative joint disease.
As our eyes met when I went closer to her bed, she appeared very diminutive and emaciated yet manged to convey a cheerful smile as she softly spoke, "I'm here working on another treasure - come and see it." I stood right next to her and noticed how contorted her body was with pillows all around her hospital bed for cushioning and relief. My eyes were then immediately drawn to her hands that evidenced the twisted trauma of rheumatoid arthritis.
Somehow, securely in place between her thumb and index finger was a crocheting needle affixed in some cloth material with a pattern for some design that she was working on. She proceeded to ask me the normal pleasantry question one does when meeting a new person for the first time: "Where are you from?" as she continued to work her crochet needle elegantly in a continuous fashion with her eyes fixed on some cloth that appeared to be a quilt being made.
After I told her my name, my work role and that I was from New Orleans, there was a period of that silence that most of us know about - when you are uncomfortable about what to say next. Here I was, a social work apprentice remembering the dictum to "start where the client is," so I shut up and tried to use some listening skills that I supposedly had acquired in undergraduate studies. Over the next hour and following many of subsequent visits with Melissa, I learned much from and with her about what coping strategies can help elders and anyone in dealing with depression and isolation - intertwined with other "fabrics of life" lessons - not to mention learning how to crochet! Later, I certainly made brownie points with Maria from Melissa's beautiful crocheted birthday gift!
I followed my JVC year by concentrating on gerontology within the Graduate School of Social Work at San Diego State University. It was neat how after my first year of graduate school, Maria and I were married and able to take a trip to the San Joaquin Valley to visit with Melissa, who had declined but was still crocheting. The gerontology section of the School of Social Work was the smallest of the four divisions, with only 10 students. The students in the other social work divisions seemed reluctant, even fearful of working with the elderly. They were preparing for the fields of mental health, children and families and hospital social work. They wondered aloud why I would consider working with "that group." I certainly shared with them some memories of lessons learned from Melissa and Lucille, a frail elder whom I was a care giver for in my first year of graduate school.
My fellow grad students thought of working with the elderly as depressing; they were put off by the urine smells in nursing homes and by the death and dying. One student even shared a fear of "touching someone with wrinkles." These feelings were shared honestly, and my fellow students were better suited to work with struggling families and children or in hospital settings. I couldn't help but recall how touched I was by Melissa's rheumatoid hands and spirit!
Aside from my time studying the biological, economic and psychological aspects of aging, my school experience taught me that too often old age is hidden not just from our eyes but even more from our feelings. We not only tend to deny the reality of old men and women living in closed rooms and nursing homes, but also, as Henri Nouwen noted, the old man or woman who is slowly awakening in each of us. Melissa certainly gave me an invaluable understanding far beyond book knowledge of aging, coping with losses and death and dying.
Back at church, after Maria and I had finished giving out the mouth watering donuts with milk and orange juice intertwined with some great conversations, we folded the exquisite crocheted table cloth from Melissa and shared a prayer of thanksgiving for the living legacy of what Melissa had shared with us - the fabric of life!
Keith John Paul Horcasitas, LCSW, MHA
1133 Knollhaven Drive, BRLA 70810
khorcasitas AT yahoo DOT com
January 15, 2012
Fabric of Life: Melissa's Crocheted Table Cloth Gift
By Keith John Paul Horcasitas
© 2012 Keith Horcasitas. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
A short story about Melissa's crocheted table cloth gift for my wife, and how it continues to transform me - initially, in how to be a better listener and social worker and continually, in finding ways, like she did, to craft the fabric of life for God, myself and others.
It was the first Sunday of the month, so we got ready to coordinate the donuts' ministry after the 9:15 AM Latin Mass at St. Agnes in Baton Rouge like we usually did. After picking up the donuts and getting to church before Mass, I set up the table outside to be ready for when the little (and big) kids would come running later for some sweet rewards for good behavior in church.
The table cloth this time was different from the normal white covers we usually used - it was a beautiful crimson red crocheted circular shaped cover that fit neatly over the folding table; Maria must have put this in the supplies bag, since it was in January, technically still in the Christmas season (not in any way symbolizing my support for Saban's Alabama - for what was then the upcoming BCS game in New Orleans that LSU lost!). A rush of memories suddenly came over me as I recalled this table cloth, which I had commissioned Melissa to make many years ago for my sweetheart, Maria, before we were married. And with March being "National Social Work Month," I couldn't help but see how instrumental Melissa was with my development in the field.
