Worth a Routine Change

Settling back into a routine can be a bit of a challenge, but teaching at the Crochet Guild of America annual Chainlink conference is really worth the change of schedule.

This is my second year teaching at CGOA, and this year went by faster than I thought possible. I blinked and it was over.

I spent the last week of July just outside of Chicago sharing my love of crochet with other like-minded individuals. I taught 4 classes, and as there are so many great crochet instructors I vary my topics to help set me apart. This event I taught Needle Felting Applique, Converting Knitting to Crochet, Variations of Broomstick Lace and Things that the Pattern Assumes you Know. I feel like every class I teach is a test; Can I share everything in a manner that everyone will understand? Am I giving the students what they need/want/deserve/expect?

In a respect I think I gain just as much as my students from a good class, which I think each of these were. I get inspired by the work they do and the questions they ask. It helps me explore things in a different way, and I hope that helps me grow as a teacher.

This was the first conference since 2004 that the CGOA did a conference alone. In the recent past CGOA partnered with The Knitting Guild Association for the Knit & Crochet Show, this year the knitting association decided to try something different and CGOA decided to proceed on its own. As a result the show was a bit smaller but this allowed it to have everything much more inclusive, with all the class rooms in the hotel. So no trekking to a large convention center. I could leave my class room and join groups of crocheters working on their latest projects in the lobby. It was really nice.

I also had the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make a couple of new ones. It is like a battery being recharged, but recharged while it is being completely run to empty. I enjoy this show and look forward to next year in Portland, OR.

 

Inspired By The Work of Talented Crocheters!

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Tracey’s Corkscrew Scarf

ScannedImageOne of the things that always have me in awe is the beautiful work so many crocheters create. I am fortunate enough to have created designs that after people work them they want to share them with me, and they have allowed me to share them with you!

Tracie is one of my crochet students. She has picked up the skill really quickly and the first project she has completed is the Corkscrew Scarf. I have this pattern worked up and designed specifically to teach in my workshops so it is not available on-line, but she did a fantastic job!

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Joyce’s Drop Stitch Short Scarf

Joyce has done an amazing job working up the second pattern/technique that I have ever had published! The Drop-Stitch Short Scarf that was featured in the Summer 2012 issue of Crochet! Magazine (as well as the April 2015 Special Issue of Crochet! Magazine Quick & Easy Accessories) and the technique utilized is the same as the one in the Summer Rays Drop Stitch Wrap, and I have some on-line tutorials for it (Drop Stitch Mock Hair Pin Lace). She didn’t quite feel comfortable with the turning edges, but I think it looks fabulous!

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Carol’s Bruges Multi Shawl

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Carol’s Bruges Multi Shawl

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Myself & Suzanne modeling the Bruges Multi Shawl

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Myself & Suzanne modeling the Bruges Multi Shawl

Carol and Suzanne have both completed the Bruges Multi Shawl from the Summer 2015 issue of Crochet! Magazine. They both did a fabulous job! I was fortunate enough to get to model the original with Suzanne at the Crochet Guild of America annual conference in San Diego this last July. They both have worked it up in such wonderful colors and it brings a completely different feel to the designs. I love them.

As you can see there are so many different variations to how patterns can get worked, I am truly inspired by the photos that they have allowed me to share with you. They are so talented, and seeing their creation makes me smile every time I open my email.