Why Crocheting Patterns Are Expanding In Popularity With Craft Lovers

Posted by The Popular News Today on Sunday, February 5, 2012

By Arlene Parks


Crochet patterns are becoming increasingly popular and not just because it is fun and easy. One only needs the right size hook, yarn, and scissors to start a project. Many places supply crochet patterns and stitches to make small items like doilies to large rugs or wall hangings.

This simple activity was once only performed by the rich instead of the poor or middle class. This hobby made its way to France, England, and Italy in the fifteen hundreds and spread to the Chinese and Europeans by the next century. American girls began learning this method in school during the same era. This time period also coincided with the publication of patterns for consumers to purchase.

Original hooks in various sizes were carved from fish bones, wood, brass, and ivory. Modern products are manufactured from steel, aluminum, plastic, and wood. Yarns are sold in skeins of numerous solid or multi colors made from animal fibers like mohair, angora, silk, wool, or alpaca. Linen and cotton are made from vegetable substances, and popular polyester, nylon, and acrylic comes from plant fibers.

Famous female entertainers like musician Aretha Franklin have enjoyed this hobby. Actors Patricia Arquette, Ellen Corby, Anne Bancroft, and Bette Davis worked on projects in their spare time. Rosie Grier, defensive tackle for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in the sixties, displayed his interest in this hobby. Past United States President James Buchanan and George Washington Carver who was an inventor also turned to this creative past time.

This traditional handicraft is relaxing, relieves stress, and easily done while watching television or talking to family members and friends. Projects and supplies are easily taken on vacation, meetings, or other events. It is also cheaper to make clothing and gifts for family members and friends than purchasing items from stores. Giving a finished project as a present is more personal and means more to the recipient. There are some crocheters who have turned this into a profitable business by selling merchandise they have made from bought patterns or their own unique designs.

Making clothing for babies, young children, and adults of any age is very popular. Winter wear like mufflers, mittens, and stocking caps are always necessary items. Apparel such as blouses, vests, sweaters, and socks are worn year round as well as belts and slippers. Other favored projects include blankets, matching pillow cases, afghans, and shawls. Instead of purchasing cooking mitts, table mats and covers, or aprons, these accessories are easily made in a day or more. Busy career or college women never have enough totes or purses; and infants need a large supply of clothing, bibs, blankets, booties, and caps.

Home decorations such as rugs, curtains, doilies, coasters, ornaments, and wall hangings add to the appeal of a home. Other items to make include bookmarks, jewelry, stuffed animal toys, puppets, and doll clothes. Pets are also pampered with sweaters, coats, toys, and cat hammocks.

A seemingly endless variety of crochet patterns is found in craft books, magazines, and catalogs plus on the internet. Designs encompass old fashioned collars and sweaters to more contemporary decor fitting most anyone's style preference. This spare-time activity is getting more popular as people yearn for simple, inexpensive ways to entertain themselves and supply tokens to others when needed.




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