The History of National Crochet Month

The History of National Crochet Month
reprinted with permission from Dee Stanziano

The CGOA (Crochet Guild of America/ www.crochet.org) originated the idea of celebrating crochet nationally during a single week during the month traditionally known as National Crafts Month. In 2003 the CGOA requested crocheters aid in promoting National Crochet Week with the following suggestions (note the first letter of each suggestion and what it spells out):

C rochet something for charity, e.g., afghan squares for Warm Up America!, afghans for Project Linus, caps for Caps for Kids, etc. There are many more charities that appreciate donations of crocheted items.

R esearch the crochet books and videos available at your local library. Make some recommendations to the librarian on additions to the collection. Donate a copy of your favorite reference book to your local library.

O rganize your yarn/thread stash. Try organizing your fiber by color, so that the next time you are looking for a particular shade of red, it will be much easier to find.

C atalog your pattern collection. In the process, you will be sure to discover some treasures and be inspired to start new projects.

H ave you always wanted to learn a new technique? If you have wanted to try Tunisian or filet crochet or broomstick lace, National Crochet Week is the perfect time to stretch your crochet wings.

E xperiment with a new fiber. Visit your local yarn shop and treat yourself to a specialty yarn to see what wonderful results you can achieve.

T each someone to crochet...a friend, family member, co-worker. Perhaps offer to give a demonstration at a local craft/yarn store, school or nursing home.

And back then, websites such as http://www.bluemountain.com/display.pd?prodnum=3027835&path=76749 offered free e-greeting cards.

In 2005 the week long celebration was changed to last the entire month of March, thus becoming National Crochet Month

HHCC'ers Saddened With Loss

Being a member of a group, any group really, creates the opportunity to forge new friendships and strengthen old when connected by threads of interest.  When The HHCC was in it's infancy stage, the colors of Purple, Gold and Silver were selected to represent the group.  The reasoning was Purple stood for the passion for crochet, Gold for keeping old friends, and Silver for making new. 

Those friendships woven together from common interests oftentimes includes the families & loved ones of the membership; where even if they don't know how to read a crochet pattern, or how to count stitches, they still offer their unwavering support.  So be the case of Jud.

Jud's warm smile and big hugs were like jewels free for the taking.  When he and his wife, Diana, opened their home to host HHCC workshops, he was there - helping to ensure all went smoothly.  In 2003, when he saw the need for thread/yarn holders, he used his expert craftsmanship in woodworking to create them for the members that wanted them.

Today The HHCC members are saddened with his passing, but are richer in having had met him and befriending him.  Thank you, Jud, for being our friend, our fan, our supporter.  We will miss you.  Rest in Peace.  We send our thoughts, love, and deepest condolences to his family.

Moment from HHCC History: 2004 CGOA Chapter Challenge

In 2004 The HHCC participated in the CGOA's Chapter Challenge. This involved creating a "Mapquest" board about the Chapter. The HHCC's entry featured many of the things the group still enjoys today:

• learns crochet from each other
•  invites Special Guests to meetings
•  travels to different events & venues
•  and crochets for local communities.
•  And it included a mirror with the words around it stating, "We Need You."

Unfortunately the board later suffered water damage and therefore no longer exists. The good news though: The HHCC won the CGOA's 2004 Chapter Challenge!

Donation to Danbury Hospital Greatly Appreciated

More Chemo Caps Collected (insert: HHCC Pres Grace getting ready
to turn caps over to the Danbury Hospital).



At the "Coffee, Crochet & Chat" session held this Wednesday at Panera Bread on Federal Road in Brookfield, CT, twenty more chemo caps were collected, bringing the total to 85! 

Afterwards, HHCC President, Grace, and HHCC Founder, Dee, brought all of the group's chemo caps to the Danbury Hospital.  While they were waiting to turn the caps over to the hospital staff, several patients approached Grace and Dee and expressed their gratitude for them.  Dee said afterwards, "It was very humbling.  I'm really proud our HHCC members have such big hearts!"

The HHCC will continue to collect chemo caps year-round.  If you'd like to contribute a chemo cap/hat (or more!), please bring it/them to any HHCC meeting.

Meeting Detail: February 2012

Jane Chapman, Creative Arts Coordinator
and Grace, HHCC President

Our first meeting at the Danbury Library was a lot of fun!  Jane Chapman, Creative Arts Coordinator of The Big E was our Special Guest.  Since 2002 (with the exception of last year), the HHCC has enjoyed participating in The Big E - the United States ninth largest state fair - on what is known as Connecticut Day.  Jane outlined the new demonstration area they have in the New England State building, as well as new crochet categories they have for their competition.  The HHCC members will be back at the Big E this September - watch our blog, Twitter, and Facebook page for additional information.

HHCC Member, Diane, with her
Crazy Stitch swatch.

Our member Dee offered instructions on the Crazy stitch.  She advised that there are two versions of this stitch, one worked in rows straight across (also known as The Box Stitch), and the other worked diagonally.  Dee taught the diagonal version.  If you missed the meeting, check out these links that offer instructions on both versions:

• The Box or Brick Stitch
• The Diagonal Stitch

Dee stated she does have a preference - the Diagonal version.  She also likes to substitute the double crochet with extended half-double crochet stitches to "soften the drape."

A sea of Chemo Caps to be donated to the Danbury Hospital.

HHCC'ers also showed they have big hearts.  At the meeting 65 adult chemo caps were collected; these will be donated to the Danbury Hospital this week as part of the "Hats from the Heart" campaign the CGOA Chapter does annually.

There was also some show & tell; visit us on our Facebook page for additional pictures & meeting details.  :)