The Crochet Guild of America Is Really Awesome!
By Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 8 CommentsDid you know that crochet has a professional organization? Don’t be surprised! Crochet is a really big deal! The most recent public data from the Craft and Hobby Association estimates that of the 62.5 million U.S. crafters, 14.7 million crocheted at least once in 2012. That’s almost a quarter of all crafters! Furthermore, the U.S. Census states there were approximately 313.9 million people in the country that same year. That brings our crochet data to another level. That means that almost 5% of THE POPULATION crocheted in 2012. You’re in good company.
Speaking of good company, back to my original point – The Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) is really awesome! Don’t let the word “Guild” intimidate you. They’re a really down to earth bunch of people who love crochet just like you. And they’re not just a professional organization, they’re also a way to connect with local chapters that meet regularly not only in the U.S. but also in Canada, Mexico, and online. Okay, Aussies, I want you to be next! 😀 Seriously!
Why would someone want to join? Well, when thinking about really digging into a hobby, there are many ways to enjoy it and to keep growing within that hobby. Think of Rachel. She just started off as a woman with a 3.25 MM hook and a love of yarn and has built this wonderful business and Crochet Spot community around her craft. While Rachel is not a member of the CGOA, the CGOA can connect members with professional mentors within the craft who can help with learning about different aspects of the industry. You can become a contract crocheter for designers, a crochet designer, or a technical editor. There are formalized mentoring programs for each of these areas that are free with a CGOA membership.
I have been a proud CGOA member since 2011 and I’ve loved having the discounts on crochet goodies, connecting with important designers in the industry, and even starting the first Mexican chapter, Ganchitos Mexico City! I have been working on becoming a crochet master through their educational program. I am looking forward to beginning the formalized mentorship program and also attending a conference someday. It’s a great organization and you should check it out! 🙂
So what about you? Have you ever thought of joining a professional organization for crochet? Specifically to Aussies – what do you think of the CGOA? To all international readers – is there a professional crafting or crochet organization in your home country? Please leave your comments below!
I am from Sweden and here I have never heard about such an organization, but I might be wrong. But the number of crocheters in US are amazing! (Means that you have more people crocheting than we have citizens….) I had no idea crocheting was that huge…no need for feeling lonely crocheting then…:)
I’ve been a member of teh CGOA for 2 years now. I’m listed as an Associate Professional and I’ve just joined the mentor program. It’s such a wonderful community and I hope to attend a conference some day! Good luck with the Master’s Program, I’d love to tackle that in the future too. 🙂
Yay!
Does anyone know of a Crocheting Guild or Association like this in Canada? Please let me know. Thanks.
Gail, I do not, but there is a chapter of the CGOA in Ontario and you could start a CGOA chapter in your local area.
Thanks for responding, Cami. How would I go about starting a CGOA in my area? I am kind of new at all this.
You should go to crochet.org and read through the materials there. I would recommend first joining the online cyber chapter and attending their virtual meetings. 🙂
Does anyone know about one in the US? and what are the benefits of joining!