More Details: Knit & Crochet Show, Greensboro, NC

 While we're waiting for the official pictures about the CGOA's Fall Conference, I thought I'd post this picture of the Design Competition entries as they were displayed on the Vendors Floor. (Complete list of the winners can be found here on the CGOA's blog.) 

I did not compete, but I do know that Doris Chan deserves a standing Crochet Hook Ovation for all the hard work & hours she put into this event:  the accepting of the entries, labeling them, hauling them to North Carolina, setting up for judging, lining up the judges, repacking & resetting up on the Vendors Floor, repacking the winning entries and hauling them to the Fashion Floor, finding volunteer models, repacking and hauling & setting up the items back to the Vendors Floor, and then repacking and hauling the entries back home to then ship back to everyone.  Exhausted yet?  I am -- in just thinking about it!  And she does this as a VOLUNTEER!  You so rock, Doris!

Here is a link to a local newscast of the Knit & Crochet Show -- watch it and you'll see Doris in the background safeguarding & discussing the entries with an admirer!

Normally we say, "What Happens at ChainLink Stays at ChainLink," but when bribed with a pretty skein or hank of yarn, it's pretty easy to spill the beans.  Or so I hear.  (lol)   This was the second year Caron Yarn sponsored the rockin' "Club Caron" dance party.  If you go, you'll want to brush up on your Chicken Dance -- it's quite popular!  And yes, that is me in the lower right dancing with Kathleen Sams of Red Heart Yarn.  So much fun!

Jane Rimmer, the CGOA's Treasurer, was also spotted getting her hooks wet, kindasorta -- if you were shopping the Vendors Market then you saw her working on the Coral Reef Project started by participants in Marty Miller's class.  The project was to bring awareness of marine life destruction.  Awesome job ladies!

OK, my phone is ringing.  I suspect its another yarn bribe.  If so, you'll want to come back and see what other juicy details from the ChainLink Conference I let slip... whahahahahaha

Copyright Violation: Open Plea to CWD Readers & Fans

Dear Readers & CWD fans,

At the recent Conference in Greensboro, NC, it appears I was videotaped without consent during one of my classes. This video, as I understand it, was then offered to be "emailed" to various attendees. 

My open letter in this blog post is addressed to those attendees, and to those who may obtain this video in the future: please know it is in violation of copyright laws. [As well as downright unethical!!!]  I am asking you to help me safeguard my material by not accepting the video; deleting it immediately. I am also asking you to be my eyes on the Internet, and in the classrooms, where it may be shown in a public forum.

It took a great deal of time, energy, resources and creativity to create the crochet classes I offer -- to have someone to illegally videotape undermines the quality and integrity I strive for.  As we all are here for the love of crochet, your help in safeguarding not only my material, but also the content created by other crochet teachers we love and respect is very much appreciated.  If we want our crochet knowledge to grow, to ensure our crochet teachers are inspired to come up with fresh and exciting crochet classes, then we must do all that we can to honor copyright and integrity. 

Thank you for your understanding & your loyal support.

Sincerely,
~Dee

Quick Memories of ChainLink (Fall) 2011

Lens-Eye View of the 2011 Fall ChainLink Fashion Show

Did ChainLink in Greensboro, NC, fly by that fast? How sad, it did. It REALLY did! The drive to Greensboro, NC, from Connecticut seemed like an enjoyable drive through the countryside. I barely noticed it took nearly 11 hours ...  That was Tuesday.

I slept in on Wednesday, missing Professional Development Day.  But I was OK with this -- so was Doris.  She quickly scooped me up to help prepare entries for the CGOA Design Contest judging ... afterwards I went to teach Pushmi~Pullyu to a most inspiring group of hookers/crocheters I've yet to teach this class to!

On Thursday I was just as busy, meeting  new attendees, and teaching my Tunision 101 and Crochet 101 classes.  I kept them all in line with my huge Jenkins, size U/25mm, Tunisian hook (I'm joking! lol) ... if you want one for yourself, click here for his website.

On Friday it was time for me to tap into my inner Trekkie-ness (fans of the television show Star Trek get this; lol), and teach my Link Me Up, Scottie class.  I loved how my students pushed the envelope and went "where no hook has gone before," creating some new-to-me stitch designs.  You go girls -- and may your stitches "live long and prosper!"

