|
Did you know that March is National Crochet Month?
Do you crochet or know someone who crochets? Often we think of older women or grandmothers crocheting baby blankets or booties...but crochet spans all generations and takes all forms these days. From funky fiber art to traditional comfy afghans, handmade bikinis, and everything in between, crochet can be literally just what you make of it.
"Crochet is alive and well," reports professional crochet designer Margaret Hubert. Margaret has written several books on crochet, including a new book, "Plus-Size Crochet" She is also a member of a very active crochet guild chapter in Connecticut called Happily Hooked on Crochet.
Here are a few points of interest to celebrate crochet this month:
Designers speak out on their love of crochet
"I love to both knit and crochet. I find crochet to be faster than knitting, easier to learn with just the hook for beginners. The product from each is so different and both produce beautiful items," says Mary Strouse, a crochet and knitwear designer (one of her projects was featured on an episode of HGTV's Carol Duvall show). Mary also keeps the crochet tradition alive by teaching for free at her local library. She has also crocheted projects like the Last Supper for her local church.
|
Another designer, Sylvia Landman, writes: "While visiting my doctor's office my nurse asked me about a crocheted item I was wearing. She asked if next visit, she could bring in her "I am stuck" project. I agreed to see it and help." The nurse told Sylvia, "I have been knitting with my mother for the last few years but I miss my crochet. It is so much more portable and easy to carry along than all that 'stuff' needed for knitting."
 |
|
"The reasons I crochet are for relaxation, the joy of being able to give someone an original item, and the chance to share the skill of crochet with others. I teach anyone who has an interest, and have given them the chance to pass it along." - Angel Rhett |
Designer Eleanor Bradley writes, "With all the crochet clothes that you can find in the stores these days (made in China, of course), it's nice to be able to make your own one-of-a-kind item knowing that you will not run into someone else wearing the exact same thing. There is also a feeling of great satisfaction and pride once completing a project for yourself and even more so if it is a gift...I believe that if our young people were taught crochet at an early age, it might be a means to keep them from engaging in more harmful pursuits later in life. As on "That 70"s show", Kitty says: "Do crafts, not drugs!"
"I learned how to crochet when I was less than 10 years old. I didn't learn how to read directions, but I could 'copy' anything just by looking at it. When I became an adult, I taught myself how to read crochet directions and began crocheting doilies!!! I loved them and eventually began making them for wedding gifts and birthday gifts. I received so many thank yous and awesome comments, because there are so many that appreciate a handmade gift! Later, I have had a couple of my designs published in a multi-artist book. I think crochet is very versatile and can be a very rewarding hobby!" - Denise Clason
www.deniseclason.comm
"Crochet is so versatile and the types range from fine threads to chunky hand spuns yarns with projects from the finest technique of a doily to 2-D 3-D sculptures. The crocheter is only limited by his/her imagination. Today crochet is still a very popular fashion style and crocheters are inspired by the runways. We now have many many patterns to make upscale fashions as well. I find it very satisfying and relaxing and a day without crochet is like a day without sunshine!" - Gwen B. Kinsler
|
|
|
Wear your art out!
Check out Kreinik pins on sale!
Where to learn more about crochet The Crochet Guild of America has conferences, educational events, newsletters, designs, and more to teach and inspire. For example, the Northern Illinois CGOA will be hosting a "Crochet Buffet" at a local library in March to celebrate National Crochet Month. In August, this chapter will also have an annual Chapter Challenge with the theme "water" - members are to come up with something creative to express the theme in crochet. Prizes are given to the winners and the People'sChoice winner gets a year's membership in the chapter. Go to www.crochet.org for information about the national guild as well as local guilds worldwide.
You can also find lessons for teaching both left and right handed persons to crochet at www.crochet.org/lessons/lessonl/lessonl.html and - www.crochet.org/lessons/lessonr/lessonr.html. |
|
|
|
|
