Home Karen C.K. Ballard

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Karen C.K. Ballard's Classes & Experiences in Arts & Crafts, Textile History, Instruction, & Publishing as of 6/10/2017

Classes & Activities: 
   1950s Learned basics of crocheting from Great Aunt Laurene Knickerbocker
   1950s-60s Took art classes from my mother, Cecille Payne Kuhnke, a Parson's Art School illustration graduate
   1964-67 Took advanced art classes at Berlin (Germany) American and McLean, VA High Schools
          1966 My artwork selected to represent Berlin American HS at the Pentagon
          1967 National Scholastic Honorable Mention in art and "sponsored" a first prize art winner
   Feb 1970 Designed & made my wedding dress & headdress
   1970s Taught self  to read crochet patterns and crocheted baby items & toys for son & for sale
   1973  Taught crochet during lunch hours @ Center for Naval Analyses, Rosslyn, VA
   ~1975 Altered crochet patterns & exhibited lion & elephant puppets at CIA employee craft show; sold one
   Jul 1976 Sewed/appliqued historically accurate silk flag for First VA Regiment of the Continental Line Revolutionary War reenactment group
   Jun 30 - Jul 15, 1978 Displayed thimbles @ Fairfax Library, Fairfax, VA
   1979 Taught self to knit, creating Fair Isle Christmas ornaments
   1980 Earned 3 GMU English 101 college credits via test by writing (text only) How to Crochet.
   1980s  Made historically accurate Revolutionary War style tent
   1981 Took Instructor Workshop @ CIA
   Jan 31, 1982 Took Collecting Antique Quilts & Lace @ Law's Auction, Manassas, VA -- Arlene Brown (prof. weaver)
   Jun 1982 Published "Readings on Hawaiian Quilts" in Center for History of American Needlework Newsletter
   ~1982 Took Glass Etching class @ Annandale Crafts, Annandale, VA
   1983 Took Instructor Systems Design Workshop @ CIA
   1983 Took Instructor Training Class @ CIA
   1983 Took Public Speaking Course @ UVA (talked on thimble holders, fiber-art as art, & hands-on crochet instruction)
   Nov 1, 1983 Took Needle Lace Class, International Old Lacers @ Dulin Methodist Ch., FallsChurch VA - Aurelia L. Loveman
   1983-84 Developed lesson plans, illustrated courses, & taught computer information technology subjects @ CIA
   1984 Took Briefing Techniques class @ CIA
   1984 Took Creative Thinking class @ CIA
   Oct 13, 1984 Took Conservation of Historic Textiles @ Ft. Ward Park, Alexandria, VA - Jean Martin (Registrar, DAR)
   1985 Took Case Studies in Persuasion communications course @ GMU
   1985-86 Edited CIA Computer information technology Organization newsletter
   1986 Took Interpersonal Communication Skills class @ CIA
   Jun 18, 1987 Took Image & Self Projection class --part of Women's Leadership Class @ Arlington, VA Marriott
   Sep 25 ,1987 Took Enhancing Creativity in the Workplace class @ McLean, VA Hilton
   Mar 20, 1988 (date?) Took Civil War Era Portrayal @ Ft. Ward Park, Alexandria, VA - Juanita Leisch (author)
   May 6, 1988 Took Desk Top Publishing class @ CIA
   Apr 17, 1989 Took Chinese Bead Knotting @ China Paradise Bead & Gift Shop - Lily Lang (Chinese-American)
   Jan 1990 Took Weaving class @ River Farm, Fulks Run, VA - Maretta Crider
   1990  Designed & created quilted/beaded/crocheted wedding tiara for sister
   1990 Took Human Factors Engineering @ GMU (researched/presented Color Theory Applied -Computer Display Design)
   Jul 20-28, 1991 Displayed textile tools supporting Jinny Beyer Challenge @ Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA
   Aug 16-21, 1992 Took Weaving class @ Mannings, East Berlin, PA - Marianne Geldmeier (German-American)