When I first met Melissa in the fall of 1981, I was unaccustomed to interacting with folks at nursing homes. So I was a little tentative in knowing what to say as a greeting or how to fully engage with her. Even though this was part of the mental health outreach work that I was involved in to isolated elders in the San Joaquin area of California per the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), I had not previously done a lot of visitations, either personally or professionally, with elders.
Her semi-private room door was already ajar, so I gently knocked on it to alert her that I was coming in and said, "Is this a good time for a visit, Ms. Melissa," as I had been foretold by the charge nurse that she was someone identified who may possibly benefit from professional contact for depression and isolation. It sounded like Melissa had no local family contacts and was very limited in her mobility due to severe degenerative joint disease.
As our eyes met when I went closer to her bed, she appeared very diminutive and emaciated yet manged to convey a cheerful smile as she softly spoke, "I'm here working on another treasure - come and see it." I stood right next to her and noticed how contorted her body was with pillows all around her hospital bed for cushioning and relief. My eyes were then immediately drawn to her hands that evidenced the twisted trauma of rheumatoid arthritis.
Somehow, securely in place between her thumb and index finger was a crocheting needle affixed in some cloth material with a pattern for some design that she was working on. She proceeded to ask me the normal pleasantry question one does when meeting a new person for the first time: "Where are you from?" as she continued to work her crochet needle elegantly in a continuous fashion with her eyes fixed on some cloth that appeared to be a quilt being made.
After I told her my name, my work role and that I was from New Orleans, there was a period of that silence that most of us know about - when you are uncomfortable about what to say next. Here I was, a social work apprentice remembering the dictum to "start where the client is," so I shut up and tried to use some listening skills that I supposedly had acquired in undergraduate studies. Over the next hour and following many of subsequent visits with Melissa, I learned much from and with her about what coping strategies can help elders and anyone in dealing with depression and isolation - intertwined with other "fabrics of life" lessons - not to mention learning how to crochet! Later, I certainly made brownie points with Maria from Melissa's beautiful crocheted birthday gift!
I followed my JVC year by concentrating on gerontology within the Graduate School of Social Work at San Diego State University. It was neat how after my first year of graduate school, Maria and I were married and able to take a trip to the San Joaquin Valley to visit with Melissa, who had declined but was still crocheting. The gerontology section of the School of Social Work was the smallest of the four divisions, with only 10 students. The students in the other social work divisions seemed reluctant, even fearful of working with the elderly. They were preparing for the fields of mental health, children and families and hospital social work. They wondered aloud why I would consider working with "that group." I certainly shared with them some memories of lessons learned from Melissa and Lucille, a frail elder whom I was a care giver for in my first year of graduate school.
My fellow grad students thought of working with the elderly as depressing; they were put off by the urine smells in nursing homes and by the death and dying. One student even shared a fear of "touching someone with wrinkles." These feelings were shared honestly, and my fellow students were better suited to work with struggling families and children or in hospital settings. I couldn't help but recall how touched I was by Melissa's rheumatoid hands and spirit!
Aside from my time studying the biological, economic and psychological aspects of aging, my school experience taught me that too often old age is hidden not just from our eyes but even more from our feelings. We not only tend to deny the reality of old men and women living in closed rooms and nursing homes, but also, as Henri Nouwen noted, the old man or woman who is slowly awakening in each of us. Melissa certainly gave me an invaluable understanding far beyond book knowledge of aging, coping with losses and death and dying.
Back at church, after Maria and I had finished giving out the mouth watering donuts with milk and orange juice intertwined with some great conversations, we folded the exquisite crocheted table cloth from Melissa and shared a prayer of thanksgiving for the living legacy of what Melissa had shared with us - the fabric of life!
Keith John Paul Horcasitas, LCSW, MHA
1133 Knollhaven Drive, BRLA 70810
khorcasitas AT yahoo DOT com
January 15, 2012
Thursday, September 22, 2011
CGOA is pleased to announce the winners of our 2011 Design Competition. First, a big thank you to our wonderful judges:
Judges
Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet magazine
Kathleen Sams, ambassador for Coats&Clark
Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude.
All entries were evaluated equally in a blind judging across a range of qualities including: design appeal, use of stitches, color, selection of materials, workmanship, finishing, appearance and functionality as indicated.
