A to Z Challenge: C is for Crochet
Crocheting has changed so drastically from how it began, back as early as the 1700s (though it’s turned up more noticeably since the early 1800s). It started with uses more practical to the times: creating nets and traps for hunters and fisherman. Later on, it became used for more decorative purposes (See more on crochet history).
From there crochet evolved again. Homes were adorned with granny square blankets thrown over the backs of sofas, and doilies found themselves the centerpieces on tables or for giving style to a nice side table lamp. Homes were given a softer, more cozy feel, by the crocheted pieces that were placed carefully around them.
Artists nowadays are taking the hobby of crochet to new heights, creating 3-D sculptures that are considered art alongside clay busts and paintings hung up on the wall.
It never ceases to amaze me what artists can do with the fewest amount of resources and tools. Who knew that simply having some yarn, a crochet hook, and a yarn needle, could create something like the underwater scene above?
New levels of cuteness using crochet, were found when the art of making amigurumi was brought over from Japan (see my post on A to Z Challenge: A is for Amigurumi).
No matter what you crochet, be it granny square blankets, clothes, amigurumi, or 3-D sculptures, it’s no less exciting that you can turn a skein of yarn (or many skeins) into a beautiful masterpiece, just by working knots together with a crochet hook.
I’d like to take a moment to thank the sheep for providing the yarn necessary to make such amazing art! Don’t worry, no sheep were harmed to make these crafts.
14 Comments
Stephanie Bird
I love your vintage photo and analysis of crochet. I’ve always appreciated it but am not talented with it.
JHWinter
I wasn’t at all talented when I first started. Giant holes that the stuffing could be seen through and loose stitching about sums it up. Using a smaller hook and working on my tension helped fix this problem, and practice, practice, practice, fixed the rest.
Freya
I didn’t know it started out with nets and traps… wow. A little piece of trivia I’m going to store away for that show-off day 😀
@freya3377 from Life as Freya
JHWinter
Yep! I learned that tidbit during my research. It’s fun to know the background information on the things you love.
Kenda
Dropping in on the A to Z Challenge and glad I did! Your photos and projects are wonderful. I’ve done some crochet but mostly knitting. My last project was a dinosaur for one of my grandsons. And to think the craft has it’s own name, ‘amigurumi.” So much fun to learn a new word!
JHWinter
I’m so glad you stopped by and thank you so much for the kind words. It’s my first time doing this challenge and it has been a lot of fun so far! I’m getting to talk to lots of fellow bloggers because of it 🙂
Archana
The bit about crotchet’s origin in nets and traps was new to me. The art you have showcased in absolutely amazing. I can only wonder how much effort and time was spent in creating those.
I think crotchet can also be a stress buster.. no time for frivolous thoughts else the design will be ruined..
😉
Stopping by via the AtoZ sign up list. Happy blogging!
@yenforblue from
Spice of Life!
JHWinter
It’s always fun to do a bit of research on the things you love. You find out some really interesting information that way! I knew fisherman made nets, and it makes sense that they crocheted them, but I hadn’t put the two together yet. Thank you for stopping by during the A to Z Challenge! I hope you come back for more posts!
Bhawna Saini
Isn’t it amazing how digging history about something makes it all the more valuable? The tidbit that you provided did that for me!
@bhawnasaini_yml from Yellow Mellow Life
JHWinter
I loved finding out the information about crochet originally being used by fishermen. What a great tidbit as you said!
Vilje Daisuki
I love crocheting, this lady inherited lots of yarn from her grandmother and made art, the article is in Norwegian, but you could use google translate or just look at the pictures. http://www.nrk.no/rogaland/mormors-garn-blir-elins-moderne-kunst-1.12874164, she didn’t crochet with it, but made art of the unfinished items and yarn. I am going to see the exhibition when it starts.
I didn’t know crochet started as fishermen’s nets. Interesting.
JHWinter
I just took a look at the article. Wow! Very neat how she created a sculpture out of yarn. Thank you for sharing!
Jackie
Wow that underwater scene is so cool! So many different textures. Reminds me of this cool crochet installation I saw awhile ago: http://togatherdtla.com/event/focus-on-fiber-art-ashley-v-blalock-opening-reception/
People are doing such cool stuff with crochet now!
JHWinter
I agree, Jackie! That is an awesome installation too. Thank you for sharing!