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Daring To Mention Crochet

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It's here! Fall 2007 Interweave Crochet

There, I said it: Crochet. We're an online community called Knitting Daily, and I've gone and said the word "crochet," right up front for all the world to see. From the beginning, crochet has been part of Knitting Daily's mission, but I haven't yet devoted a post to it. We've covered other yarnly delights, such as knitting socks, knitting lace, and tossing your knitting into the washing machine to felt it. Why shouldn't we also discuss that other lovely way to play with yarn—crochet?

Frankly, knitting and crochet sometimes seem like two grown sisters who've been having an ongoing feud since one sister stole the other sister's Barbie doll back in grade school. There's an odd schism between the two, and I've seen some pretty heated conversations online about which one is "the best." Sometimes it takes on the flavor of the Sharks versus the Jets: Crafters snapping their fingers to a backbeat, brandishing hooks and needles, and getting ready to rumble.

So it's worth asking: Why can't we all just get along? Why such strong feelings for and against? The sister-crafts of knitting and crochet are each beautiful in their own way; each of them has a rich history full of artistry and gorgeous things made with yarn and a carved stick (or two). After all: Handweavers and knitters don't spat like this. Embroiderers and cross-stitchers don't hiss at the mention of the other. Why does Needle scorn Hook, and vice versa?

As many of you know, I am a passionate crocheter in addition to being a passionate knitter. I have published designs that are all-crochet as well as those that are all-knitting. I speak the language of the hook about as well as I speak the language of the dpns. We have some great free crochet patterns here on Knitting Daily, including Lily Chin's Lace Dress (that's what Annie is wearing in the photo above), you can now subscribe to Interweave Crochet (four times a year! whoo!), and there are some great new crochet books coming out—and I'd love to share them all with you.

Some folks hate knitting socks. Some folks dislike knitting lace. And some folks don't like to crochet. But I think there's room for everyone here on Knitting Daily—what do you think?



Cable needle ingenuity: I'm still working my way through all your wonderful tips about cable knitting—thank you! I was struck by how resourceful and inventive you all are...Mary W. uses golf tees (I laughed out loud at that one!) and Marin U. has resorted to coffee stirrers as cable needle substitutes. This is definitely a discussion that deserves to continue again in the near future...so stay tuned.

Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

Sandi is not ashamed to admit that she almost fainted dead away when she found out one of her crochet designs had been selected for the cover of Interweave Crochet Spring 2006.


Posted Sep 19 2007, 12:00 AM by KD Sandi
Filed under: , ,

Comments

SharonC wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 11:54 AM
Sandi, I've never understood the conflict myself. These days, when I'm positively sick of a wip, I usually switch to a crochet project. Doing something totally different does the trick. Both are fun, and fulfilling. I just realized something, though. I've never made a crocheted garment. Maybe it's time!
LaurieA wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 12:03 PM
Dear Sandy:
I've been cabling for 35 years now (I started when I was 1?) and you can really get a fine groove going on them! Try separating each cable pattern or repeat with markers at first, before the pattern is established. Before knitting, figure out the total number of rows when your cabling occurs; in other words, if you have a 6-row and an 8-row repeat, make sure you pay attention on rows 6,12, 18, 24 etc. and on rows 8, 16, 24 and 32 etc. sometimes they'll even intersect, and there's a whole lot of twisting going on! Oh, it sounds a lot more complicated than it really is, and it really is wonderful--just as great as lace work or socks, or any other knitting, come to think of it. Thanks to your marvelous webstuff, I am knitting MORE daily than before, and it's great--YAY!
Laurie Anderson
laurieangelcat@yahoo.com
LesleyM wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 12:11 PM
I don't think it's always an issue of hatred. I'd guess it's more of a disinterest. I wouldn't subscribe to Crocheting Daily nor would I subscribe to a newsletter that was half and half. The reason isn't because I hate crochet, it's just that it's not of any interest to me.
WendyH wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 12:40 PM
I prefer knitting to crochet myself. I used to crochet doileys - and loved doing it. But knitting became my passion for some reason...maybe because I think the stitch definition varies so much with knitting vs. crochet. Anyway, I am glad that I know how to crochet because it has come in handy with my knitting (picking up dropped stitches, crocheting edges on my knitting, etc.) I think there is room in this world for both.
GJabouri wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 1:54 PM
Hi all, I would like to keep Knitting Daily for knitting issues only, please. Why not start another newsletter called Crochet Daily? - I like both techniques equally, but when I open Knitting Daily I expect tips/articles/patterns/comments about knitting.

