Crochet Roots

In my crafting life, crochet was the first medium that I ever tried.  I think I was about 7 or 8 when I first learned to crochet, taught by an elementary school teacher.  That was the Seventies, and I remember making such things as granny square vests and purses.  I had to laugh when I recently noticed how the Ripple Afghan was making such a comeback as if it was something fabulous and new, that too was one of my very early crochet projects.

I have however been neglecting my crochet roots since the knitting bug hit me a few years ago.  The little sweater I'm currently hooking is the first crochet project I've done in almost a year.  I'm thrilled to see this year that there are more and more wonderful wearable crochet patterns available.  Other things I like about crochet are that it is quicker than knitting (the back of the sweater was created in relatively little knitting time, only slowed down by frogging to account for gauge issues), and the fronts will go even quicker.  All going well, I'll have a new garment in about a week after starting.  Additionally, frogging is much more painless than it is in knitting.

I don't understand the competition between knitting and crocheting.  A lot of knitters look upon crochet with scorn. Avid crocheter Vera has talked about this quite a bit on her blog over the last couple years (who can forget her "Let's Get Along" Socks), and I always really enjoyed those posts.  I'm glad that crochet is becoming more popular.  And I'm happy that I'm finally returning to my crochet roots.  Look for much more crochet here in the coming weeks and months.

Comments

[Charity]

Crochet was the first hand-craft I tried as a child, as well. I remember sitting at my parents feet, showing them how fast I could crochet a chain. :0) I was about 6 or 7 then.

[PJ]

Great post! I didn't realize you 'started out'crochet. I'm a get along type gal in regards to knit/crochet. I love that book Knitting meets Crochet...or something like that ;)

[Peg]

Now I see that beautiful sweater, I wish I could crochet to gauge! I am great on afghans - no real need for gauge!

[Vera]

I love that pattern. I need to see if my LYS has it.

You know I feel that all knitters should learn to crochet and crocheters knit. Both are good to know.

[Felicia]

I'm not sure what the negative connotation is either except that perhaps crocheting was popular when we were growing up so perhaps we associate it with grandmothers. I'm sure the next generation will think knitting is old fashioned in twenty years or so. :)

[Uli]

I have no issues with crocheting. I don't do it as often as knitting and I'm not as good at it but I think it's great. I love your new project. The colour is awesome. And yes, you are right...... it's definitely quicker. Hope you're having a good week.

[Paula]

I'm a fan of many crafts, sewing, crochet, knitting, weaving, embroidery etc. I think it is silly to exclude any chance to learn a new skill. They all complement each other. The idea that knitting is the new hot trend, or crochet is new trend is plain silly... everything goes in cycles of popularity. The snobby naysayers of each group are missing out on an opportunity to expand their creative skills. I'm an equal opportunity crafter. (stepping off my soap box..)

[Lucy]

I'm right with ya...I love all these new wearable crochets!!!

[Dorothy]

I was a crocheter long before I was a knitter. Back in the 70's I was really big into making doilies. I do love knitting more, but every once in a while I get the hankering to make some doilies - just don't know where all my patterns are!