Unsung Heroines #5

Delma Myers

By Gwen Blakley Kinsler

crochetkween@gmail.com

To all members of CGOA: While you read about Delma Myer, please put on your thinking cap. I am always looking for the next “Unsung Heroine or Hero” to feature in this blog! Your emailed ideas are welcomed!

CGOA Service

At age 87 Delma Myers shows no signs of slowing down for her love and commitment to the Crochet Guild of America! She attended the very first Chain Link Crochet Conference in 1994 held in Chicago; incredibly, she flew in from Anchorage, Alaska to be there! Delma explains that she loves to travel and loves to crochet; so, when she read in a magazine that a Crochet Guild was in the beginning stages of organizing, “It was almost a “no-brainer” to take that leap of faith and head to Chicago!” Soon after she joined CGOA, Delma set her sights on Founding the only Chapter in Alaska: The Ididachain Chapter of CGOA in 1995 To this day it still meets monthly in two locations, in order for members to get to meetings in inclement weather.

Delma says she has attended every summer conference and then some until the one held in New Orleans but was “grounded” after that by the Covid Pandemic! Along the way, she earned Pauline Turner’s Design Crochet Part II Certificate. Delma has made generous contributions to CGOA throughout her many years as a member by serving on the Education Committee helping choose conference classes; reviewing Advanced Masters Submissions; and serving on the Hall of Fame Committee. 

Background

It was Delma’s husband, Doug, whose job gave them the opportunity to move from Southern California to Anchorage in 1995. As their family grew to five children, Delma devoted herself to volunteering for groups in which they were involved leading Scout troops, as well coaching for their various team sports! As far as treating herself, she also really enjoyed traveling and singing member  the 150-voice Anchorage Concert Chorus for 40 years!

As her children got older, Delma got a job at the local phone company. When two nearby military bases began to convert their phones to local use, the Certificate of Electrical and Mechanical Drawing she earned at a local University qualified her to work as a drafter for this process. She got trained to draw all the maps for this process, and enjoyed it very much! 

Delma was never a winter person; “in Alaska they are particularly fierce,” she explains. “I would only leave Alaska in the warm summers for crochet!” Once Doug retired, they moved to their winter home on Lopez Island located in Northwestern Washington state, accessible by ferry-only from Anacortes.

Current Work

Today, Delma maintains her fierce independence on the island after her husband’s death in 2024. She belongs to a Quilt Guild, enjoys weekly Senior lunches at the Community Center; and continues to crochet by making potholders for Thanksgiving gift baskets. She explained,” I enjoy gifting and have enough yarn to open a store!”

Delma looks back fondly on all the people she met and enjoyed in her chapter; new techniques she learned from the many conference classes she attended; and the various locations she was able to explore during conferences! She believes, “Crochet has broadened my perspective; nurtured my creative side; and provided a community that I am a part of for life.”

Always humble, Delma has lived a rich life in unique settings. Her active and consistent volunteerism sets an example for all crocheters! Today, she is still contributing her crochet knowledge while serving as a Junior Reviewer for the CGOA Masters’ Program! 

Thank you, Delma. CGOA owes you a debt of gratitude while wishing you continued health and happiness!