   Aug 3, 1993 Took Textile Preservation & Overshot Coverlets @ Highlands Festival Abingdon,VA -Kathleen Harman
   Aug 4, 1993 Took Harriet Powers' Quilts @ Highlands Festival Abingdon, VA -Mary E. Lyons (author)
   ~1994 Took Peyote Stitch Beading @ Two Feathers, Springfield, VA - Patti Kate (Cherokee Bead Artist)
   Jul 23, 1994 Took Porcupine Quillwork @ Two Feathers, Springfield, VA - Patti Kate (Cherokee Bead Artist)
   Oct 29, 1994 Took Loom Beading @ Two Feathers, Springfield, VA - Patti Kate (Cherokee Bead Artist)   
   Fall 1994 Took Weaving on Primitive Style Looms @ NOVA Extended Learning, Manassas, VA - Carolyn Wysocki
   ~1995 Took Textile Conservation Caring & Display @ Ft. Ward Park, Alexandria, VA(?) - Julia B. Swetzoff (Textile Conservator)
   1996  Made "Chinese" costume (using picture in a book) for "The Butler Did It", Prince William (VA) Community Theater
   Apr 19-20, 1997 Took Beads & Threads @ Beadazzled, McLean, VA - Helen Banes (bead artist/author)
   1997  Costumer, "Twelfth Night", Tapestry Theatre of Alexandria, VA, repaired/altered clothing & designed/created quilted/beaded headdress
   Nov 2 & 9, 1997 Took Gourd Stitch Treasure Bags @ Two Feathers, Dumfries, VA - Patti Kate (Cherokee Bead Artist)
   Feb 28, 1998 Took Lampwork Glass Bead Making @ Beadazzled, McLean, VA - Lisa St. Martin (St. Martin Studios)
   Aug 8, 1998 Took Brick Stitch Beading (Ginkgo Leaf Necklace) @ Star's Beads - Diane Fitzgerald (bead artist/author)
   Feb 6, 1999 Took Drop Spindle Spinning Workshop @ Springwater, Alexandria, VA - Sylvia DeMar
   May 2, 1999 Took Free-form Peyote Beading @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Paulette Baron (bead artist)
   Jul 7-11, 1999 Attended MAFA Weaving Conference @ Bucknell University, PA, attending classes:
          Past 50 Years lecture -Nell Znamierowski (author)
          Future of Textiles lecture - Madelyn Van der Hoogt (founder/instructor: Weaver's School, Coupeville, WA)
          Twist & Shout (Twisted Bead Techniques) - Bead Cats: Virginia Blakelock & Carol Perrenoud (bead artists/authors)
          Flower, Leaves, & Vines (Beading) - Cynthia Rutledge (bead artist/teacher)
          Silk I (history, processing, spinning, dying, manipulation) - Nancy Morey (sericulture expert) 
          Old Wheels for Modern Spinners - Bill Ralph (spinning wheel restorer)
          Sheep Songs Sing-a-long - Fiona Siobhan Powel (folklorist)
   Jan 12 - Apr 5, 2000 Took 8-week Quilting Class @ Quilt Patch, Fairfax, VA - Leslie Pfeifer (store proprietor)
   Jul 8, 2000 Took Color in Quilting class @ Quilt Patch, Fairfax, VA - Lesly-Claire Greenberg (quilt artist/author)
   Aug 26 - Sep 30, 2000 Displayed figural needlework tools supporting Embroiderers' Guild Competition @ Loudoun Museum (arranged w/ Betty Fleming)
   2003-2005 Taught Acquisition Risk Analysis in Contract Management Classes @ CIA  (Retired Government - June 2005)
   Oct 11-12, 2003 Took Glass Fusing @ Star's Beads, Vienna,VA -Diane Tansey-Cairns (Stained glass store proprietor)
   Apr 17, 2004 Took Glass Fusing @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Diane Tansey-Cairns (Stained glass store proprietor)
   Sep 2005 - Jan 2007 Demonstrated & Taught crochet @ A.C. Moore, Manassas, VA
          Developed & Illustrated how-to class materials using my original designs
          Jun 2005 - Mar 2007 Designed & Taught Beginning Crochet Snap Scarf Class
          Sep 2005 - Dec 2006 Designed & Taught Intermediate Crochet Purse Class