We had more entries than ever this year, submitted by a number of very talented designers. Please check the CGOA blog (cgoanow.blogspot.com) within the next week or so for a link to a flickr pool so you can see photos of all the fabulous entries!
Winners
Due to time constraints while at Chain Link, we are unable to post photos of winning entries today. We hope to get this done Friday or Saturday morning at the latest. We apologize for the delay, but we thought it important to let everyone know who all the winners are as quickly as possible!
$1,000 Grand Prize Winner sponsored in Crochet Partners and Interweave Press: #29, So Many Motifs, So Little Time by Diane Halpern of Pittsburgh, PA
Here’s praise from the judges:
Marcy Smith said: “Deliciously vintage garment that’s ripped from the runway.”
From Drew Emborsky: “Amazing blend of freeform and on-trend fashion . . . Exquisite!!!”
And Kathleen Sams sums it up: “Beautiful use of freeform suitable for all. Runway fashion at its best.”
Fanciful Fashion (sponsored by Tulip Co, makers of exceptional tools including Etimo cushion grip crochet hooks and Carry T): fancy adult garments and accessories, including gowns, dresses and evening wear.
First Place, $300: #09, Modern Victorian Black Crochet Dress by Victoria Johnsen Carrington of Windsor Heights, IA
Second Place, $200: #38, Queen of Fall by Linda Skuja of Riga, Latvia
Third Place: $100: #94, Flower Princess by Willena Nanton of New Rochelle, NY
Fashion (sponsored by Tahki Stacy Charles, bringing you fine yarn lines Tahki, S Charles, Filatura Di Crosa and Loop-d-Loop): for women or men, including sweaters, tops, jackets and skirts.
First Place, $300: #60, Rasta Rose Jacket by Tammy Hildebrand, of Kernersville, NC
Second Place, $200: #70, Spa Tunic by Susan Lowman of Prescott Valley, AZ
Third Place: $100: #39, Stonecrop by Stephanie Hatfield of Gilbertsville, KY
Accessories (sponsored by WEBS, America’s Yarn Store): including shawls, socks, scarves, hats, bags, belts and jewelry.
First Place, $300: #43, Birds N Blossoms Shawl by Kathryn White of Apache Junction, AZ
Second Place, $200: #69, Lucy Shawl by Sandy Gold of Frederick, MD
Third Place: $100: #108, Poptastic Purse by Janice Lonnroth of LaGrange, IL
Small Wonders (sponsored by Boye and the Crochet Dude brand of crochet tools and accessories): anything small scale, including baby items, toys, amigurumi and small décor items.
First Place, $300: #81, Hope, the Christmas Angel, by Susan Pendleton of Kerrville, TX
Second Place, $200: #12, Baby Cardigan by Sherri Hondorp of Poughquag, NY
Third Place: $100: #102, Vegetable Garden Playmat by Laurinda Reddig of Camas, WA
Afghans (sponsored by Caron International and BuyCaron.com): any and all afghans, throws, blankets and bed or sofa covers.
First Place, $300: #103, Mystery Machine Afghan by Laurinda Reddig of Camas, WA
Second Place, $200: #50, Happy Hexagons Throw by Shari White of Rockaway, NJ
Third Place: $100: #52, Wild Irish Roses Throw by Shari White of Rockaway, NJ
Thread Crochet (sponsored by FaveCrafts/Prime Publishing, offering diverse crochet e-newsletters, e-books and patterns at FaveCrafts.com): anything made with crochet thread, including doilies, décor and accessories.
First Place, $300: #84, Christening Dress by Carol Booth of Teaticket, MA
Second Place, $200: #46, Irish Mystique Doily by Kathryn White of Apache Junction, AZ
Third Place: $100: #48, Chantilly Doily by Kathryn White of Apache Junction, AZ
Artistic Expressions (sponsored by Leisure Arts, bring you the art of everyday living): designs more artistic rather than functional in nature, including free-form and mixed media pieces, hangings, sculpture and wearable art.
First Place, $300: #113, Patricia’s Tree of Life by Patricia Williams of Ozone Park, NY
Second Place, $200: #66, Split Infinitive by Lori Carlson of Hillsborough, NC
Third Place: $100: #26, Lady of Marrakesh by Julia Bryant of Toronto, Canada
DesigningVashti $100 Special Technique Award for outstanding use of alternate crochet techniques and construction (including Tunisian, Broomstick and Hairpin): #108, Poptastic Purse by Janice Lonnroth of LaGrange, IL
Crochet Liberation Front $100 Peoples’ Choice Award (to be chosen on site by attendee voting; winner will be announced at end of conference)
Judges
Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet magazine
Kathleen Sams, ambassador for Coats&Clark
Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude.
