So, I've decided to remedy a gap in my knowledge of fiber arts and to learn how to crochet. I bought some lovely green crochet cotton and a hook and The Crochet Answer Book and have begun to make a simple single crochet dishcloth. It's going well so far. I can see that there are a lot more possibilities to crochet than I had ever imagined, and it may even be a more versatile, anarchic craft than knitting (which will always remain my first love). I am open for suggestions for other good beginner's projects before I dive in to making afghans!
In other news, the top-down henley is going very well and quickly. I have about 4.5" left to go on the body and then I'll do the neckline and the sleeves. I am also already thinking about the next sweater project; I would like to do the Jack's Aran Pullover from Men in Knits, but convert it to top-down if possible... any suggestions about that?
2 comments:
Crochet allows you to change directions without binding off and picking up stitches to go another way. It's more firm, it's two-sided without rolling, it doesn't stretch as much.
It makes thicker, bumpier fabric. It takes more yarn, because of that thicker fabric structure.
I think it's great for rugs and bags. It's great for toys and sculptures that need a lot of shaping in a small space.
I am opinionated in that I think it's common to use too-fat yarn with too-small hook these days for garments. Often the yarn is not stretchy to start with, and this makes cardboard rather than the nice fabric that could be created.
The current standard works for decor items. For garments and wraps, I would love to see more lightweight sockyarn or brushed mohair items made on big enough hooks to actually drape and flow.
Of course, quality yarn can make a huge difference in the fabric even if the weight/hook are equal otherwise. Imagine the difference between worsted weight discount afghan acrylic versus a springy merino, or between dishcloth cotton and a bamboo/merino blend.
Just changing the yarn structure/fiber can totally change the fabric! Yes, it costs more. I would not knit or crochet without spectacular yarn. I'll make smaller things if need be, to keep costs down, but I use yarns that I adore, or I don't knit/crochet.
I'm into the sculptural possibilities of crochet as well, and the ability to use multiple colors on a row without stranding colors behind the fabric.
Check out Carol Ventura for Tapestry Crochet, Prudence Mapstone for Freeform Crochet, ming yi sung zeleski for "Not the Knitting You Know" exhibit, where she had a wall sculpture that caused controversy which she dealt with by knitting fig leaves for the piece.
Also, Annette Petavy in France is making lovely, flowy crocheted items in contemporary clothing/wrap styles. And check Ravelry's pattern page for Crochet/Toys... much fun.
LynnH, who is glad to see you post.
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for your comment on crochet. I agree with you that it has suffered from the perception of crocheters only using cheap yarn. I think that the public image of the craft is due for an upgrade... I don't think that I'll necessarily be joining the Crochet Liberation Front, although I am sympathetic!
As for the other part of the post: have you had much experience knitting top-down and converting patterns written for bottom-up?
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