Lately, while avoiding work, I've been doing some research on the history of crochet verses knitting. Knitting has quite a bit more history to it and popularity. But one thing remains consistent through knitting's history, it's a social hobby. I'm not much of a social knitter myself, I always end up having to rip out whatever I knit when I am with a group because I get distracted and drop stitches or don't count.
While crochet can be a social hobby and developed into such it did not originally start out that way. It was taught to French and Irish women in the 1800's in order to help communities recover financially from economic loss due to wars and famine! It turns out that crocheted lace was seen as an symbol of status. Middle class could afford to purchase hand crocheted lace whereas only upper class could afford to purchase machine made lace. I suppose the opposite is true these days.
One could easily purchase a machine crocheted or knitted garment in a fine fiber for far less than it would cost to have one hand made specifically for them. Even when you are using lower grade yarn like Lion Brand or TLC you're going to end up spending $50 just to make a blanket that you could purchase on sale for $29.99 at your local Bed Bath and Beyond.
However, I believe it is in the knowing that every time you drape your handmade blanket across your lap or put on that handmade sweater that it took a lot of time and effort. This is what creates its true value. You will cherish it and hold onto even if it gets holes or starts to unravel.
Recently, I've switched from knitting to crochet. I have known how to crochet longer but once I discovered all the fun I could have with two needles verses one hook I dropped all my blanket projects and started planning sweaters. But since completing school and putting the books away for the summer I think I've wanted to retire the process of having to follow strict pattern guidelines. I just want to be able to sit and watch tv and let my fingers do the work while my mind takes a vacation. So, I turned back to a blanket that I started over a year ago. The classic Granny Square blanket.
While crochet can be a social hobby and developed into such it did not originally start out that way. It was taught to French and Irish women in the 1800's in order to help communities recover financially from economic loss due to wars and famine! It turns out that crocheted lace was seen as an symbol of status. Middle class could afford to purchase hand crocheted lace whereas only upper class could afford to purchase machine made lace. I suppose the opposite is true these days.
One could easily purchase a machine crocheted or knitted garment in a fine fiber for far less than it would cost to have one hand made specifically for them. Even when you are using lower grade yarn like Lion Brand or TLC you're going to end up spending $50 just to make a blanket that you could purchase on sale for $29.99 at your local Bed Bath and Beyond.
However, I believe it is in the knowing that every time you drape your handmade blanket across your lap or put on that handmade sweater that it took a lot of time and effort. This is what creates its true value. You will cherish it and hold onto even if it gets holes or starts to unravel.
Recently, I've switched from knitting to crochet. I have known how to crochet longer but once I discovered all the fun I could have with two needles verses one hook I dropped all my blanket projects and started planning sweaters. But since completing school and putting the books away for the summer I think I've wanted to retire the process of having to follow strict pattern guidelines. I just want to be able to sit and watch tv and let my fingers do the work while my mind takes a vacation. So, I turned back to a blanket that I started over a year ago. The classic Granny Square blanket.
I was also recently perusing the blogs and discovered the Grannie-Along CAL (Crochet-Along). I immediately joined up and went home last night to begin the granny square process. I already have 1 set (12) of 8 possible patterns done. I figured I could make 12 of each (12x8 = 96 total), and they measure 4"x4".
This means that I will have a blanket measuring 32"x48". Somehow this doesn't seem big enough to me. Roughly, 3'x4'. I think it should be 4'x6'. Hmmm, this is going to take longer than I would like. I think one year ago I had the naive hope of finishing it before last summer, haha, silly crafter!
So, in the mean time and in order to feel productive and quench my desire for immediate satisfaction I'm going to make this also! 
The Larger Than Life bag! I joined their CAL too! I plan on spending the majority of tomorrows work day picking out yarns and possible linings and handles.
The Larger Than Life bag! I joined their CAL too! I plan on spending the majority of tomorrows work day picking out yarns and possible linings and handles.I think I will also make this, Flora Kimono, at some point. While the yarn color scheme in the photo does not appeal to me I think some nice earthy tones would make it more fashionable look!
Happy Crocheting!
The parents were so proud of their little graduate!
We also got our tootsies henna'd.
