My 2019 has started off with some happiness, I got my certificates and pins from the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) in the mail on the 15th of January.

This summer at the end of the CGOA conference I attended the Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Instructors Program. For over 8 years I have been telling myself that I needed to get my certification, but the timing never seemed to come together. When I heard that the CIP classes would be held in Portland after the Chain Link Conference, I jumped at the chance.

The onsite program included both Level 1 & 2, so there was a lot of homework to do before the actual class. We also had 3 months after the class date to finish our homework. Which was a good thing as my Level 2 baby sweater took me a little extra time.

Some of you that have taken classes that I taught in the past may be wondering why I am taking the CYC program at this point. I’m really glad I did. The input from the other experienced teachers in the class and the review of teaching beginning crochet were so enriching and inspiring.

I even learnt some new-to-me crochet techniques during the class. Like the Romanian Point Lace Cord (aka a Lobster Cord). This is a mind bending crochet stitch but creates an amazing cord. I made a little bit of cord in class learning the technique. 

One of the more daunting tasks for many folks in completing certification is getting the required 30 hours of teaching hours turned in. Fortunately for me we were able to use teaching hours back as far as a year before our on-site class. I just had to sit down and figure out all the hours I had taught in the past year and the 4 months following the on-site class.

I filled out the online form in mid-December after I had received the okay on my baby sweater project from my CIP teacher, Barbara Van Elsen. I had completed most of the necessary teaching hours in the preceding year and only needed to teach a couple more classes to finish up those hours.

I love sharing my passion for crochet and fostering it in others, so I hope having this certification will help me expand my teaching opportunities.

If you are interested in becoming a CYC Certified Instructor as well visit the Craft Yarn Councils website to learn more about their programs and opportunities for online or onsite classes.