Crochet in Today's World

To some, crochet still conjures up terms like 'old-fashioned' and images of Grandmas in rocking chairs making doilies or granny square afghans [and I know someone in your family has one...or both, we all do! :)]  People of all ages and backgrounds are gettin' hooked up, including a growing number of men who crochet, too!

If you're not 'in the loop', crochet continues to bloom into a versatile, talented craft; finally getting the respect it has so long deserved.

It is not to be confused with or compared to knitting, which is a great craft and separate technique in its own right, and although it gets more press, support and attention...change is coming.  There's a grass-roots rumbling underground; the noise you hear are hookers on the move!  Some are up-and-coming, independents, well-known and widely published (or all-of-the-above!); all reveling in the art of crochet!

My mother taught me both knitting and crochet as a child.  I've since re-learned to knit (while I was playing with a double-ended crochet hook, no less) and will knock out a scarf or two on occasion.  I'm a hooker at heart, and crochet will always be my first love; here's why.

I crochet primarily because I enjoy it; the movement is soothing in its repetition, even therapeutic.  You can take a hook to yarn/thread and turn it into a smile; a gift for a new mom, a little something for someone who needs a pick-me-up, handcrafted gifts for birthdays and holidays, items to provide comfort for those less fortunate or in need that let's them know there are people who care; the possibilities are endless.

It's important to me to keep the craft alive.  Teaching crochet gives me an opportunity to share what I've learned from many.  I like teaching mothers, who will then teach their kids, like Mom taught me, because I think it makes for a special bonding experience.  I also enjoy finding people who 'used to crochet'; once they refresh their skills, they're off and running!

There is a vast variety within crochet, from the basic stitches and combinations thereof, to lace techniques (Broomstick, Hairpin, Clones, etc.), or incorporating beading, fabric and other mediums and textiles.

There are also more resources available, thanks to the passage of time and the boom of technology; some for which you'll find links at Vonne's Crochet & Beading, crochet-friendly forums like Ravelry, and a national organization, the Crochet Guild of America.

Crocheters are expanding their use of yarns/threads on the market, once thought only available to and used by knitters. Hopefully, that will be another stereotype laid to rest, and I look forward to more happy hookin'!

Links:

Vonne's Crochet & Beading (free; membership required)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/voncrobead/)

Ravelry (www.ravelry.com) (free; invite for membership required)

Crochet Guild of America (www.crochet.org)