          Mar 2006 - Dec 2006 Designed & Taught Intermediate (+pattern reading) Crocheted Sampler Scarf Class
   Jan/Feb 2006 Designed & Sold bead-crocheted Save the Reef Necklace to Caron International yarn company for trade show
   Jun 8, 2006 Took Knitting refresher course @ A.C. Moore, Manassas, VA - Ginny ___________
   Mar 14, 2007 Took Quilting Made Easier @ Hancock Fabrics, Manassas - Sally Hile
   May 10, 2008 Took Glass Fusing @ Manassas Pottery, Manassas, VA -Twila Johnson
   Jul 1-31, 2008 Displayed my WW I & WW II Workbasket Campaign (needlework for military, wounded, refugees & patriotic home front) @ Bull Run Regional Library, Manassas, VA
          Jul 25, 2008 Spoke on WW I & WW II Workbasket Campaign @ Bull Run Regional Library   
   Oct 3&17, 2008 Took Beaded Cabochon Bezel @Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Beth Eltinge (bead artist)
   Nov 11, 2008 - Apr 2010  Displayed my WWII home front items @ Historic Freeman Store, Vienna, VA (arranged w/ Rose Mulville)
   Jan 4, 2009 Took Beginning and Advanced Wire  @ Beadazzled, Tyson Corner, VA - Jeni Rico (jewelry artist)
   Feb 13, 2009 Took Russian Leaves @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Lisa Norris (bead artist)
   Mar 28-29, 2009 Took Kumihimo @ Mannings, East Berlin, PA- Rodrick Owens (braiding expert/author)
   Apr 4, 2009 Took PMC with Paula @ Star's Beads - Paula Coupe (jewelry artist)
   Apr 2009  Became Professional Member of Crochet Guild of America (CGOA)
   May 23, 2009 Took No Two Alike Wire Wrapping - Level 1 @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Susan Lindsey (wire work artist)
   May 30, 2009 Took Embellished (1-needle) Right-Angle Weave (RAW) Bracelet @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Lisa Norris (bead artist)
   Jun 1, 2009 Took Findings & Finishes (wire wrapping, crimping) @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Mary Catherine "MC" Willard (jewelry artist)
   Jun 20, 2009 Took Bead Embroidered Cuff @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Diane Dennis (jewelry artist)
   Aug 15, 2009 Took V-Shaped Collar (2-needle RAW) @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Linda Spiegel (jewelry artist)
   Jan 9, 2010 Published "Figural Crochet Hooks & Information on Identifying Ivory & Bone With Overview of US Trade Laws Related to Worked Elephant Ivory" in iantiqueonline.com
   May/Jun 2010 Published "Figural Crochet Hooks" in CGOA's Chain Link newsletter
   Jul 15, 2010 Awarded CGOA Masters of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques
   July/Aug 2010 Published "Patriotic Children's Crochet" in CGOA's Chain Link newsletter   
   Sep/Oct 2010 Published "Tension Devices" in CGOA's Chain Link newsletter 
   Nov/Dec 2010 Published "Sliding Crochet Hooks" in CGOA's Chain Link newsletter
   Jan 2011 Published "Remember Embroidered Trade Cards?" in Paper & Advertising Collectors' Marketplace magazine
   Jan/Feb 2011 Published "Crochet Samplers" in CGOA's Chain Link newsletter
   May/Jun 2011 Published "Flora Klickmann: Author, Editor, Needleworker" & adapted her butterfly pattern in PieceWork magazine (featured on cover)
   May/Jun 2011 Published "Collecting Old Crochet Books" in CGOA's Chain Link newsletter
   Jul 2011 Published "Confessions of a Collector" in Cyber Stitch online magazine
   Jul/Aug 2011 Published "Non-inflammable Crochet Hooks" in CGOA's Chain Link newsletter
   Sep 21-24, 2011 Greensboro, NC CGOA Conference -- attended classes:
         "Draw Your Own Crochet Diagrams", Edie Eckman
         "Getting Published: An Overview", Susan Huxley
         "Schematics", KJ Hay
