Chain Link Conference unforgettable experience

It was my very first time attending the Knit and Crochet Summer Show.

PDD (Professional Development Day) was a serious, business oriented, and informative day.

Thursday was a great day. Had lunch with the Cyber CGOA co-members, time to finally meet them in person. Terry, Dee, Charles, Tracie, Pat to name some...
At the evening was the CGOA Design Contest Award Presentation. I had a blast time, to my surprise my design won second place in the Fashion Category!!

FASHION Category
First Place: Flamenco Dancer Dress, designed by Patricia Williams
Second Place: Ocean Fiesta Dress, designed by (me) Andrea Graciarena
Third Place: Sophisticated Spring, designed by Paula Bennett

Honorable Mention:
Baby Dress Set, by Carol Carlile
Short-sleeved Jacket with shawl collar, by Margaret Hubert
Wedding Dress, by Paula Bennett
Double-breasted Jacket, by Mary Jane Hall
Bruges Lacy Dress, by Hyacinth Thomas
Corset Top, by Tracie Barrett
Playing the Angles Cardigan, by Deborah Burger

Grand Prize: Crochet Confection Evening Gown, designed by Renee Barnes

Peoples’ Choice: Wedding Gown, designed by Paula Bennett

In the following photo are the 3 finalist dresses plus the Grand Prize dress; (sorry for the blurry pic, but I was so nervous that I had no set up the camera properly).


HOME DECOR Category
First Place: Doily, designed by Ferosa Harold
Second Place: Freeform Pillow, designed by Shelby Lynn Allaho
Third Place: Victori Africana Footstool, designed by Rhonda Davis

Honorable Mention
Tamara’s Trail Throw, by Tamara Gonzales
Avalon Doily, by Kathryn White
Irish Lace Mat by Kathie Earle Doily, by Ferosa Harold

ACCESSORIES Category
First Place: Spring Handbag, designed by Jerry Rigdon
Second Place: Black and White Headpiece and bag, designed by Kathie Earle
Third Place: Butterfly Necklace, designed by Sonja Hood

Honorable Mention
Evening Clutch Bag, by Diane Moyer Silk
Silver and Lace Purse, by Julia Bryan
Beaded Evening Bag, by Sonja Hood
Freeform Hat with Earflaps, by Leslie Nelle-Urinyi

CROCHET AS ART Category
First Place: Heartrock Hotel, designed by Gwen Blakley Kinsler
Second Place: The Harvest, designed by Carol Ventura
Third Place: Pop Top Bowl, designed by Denise Royal

Honorable Mention
Crochet on a Rock with a Twist of Lime, by Gwen Blakley Kinsler
Crochet Cabernet, by Andera Van Benschoten
Prayer Flags, by Martha Furman Kosro

In the photo is me and the model wearing the dress with the red ribbon

All the Conference was loaded with excitement, camaraderie in a very friendly environment, sharing tips, discussing techniques, making crochet the focal point of all sessions, and conversations.

Friday was a very special day for me too. During this trip I met in person my mentor and established designer Kim Guzman. It was so great having the opportunity to talk with you, specially about Tunisian crochet :-) !!

I met so many kind crocheters, so enthusiasts with so much energy that I am already thinking about next year's Conference.

By for now