Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

January 2025 After a stressful start of winter and challenging climates, I liked the idea of taking another look at yarn bombing and how crochet was found to be an important antidote for one woman's struggle with anxiety and depression. Nicole Nikolich, an artist in Philadelphia, has struggled with anxiety and depression. It affects her when she least expects it and then subsides. At age 25, after various treatments, a doctor suggested that other outlets could calm her mind and suggested that she learn how to crochet. Nicole loved craftwork as a child and was familiar with different types of crafts, so she signed on to Youtube to learn crochet. Within two weeks, she was able to crochet, and Nicole was making small swatches for mini-yarnbombing that she placed around her artful community. As her skills improved, she began to do larger projects with themes that addressed mental health, pop art, etc.  It Will Get Bigger, Niklovich Inspired by the "beautiful colors, textures, the ...

I'm thinking of year-end today; 2024 seemed like a whirlwind with both positive and negative things to ponder. I usually start a new year with positivity and with hopes of continuing to grow and to love life. I believe that staying active and engaged in that which is interesting to me is the best way maintain my vitality.  I have had my interests in politics off and on during my life; some times more enthusiastic than others. This year began with this thought: "I  can't just sitting around  whining and complaining. I need to do something or the anxiety will be dangerous to my health! I foretold what was to come with my post in February 2023 when I decided to exercise my rights as a US citizen and began to speak up with kindness and communication. I switched to spending more time on Facebook to get my message out to a wider audience. Memes were taking off as a way to speak our peace, philosophies or views. I had an increasingly growing supply from friends nationwide who we...

Officially, CGOA will begin its 30th year in Auguist 2024, so today I am looking back on how it all began. More news, view and fun is on its way as the year progresses! As the Founder of the Crochet Guild of America, my journey to bring crocheters together began organically in late 1991. I wrote a letter to the Editor of Threads magazine with several questions that struck a nerve in crocheters: "Are you tired of the same-o-same-o; where are the famous crocheters; why aren't they offering classes; If knitters can learn and cruise together, why can't we?  The many, many responses from avid crocheters like me, prompted me to start a crochet newsletter. It included many ideas, much creativity and a mutual desire to get to know each other in each issue. By January 1994, I had  in over 200 "pen pals" from 38 states and 8 countries and was spearheading the plans for the first ever Confrerence for Crocheters.  I got to personally meet a few pen pals who happened to live ...

  It is so exciting to see crochet prominently featured on a Network Series! Check it out! Elsbeth

  Noreen has long been an inspiration to me because of her many books, her kind and vibrant personality, and her willingness to share her creativity with everyone! Crochet Stars is no exception! The star is a universal symbol that conjures many emotions including fantasy, amazing hopes/dreams, and guidance. As Noreen points out, "Humans have always used stars to navigate." As you navigate through this book's dynamic design, colorful and clever projects, you too may find comfort from sorrow or the pleasant moments that creating brings! Noreen has created over "25 customizable projects full of love, laughter and inspiration." As you crochet your way through the patterns Noreen has skillfully provided, you will find the "glimmer effect" that she has inspired you to create for every room of your home. From a tragic family loss, Noreen has "crafted comfort with her crochet hook as she moves through the difficult path of grief and mourning." Her in...

Just breathe!