This is a sampling of projects from classes taught at the Chain Link '96 Crochet Conference sponsored by the Crochet Guild of America.
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Sylvia and James have worked together since the '70s, leading the field
in crochet design and innovation. They have been technical advisors on various
national and international publications, appeared on television and in films
and have written many books. They teach as a team, always encouraging a
creative and imaginative personal approach to crochet.
Intermeshing? This rich and satisfying
branch of crochet has no recognized name and has never been properly explored.
Based upon filet crochet, two or more layers of filet mesh in two contrasting
colors are combined and the stitches intertwined to create geometric or
stained-glass pattern effects.
Lory has dabbled in knitting and crochet since she was a teenager, but
has really concentrated on her work in the last five years. She is self-taught,
relishes the classes she has taken from CGOA and looks forward to passing
on what she has learned to others.
On The Square: The Portable Afghan.
Using basic crochet stitches, students created squares that when put together
resemble quilt patterns. This class included an introduction to the afghan
(Tunisian) stitch. Students learned how to create a Seminole Patchwork afghan
and squares for Grandma's Fan and Log Cabin afghans.
Pauline is a life member of the British Knitting & Crochet Guild
and became the leading expert in Lancashire, England in 1978. She began
her career as an author and consultant in 1980. Her love of crochet is such
that she will take on any challenge, including crocheting into ice cream,
which was televised. Her own business, Crochet Design, was started in 1983,
her Diploma in Crochet was established in 1985 and the International Crochet
Awards began in 1990. Pauline's fun-loving view of crochet continues to
take her into many unusual situations worldwide!
Polish Star Stitch. Dramatic eye-catching
designs are possible using this technique. Students were treated to the
excitement of making a loosely crocheted fabric into a closed three-dimensional
pattern. Ways to incorporate the Polish Star Stitch into crocheted garments
was also discussed.
Having learned from her grandmother's friend, Lori has been crocheting
for 18 years. She recently started teaching crochet classes and is a Certified
Crochet Instructor of the Craft Yarn Council of America. Lori is also the
Treasurer of CGOA.
Beaded Tubular Necklace. Students
learned how to crochet a necklace using 3mm beads and crochet cotton thread.
Lori demonstrated all techniques and students learned how to transfer beads
onto thread and then how to crochet with them. Necklace design, working
with beads, and finishing techniques were covered.