Let the Sunshine In
As many of you may be aware, I recently headed north to the Sunny Sunshine Coast for the Inaugural CGA (Crochet Guild Australia) Conference, where I participated in the Teacher's Training to become a certified teacher for crochet.
It was long days of information, workshops, networking and making friends, and discovering that I knew a lot more than I gave myself credit for, I felt validated for my work and how far I have come, but it also opened my eyes to the amount of truly talented people there are in the field of crochet.
I met the guru of YouTube tutorials Bobwilson123 (aka Clare Sullivan) and even though I thought myself invisible on most outlets, she had indeed heard of me (well, my awesome Bandaroo the Koala amigurumi), but she told us the most amazing story about herself and how she started to where she is now... I was amazed and in awe of this woman and she was just as amazed and awed by our stories and our triumphs! I tell you, Aussie's kick arse!
I also had the privilege of meeting our CGA President and Crochet Designer Extraordinaire Jenny King of Jenny King Designs. This woman is a machine in crochet design, she is inspirational and the best role model I could have moving forward as a teacher.
The funny thing is, I took one of her designs up with me to work on during my 'downtime' and I didn't even realise it was hers... THEN I win the exact same pattern as a raffle prize! hahaha
Suffice it to say, I have learned a lot more than just the basics of crochet and making stitches. I learned about how crochet helps us in many ways; with mental health, rehabilitation, maintaining friendships, being part of a community and bridging generational gaps. All these things will help shape my lessons and hopefully, make me a better teacher!
Once all my homework and assessments are completed and graded, I am confident that I will have my certification for teaching and I can't wait to start.
If you are wanting more information about the Crochet Guild Australia or to become a member, click the link https://crochetguildaustralia.org.au/
And finally.... I did manage to recharge my soul battery with a much needed break from the family. I soaked in the lovely Sunshine Coast air, strolled along the beaches, listened to the crashing waves, went beachcombing and enjoyed some truly quiet time! Oh how I miss the coast (I grew up in a small town on the Mid North Coast of NSW, just north of Coffs Harbour, called Woolgoolga).
(Photo taken from the rooftop of the apartments I was staying in, on tippy toes, leaning over the balustrade angled slightly to the right!) 🤣
So there you go... a small insight into my time away. I'm ever so glad to be home with the family again, however, I do miss the ability to wander around unmasked and without restriction!
Oh... and I may have indulged in a spot of shopping - it WAS my birthday week after all!
Thanks for taking the time to read, and have a Magical day...
Katt xx