All entries were evaluated equally in a blind judging across a range of qualities including: design appeal, use of stitches, color, selection of materials, workmanship, finishing, appearance and functionality as indicated.
We had more entries than ever this year, submitted by a number of very talented designers. Please check the CGOA blog (cgoanow.blogspot.com) within the next week or so for a link to a flickr pool so you can see photos of all the fabulous entries!
Winners
Due to time constraints while at Chain Link, we are unable to post photos of winning entries today. We hope to get this done Friday or Saturday morning at the latest. We apologize for the delay, but we thought it important to let everyone know who all the winners are as quickly as possible!
$1,000 Grand Prize Winner sponsored in Crochet Partners and Interweave Press: #29, So Many Motifs, So Little Time by Diane Halpern of Pittsburgh, PA
Here’s praise from the judges:
Marcy Smith said: “Deliciously vintage garment that’s ripped from the runway.”
From Drew Emborsky: “Amazing blend of freeform and on-trend fashion . . . Exquisite!!!”
And Kathleen Sams sums it up: “Beautiful use of freeform suitable for all. Runway fashion at its best.”
Fanciful Fashion (sponsored by Tulip Co, makers of exceptional tools including Etimo cushion grip crochet hooks and Carry T): fancy adult garments and accessories, including gowns, dresses and evening wear.
First Place, $300: #09, Modern Victorian Black Crochet Dress by Victoria Johnsen Carrington of Windsor Heights, IA
Second Place, $200: #38, Queen of Fall by Linda Skuja of Riga, Latvia
Third Place: $100: #94, Flower Princess by Willena Nanton of New Rochelle, NY
Fashion (sponsored by Tahki Stacy Charles, bringing you fine yarn lines Tahki, S Charles, Filatura Di Crosa and Loop-d-Loop): for women or men, including sweaters, tops, jackets and skirts.
First Place, $300: #60, Rasta Rose Jacket by Tammy Hildebrand, of Kernersville, NC
Second Place, $200: #70, Spa Tunic by Susan Lowman of Prescott Valley, AZ
Third Place: $100: #39, Stonecrop by Stephanie Hatfield of Gilbertsville, KY
Accessories (sponsored by WEBS, America’s Yarn Store): including shawls, socks, scarves, hats, bags, belts and jewelry.
First Place, $300: #43, Birds N Blossoms Shawl by Kathryn White of Apache Junction, AZ
Second Place, $200: #69, Lucy Shawl by Sandy Gold of Frederick, MD
Third Place: $100: #108, Poptastic Purse by Janice Lonnroth of LaGrange, IL
Small Wonders (sponsored by Boye and the Crochet Dude brand of crochet tools and accessories): anything small scale, including baby items, toys, amigurumi and small décor items.
First Place, $300: #81, Hope, the Christmas Angel, by Susan Pendleton of Kerrville, TX
Second Place, $200: #12, Baby Cardigan by Sherri Hondorp of Poughquag, NY
Third Place: $100: #102, Vegetable Garden Playmat by Laurinda Reddig of Camas, WA
Afghans (sponsored by Caron International and BuyCaron.com): any and all afghans, throws, blankets and bed or sofa covers.
First Place, $300: #103, Mystery Machine Afghan by Laurinda Reddig of Camas, WA
Second Place, $200: #50, Happy Hexagons Throw by Shari White of Rockaway, NJ
Third Place: $100: #52, Wild Irish Roses Throw by Shari White of Rockaway, NJ
Thread Crochet (sponsored by FaveCrafts/Prime Publishing, offering diverse crochet e-newsletters, e-books and patterns at FaveCrafts.com): anything made with crochet thread, including doilies, décor and accessories.
First Place, $300: #84, Christening Dress by Carol Booth of Teaticket, MA
Second Place, $200: #46, Irish Mystique Doily by Kathryn White of Apache Junction, AZ
Third Place: $100: #48, Chantilly Doily by Kathryn White of Apache Junction, AZ
Artistic Expressions (sponsored by Leisure Arts, bring you the art of everyday living): designs more artistic rather than functional in nature, including free-form and mixed media pieces, hangings, sculpture and wearable art.