By the way, after seeing Bertha for the first time in this newsletter I immediately realized what a great help this would be to my fitting issues. So I bought a dress model a while ago, and just last weekend found time to actually pad it to my ... ummmh ... specifications. That was eye-opening! - lol - ("What? I STILL need to add more padding here?!?"). After I was done, I asked my husband to compare us visually. After he stopped laughing, (because I was standing in my underwear next to my masking-taped, padded dummy), he said that we're just about equal. So I dressed her up a bit, and am now planning my first, truly fitted-to-me sweater. Hey SANDI, you didn't forget about the bust-dart tutorial, did you???
NinaT wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:13 PM
I personally believe some things look better knitted than crocheted, which is why I picked up the sticks again after a long time away. But if I'm going to make an afghan, I'm going to crochet it. For me, it's faster. I currently have 2 crochet WIPs, and 6 knit WIPs. I agree with Wendy H, crocheting is a handy skill when you knit.
TurquoizB wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:30 PM
About time, Sandi! I've been waiting for you to use the "C" word.

T.B.
JascinthW wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:37 PM
Don't mind either art myself. I think both have their strong points, and it's just now that I'm seeing some STRONG crochet designs out there (have been crocheting off and on for the past 10 years). I wish that you'd do some crocheted toys though, like arigumi. Those are the cuteness!
Yannick wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:44 PM
Knitting & Crochet - squabbling siblings as they may be - both bring us awesome projects. And then, there are the days where the actually get along, and projects with both mixed come along. What a treat those are!
EricaK wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:44 PM
Knitting and crochet are best friends. But their other friends (people) are jealous of their close friendship, so they try to keep them apart! Shame on us all. I think a crochet border on a knit item is gorgeous! And yes, I am a little bit crazy! :)

erica :)
ChrisC wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:47 PM
Up until about 2 years ago I only knew how to crochet. (I taught myself to knit) The ONLY snarkiness I ever encountered in regards to the "rivalry" was when I went to my LYS of all places! When I asked for more crochet patterns they literally looked down their noses at me as though I was covered in rats....I didn't bother to tell them that THEY should ADORE crocheters, because a project uses 3x as much yarn as with knitting......
MarinU wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:48 PM
Ugh. Problem is, I don't crochet. I did a little, once, but I have limited interest it crocheting. I don't care if other people do it. I don't think knitting is better -- it's just what I do.

I do get particularly peeved, though, when I shell out bucks for a magazine called KNITTING something or a book called KNITTED something and it has a bunch of crochet patterns in it. The idea that people should do both if they're going to do either (which is what forcing me to buy crochet patterns amounts to) or that knitting and crocheting are somehow the same because they both use yarn... well, that does get under my skin.

