OK, so if you already know how to crochet, what is the advantage of attending a crochet conference?  I wondered the same thing until I attended my first in Greensboro back in 2010 and have been HOOKED ever since! Here are some reasons to consider planning for next summer’s conference in Chicago… 

 

10.  Getting away from it all - with yarn and hooks in hand...  This year we gathered in Charleston, SC.  The Old South Carriage Company allowed one of their carriages to be beautifully decorated with crochet to help celebrate the conference.  Karen McKenna organized this effort months before the event.  The red and yellow roses in the bottom right photo were made by yours truly!

 

9.  Traveling to a new destination...  Since I started attending the CGOA conference, I’ve been able to travel to Greensboro, NC, Charleston, SC, Manchester, NH, and many fun points along the way.  There have also been conferences in San Diego, Reno, Indianapolis and Minneapolis. Next year we will be meeting in Chicago - another city I have never seen!

 Getting and giving a hug to our friend, teacher, designer & author Margaret Hubert (w/Carlotta Craig).

8. Taking your crochet skills to the next level with top teachers in the industry... 

 Many friends and fans participated in a parade wearing Doris's designs.  My daughter Becky (Right) and I did our part by wearing a crocheted Doris Chan design!

7.   Meeting some of your favorite crochet designers... This past year was very special as we got to celebrate with and honor Doris Chan as she was inducted into the Jean Leinhauser Crochet Hall of Fame.  It was such a fun time, and in typical Doris Chan fashion, she gave a special crochet kit to all who celebrated with her!

My girl Becky Barker takes a spin in a Doris Chan design during a fashion show in the market place... 

6.  Shopping in a market totally devoted to your love of crochet...including book signings, fashion shows and more! 

 

5. Free yarn samples & goodie bags, courtesy of a number of wonderful sponsors!

 

4.  Attending the CGOA Banquet and Fashion Show, and even participating in the fashion show for the adventurous - no experience necessary!

 Kathryn White wearing her Grand Prize winner, the Baroque Jacket.  This lovely design took Kathryn over 9 1/2 months to create!

3.  Being inspired by the Design Contest, and the possibility of winning cash prizes!

 Lily Chin in her show-stopper "Pineapple Dress!"

2.  Meet and greet...  A wonderful opportunity to meet crochet magazine editors, yarn company representatives and other publishers and get instant feedback on your original designs, and maybe even published!

1.  Hanging out with some of the most wonderful people on the planet!  Renewing fiber friendships and making new ones!  Many of the attendees have become lifelong friends for me.  This is a very special community and I would love for you to experience this too!