March is National Craft Month and National Crochet Month!

National Craft Month

March has been designated National Craft Month by the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA). Major craft retailers, small businesses, and online craft sites are getting in on the action to celebrate a month dedicated to crafting. In addition to taking advantage of special sales and events during March, I thought I would take it upon myself to set some crafting goals. Care to join me? Listed below are a few of the ideas I'm thinking of for the month.

Learn a New Craft

I like to consider myself a well-rounded crafter, but there are certain things I have yet to try. Soap making has always intrigued me but I've always shied away from that because I thought there may be too big of an investment in supplies. Looks like I was mistaken. I found this great eco-friendly soap tutorial online and the materials are relatively inexpensive.

Teach Someone Else a New Craft

I try to do this as much as possible, whether it is National Craft Month or not. When you are passionate about something, it is hard not to share that with others! Teach a neighbor or your child how to make your favorite craft. Write a tutorial for your blog to share your award winning cupcake recipe.

Craft With Someone New

Crafting isn't meant to be a solitary activity. Being able to craft and create with others can be an extremely stimulating experience. Liven things up a bit and find someone new to craft with. Go to a local senior center and find a knitting buddy. Check out a class at your local quilt shop. Join a guild.

Finish What You've Started

If you're like me, you have some projects languishing around the house. Use this month to get them done! Put that binding on the quilt. Finish seaming that knitted sweater. Use that pattern you printed off the internet.

National Craft Month's purpose isn't to cure world hunger or bring about world peace. But, it is anticipated to bring joy to all who choose to participate.

Christy Nelson crafts and when she isn't crafting, she's writing about crafting. You can read more about it at her website, christynelson.net.

National Crochet Month

Get hooked and celebrate National Crochet Month in March with the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). Local CGOA member crochet guilds, across the nation and worldwide, will be participating in community activities to help promote the fiber craft of crochet. Crocheting has grown in popularity and become a favorite past time for all ages in the past few years. “It is no longer your grandmother’s crochet”. Everything from sweaters, scarves, hats, accessories, dresses, and more have been modeled on New York’s fashion runways. The fashion magazines, craft industry magazines and book publishers all include crochet as a popular craft trend and art form. To join CGOA, go to www.crochet.org for information about the national guild as well as the local guilds worldwide. Membership offers manufacturer discounts, education, opportunities for professional development and a magazine subscription to Crochet! magazine. The main purpose of the Crochet Guild of America is to educate the public about crochet, provide education and networking opportunities and set a national standard for the quality, art and skill of crochet through creative endeavors.