Crochet is easy to learn, fun to do, and getting more popular for a number of reasons. The only supplies needed are yarn, hooks in the correct size, and scissors. There are many crochet patterns available to make an assortment of items using different stitches.
This simple handcraft was originally thought to be a hobby better suited for the rich upper class. It has been enjoyed in Italy, France, and England since the fifteen hundreds. This hobby made its way to China and Europe in the seventeen hundreds and was taught to women in American schools by the eighteen hundreds. This is also when patterns and instructions began showing up in magazines and books for the public.
Centuries ago, crochet hooks were made in different sizes from fish bone, ivory, wood, and brass. Now they are manufactured from inexpensive plastic, metal, aluminum, steel, bamboo, and wood. Yarn is spun from animal materials such as wool, silk, alpaca, mohair, and angora. Cotton and linen are vegetable fibers, and plant substances include acrylic, polyester, and nylon. Solid or multi colored skeins are available in virtually every shade imaginable.
This hobby is not just for common folk. Singers like Aretha Franklin and actresses including Ellen Corby from The Walton, Anne Bancroft from Helen Keller, Bette Davis from Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and Patricia Arquette who played in Stigmata take pleasure in this past time. Even Rosie Grier, a football player from the sixties, and President James Buchanan in the eighteen hundreds did this in their spare time.
This old time handwork eases tension while listening to the radio or television. Projects can be taken on the road to vacation destinations, meetings, conferences, or while visiting. It is less costly to hand make items for others rather than pay high store prices. Presents made with love and thoughtfulness are more appreciated. Some crafters have turned their part-time enjoyment into a full-time business and sell what they make thanks to patterns purchased or created.
Clothing can be made for babies, children, and adults. Everyone needs outdoor wear such as scarves, gloves, mittens, and hats. Apparel like shirts, sweaters, vests, belts, slippers, and socks are always appreciated as well as shawls, blankets, afghans, and pillow cases. Kitchen items including oven mitts, potholders, place mats, tablecloths, and aprons can always be used in addition to purses and tote bags. Clothes, booties, bibs, blankets, and caps are just a few items to make for babies.
Homes feel cozy with the addition of crocheted curtains, rugs, doilies, and coasters. A handmade wall hanging or other decoration is often the focus of a room. Other projects include stuffed toys, jewelry, bookmarks, pet clothing and accessories.
Hundreds of crochet patterns are offered in publications and sites online. Designs are traditional, modern, and everything in between to accommodate any fashion sense or need. This handcraft has become more widely recognized as a cost effective way to meet the needs of friends and family.
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