Beyond the retro granny squares and intricate tablecloths and doilies of the seventies, crochet is shedding its homespun image and evolving into a contemporary art form. Turning up in trendy art galleries as wall sculpture and wearable jewelry, its no surprise that well-known designers also feature crochet in their most recent collections. Dresses and cardigans embellished with crocheted flower motifs, decorative hair accessories and uniquely textured handbags, and suddenly this old world craft is pushing the envelope by attracting a brand new generation of crafty devotees.
Handbag by Dolce & Gabbana
Slingback by Charles David
Crochet has been popping up on the fashion runways this year-
Dolce & Gabbana and Charles David are two influentual design houses that have elevated this bohemian craft to new heights by twisting and twirling sturdy cotton yarn across a hook into sophisticated fashion accessories that will remain classics for years to come.
Also part of this growing trend- yarn graffiti or yarn bombing is becoming a frequent event. Artists target public spaces, covering trees, streetlamps, even a statue or two in colourful cocoons made of crocheted sections. While there might not be a real message in these wildly creative displays it does bring the art of crochet into the media spotlight.
Tree Cosy by Carol Hummel
Crochet is simple to learn, similar to knitting in that it consists of pulling yarn through loops, but with only one stitch at a time to deal with. Rows can be worked back and forth, in a circular shape or multi-directional. Crochet creates an open airy look, making it lightweight and a popular choice for summer projects.
If you are brand new to crochet, a visit to your LYS is a good place to start to inquire about classes, or browse through the library for a ‘learn to crochet’ book with colourful diagrams. The internet is another great resource for self starters: www.youtube.com is like having your own personal instructor at home to guide you through the basic stitches. You might just get hooked in no time at all, as you watch how quickly one row grows.
Here are a few very simple patterns to get you started in Crochet 101-
Connect The Dots Scarf
Debbie Macomber connects the dots in a colourful scarf worked lengthways in an uncomplicated shell stitch pattern. Cashmere Fleur De Lys is an exciting new blend of extra fine merino and cashmere from the author of the popular Blossom Street series of books.
Katia Book #61
Katia makes summertime come alive in Tobago, a self-striping chunky weight cotton. This quick to crochet handbag is really just two circles joined together with a long band as a shoulder strap.
Noro Book #27
Practise your chain stitch and keep cool with a lacy headband crocheted in Noro Sekku, a rainbow effect yarn in a laceweight blend of cotton, wool, silk and nylon. Switch it up and wear it as a neck scarf too.
Ella Rae Book #05 Amity
Granny squares from Amity Book No. 05 take on a modern edge with a touch of sweet nostalgia for days gone by in Ella Rae Classic worsted weight wool. Each square is worked from the centre out and joined edge to edge. Only five shades are used for this project, from a selection of more than seventy!