First Place, $300: #113, Patricia’s Tree of Life by Patricia Williams of Ozone Park, NY
Second Place, $200: #66, Split Infinitive by Lori Carlson of Hillsborough, NC
Third Place: $100: #26, Lady of Marrakesh by Julia Bryant of Toronto, Canada
DesigningVashti $100 Special Technique Award for outstanding use of alternate crochet techniques and construction (including Tunisian, Broomstick and Hairpin): #108, Poptastic Purse by Janice Lonnroth of LaGrange, IL
Crochet Liberation Front $100 Peoples’ Choice Award (to be chosen on site by attendee voting; winner will be announced at end of conference)
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hi, everyone! I just got a message from Doris, courtesy of Vashti Braha. Doris is without power, so no Internet. She wants everyone to know that, she's safe on high ground with no storm damage. All contest entries she's received so far are safe and sound!
I hope all our CGOA members in areas affected by the storm are also safe and sound.
I hope all our CGOA members in areas affected by the storm are also safe and sound.
Design Competition Deadline Extended
Due to recent geological and meteorological events, the entry deadline for the CGOA 2011 Design Competition has been extended to 6 September. If you entry will be arriving after 31 August, please let me know at the e-mail address listed in the official competition information. No worries. Be safe.
Submitted by Doris Chan, Chairman CGOA 2011 Design Competition Committee
Submitted by Doris Chan, Chairman CGOA 2011 Design Competition Committee
Saturday, August 13, 2011
It’s time! The window for shipping your CGOA 2011 Crochet Design Competition entries begins 15 August, 2011. Thanks to grants from our magnificent sponsors, the competition is the most rewarding ever, with designers vying for over $5,400 in cash prizes in seven judging categories:
1. Fanciful Fashion (sponsored by Tulip Co, makers of exceptional tools including Etimo cushion grip crochet hooks and Carry T)
2. Fashion (sponsored by Tahki Stacy Charles, bringing you fine yarn lines Tahki, S Charles, Filatura Di Crosa and Loop-d-Loop)
3. Accessories (sponsored by WEBS, America’s Yarn Store
4. Small Wonders (sponsored by Boye and the Crochet Dude brand of crochet tools and accessories)
5. Afghans (sponsored by Caron International and BuyCaron.com)
6. Thread Crochet (sponsored by AllFreeCrochet.com and FaveCrafts.com, offering diverse crochet e-newsletters, e-books and patterns)
7. Artistic Expressions (sponsored by Leisure Arts, bringing you the art of everyday living)
$1000 Grand Prize, sponsored by Crochet Partners and Interweave Press.
$100 Special Technique Award from DesigningVashti for outstanding use of alternate crochet techniques and construction
$100 Peoples’ Choice Award from the Crochet Liberation Front, winner to be chosen on site by attendee voting
Judging will take place on location at the CGOA Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina, 21 September and winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on 22 September. You do not have to be present to enter or to win but you will want to be there to marvel at the awesome display of entries and unveiling of the winning designs.
If you are preparing to ship your design, please fill out and submit the electronic entry form now and make sure that it exactly matches the crochet pieces you are sending. You will receive an e-mail confirmation letter, which is your form returned. Please make a hard copy of that returned form and include it in your package. See the official information pages at crochet.org for compete details. Deadline for entries is 31 August. Best of luck!
Submitted by
Doris Chan
Chairman, CGOA 2011 Design Competition Committee
1. Fanciful Fashion (sponsored by Tulip Co, makers of exceptional tools including Etimo cushion grip crochet hooks and Carry T)
2. Fashion (sponsored by Tahki Stacy Charles, bringing you fine yarn lines Tahki, S Charles, Filatura Di Crosa and Loop-d-Loop)
3. Accessories (sponsored by WEBS, America’s Yarn Store
4. Small Wonders (sponsored by Boye and the Crochet Dude brand of crochet tools and accessories)
5. Afghans (sponsored by Caron International and BuyCaron.com)
6. Thread Crochet (sponsored by AllFreeCrochet.com and FaveCrafts.com, offering diverse crochet e-newsletters, e-books and patterns)
7. Artistic Expressions (sponsored by Leisure Arts, bringing you the art of everyday living)
$1000 Grand Prize, sponsored by Crochet Partners and Interweave Press.