And, frankly, I'd like you (and the people at the bookstores who keep putting the crochet books in with the knitting books) to separate the crochet patterns into their own segment so I can just skip them. It's not the end of the world, but it is mildly frustrating to get all excited about something when I'm browsing, only to find it's something I can't do.
JulieS wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:49 PM
I love to finish knit items with crochet, which is something I learned from my friend's mother 40 years ago (or more). This nearly always looks fabulous. So I love both arts. Although I knit 99% of the time, I'm planning on crocheting a baby blanket to go with the knit baby hoodie for my friend's grandson (and yes, it's the same friend whose mother taught me to crochet!!)
EnglishL wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:49 PM
I don't hate crochet, but I'd much rather knit. I would not have signed up for Knitting and Crochet Daily. I'll be happy if you keep the crochet out of my Knitting Daily.
KathleenReichenbach wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:53 PM
I agree with Marin. I have stopped purchasing books and magazines that pass themselves off as knitting but include crochet. No hatred, just disinterest.
MargaretR wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:53 PM
My mother taught me to knit when I was about 6. I taught myself to crochet when I was about 12. I love both. I also sew, tat, embroider, needlepoint, etc. I use whatever technique works best for what I want to make. For example, I crocheted a sweater for my daughter when she was small, because crochet made a thicker warmer garment (she ice skated) and I liked the stitch pattern, although I usually knit sweaters, socks, gloves, etc. I usually crochet lace edgings, and afghans or doilies because the edges don't curl and there are so many techniques to use. The more ways to use fiber the merrier!
Mary AlyceH wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:58 PM
It's not either/or. Some things, like garments, are better in knitting. Crochet garments have zero stretch recovery. That same lack of stretch means crochet makes wonderful edgings, and faster than knitting them too. Maybe we should all speak more inclusively. All spinners, weavers, needle artists of all descriptions, -- yes, even the hookers! -- should call themselves fiber workers, fiber crafters, something like that.
Slws wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:59 PM
I think it would be more sensible to have a separate crochet "daily". I am personally not interested in crochet as I have barely enough time to knit. Can't we keep this knitting specific and allow those who are interested in both to subscribe to two groups?
KarenS wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:59 PM
I agree with you wholeheartedly Sandi! I taught myself to crochet 15 years ago, and love to crochet. After 12 of those 15 years, I felt that there was nothing in crochet I hadn't done, and needed to challenge to myself a little. I had always wanted to learn to knit, so I taught myself to knit as well. I'm not saying that crochet isn't without it's challenges, I just needed to learn something new.

Before I learned to knit, people would make comments to me like, "Oh, you only crochet" or "Knitting takes a more concentrated mind." Excuse me!?!?! Those comments were insulting, for all the reasons you mention in your post and then some. I have never understood that need to make comparisons or to judge. If you enjoy it - do it - be it crochet, knitting, or any other type of needlework.

More often than not, I've received comments like "Wow, I wish I could do that." or "you are so talented" - both while knitting and while crocheting. WHile there are many of us online who love these activities, compared to the population as a whole there are so many more people in the world who have yet to learn these types of skills. I think we should each be proud of what we can do, and share in our ability to create together!!

If you don't like the crochet patterns, skip them, and vice versa. It's not the end of the world.
We're all in this together!!
NancyJ wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 2:59 PM
To be well-rounded, you should be able to both knit and crochet...and you need to crochet for some parts of knitting. However, this 'blog' is just an extended ad for Interweave.
Adrienne C wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:00 PM
I don't know how to crochet (aside from super-simple things like single crochet or seaming using crocheting), but it's definitely on my list of things I want to learn someday! So I personally don't mind seeing crocheted things sneak in once in a while since I have an interest in them anyway. And in some ways, seeing what is out there in the world of crochet is a constant reminder of this new skill that I want to pick up someday soon. =)
Vicki wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:03 PM
I started out crocheting, and I still crochet toys (my son loves the teddy bears and the elephant that I've made for him!), but I basically just knit now - I find that I have an easier time maintaining an even gauge when I knit.
SharonH wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:04 PM
There's nothing wrong with crochet, but I don't like the way it looks unless it's openwork. It's ugly and too bulky to my eye. I'm not going to say either one is better though, because people have different tastes.

Also, I can knit all day but after a few rows of crochet, my hands ache. I'll do borders and my grandmother's pot holder recipe in it but it's just not worth it otherwise.
Julia wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:06 PM
I agree about keeping crochet in a separate newsletter. I don't crochet and am not interested in subscribing to a newsletter with articles about crochet. They're both yarn crafts, yes, but different crafts. Please keep Knitting Daily about knitting.
AngelaA wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:09 PM
I agree, why can't we just "get along". Both crafts are wonderful and both use yarn in so many wonderful ways. I started out as a crocheter but now proudly add knitter as one of my titles and gladly teach other crocheters the joy that is knitting.

