May 2024: Crochet Guild of America ~ Its Organic Beginnings

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 near me in suburban Chicago; and together we planned a get-together for crocheters at a local library. Again, there was nothing but excitement in the fourteen who participated. We became fast- friends with much to share and decided to meet again in June. Named the Northern Illinois Chapter, this group soon became the very first Chapter of CGOA

The first Chain Link Crochet Conference convened at Depaul University in Chicago August 11, 1994. Our theme, "Ancient Roots, New Beginnings," exemplified the longevity of the craft we loved and our desire to begin to add new things to our crochet basket. It was a jam-packed weekend full of inspired crochet classes; dinners with speakers; door prizes, goody bags and classes taught by those distingusihed teachers I had dreamed of for so long! I was most proud of a juried art exhibit I curated with another local volunteer, which amazed even the most seasoned crocheters!

The last eveining together, we established the "National Crochet Guild and began plans for 1995. This was only possible because so many crocheters stepped up to volunteer. They brought experience, organizational skill and a willingness to work hard for the cause. As they say, "the rest is history."

I didn’t have the foresight to imagine that we would be celebrating our 30^th Anniversary in 2024!!
I have, however, thoroughly enjoyed the entire journey along with the passionate
and loyal members of our one-and-only crochet guild. We added things other things became traditions.
 
We started with baby steps, but even at the first conference in August 1994 volunteers were eager to step up and volunteer to lead us to the 2^nd conference one year later in Somerset, New Jersey. As chapters began to pop up around the country, we enjoyed many locations with our generous chapter hosts. Support from the craft/yarn industry was vital to spreading our name recognition.

My pride and joy, The Northern Illinois Chapter of CGOA, had its first get-together in June 1994, two months before the first Chain Link Conference in August that year. They are still going strong and have continually set an example for how important chapters can be. Not only is a wonderful bond formed locally, but chapters also contribute so much to the national organization. They volunteer to help during conferences; become committee chairs or board members; mentor conference “newbies;” and teach others what they love.

I’ve watched teams of Board members over the years who brought energy and amazing skills to their positions. Challenges, at times, were met head on and we continued to move forward. 

It is my fervent wish that all who enjoy what local chapters offer will join CGOA. The nominal fee of $35.00 per year has remained unchanged since 1994; and every dollar of dues contributes to the greater good.