A Brief History of the Craft

There is no doubt that crochet has been around for a long time - but no one really knows for how long it has existed. There is no evidence to support that crochet existed in Europe before the 1800's. However, there is a theory that crochet existed in Italy in the 1500's under the moniker "nun's work" or "nun's lace". It also has no specific country or area of origin. Arabia, Tibet, China, Ireland, Italy, France, and Denmark all have connections to the craft. Although we don't know much about crochet's origins, we do know that it is quite wonderful! 

Throughout the years, many different mediums have been used to crochet with. Hair, hemp, grasses, animal fur, wire, plastic strips, wool, and fabric strips have all been used to make various works. More popular mediums today are cotton, synthetic yarns, and wool. 

There were also many types of tools that were used to crochet with. In the earlier times, we used bone, wood, ivory, silver, and even more mediums to make crochet hooks. Today, we can purchase hooks in various places, even just as simple as Walmart, made of aluminum, plastic, steel, or bamboo.

An excellent article I read on the history of crochet provided all this information and even more interesting stuff; check it out! http://www.crochet.org/?page=CrochetHistory

For those who may be reading this that don't exactly know what crochet is, crochet is a form of handwork, like embroidery, weaving, and knitting. (Please note that there IS a difference between knitting and crocheting! Knitting is done with 2 knitting needles and involves different techniques; crochet is done with 1 crochet hook and is also done with it's own set of techniques and stitches.) 

Knitting needles and yarn (www.sheknows.com)

Crochet hook and yarn

Many, many things can be made by crochet: afghans, scarves, hats, rugs, coasters, dog collars and booties, bracelets, lace detail for the pockets on shorts, shawls, sweaters, purses and bags... The list can go on and on! Crochet is a seriously amazing craft and is actually quite simple and relaxing once you get the hang of it!

I was lucky enough to have crochet passed down to me by my great grandma (I always just call her Betty). She is one of the main reasons I crochet now, as well as to continue to carry it on through my family! She has made so many afghans and blankets for family members, and I would love to do the same for my family... when I decide to start one, that is!

On a sidenote: I had to create this blog for my ISOM 125 class at my college... I have been wanting to make a crochet blog for a long time but never really had the time or capability to put forth the effort into making one - until now! I'm seriously excited to finally put my own work out there and to interact with other crocheters, as well as to have a serious blog in general. Bear with me as I begin this new hobby to go alongside my favorite one! :) :) :)

Cheers, 

Allie