Angie
KatherineH wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:11 PM
This is such a boring topic. Are we going to do knitting vs. tatting too? Needlepoint? Cross-stitch? Bobbin lace?

I was raised to know how to do stuff with my hands, whether it was cooking, sewing, gardening, touch-typing, or yeah, needlework. I don't understand this need to separate out different skill sets. And for those who know how to knit but not crochet (or vice versa) -- sooooo, why are you limiting yourself? I hate drop spindles but I did try using them!
RitaW wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:11 PM
I have to side with the group that would like to keep knitting and crochet in separate newsletters. I can do both but prefer knitting. My time for browsing is limited and when I do have time, it's nice to know that Knitting Daily is really about knitting stuff that I am interested in.
Rita W
DonnaS wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:11 PM
Well, I'm a beginner at knitting that knows there is crochet in her future. I've seen a shawl I want to do and it requires single chain crochet along the edging. Gulp - I've tried single chain once before and felt like a teenage girl on heels for the first time. But it is like anything else, practice makes perfect. As to my preference of knitting over crochet, I think they both have their place. Once I've worked with crochet more, I'm sure that I will enjoy it, too.

Donna S.| 19 SEP 07
JeriB wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:11 PM
I'm a knitter and the daughter of a crocheter. I don't mean to start a rumble but, personally, I'd prefer that knitting daily were about knitting.
RobinH wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:12 PM
I was taught to crochet first, but have been knitting for a couple of years. I often pull out crochet hooks during knitting projects. (I find it much easier to use a crochet hook for three-needle bind offs.) I see merit in both.

If you want a chuckle, watch the Wooly Bullies [sic] on You Tube. It's a spoof documentary that pits knitters against crocheters...think Spinal Tap for the fiber arts community. It's absolutely hilarious.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JZcUjYpjKZs
Melodie wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:18 PM
I guess I must be bi, bi-yarn that is. I have never figured out the battle between the two skills, crochet and knitting. Personally I think it is a jealousy thing, like sisters. I learned to crochet from my mom when I was little and taught myself to knit a couple years ago. I like both...for different reasons. I also machine knit, I wonder if that is another dirty word. I like to machine knit the boring stuff since miles of stockinette is tedious. I love to crochet edges on knitted items, they lay flat and can be more versatile. I taught myself to knit because I love the look of snugly sweaters. I also have a thing for lacy crocheted shawls and tops. I would go insane trying to knit some of the cardi's I've crocheted, too time consuming. Besides the little bitty hooks seem less depressing that itty bitty needles.

So yep, I am bi. I buy yarn and I buy hooks and needles too!

Melodie
RosemaryN wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:19 PM
Knitting and Crocheting both have their place in our fiber creations. Learning both gives one a better understanding of how the fiber works and the merits of using either medium to achieve the desired result.

As for cables, I am a passionate knitter/cabler. I agree that setting up with markers helps at the beginning in some of the very complicated Arans I do and I prefer to use a cable needle of the same size as my knitting needles so that I maintain gauge and knitting off the cable needle is easier. Further, a J hook cable needle is the best for some items. Others, I use straight or indented cable needles.
Thanks for KD, it is a highlight of my day. And, if something does not interest me, like everyone else, I have a delete key.
Keep up the good work.
Rosemary N
MarnieM wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:21 PM
I agree with several commnets here. I don't "hate" crochet, but I expect to see knitting content here please. This post actually makes two days in a row that are dedicated to the quarterly launch of IC.
CarolynW wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:23 PM
Yep, me too. I've done both for years and do both continually, although I usually prefer to knit these days. I have no disrespect for crochet at all.

This hissing reminds me of the terminology war between felters, knitted felters and fullers. Yikes! I'm still not sure why that is either.
Eliza wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:26 PM
Crocheting is great (and I LOVE that dress!), but I don't know how to do it and I'm not really interested in learning. I'm really into knitting and honing my knitting skills; there's just so much in knitting to hold my attention.

