When I decided to attend the CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) conference back in January, I really had NO idea how life changing it would be for me honestly. I’ve worked in Corporate America for most of my adult working life with the last few years being highly involved in the crochet community, so my idea of “how things worked” was pretty set in stone……until this trip to the Knit and Crochet Show.
I’m so used to taking care of my business and getting ahead by my knowledge, skills and hard work that when I had strangers come up to me (seasoned designers) and just start talking like they had known me for years, well, it took me by surprise. 
Me, Shari White Linda Dean, Me
I’ve been around long enough to know that crocheters in the cyber world are helpful, but I want everyone to know that it flows over into the real world too. What you see is really what you get. I don’t get sappy very much, but it was almost overwhelming to me to see the generosity and kindness from everyone. There wasn’t anyone competing with anyone. We were all there to enjoy ourselves, learn a little and possibly show off our talents to some important people.
I have become part of something very special with these women that attend the conference. They’ve seen each other every year for YEARS, and now I get to do the same thing and start my tradition! Elena from Beatrice Ryan Designs was my roommate at the conference. We started blogging about the same time and that’s how we met. We quickly kindled a friendship that’s been on-line for the last few years and to finally meet her face to face was amazing! She’s everything I thought she would be too which was a relief since we were going to be roomies for the next 5 days…. I love you Elena!
Here are a few wonderful people who sat with me at the dinner and fashion show! Yes, everyone wears CROCHET! They crocheted in the classes, at lunch, at dinner and while having drinks. Crochet, crochet, crochet….It was fantastic!
Listed in order of appearance from Left to Right!
Stacy, Laurinda, Pia, Elena, Tamara, and me!
In my shawl class, I learned how to crochet a triangle, parallelogram and another triangle to make a rectangle….Can you just see the possibilities?
The CGOA conference isn’t just for designers either! It’s open to everyone that loves to crochet and wants to be around like-minded people! The 2016 conference is in Charleston, South Carolina! I hope to see some of you there! Start saving NOW! It’s so worth the trip! It’s definitely changed my life and made me realize it’s so important to a lot of people and loved by all!
Be Blessed,
Kathy