Cheap Crochet?

“Each crocheter spends twice as much time and does twice as many projects as a knitter, but spends less money per project. They donate more than one-third of what they make, and give away more than one-third as gifts. Crocheters more often shop at craft chain stores than specialty needlearts shops.”

The above information comes from a study conducted for The National NeedleArts Association for 2007. The fact that crocheters spend less money per project and most often get their yarn at craft chain stores may attribute to the ideology that “crocheters are cheap”. However, it’s a fact that crocheters use more yarn, and if we do more projects, we must spend a good chunk of money as well, even if it’s not all at once.

Additionally, this study points out that crocheters are givers. Two-thirds of what we create is given away either as charitable contributions or as gifts. Perhaps that is another reason crocheters as a whole shop more often at craft stores; it’s difficult to justify spending money on expensive wool yarn that is going to be made into a project for charity. Many people have no clue how to take care of wool items–or other natural fibers for that matter. Even the “thought that counts” would be washed away the first time the item was thrown into the washing machine, right along with the time and money that was spent on the item. Let’s face it: There are times when acrylic or less expensive yarns are just more practical and economical to use; yet, they still maintain their purpose. Many of the items made with less expensive yarns find themselves in shelters, homes, and hospitals, spreading warmth and love to those who receive them.

In my own observations, I’ve noticed various differences in the local crochet guild and knitting group in my area. The crocheters are more than excited to help make things to donate to charity. We get together once a month to do just that. We’ve tried to include some of the area knitters in our efforts, only to be turned down each time. Does this mean they aren’t as charitable? It’s not for me to say; I know many a knitter who makes items for others. Even in our local crochet guild, there are a few members who knit as well, and they alternate between each skill in the items they donate.

One other thing I’ve noticed is that when the crocheters get together it’s usually with a purpose in mind, while the knitting group is more of a stitch ‘n bitch gathering. There are other differences in our two groups as well, but these differences do not make one more “right” than the other. We have too many things in common to say that being different on some level is a bad thing. We share a love of yarn, of creating with our hands, and an enjoyment of sharing what we do with others who do the same thing.

To say that crocheters are cheap is a sad attempt at saying that we are less than those who yield the needles over the hook. That statement couldn’t be further from the truth. It would be sad to see either knitting or crocheting become a dying art just because one was looked upon more highly while the other was snobbed upon, especially if it’s a yarn issue. “My yarn stash can beat up your yarn stash, neener neener.” Statements like that are a little immature, don’t you think? It’s more important that the two groups live in harmony rather than knit-pick over the insignificant things that in the end really don’t mean a whole lot.

Do what you love; love what you do. No matter if it takes one hook or two needles to do it…and regardless of the type of yarn, fiber, or other material that you use to do it!

Scarf Pattern & FO

I finally completed my first of several scarves that I’ll be doing for the 60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge. This scarf was created for one of the charities the local crochet guild is crocheting items for and will be given as Christmas gifts. Now I just need to make a hat to go with it.

Chain-Free Basic Charity Scarf

Even though this is a very basic scarf, I wrote up the pattern for those who like to have one to go by. It’s offered as a free PDF download on both my pattern page and in my Ravelry store. One note: It does use the chain-free double crochet foundation stitch rather than a foundation chain.

To make a more feminine scarf than the one shown, just use different colors to match the personality of the woman in mind.

As of this post, this pattern has not been tested because it was fairly easy to write, but if you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a message.

Enjoy! And Happy Giving!

Baa Little Sheep Pattern Now Available

Who can resist a cute little sheep, especially those of us who have a fondness for all things fiber-related! This little guy and gal were created with that spirit in mind. You can purchase this pattern on Ravelry or on my Patterns page here on The Crochet Studio site. For just $3, you can own the pattern and make your own family of sheep. Attach a keychain finding and you have a place to keep your keys, attach a magnet to the back and you have a fridgie, or attach it to a scarf or hat and you have a sheeply embellishment. Enjoy!

Crochet! November ‘08

I just got the latest issue of Crochet! magazine in the mail. As usual of late, there are several great patterns in it, like a very pretty Romantic Ruffles Pullover and a fantastic Winter White Car Coat. I definitely would like to make the latter before the really cold weather settles in. And great news, it comes in 2x, although for this pattern I can probably get by with the large. I’m really glad to see that they’ve added more sizes to their patterns than they did when I first experienced their magazine a couple of years ago. It definitely makes it overall more appealing, at least for me. Something I don’t like in this issue is a special advertising section that mixes knitting with crochet. I’m sure if I could knit, I’d probably be more accepting of it, but what’s a few patterns I won’t do compared to the few I will? I never aspire to do every single pattern in every single publication I receive anyway.

For Christmas gifts, I can see myself making up a handful of the his/her Double Take slippers, and possibly the his/her Aspen Neck Warmers, although offhand, I can’t think of anyone in my family that would wear a short scarf.

If you haven’t received your copy, I’m sure it’ll be hitting your mailbox or magazine rack soon. Oh, and for those who receive the magazine from their CGOA membership, there’s pictures of the CGOA Design Contest winners. There’s some pretty awesome projects there!

New Issue of Crochet!

I received the latest issue of Crochet! magazine in the mail today and all I can say is, “WOW!” There’s some very pretty patterns in there. I remember not liking this magazine much when I first started crocheting a couple of years ago, but it seems they’ve been listening to their readers and have changed things up a bit. I’ve really enjoyed the issues I started receiving when I joined the CGOA.

My favorite pattern in this issue is the crochet denim jacket. It takes a piece of denim and a lot of crochet to make an attractive jacket. This one is on my list of things to make for myself before cooler weather settles in. I also really like the Romantic Layers set. I’m not one to dress up a whole lot, so I don’t know if this would ever get worn, but it’s definitely something I wouldn’t mind having in my wardrobe just in case. The Dolman Jacket is really nice, too, and may end up in my closet someday.

There’s some great non-wearable patterns as well. I have to mention the Classy Messenger Bag created by Tracie Barrett of Fibers by Tracie. This is an awesome looking bag that has made it to my to-do list. It’s been fun watching Tracie as she started her designing career. I first found her in Ravelry and have read her blog for awhile now. It’s really neat to see a familiar name on a published pattern. Hopefully, some day, my name will be on one, too. There’s also a cute monkey, a chic little bucket bag, and a Breast Cancer Awareness scarf. Like I said, lots of good stuff in this issue.

If you haven’t gotten a copy yet, you can get a sneak peak at the other items on the Crochet! web site under Features, then click on “In this Issue”. You won’t be disappointed.

Happy Crocheting!