That afternoon Doris once again recruited me as I was browsing the Vendors Market, treating myself to some funky yarn and jaw-droppin' purdy buttons.  This would be my first time volunteering behind the curtain --  I was responsible for music and photographing the beautiful crochet fashions as they were hot off the catwalk. It was soooo much fun!!  I loved how all the models cooperated with some of  my zany posing requests, such as posing like "Charlie's Angels" ... Of course you need to go to Doris' blog to see Vashti sorta, uh, um, expecting ... yeah, you gotta go see that!  (Yes, I said you need to go to Doris' blog; try the link I posted earlier!)

On Saturday I had my students venture into bi-stitchual-ness by Crocheting Your Knit.   They did amazing!  That night I kidnapped Margaret Hubert & Joan Davis and ventured outside of the hotel for dinner at PF Changs where I met a lady who could pass as the twin of one of my nieces!

During the evenings I spent time with new & old friends, those from afar, and those who were locals.  I love how we are all able to bond over the love of crochet!

Sunday came way too fast & it was time to venture home again.  I'm already making plans for next year.  How about you?

Up for a Road Trip?

Next week I'll be headed down to North Carolina to teach classes at the Fall Knit & Crochet Show -- I'm so excited.  Will you be going too?

Unfortunately, there's a schedule conflict -- I can't be in two places at once.  And this is true for several of my CGOA Chapter members as well.  If you are planning on going to The Big E to visit us on Connecticut Day, please note, for the first time since 2002, we will not be there.  The Fall Knit & Crochet Show takes place the same time The Big E fair opens!  Maybe this gives more reasoning that cloning could be useful ... I'mjustsaying....

It also means I did not enter any items into their judging ... but my son, Dee Jr., did!  If you go, keep an eye out for these photographs:  praying mantis, dock, and summer storm:

This is his second time entering his photography into competition; I'm really proud of him! For a 12-year old kid, I think he has a great eye!  Now, if only I can get him to take photos of all the yarn & crochet projects I need ...   If you'd like to see more of his work, click here.

Also at The Big E, check out the demonstrations being offered by artisian Crista Grasso of AberTortoise.com ... she'll be there on September 24th in the New England State Building. Crista taught my Chapter how to create beautiful beaded stitch markers last year!

If you're not at The Big E then I'm hoping you'll be at the Knit & Crochet Show with me!  :)

Eighth Annual "60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge"

Wow; where did summer go??  It seems one moment I was taking the kids camping, and the next was back to school shopping.  What happened to the time in~between! 

While I can't explain why time seems to fly when one is having fun, I can announce that it is time for the Eighth Annual "60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge!"  Can you believe it?!!!  This is our EIGHTH year of sharing warmth & love to our local communities with handmade scarves from the heart!

If you've never participated, you'll be amazed at how easy it is.  All you need to do is hand-craft one (or more!) scarves from September 1st through November 30th and then tell us who you will be donating your scarf to.  If you are a member of Ravelry, you can join in on the conversations & growing counts by clicking here.  If you are not a member of Ravelry, you can leave your count in the comments of this blog post.  At the end of November all the scarves are counted for a grand total!

Do you need to ship your scarf/scarves anywhere?  No.  Not unless you want to.  The idea is that this Challenge is to help our local communities -- many of which are in dire need!

Do you need to use a special pattern?  No.  Not unless you want to.  And if you do, if the designer asks for credit, please remember to give it.  Otherwise, you can learn a new stitch, or create your own pattern!  All while putting a little dent in the ever-growing yarn stash!

Do you need to crochet it?  Well, yes, it you want to.  Or you can knit it.  Or even weave it.  As long as it is crafted by human hands then it counts!  If memory serves me correctly I saw a macramed scarf in a LYS not too long ago, so if  you want to macrame a scarf out of soft, yummy yarn, then go for it!!   :)

Do you have to make 60 scarves?  There have been many who have tried -- some made the goal, and some didn't.  This is a Challenge that some take up as a personal one, or as a local group, or to have their single scarf added to everyone else's to help the numbers add up!  It's like filling up a bucket a drop at a time; each drop counts -- and eventually the bucket will fill, and usually with this Challenge, it will overfill!  Isn't that great?!?

Can you create a "60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge" in your local community?  ABSOLUTELY!  Why keep all the fun to ourselves, right?  I know of several groups working together to see if they can create 60 scarves -- or more -- for their local community.  The fun is seeing if your group can meet or beat the Challenge.

OK, what are you waiting for?  Your yarn is a'callin' ...