$100 Special Technique Award from DesigningVashti for outstanding use of alternate crochet techniques and construction
$100 Peoples’ Choice Award from the Crochet Liberation Front, winner to be chosen on site by attendee voting
Judging will take place on location at the CGOA Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina, 21 September and winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on 22 September. You do not have to be present to enter or to win but you will want to be there to marvel at the awesome display of entries and unveiling of the winning designs.
If you are preparing to ship your design, please fill out and submit the electronic entry form now and make sure that it exactly matches the crochet pieces you are sending. You will receive an e-mail confirmation letter, which is your form returned. Please make a hard copy of that returned form and include it in your package. See the official information pages at crochet.org for compete details. Deadline for entries is 31 August. Best of luck!
Submitted by
Doris Chan
Chairman, CGOA 2011 Design Competition Committee
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Minneapolis Chain Link conference and Knit and Crochet Show received coverage on the local TV station, KARE 11.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Check it out! Click here to see the video and written article on the KARE-11 website. Or just view the video right here:
Check it out! Click here to see the video and written article on the KARE-11 website. Or just view the video right here:
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Would you like to help yarn bomb the New York Mets stadium on September 13? The New York City Crochet Guild will be working with Stitch and Pitch for the first yarn bombing of a major league baseball stadium. You're invited to submit a swatch in Mets colors (orange and blue). For more information, visit the Stitch and Pitch website: http://www.stitchandpitch.com for their contact information.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Just a reminder to check out the conference and class schedules for CGOA's two 2011 Chain Link conferences!
We hope you can join us in Minneapolis on July 27-31 and again in Greensboro, NC on September 21-25.
Click the link above for a detailed schedule of all the fun events and classes planned for each location.
You can register online now through July 8 for the Minneapolis conference, and registration for Greensboro will open on Monday, June 27.
I'd love to hear what classes you're thinking about taking! Please post a comment and share with us.
Amy Shelton
CGOA President
We hope you can join us in Minneapolis on July 27-31 and again in Greensboro, NC on September 21-25.
Click the link above for a detailed schedule of all the fun events and classes planned for each location.
You can register online now through July 8 for the Minneapolis conference, and registration for Greensboro will open on Monday, June 27.
I'd love to hear what classes you're thinking about taking! Please post a comment and share with us.
Amy Shelton
CGOA President
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
It is with a very sad heart that I let you all know that Jean Leinhauser passed away earlier today.
I will never forget the times I spent with Jean at Chain Link conferences. I will always treasure the crochet books she personally autographed for me. I feel so fortunate to have known her.
Jean did so much through the years to support CGOA, with her most recent contribution being the redesign of our Masters Program. She is going to be sorely missed by all of us in the crochet community.
The CGOA board is discussing ways we can honor and remember Jean at our upcoming Chain Link conferences. If you have any ideas, please contact me at amyshelton AT crochetville DOT org.
Jean's business partner, Rita Weiss, has let me know of an excellent way to honor her if anyone is interested. Jean loved her dogs even more than she loved crochet, and she was very supportive of animal rescue organizations. Rita says there is no particular organization, so if you wish, please pick any animal rescue organization, especially one that works with dogs, to make a donation of time, money, or crocheted items in Jean's name and memory.
If you have any thoughts or memories to share about Jean, please feel free to post a response in her memory.
Amy Shelton
CGOA President
I will never forget the times I spent with Jean at Chain Link conferences. I will always treasure the crochet books she personally autographed for me. I feel so fortunate to have known her.
Jean did so much through the years to support CGOA, with her most recent contribution being the redesign of our Masters Program. She is going to be sorely missed by all of us in the crochet community.
The CGOA board is discussing ways we can honor and remember Jean at our upcoming Chain Link conferences. If you have any ideas, please contact me at amyshelton AT crochetville DOT org.
Jean's business partner, Rita Weiss, has let me know of an excellent way to honor her if anyone is interested. Jean loved her dogs even more than she loved crochet, and she was very supportive of animal rescue organizations. Rita says there is no particular organization, so if you wish, please pick any animal rescue organization, especially one that works with dogs, to make a donation of time, money, or crocheted items in Jean's name and memory.
If you have any thoughts or memories to share about Jean, please feel free to post a response in her memory.
Amy Shelton
CGOA President
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The class schedule for the fall Chain Link conference September 21-25 in Greensboro, NC is now available here. There are so many fabulous classes, it's hard to make decisions about what to take! But no worries, registration will not open until Monday, June 27, giving us all plenty of time to change our minds over and over again before making our final selections.
