Fiber Artists Unite!

In my class yesterday, I met some amazing fiber artists.  I believe that most of the people in the class were crocheters, because when we all started working on our swirls and twirls, I was the only one knitting.  I kind of felt like a fish out of water, but then I suspect that most crocheters feel that way in the midst of knitters, which, lets face it, most stores cater to knitters.

I'll be the first to admit I'm crochet impaired.  I've taken some classes, even one with Edie Eckman on crochet for knitters at a Stitches East show back in the late 1990's.  But for some reason, I can't seem to grasp it.  It isn't that I don't want to, because I think that crochet can add a lot to a knitted garment (like cuffs and buttonbands), but also because there are lots of NICE patterns out there.  I think that crochet gets a bad rap because we all remember the crocheted afghans that were in our homes back in the 1970's or the granny squares that were then made into ponchos or vests in horrendous colors.  Personally, some of my great kid memories include snuggling under some crocheted afghans (one that was at my grandmother's house done in cream, lavender and grey fuzzy yarn; it is beautiful and my mom has promised that I can have it when she dies).  My mom still has the zig-zag afghan that a family friend made on the back of her couch.  She's had it since the early 70's, and yes, the colors are awful (various greens and browns), but it is still warm and in very good condition.

But crochet is more than that, much more.  Melissa Leapman has done several books that I think are worth while, including Cool Crochet which offers some really nice sweaters and garments to make.  Linda Diak sells beautiful hand turned crochet hooks that her and her husband Tom make.  Linda also crochets with roving and has beautiful free patterns on her website. 

I met another crocheter yesterday, named Dee, who is a crochet instructor and fiber artist.  I was mesmerized by watching her crochet beautiful flowers in just minutes at the table before the class started.  But what caught my attention even more was the to die for crocheted poncho Dee had made using various types of yarns (all in jewel tone blues), including wool, eyelash and glitter.  I know, many knitters are snobs about those types of yarn, but I'm not.  I like those things, even though I rarely wear them.  But it appeals to my girly-girl side.  (This is probably why I enjoy shopping for my youngest niece Megan so much as she too likes girly-girl stuff and I'm *never* wrong in what I buy for her, no matter what her parents think about the gifts. ;-)  She loves the stuff I buy for her!)

Here is a picture of Dee wearing her crocheted flower:

Anyway, I can't seem to figure out why there is this knitters vs. crochet thing going on the fiber world.  We were discussing it yesterday and it still makes me wonder.  Even on some of the fiber lists, people still write "cr*chet" or something like that.  Why can't people embrace the craft and realize that it can add dimension to knitting too?

I also met Judy (sorry, no picture) who makes felted dog and cat beds (both knitted and crocheted).  Her website is Classy Cats Dapper Dogs.  And yes, a lot of readers are going to say "but I can make those!", but just think about all the people who can't.  She has a good business going, and she too was a really nice person to talk to.  Judy was knitting a cashmere scarf in a lace pattern and she's only been knitting a year! 

Off my soapbox.  I'm going to give crocheting another try and see how I do.  Maybe my readers can make me understand why the prejudice is out there on crocheting?

Comments

[Chris]

Interestingly, I wonder if the new Debbie Stoller book will help with some crossover? I've noticed some knitters who've purchased it are happily crocheting away now. :)

[Cheryl]

Well, I think the prejudice exists because crochet sucks and only losers do it.

Ah, I crack myself up. I'm joking, of course. I think you make an excellent point about crochet adding another dimension to knitting, that's so true. A row of single crochet around a neckline or along a button band can neaten up any loose, wonky stitches and give the garment a very professional finish. And I use it all the time to make little picot edgings on little things for my niece. That's really where my skill ends though, I can't do much more than edgings on knitwear.

[Dee]

It was an absolute pleasure to meet you too! Any chance you'll be going to the knit/crochet convention @ King of Prussia this summer? If so, let's plan on hooking up. You show me knitting, I'll show you crocheting! Deal?? :)
~Dee

[Oiyi]

I crochet and knit. Does that make me odd?