         "Organic Freeform Scarves, Shawls & Wraps", Prudence Mapstone
         "Freeform Crochet Floral Brooches & Neckpieces", Prudence Mapstone
   Autumn 2011 Published "Folding & Swiveling Crochet Hooks" in CGOA's Chain Link newsletter
   Oct/Nov 2011 Published "Law of Crochet" & my "Crotchet [sic] Castle Antimacassar" design in PieceWork magazine 
   Oct 2011 Posted pictures and information augmenting my "Law of Crochet" article on my website
   Winter 2011 Published "Handmade Crochet-Thread Bags" in CGOA's Chain Link newsletter
   2012 - 2013 Provided Historic Consultation to Melanie Gall for her "Knitting All The Day"-WWI & "Sweeter in a Sweater" knitting music CDs
   Feb 2012 - Feb 2014 Served as a Junior Reviewer of CGOA Masters Program applications
   Spring 2012 Published "Hatpin & Paperweight Crochet Hooks" and "My First Chain Link Conference - 2011 NC" in CGOA Chain Link newsletter
   March/April 2012 Published "Patriotic Knitting Tools" in PieceWork magazine
   March 11 & 18, 2012 Took "Jewelry Design 101" @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA -Linda Lumbert
   Apr 11, 2012 Interviewed by Mark Lipinski for his Creative MOJO podcast on patriotic knitting bags and tools
   Apr 28, 2012 Took "Twist Multi-Strand Necklace" @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Beverlee Stafford
   May 19, 2012 Took "Free Form Peyote" @ Star's Beads, Vienna, VA - Paulette Baron
   June 27- July 1, 2012 Manchester, NH CGOA Chain Link Conference -- attended classes:
           "Professinal Development Day"
           "Measuring Magic", Joan Davis
           "Beaded Tapestry Crochet", Carol Ventura
           "Beginning & Intermediate Bruges Lace", Susan Lowman
           "Tatting the Old-Fashioned Way", Susan Lowman
           "Writing Crochet Patterns", Susan Lowman
           Won first prize in Small Wonders category of 2012 Design Contest for my "NC Necklace"
   July 2012 Published "Linen Motifs for Crocheting" and "Mary Hoyer: Crochet, Knitting, Sewing & Doll Designer" with my "Sweetheart Dress" & tap pants patterns for vintage Mary Hoyer doll in Crochet Traditions
   Autumn 2012 Published "Crochet Hook Sales Display Cases & How I Use Them" in CGOA Chain Link newsletter
   Oct 6-7, 2012 Took beaded "Sarah Lariat" class @ Studio Baboo, Charlottesville, VA -- Maggie Meister
   Winter 2012 Published "My Crochet Hook Case" & "Master's Tips - Bunched Combination Stitches" in CGOA Chain Link newsletter
   ~2013 Interviewed by Melanie Gall re: my collection of WWI & WWII knitting postcards for her Saavy Girls podcast.
   Spring 2013 Published "Crocheted Buttons" in CGOA Chain Link newsletter
   March 2013 Provided modern & vintage crochet items for Nat Cro Mo displays at Bull Run & Central Libraries
   March 23-24, 2013 Took beaded "Catherine Necklace" class @ Studio Baboo, Charlottesville, VA -- Maggie Meister
   March 31, 2013 Participated in Crochetville's Nat Cro Mo blog tour with a new front page on my website & a vintage crochet items give-away
   April 6, 2013 Took Soldering @ Star's, Vienna, VA -- Nick Barnes
   May 5, 2013 Took "Neck Collar" wire-wrapping @ Star's Vienna, VA -- Sue Lindsey
   May 18, 2013 Took "Tubular Wave" beading @ Star's, Vienna, VA -- Linda Spiegel
   Summer 2013 Published "Doily & Curtain Stretchers" in CGOA Chain Link newsletter
   May - June 2013 Designed beach glass necklace & taught encasing stones in crochet at PW CGOA Chapter
   Aug 2013 Juried Crochet Category @ PW Co. Fair, my wristlet-bag won 3rd place in recycled category, and my socks-inspired peyote necklace won honorable mention in Senior category.