There are just as many fabulous classes available at the summer conference July 27-31 in Minneapolis. Click here for the class schedule for that conference.
We'd love to know what classes everyone plans to take or is thinking about taking. It's so much fun to find out who else will be in a class with you.
I'll go ahead and get us started and share with you what I plan on taking at each location.
Minneapolis
Professional Development Day
Thursday, T207C, Crochet Camisoles that Fit with Joan Davis
Sunday, N107C, Polish Star Stitch with Pauline Turner
And I think I'm going to add one more:
Thursday, T100C, Create a Coral Reef with Marty Miller
Greensboro
Professional Development Day
Wednesday night, W404C,Lace Pottery Part I, Maggie Weldon
Thursday all day, T303C, Polymer Clay Button Boutique with Suzann Thompson
Friday, F202C, Lace Pottery Part II with Maggie Weldon
Saturday all day, S302C, Freeform Crochet Floral Brooches and Neckpieces with Prudence Mapstone
So what will YOU be taking?
Amy Shelton
CGOA President
There are just as many fabulous classes available at the summer conference July 27-31 in Minneapolis. Click here for the class schedule for that conference.
We'd love to know what classes everyone plans to take or is thinking about taking. It's so much fun to find out who else will be in a class with you.
I'll go ahead and get us started and share with you what I plan on taking at each location.
Minneapolis
Professional Development Day
Thursday, T207C, Crochet Camisoles that Fit with Joan Davis
Sunday, N107C, Polish Star Stitch with Pauline Turner
And I think I'm going to add one more:
Thursday, T100C, Create a Coral Reef with Marty Miller
Greensboro
Professional Development Day
Wednesday night, W404C,Lace Pottery Part I, Maggie Weldon
Thursday all day, T303C, Polymer Clay Button Boutique with Suzann Thompson
Friday, F202C, Lace Pottery Part II with Maggie Weldon
Saturday all day, S302C, Freeform Crochet Floral Brooches and Neckpieces with Prudence Mapstone
So what will YOU be taking?
Amy Shelton
CGOA President
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Registration is now open for the summer Chain Link conference in Minneapolis from July 27-31.
Come join us for classes, shopping, fashion shows, member meetings, special events, and so much more!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Amy Shelton, CGOA President, and Karen Whooley, CGOA Secretary, appeared on the March 14 episode of the Getting Loopy podcast with host Mary Beth Temple to talk about CGOA. Karen and I enjoyed talking with Mary Beth and sharing information about the benefits of being a CGOA member, our upcoming Chain Link conferences, and our Master of Advanced Stitches and Techniques program.
CGOA donated a tote bag to the Getting Loopy weekly giveaway. Congratulations to our winner, Laura R. of West Allis, WI, who is interested in starting a CGOA chapter in her area. If you live near that area, please contact CGOA so we can forward your contact information to Laura.
Listen to the Getting Loopy CGOA episode:
Listen on BlogTalkRadio
Listen on iTunes (This link goes to a web page, with a link that will open the episode in the iTunes program. You'll need to have iTunes installed on your computer to listen via this option.)
CGOA donated a tote bag to the Getting Loopy weekly giveaway. Congratulations to our winner, Laura R. of West Allis, WI, who is interested in starting a CGOA chapter in her area. If you live near that area, please contact CGOA so we can forward your contact information to Laura.
Listen to the Getting Loopy CGOA episode:
Listen on BlogTalkRadio
Listen on iTunes (This link goes to a web page, with a link that will open the episode in the iTunes program. You'll need to have iTunes installed on your computer to listen via this option.)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Be a part of this singular event celebrating the beauty and artistry of crochet, the only competition of its kind. Thanks to a bevy of magnificent sponsors we have thousands of dollars in cash prizes to award to our winning guild members for the best of the best in crochet design. With a huge grand prize plus first, second and third place prizes of $300, $200 and $100 respectively in each of seven judging categories plus special prizes, this promises to be the most rewarding event ever.
Here are the design categories for 2011 and their sponsors as of this writing:
1. Fanciful Fashion (sponsored by Tulip Co, makers of exceptional tools including Etimo cushion grip crochet hooks and Carry T)
Fancy adult garments and accessories, including gowns, dresses and evening wear.
2. Fashion (sponsored by Tahki Stacy Charles, bringing you fine yarn lines Tahki, S Charles, Filatura Di Crosa and Loop-d-Loop)
Garments for women or men, including sweaters, tops, jackets and skirts.