I also agree with Marin. Just because they both involve needles and yarn doesn't mean that when I pick up a knitting magazine I am also interested in crochet patterns. Yes, there's some overlap. But what I do is knit.
Frithgowan wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:29 PM
I have nothing against crochet, and I've been learning more crochet techniques the past couple of years. However, I would be disappointed to see more than the occasional crochet plug/pattern in Knitting Daily. It's the same reason I don't want to see a bunch of cross-stitch, macrame, or pottery-making content. It's called "Knitting" Daily.
JeanneM wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:32 PM
you ask about including crochet in Knitting Daily. Then be honest up-front about it and call it Knitting and Crochet Daily. Frankly I think an awfully lot of crochet is rather klutzy looking. I can crochet, I had to learn from my Mother when I was ten years old and have not liked it ever since (now 75 yrs old and still don't do it by choice) Or better yet start another 'Daily' and call it Crochet Daily
JillW wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:37 PM
I learned to knit at age 6 and crochet at age 8 & adore both crafts. I love knitting cables - the more complex the better, but as a felter too, I find that I prefer the way felted crochet looks, certainly in purses, as it loses the stitch definition completely and has much less stretch. But really that's a different topic all together. I love both knit and crochet equally and happily switch from socks on dpns to crochet scarves, purses, etc. I consider myself lucky that I learned both crafts at such an early age.
Anne Kaelber wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:41 PM
I understand both sides of the "issue": together AND apart. My own stance though comes in on the clear separation side.

Sure, crochet is great and makes beautiful borders and all that....but when I'm hunting for *knitting* things---or excited about reading the new KNITTINGDaily, it's a huge let-down to realize I've been tricked or fooled or bamboozled...again.

I love the idea of a CrochetDaily---and I'm sure the many Crocheters who also knit but think of Crochet as their "dominant" craft would like to see that as well.

Sorry to be a "wet blanket" and push the sisters apart again. Lines have to be drawn on separating crafts and this is where I draw mine.
DianaR wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:42 PM
Finally! At last! thank you knittingdaily for bringing up an on-going SUBJECT between Knitters and Crocheters and the feud that unfortunately continues. Someone once asked me who was the better dsncer, Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. Answer: They are pristine in their own right. Just as Knitting and Crochet are. Crochet is no longer your grandma's granny squares. The national conferences are great. The designers and renowned teachers are always showing new techniques and stitches. With all the beautiful yarns today, Crochet is no longer bulky; different size hooks, lighter yarns, more fabric like feel.. Crochet has opened to new dimensions. I don't know
where the snobbery began, but let's hope we can end it. There is enough controversy in the world. Both Crocheters and Knitters cloth everyone. Happy crocheting and Knitting to everyone.
DianaR wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:42 PM
Finally! At last! thank you knittingdaily for bringing up an on-going SUBJECT between Knitters and Crocheters and the feud that unfortunately continues. Someone once asked me who was the better dsncer, Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. Answer: They are pristine in their own right. Just as Knitting and Crochet are. Crochet is no longer your grandma's granny squares. The national conferences are great. The designers and renowned teachers are always showing new techniques and stitches. With all the beautiful yarns today, Crochet is no longer bulky; different size hooks, lighter yarns, more fabric like feel.. Crochet has opened to new dimensions. I don't know
where the snobbery began, but let's hope we can end it. There is enough controversy in the world. Both Crocheters and Knitters cloth everyone. Happy crocheting and Knitting to everyone.
DianaR wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:42 PM
Finally! At last! thank you knittingdaily for bringing up an on-going SUBJECT between Knitters and Crocheters and the feud that unfortunately continues. Someone once asked me who was the better dsncer, Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. Answer: They are pristine in their own right. Just as Knitting and Crochet are. Crochet is no longer your grandma's granny squares. The national conferences are great. The designers and renowned teachers are always showing new techniques and stitches. With all the beautiful yarns today, Crochet is no longer bulky; different size hooks, lighter yarns, more fabric like feel.. Crochet has opened to new dimensions. I don't know
where the snobbery began, but let's hope we can end it. There is enough controversy in the world. Both Crocheters and Knitters cloth everyone. Happy crocheting and Knitting to everyone.
SaraJ wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:43 PM
OOoooooooooo! When I saw the Fall 07 Crochet preview, this hooded vest was what jumped out at me as the first project I'd try, heck, it says "Easy" (the no arms thing probably contributes to that . . .) With all the great long-sleeve tops out there, often a long-sleeve jacket, even lightweight, can be too much in the transitional parts of Autumn . . . WOOOHOOO! Freeeeeeee!

