A Crocheter's Rant

I finally did it. I made a trip to my LYS, only it's not so local as being in my city--rather, it's about 30 minutes away. When I first walked in, I was mesmerized by all the different yarns, some in a quality I've never seen before. I had to touch each one, then allow my mind to race through all of the projects I've ever wanted to complete, but was never able to find that "just right" skein of yarn that would warrant crafting the object. I was like a kid in a candy store, going around touching and feeling as many of the different fibers as my eyes were drawn to.

The prices were definitely not that of any of the craft stores I've been in around here--some were a bit pricey at $14.99 and up. I was able to find a few skeins in my price-range, however, to accommodate a couple of projects I've wanted to work on. I'd been looking for a good cotton or cotton/acrylic blend to make some face cloths with. I wanted something thinner than Lilys Sugar 'n Cream, but something that was machine washable and dryable. I found it at this wonderful little store. I also purchased a fat skein of acrylic/washable wool blend to make some fingerless gloves with, as well as one other skein for another project. My total was more than the last 8 skeins of yarn I bought at Hobby Lobby, but was well worth it.

This store was wonderful. And I'll definitely go again. If I don't make the trip, I know I'll at least order some yarns from their catalog, which the cashier gave me as I was checking out. I did leave with a bit of sadness, however.

As I was talking to the clerk about this being my first time in their store, I asked if they had a mailing list. The reply was "yes", at which time I was given the form to fill out. After my name and address, there was a row of letters containing "K W S" and something else I don't remember offhand, which represented the catagories a yarn addict would be interested in (Knitting, Weaving, Spinning--or something like that). "But where's the 'C' for CROCHET?" I asked. "Oh, it's lumped in with Knitting." Bite your tongue, I thought. Even my significant other made a comment of how he gets scolded for lumping the two together. On the trip home, as I skimmed through their catalog, I was quickly reminded that knitting seemed to be the dominant "yarn sport", and crochet was thought of as some kind of cheerleader--serving it's own purpose but not really as noticed as the players on the field.

It's not just the LYS that is like that. Just about anywhere you go, in person or online, knitting outweighs crocheting. There's more t-shirts, more pin-backed buttons, more books, more web sites, etc that are geared for knitting than for crocheting. Why does it have to be that way? Why isn't crocheting held up to the same standard as knitting? Especially when there's actually more crocheters out there than knitters? Shouldn't the two crafts been seen as individual entities? Granted, they both make great use of yarn and sticks (i.e. hooks and needles), and they both serve their purpose, but what about us crocheters who don't knit and would like to be recognized for the craft that we do (that we do, and do darn well!)? No one, after looking at all of the great crochet patterns out there and seeing all of the great projects we continue to make, can say that crochet is just for grandmothers anymore. There's so many awesome patterns out there, and even clothes patterns are becoming more and more available.

It's true that in most cases crochet uses more yarn, which means we might spend a bit more to get the amount we need for any given project, so why not target us as an individual category of yarn buyers? Why use the "k" word to lump us all together? We both are special in the DIY world, so it is my proposal that we stand up for our own place in this realm. I think knitting is awesome, but it's just not for me, and thus, I'd like to be recognized for the hook and yarn I tote around with me, and be asked, "Oh! What are you crocheting today?" rather than be thought of as a one-hookedneedle-knitter, which I'm not.

Is it just me, or do other crocheters feel this way? Why can't we all just get along and be loved for our individuality? Apples are not oranges, nor are oranges apples, just as crochet is not knitting and vice versa. Nor is one fruit greater than the other, just as knitting is not greater than crocheting, or vice versa. I think it's time that crocheting got the recognition it deserves, and the people who do it be seen for who they are.

I'm a darn Happy Hooker, and proud to be one!
Crocheters of the World Unite! Stand up and be counted for the hook-and-yarn person that you are!

And to those who participate in both "sports", I salute you.

:)
Whew...now that that's off my chest, I feel so much better!

Writers Swap Stuff

Writers Swap Stuff
Originally uploaded by Shade Tree Arts.

Things around here have been fairly busy. I've been participating in a few swaps on Craftster.org, as well as making some baby items for my significant other's daughter who is expecting. I decided to crochet some baby hats for the hospital here as well. I've been crafting--just not so much for my store lately. I intend to get back to that one of these days.

These items were given in a writers swap. There's a tote bag with crocheted flowers, a journal jar, some note cards, as well as a journal & pen.

Below is another photo of a crochet heart pendant I created for a different swap. I'm hoping to add some of these to my store soon, as it is my own pattern.

I'll post more pictures of other crafty items soon.