Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

This is second year I have entered the state fair in the needlework category and I am still learning how to negotiate the process. Nevertheless, I am happy with the results: three ribbons! The judges comments on all three of my entries were 100% positive and complimentary. At first, I found their choices of prizes baffling. However, I came to realize that many, many entries are submitted in all categories and the competition is stiff. I thoroughly enjoy entering and hope that the prize money covers my cost of entering!  I will enter more items in each category next year; that is if I have enough  projects completed and worthy of entering. I will include a small portion of the comments with each photo that follows. Tell me what you think and if you've entered a State Fair where you live. Honorable Mention ~Crocheting Adult Clothing Free Form Collar : "Enough beading to make it interesting but not overweigh the item. Thank you for entering." 3rd Place ~ Fabric...

Transformation I started to think about titles that would convey my feelings in a  piece of art to memorialize my husband, Alan Kinsler, on 6/7/2016. The date is significant because we both knew he was dying of Corticobasal Degeneration , an incurable  brain disease. It struck me that I needed to hold on to some of the extra medical equipment that had been so necessary for his use and comfort. Although none of this equipment was enjoyable, I knew that I wanted to use it in a way to make the discomfort and his death transform into something that would honor the  memory of his courage throughout the painful 10-year journey we traveled together. He died on 7/1/16.

So goes the title of a 7-week class I have just finished at the Indianapolis Art Center . I enjoyed it very much! Each week our class of 3  touched on a textile technique: weaving, macrame, dying, crochet, arm-knitting were all included. I've done all of these technique in the past, except arm knitting. I enjoy them all as I do them, but crochet is the one that calls to me. I am an advanced crocheter and always have trouble finding a class to suit my needs. After 40 years at it, I am mainly interested in improving my art-making skills with crochet .

For those of you who were not able to hear Suzann Thompson’s inspiring presentation at Evening of Excellence at the CGOA conference in Portland last July, I have an exciting update about her exhibit's sucess! Suzann Thompson, Fiber Artis t

Delicate Crochet by Sharon Hernes Silverman: Berrywine Shawl A designer in her own right, Sharon has assembled a  group to join her in giving us a new book that softens the look of crochet while making us long for Spring! Delicate Croch et includes 23 patterns by 11 designers, many familiar and some new-to-me. Using yarns no heavier than lightweight #3, this book highlights the sumptuousness of crochet at its best. Well rounded, Sharon has ensured a wide variety of projects in skill levels from Easy through Experienced. Special stitches or techniques used in the patterns are covered, should you wish to expend your skills. Fingerless Gloves by Amy Solovay Several of the patterns are done in Tunisian-style crochet; and complete explanations are included if you are new to this interesting technique. Ziggy Vest by Vashti Braha Low-Back Lace Top by Kristin Omdahl Reference material is in abundance at the back of the book along with a Visual index to see al...

Chapter Champs Interview by Gwen Blakley Kinser Fourth in a series of interviews with inspiring CGOA chapter members: Grace Aquila, President Happily Hooked on Crochet Chapter of CGOA GBK: Your chapter was started in 2001 by Dee Stanziano. Were you involved at that time in getting the chapter going also? Grace : I found the group through a co-worker about a year into its creation. Loved the people and getting together with them and crocheting. Dee : We were officially recognized as a Chapter in October 2001, right after 9/11. At that time, to start a Chapter, five CGOA members were required. The founders are: Hilda Nichols (deceased), Ruth Arbitelle (deceased), Ruth Young, Kay Perna, and myself.   While I have returned to college and am still recovering from an arm injury, I’m still involved with the Chapter and act as co-Vice President with Nancy Smith. Ruth Young, our oldest member (and forever ‘young’) is one of our most active members, crocheting many items fo...

I was about to blog about crocheting with porcelain clay recently and got to thinking about all the other strange/interesting materials I've crocheted with during my long crochet journey! #Consider Listening to your inner artist and let me know what interesting things you have crocheted with.