Oh, and the addition of a hood to a/the vest? PERFECT! Sometimes a breath of nip in the air will hit the back of your neck and/or go down it, so perfect to have a hood.

Will I have the courage to make it? Not sure. I guess it depends on my other plans (happily browsing Ravelry with various search criteria on Interweave tops to find one that is easy enough yet not too plain - then again, I get fearful of any, in the same way that made me set aside the idea of Tomato, so I guess we'll see . . .)

On another note, I just got a vintage booklet with 100+ crochet edgings in it, holy schmoly! Quite a few I can see being combined or mirrored or other ways as a scarf, aside from the edging a knit factor, or as inset bands, etc . . . and then of course theirs the hairpin and broomstick lace stuff I've inherited from an Aunt, in addition to knitting needles, dpns, knitting notions, and some vintage knitting books (like a 1030+ Knit Stitches Mon Tricot thing!!!)

Oh, and I'm designing a knit scarf, that is like nothing I've seen (granted I'm fairly new, but I surf ALOT). Ambitious, I s'pose, but when a design calls . . . now I just have to figure out how to get the effects, and get them combined, like I want! Alot of this has nothing to do with your KD post, but alot of it does, and hey, we're all friends here . . .
Rebecca S wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:44 PM
Crocheting is not Knitting, and knitting is not crocheting. They are completely different. I learned to crochet and knit when I was about 5 years old and this point was plainly made by my very patient mother. Don't assume that what interests knitters will interest crocheters and vice versa. That is the basis of what some have termed a "fued". Neither is better - just different.The crochet fans deserve their own web blog. They shouldn't be made to wade through a bunch of knitting chatter to get to what interests them!
Please start a CrotchetingDaily!
ErinD wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:47 PM
This is completely unrelated, but I'm planning my first ever colorwork knitting project (the cactus sweater in Knitscene) and would like to know if you could do a post or two in the near future on colorwork techniques, as I really have No Idea what I'm doing and don't have a human resource nearby to ask for help.
Thanks so much, and keep up the great work with knitting daily, I look forward to the posts everyday :)
JoylaG wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:48 PM
I started out crocheting & have just figured out knitting in the last few years. I like them both. As you say, each has it's own unique way to twist yarn. I appreciate being able to talk about both through Knitting Daily.
Fayette wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:48 PM
I was going to link to the uTube video too!

I don't personally care if crochet shows up in KnittingDaily or if there is a separate CrochetDaily because I'll just subscribe to both! However, I defer to the knitters who have no interest in crochet and say that they probably should be separate.

I learned to crochet first and found it much easier to be creative with it, but I got addicted to knitting recently. These days I'm mostly knitting but I love my roots in crochet.
LaurelH wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:52 PM
I definitely don't get the feud, though I agree that they are different beasts. That's why it's so great to be able to do both: that many more options for creativity! As for me, my yarn/thread/string projects tend to be knitted or crocheted in equal number, or, of course, both!
P.S. I have never crocheted a "groovy" granny square and I don't plan to. Crochet can be used for plenty of other things these days.
Dorisjchan wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:53 PM
Sandi, you ROCK! I consider myself bi-textural; I can knit passably, but I design crochet. The comment about "klutzy crochet" being around is majorly unfair. There is some klutzy knitting around as well. I totally get why some knit-centric subscribers are starting to grouse about the mention of crochet in Knitting Daily. I would understand if, in an effort to please them, you never mention it again. That would be sad. I am just pleased that you had the courage to go there. THANKS!
LisaH wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:54 PM
When I saw that photo of the crocheted dress all I could think was "I need that pattern!" When I scrolled down, to my delight, there it was! Thank you, thank you! I will need a bit more crochet experience under my belt before I attempt it but what a motivator! I was happy to see you mention crochet. I especially love patterns that combine both knitting and crochet and would like to see more. I've made a couple scarves that combine the two and recently added a crochet edging to a shawl--the edging made it just a bit more special.
SarahC wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:54 PM
I believe that part of the tension rises from having one craft being mistaken for the other, and a dismissive attitude about their differences. People want the respect that their skills deserve, not to be just lumped in with yarn stuff. They are different, and most have a preference for one over the other. Most of the time when a book or magazine attempts to combine the two, they displease both groups. When I want to crochet, I seek out crochet resources, and when I want to knit, I go for the knit stuff. The combination approach leaves much to be desired in what it offers to either craft.

