Currently, I am crocheting a shawl in blue, pink and white. I haven't done a multicoloured one in these colours before, so I thought it would be fun to do it..
I will probably make 2 of them because they are still gender neutral...
My joy is complete when my new wools are delivered...
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
The true origins of crochet are shrouded in mystery and remain largely undocumented. Some sources suggest that crochet originated in Arabia, where it spread along Arab trade routes to other parts of the Mediterranean. Others claim that crochet has roots in indigenous South American tribes. Another theory suggests that crochet evolved from the Chinese needlework technique that spread to Turkey, India, Persia, and North Africa. However, the development and widespread popularity of crochet, as we know it today, is attributed to European immigrants to the US in the early 19th century.
However, there are some needlework techniques of yore, that are still practiced, and are widely believed to be precursors to crochet. Two such techniques are Shepherd’s knitting and Tambour embroidery.
Shepherd’s knitting
The oldest form of crochet is slip-stitch crochet, but that is a term we use today. It was known as “shepherd’s knitting” in the British Isles and had other names in other languages.
The technique is said to have been used by shepherds to pass the time while tending to their flocks in northern Europe and involved using a long, straight needle with a hooked end to manipulate wool or other fibers. The hooked end allowed the shepherd to pull the yarn through loops and create intricate designs similar to modern crochet.
Shepherd’s knitting typically uses thicker, coarser yarns and creates designs in a loose, open stitch that resembles lace. This technique was a precursor to modern crochet, but there are key differences between the two. Crochet is usually worked with a single hook and involves loops and knots, while shepherd’s knitting uses a hooked needle to pull the yarn through a series of loops. Additionally, crochet typically uses finer, smoother yarns and results in a more dense, compact fabric than shepherd’s knitting.
The true origins of shepherd’s knitting remain somewhat of a mystery, but its place in the evolution of crochet cannot be ignored. This ancient form of needlework laid the foundation for the intricate, delicate designs we associate with crochet today and continues to inspire crocheters and fiber artists alike.
Tambour embroidery
Tambour embroidery is the second precursor of modern crochet. This technique was introduced to the French by Chinese craftsmen in the late 1700s and quickly became popular among the French upper class and royalty. The term “tambour” comes from the French word for “drum,” a nod to the rhythmic and repetitive motion used in the embroidery process.
Tambour embroidery is often referred to as “crochet-on-fabric” due to its similarities to crochet, including the tools and motions used in the embroidery process. However, it is a distinct technique from crochet and uses different materials to produce a different result. While crochet is worked with yarn and, usually but not always, creates a three-dimensional fabric, tambour embroidery uses thread on fabric and creates a flat, decorative design.
Despite its historical roots, tambour embroidery is seeing a resurgence in popularity today, with many people incorporating it into their clothing, accessories, and home goods.
Crochet today
In the early 20th century, the rise of mass-produced goods led to a decline in the popularity of handcrafts like crochet. However, in recent years, crochet has made a comeback, especially among young people, who are discovering it as a means of self-expression and accomplishment. Additionally, crochet has become an affordable hobby as the necessary supplies are widely available and relatively inexpensive.
With the rise of social media and online communities, it’s easier than ever to connect with other crocheters, share patterns and ideas, and find inspiration. The vibrant online crochet community has also made it easier for people to learn how to crochet, with numerous tutorials and video resources available for free online.
Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, crochet is a wonderful hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It’s a versatile art form that can be used to create everything from delicate doilies to warm and cozy blankets, and it’s easy to learn and requires only a few basic supplies.
The benefits of Crochet
For individuals, crochet offers a range of mental and physical benefits. It is a form of mindfulness, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. Crochet is also a low-impact hobby that can be done while sitting down, making it a good choice for people with limited mobility.
Crochet also provides a creative outlet, allowing people to express their imagination and produce unique and personalized items. This is particularly beneficial for people who enjoy making gifts for others, as they can create items tailored to the recipient’s tastes and preferences.
Crochet can also be a social hobby, as it is often enjoyed in groups, such as at local yarn stores or crochet clubs. This offers people the opportunity to connect with others who share their interests and to learn from each other’s skills and techniques.
For society, crochet is a sustainable and eco-friendly hobby, as it allows people to create their own clothing, accessories, and household items. This reduces the demand for mass-produced, mass-market items, which are often made from synthetic materials and can have a negative impact on the environment. By Mother Knitter
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
Knitting has a long and fascinating history that originated in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean around the 11th or 12th century. The earliest knitted artifacts are Egyptian socks from that era. Knitting then spread to Europe, where male guilds used it to make religious garments. Gradually, it became an ubiquitous and critical aspect of daily life, practiced by people of all genders and cultural backgrounds, and cherished as a means of providing warmth and comfort through hand-crafted clothing and blankets. Over time, knitting was passed down from generation to generation and evolved to reflect the unique cultural influences of various regions.