3. Accessories (sponsored by WEBS, America’s Yarn Store)
Wearables including shawls, socks, scarves, hats, bags, belts and jewelry.
4. Small Wonders (sponsored by Boye and the Crochet Dude brand of crochet tools and accessories)
Anything small scale, including baby items, toys, amigurimi and small décor items.
5. Afghans (sponsored by Caron International and BuyCaron.com)
Any and all afghans, throws, blankets and bed or sofa covers.
6. Thread Crochet (sponsored by FaveCrafts/Prime Publishing, offering diverse crochet e-newsletters, e-books and patterns at FaveCrafts.com)
Anything made with crochet thread, including doilies, décor and accessories.
7. Artistic Expressions (sponsored by Leisure Arts, bring you the art of everyday living)
Artistic rather than functional in nature, including free-form and mixed media pieces, hangings, sculpture and wearable art.
Special Prizes
Grand Prize, sponsored in part by Interweave Press
$100 Special Technique Award from DesigningVashti for outstanding use of alternate crochet techniques and construction including Tunisian, Broomstick and Hairpin
$100 Peoples’ Choice Award from the Crochet Liberation Front to be chosen on site by attendee voting
Judges
We are thrilled to welcome this year’s panel of judges: Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet magazine; Kathleen Sams, ambassador for Coats & Clark; and Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude. Judging will take place on location at the CGOA Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina, 21 September 2011 and winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on 22 September 2011. You do not have to be present to enter or to win but you will want to be there to marvel at the awesome display of entries and unveiling of the winning designs.
Please use the links provided at www.crochet.org to download the complete Design Competition Information package and access the electronic entry form. Deadline for entries to be shipped to the receiving location is 31 August, 2011. Please do not submit a form until you ship your entry in August.
Hope to see you there!
Submitted by Doris Chan, Chairman, CGOA 2011 Design Competition Committee
Downloads:
Design Competition Info (pdf file)
Entry Form
Here are the design categories for 2011 and their sponsors as of this writing:
1. Fanciful Fashion (sponsored by Tulip Co, makers of exceptional tools including Etimo cushion grip crochet hooks and Carry T)
Fancy adult garments and accessories, including gowns, dresses and evening wear.
2. Fashion (sponsored by Tahki Stacy Charles, bringing you fine yarn lines Tahki, S Charles, Filatura Di Crosa and Loop-d-Loop)
Garments for women or men, including sweaters, tops, jackets and skirts.
3. Accessories (sponsored by WEBS, America’s Yarn Store)
Wearables including shawls, socks, scarves, hats, bags, belts and jewelry.
4. Small Wonders (sponsored by Boye and the Crochet Dude brand of crochet tools and accessories)
Anything small scale, including baby items, toys, amigurimi and small décor items.
5. Afghans (sponsored by Caron International and BuyCaron.com)
Any and all afghans, throws, blankets and bed or sofa covers.
6. Thread Crochet (sponsored by FaveCrafts/Prime Publishing, offering diverse crochet e-newsletters, e-books and patterns at FaveCrafts.com)
Anything made with crochet thread, including doilies, décor and accessories.
7. Artistic Expressions (sponsored by Leisure Arts, bring you the art of everyday living)
Artistic rather than functional in nature, including free-form and mixed media pieces, hangings, sculpture and wearable art.
Special Prizes
Grand Prize, sponsored in part by Interweave Press
$100 Special Technique Award from DesigningVashti for outstanding use of alternate crochet techniques and construction including Tunisian, Broomstick and Hairpin
$100 Peoples’ Choice Award from the Crochet Liberation Front to be chosen on site by attendee voting
Judges
We are thrilled to welcome this year’s panel of judges: Marcy Smith, editor of Interweave Crochet magazine; Kathleen Sams, ambassador for Coats & Clark; and Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude. Judging will take place on location at the CGOA Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina, 21 September 2011 and winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on 22 September 2011. You do not have to be present to enter or to win but you will want to be there to marvel at the awesome display of entries and unveiling of the winning designs.
Please use the links provided at www.crochet.org to download the complete Design Competition Information package and access the electronic entry form. Deadline for entries to be shipped to the receiving location is 31 August, 2011. Please do not submit a form until you ship your entry in August.
Hope to see you there!
Submitted by Doris Chan, Chairman, CGOA 2011 Design Competition Committee
Downloads:
Design Competition Info (pdf file)
Entry Form
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