   Early Sep 2013 Created "Heritage Heart", submitted it to Prudence Mapstone for her "Hearts & Flowers" freeform crochet/knitting art show.  On tour through Australia and New Zealand through early 2014.
   Autumn 2013 Published "Crocheted Needlework Tools" in CGOA Chain Link newsletter
   Sept/Oct 2013 Published adapted 1905 Addy Heron "Bead-Crocheted Purse" in PieceWork Magazine.
   Sept/Oct 2013 put together design portfolio.
   Oct 2-5, 2013 Concord, NC CGOA Chain Link Conference -- attended classes:
           "Professinal Development Day"
           "Antique Love Knots", Vashti Braha
           "Irish Crochet Heirloom Bag", Kathie Earle
           "Pattern Writing", Martie Miller
           Participated in Editors' "Meet & Greet"
           "Design Inspirations", Lily Chin
   Oct 30, 2013 Wrote Crochet with Attitude, Part I  as a guess blogger to Gwen Blakley Kinsler's blog, http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com/2013/10/wartime-crochet-with-attitude-part-i.html
   Dec 12, 2013 Wrote Crochet with Attitude, Part II as a guess blogger to Gwen Blakley Kinsler's blog, http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com/2013/12/guest-blogge-part-2karen-ballard-world.html
   Winter 2013 Published "Thread Containers Hung from Wrists or Arms" in CGOA Chain Link newsletter
   Dec 2013 Designed, made, & sold pattern - "Steampunk Gears Collar" for Mainly-Crochet.
   late-Dec 2013 Designed, made, and sold "Interwoven Heart Pocket" pattern to Mainly-Crochet.
   Jan 2014 Was Furls Featured Crocheter
   Spring 2014 Published "Imperfect Filet Crochet Prayer" for CGOA Chain Link newsletter
   April 2014 Designed, made, & sold "Victorian Tattoo" & "Bubble Wrap" patterns to Mainly-Crochet.
   Summer 2014 Wrote "Susan Bates Stitch Holder Crochet Hooks" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   July 23-27, 2014 Manchester, NH CGOA Chain Link Conference -- attended classes: 
	   "Get your Geek on"
	   "Lovely Lucet", Jennifer Hansen
	   "Broomstick Lace", Darla Fanton
	   "Tunisian Filet", Vashti Braha
	   "Independent Pattern Publication", Mary Beth Temple
	   "Tunisian Crochet Cables", Kim Guzman
	   "Free Form Knit & Crochet Combo", Margaret Hubert
	   "Knocking Off a Garment", Lily Chin
   Autumn 2014 Published "Vintage Crochet with Tapes/Braids, Rick Rack and Cords" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   Sep 27-28, 2014 "PA German Tape Weaving 1750-2014" @ Mannings, East Berlin, PA --Susan Weaver of Warp Seed Studio
   Oct 25-26, 2014 "Clodia's Necklace" beading class @ Studio Baboo, Charlottesville, VA -- Maggie Meister
   Winter 2014 Published "Pierre the Poodle Crochet Kit & British vs American Notation" for CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   Spring 2015 Published "Lady Nimble Fingers" for CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   Mar 6, 2015 Contributed "Peter Max Tribute & "Paisley" scrumbles to Prudence Mapstone's "50 Years of Flower Power" collaboration project
   Mar 14, 2015 took "Sunflower Brooch" class @ Studio Baboo, Charlottesville, VA -- Karla Gee
   May 2015 Published Ocean-themed "On Golden Sands Necklace" in International Free Form Fiberarts Guild 2015 Challenge book
   Summer 2015 Published "Spiral/Twisted Crochet Hooks" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   June 5, 2015 Published "US Knitting Propaganda -- WWI" in Center for Knit & Crochet website
   June 22, 2015 International Free Form Fiberarts Guild Ocean-theme Challenge book published including my "On Golden Sands Necklace"
   July 10-15, 2015 Attended "Mining Women Bead Retreat" @ Poland Mining Camps, Poland, ME, including 2 days of mining and
	   "Mining Jewel Bracelet", Amy Katz & Paulette Baron
	   "Vinyards Necklace", Amy Katz
	   "Catch the Waves" necklace, Paulette Baron
   July 25, 2015 Provided "Heritage Heart" & "NC Necklace" Freeform crochet pieces for display @ San Diego CGOA Chain Link Conference
   July 29, 2015 submitted 3 "Mandalas for Marinka", writing a pattern for one of them, for depression awareness