Before knitting, there was a needlework technique known as Nålbinding, (a Norwegian word meaning “needle binding”). Nålbinding creates a fabric similar to knitting by looping and knotting yarn with a single needle. It is often associated with the Vikings, but it was also practiced in other parts of the world. Archaeologists have found nålbinding fragments dating from various periods, such as 10,000 years ago in Israel, 7,750 BCE in Germany, the 5th or 6th century CE in Egypt, and the 9th or 10th century CE in Norway.
Another precursor to knitting was finger knitting, which is a simple form of knitting done using only the fingers instead of needles. Finger knitting has been practiced for centuries, especially by children and those who did not have access to needles.
These early forms of needlework laid the foundation for the development of knitting as it is known today.
Over time, knitting spread throughout the world and became popular in Europe, particularly in Scandinavian countries (close to our hearts, naturally), where it was used to create intricate patterns for clothing, blankets, and other household items.
The use of high-capacity knitting machines during the Industrial Revolution did make it easier to produce large quantities of knitwear. (Fun fact: knitting machines were first used in the late 1500s.) However, hand-knitting persisted as a beloved and widely-practiced craft, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. The rise of online communities such as Ravelry and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook has facilitated greater connection and exchange between knitters, making it easier for them to share patterns and be inspired by one another.
The benefits of knitting
Knitting offers a wide range of benefits to individuals and society. On a personal level, knitting can help reduce stress and anxiety by focusing on the present. It enhances cognitive function by stimulating various areas of the brain, including the motor cortex, frontal lobe, and occipital lobe. It’s also a great way to stay active and improve hand-eye coordination, especially for older individuals. It can also slow down cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Knitting is obviously a great creative outlet for self-expression, can provide a sense of accomplishment, and can boost one’s self-esteem, as well as being a fun hobby that can be done alone or with a group.
From a societal perspective, knitting is a great way to bring people together and promote community building. Knitting groups are a popular way for people to socialize and form new connections while enjoying a shared hobby. Additionally, the popularity of knitting has helped revive traditional crafts and techniques, preserving cultural heritage and promoting cultural appreciation. Finally, knitting can also be a form of charity work, with many knitters using their skills to create items for those in need, such as blankets for children, scarves for the homeless, and hats for soldiers.
For society, knitting is a sustainable and eco-friendly pastime, as it empowers individuals to make their own garments, accessories, and home goods, thereby reducing their dependence on mass-produced, synthetic goods, which can have adverse effects on the environment.
Knitting has been and continues to be an important part of many cultures and traditions, and it’s a craft that has stood the test of time, evolving and adapting to changing needs and styles over the centuries. By Mother Knitter
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
I recently had a great-granddaughter and I made this blanket for her in various shades of pink. I crocheted this using the usual pattern with 8 ply acrylic wool with size 3.5 mm hook.
I am not over the moon with some yarns as they don't feel overly soft when finished. If you crochet, could you please tell me of other option in 8ply yarn that I can buy? thanks
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
Not so long ago, I developed Trigger Finger and osteo arthritis in my hands which caused my fingers to not be able to bend or straighten.
I regretfully packed away all my wool and needles and hooks and lamented just another thing that age and chronic illness had taken from me.
Then I visited my twin sister who was busy crocheting baby blankets.
She too suffered from arthritis in the hands and she proudly flexed her swollen fingers and encouraged me to take it up again. I did.
I suffer with fibromyalgia and it is important to find something to take my mind off pain, and I find knitting or crocheting does that to some degree.
I believe it is healthy and very satisfying to be creative and I have knitted, crocheted or sewn many gifts for family and friends.
I can actually bend my fingers now. If you are in a similar position and have given up on handcrafts, I would encourage you to try one more time.
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
I call this little pink and white jacket my candy stripe jacket. It is done in fisherman's cable in 4 ply Patons wool.
It did look cute on my little granddaughter, Tay.
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
I know this is a fuzzy picture but I love seeing clothes I made and this includes my favourite blackberry stitch jacket and booties.
It came with a matching beanie with pom pom but it was too warm to have it on Liam. He is now 23 years old pictured here with his great-grandmother.
This was knitted in Patons 4 ply baby wool in this lovely baby blue yarn. Happy memories..
Keep clicking and stitching,
Glenys
