Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Snapshots from the Chain Link 2017 Design Competition


One of the best parts of attending a CGOA conference is seeing what other people are making. (And wearing!) Being surrounded by so much creativity is inspiring, and nowhere is the creativity more evident than in the Design Competition.

Here are some highlights of this year's entries....

Each of these three pieces won a prize. The lovely wrap on the right was constructed
entirely from chain stitch and single crochet.

This amazing wall hanging won the People's Choice Award.

Another prize winner - a beautifully creative combination of beadwork and crochet
by Hazel Furst. Notice that many of the capital letters are musical notes, and the
hangers are made from conductor's batons.

That gorgeous shawl in the foreground was designed by Susan Lowman.

Never heard of this designer.... (cough)

A stunning Tunisian capelet by Juliette Bezold, who used contrast stitches to highlight
the increases and decreases. Sweet!

"Rainbow in Cloud" - this adorable blanket took first prize in the Home Decor category.

Peacock-feather detail from an amazing outfit. I wish I could have
gotten a good shot of the entire project.

Fabulous hairpin lace tunic by Annette Hynes.

Detail of a lovely freeform crochet wrap by Kristin Lynn. Star stitch, Solomon's knots,
and bullion stitch are just some of the interesting techniques used.

"Rock Steady Seasons of Indiana" by Gwen Blakely Kinsler. How creative is this!

I know you've seen this project already,
but check out the ribbon! I won a prize! :D

There were so many beautiful entries - I wish I could have gotten photos of them all. (A complete album should be available soon on the CGOA website.)

Next year's conference is in Portland. Start making your travel plans!

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29 comments:

  1. What a fabulous exhibit of needlework! I like yours a LOT! I also love that one shawl. I *C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*!* on your ribbon! Looks like a fun place to be. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Thanks so much, Teresa! That shawl by Susan Lowman is amazing, isn't it? There were so many great projects being shown. It was a treat to see them all.

      P.S. Did you see that the conference is in PORTLAND next year? ;)

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  2. Congratulations on winning a ribbon for your tea cosy. I like to the open design, allowing access to the lid. I don't crochet much but I do enjoy seeing creations that can be made with a hook and a ball of wool. My crochet skills don't extend to anything other than flat simple blankets...

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    1. Thanks Christina! I've only made one other tea cosy - a rather ugly dome-shaped one that had to be completely removed to pour tea or add hot water. It kept the tea hot, but wasn't very convenient to use. This one will be much easier. And I can show off the little birdie on top of the pot. :)

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  3. What wonderful work, congratulations to you on your own wonderful work!!! I also love the clouds and rainbow piece. Lovely to see it all!

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    1. Thanks, Amy! It's so inspiring to see all the directions in which crochet can be taken. Such a beautiful and versatile craft.

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  4. Wow! So much creativity and talent. The wrap made from chains and sc is amazing! And that wallhanging is pretty awesome! And the rainbow in clouds, so cool! Congrats on your ribbon.

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    1. Thank you, Tammy! I saw a photo of the ch-and-sc wrap draped over a mannequin and it was even more stunning. I think the designer was a first-time entrant. So much talent out there!

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  5. So much talent, congratulations on your win.

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  6. Your tea cozy is absolutely gorgeous, congratulations on winning a ribbon! :D Those cables are just amazing! So much talent in those competitions, it would be amazing to attend the conference someday. :)

    When you say Portland, is it Oregon or Maine? I can't find information anywhere!

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    1. Ugh. Blogger doesn't want to let me log in, but that was Claire from onceuponayarn.wordpress.com. :)

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    2. Thanks so much Claire! How have you been?

      It's Portland, OR. :)

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  7. Awesome that your lovely tea pot won a prize. Your designs are always so much fun to make. Thanks for taking us along....I loved all the pictures. :) Wishing you a most lovely day sweet friend. ((hugs))

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  8. Congratulation on the prize! So much to see. I've spotted a hat. Do you know which one? :-) Enjoy summer!

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    1. Thanks Regula! I don't know who made the hat. I wish I could have gotten photos of every project. Such a great collection of projects.

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  9. Everything is lovely! Each has something special about it. I have to admit, it's the tea cosy that stole my heart (and that was before I saw your name). Are you planning on releasing the pattern? Or keeping it as a one-of-a-kind design? Either way, congratulations and thank you for sharing all the things!

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    1. Thanks so much Norma (am assuming it's Norma?). I do plan to release the pattern but am not sure when. It's part of a larger project and may take some time.

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  10. The tea cozy is my FAVORITE! I love it and quite rightly for it to win a prize!
    THanks for taking us along with you and seeing all these gorgeous works of crochet art. x

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  11. Oh well done Sue!

    Quite an inspiring place to be, I imagine.

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    1. Thank you! It was VERY inspiring - both times I've attended I've come home all fired up with ideas. And fuelled up with yarn. :)

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  12. What an exciting event, such wonderful projects and talent.

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    1. Thanks Mere! It was so fun to be surrounded by all that great work. :)

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  13. WOW! So pretty! The tunisian cowl reminds me of brioche knitting.

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    1. I heard someone at the convention say that too. :) It's stunning, isn't it?

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  14. I discovered your unique cables in Interweave Crochet Magazine, the Fall 2017 issue. I am so in love with the look of the live-loop cables technique. I mentioned them in a group I'm in and they directed me to view your tea pot cozy. I'm just stunned. I hope to find more on this technique and most definitely thank you for sharing your talents.

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    1. Thank you! I have just posted a little video demonstration (and when I say "little" I mean 14 minutes or so). :) I'm also working on a book, but that won't be out until sometime next year. Meanwhile I hope to start teaching the technique.
      Here's the link to the video:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFPs6TCI5sQ

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