   July 29, 2015 Contributed crocheted "Virginia Bluebell Brooch" to Flowers for Memories in support of Alzheimer's research
   Aug 21, 2015 Published "US Knitting Propaganda -- WWII" in Center for Knit & Crochet website
   Autumn 2015 Published "WWI Crochet Attitudes" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   Oct 2015 Down Under Textile Arts Magazine featured Prudence Mapstone's "50 Years of Flower Power" project with my "Peter Max Tribute" 
		contribution on the cover
   Winter 2015 Published "WWII Crochet Attitudes" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   January 2016 conceived & started Face Book Page for "Freeform Fiber Tribute to the Arts" project with submission date of September 2017
   Feb 27, 2016 Took "Cattleya Orchid" class @ Burke Gems & Beads -- Alexandra Sidorenko
   Spring 2016 Published "National Crochet Contest 1937-1957" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   Summer 2016 Published "Jenny, the Crochet Worker, a Morality Story of the 1860's" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   June 7, 2016 Presented & displayed Yarn Winders at Prince William Purlers, Manassas, VA
   Aug 15, 2016 Presented & displays Yarn Winders to Prince William Crochet Guild, Manassas, VA
   Autumn 2016 Published "The Press & Mayor Mitchell -- Men Crocheting ca. 1940" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   Oct 4, 2016 Presented & displayed WWI Knitting to Prince William Purlers, Manassas, VA
   Winter 2019 Published "Crotchet Castle - A Tail of Two Satires" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   Spring 2017 Published "Crochet Thread & Yarn Advertising" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   Summer 2017 Published "Ruth Manning-Sanders' Crochet Woman, a Crochter's Review" in CGOA Chain Link Newsletter
   June 6, 2017 Presented & displayed WWII Knitting to the Prince William Purlers
  
   

Related Activities: 
   1970 - Present  Collect textile tools, books, & notions with particular emphasis on WWI&II Workbasket Campaign items, sewing/darning/knitting 
          aprons, antique books on all textile techniques, sewing machine advertising items, and crochet items (including: crochet publications, 
          crochet hooks, crochet hook-holders, spool knaves, yarn holders, gauges, crochet samplers & yarn/thread tension devices)
   1970s - 1980s  Designed & created historically accurate clothing, tents, flags, & accessories for Revolutionary & Civil War Reenactment groups 
   1970 -2014 Frequently attended Mannings, East Berlin, PA Annual Spinning Seminar
   1990s  - Present  Occasionally designed & created costumes/props for local community theaters
   1970 - Present  Rock-hounding field trips
   1970 - Present  Frequent attendee of:
          West Friendship, MD Wool Festival
          DC Area Bead Festival   
          Smithsonian Festival of American Folk Life
          Northern Virginia Bead Society Bead Show
          DC Textile Museum's Textile Days
          Montpelier, Orange, VA, Fiber Fest
          Rock Shows, Commercial Gem Mines, & Fossil Sites
    2010-present Created threadwinder.info website and threadwinder.blogspot.com journal 

 Memberships:
     1974-1979 Thimbletter
     1970-1980s (at least 1977-1983) Center for History of American Needlework (CHAN)
     1970-1980s (at least 1978-1882) International Old Lacers (IOL)
     ~1980 - 1985 National Textiles Resource & Research Center, Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
     -1984- Thimble Collectors International
     1987 National Button Society
     1990s NC, WV Fossil clubs
     1990s Northern Virginia Gem & Mineral Hunter's Club
     2009 Centreville Jewelry Crafting Meetup, EZ Bead Shop, Centreville, VA, this group disbanded
     2009-present Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) Member ID #31135 professional membership
     2009-present Iantiqueonline.com as threadwinder@aol.com
     2009-present Ravelry.com as threadwinder
     2012-present Prince William Crochet Guild