I think much more is made of the rivalry of the two crafting groups. I like to joke about it. I admit to my past as a hooker and confess relapses to my knitting friends jokingly. Sometimes style, project choices, and personality have more to do than craft choice. Think of a group of crafters where one is crocheting toilet paper cozies, one is knitting fair isle, one is crocheting the lace dress featured today, and another is knitting Fun Fur scarves. I think these differences are more telling than hook versus needle.

There is also the fiber/yarn issue. Crocheting requires more yarn than knitting. I think this is why more crocheters use less expensive synthetics than knitters. The natural versus synthetic debate is sometimes at the heart of the crochet versus knit issue.
VyvyanN wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 3:56 PM
I've never put out a vote on this issue before but I now feel compelled. I also like the idea of keeping crochet in its own blog. I like crochet to an extent but its not what I'm passionate about. There are many other publications specifically for crochet so when the time comes, I'll buy/read them. But for now, give me as near to 100% knitting content and I'm happy. I haven't reseached this but I have a feeling that most crochet books and mags don't pack in a bunch of knitting projects. And if there isn't a reason to keep them separate, why is there now an Interweave Crochet? Are there knitting projects in those issues?
KathyS wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 4:02 PM
I go both ways as well. My mom and her dad both knit, and since my mom knit, I learned how to crochet. You know, cause anything my mom did wasn't cool. My Nana taught me when I was around 9 or so. I've been doing it ever since. One spring 2 years ago, we were selling our house, and I had packed up all my WIP's to make the house look, you know, and I realized I had left one thing in a desk drawer. It was a knitting kit, bought ages ago, and never touched. I was missing yarn so much, I thought, why not? The hat turned out, well, like a first attempt at knitting. But, I liked it so much, I crawled up in my attic and got down some yarn to play some more. Fast forward to now, I've won 3 1st place ribbons at my state fair, a couple of 2nd's, and a few 3rd's. All for knitting.

I alternate between what I like the best, I thnk it depends on my mood. I do love knitting socks, but there's nothing like whipping out a big granny square blanket in a weekend either. Knowing and loving both crafts, I think I have to second the thought of keeping the "Daily"'s separate, though. Unless you want to call this "Yarn Daily" or something like that. There's nothing I dislike more than false advertising. I can't tell you how many books I've picked up that say they have "knitting AND crochet patterns", and then inside, I'll find 48 knitting patterns, and perhaps 3 crochet. Likewise, if I see something for needlepoint, I don't want to pick it up and have it be cross-stitch. I like both of those as well.

Well, hope this comment helps somehow. For the record, I'd subscribe to a "Crochet Daily" too.
Ewedevil wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 4:05 PM
boy oh boy - ya might not want to mention that 'c' word anymore! yikes.
i'm a spinner, knitter and crocheter. i love it all! i'd absolutely subscribe to a CrochetDaily!
it seems that i'm on the opposite side of the fence than most of your readers. i love to combine and play with the sister arts. seeing a knit pattern with crochet embellishments makes me giddy. while i can knit (and rather well) i 'speak' crochet. heck, i dream in crochet! so if this is a feeler for a crochetdaily, count me in! :-P
~rebecca
Mary BethB wrote re: Daring To Mention Crochet
on Wed, Sep 19 2007 4:15 PM
i log on to read about knitting tips, projects, get new techniques and patterns. i have nothing against crochet but...can't they have their own place to go?