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.

Busy-ness

Things have been quite busy around here, as I am trying to prepare for the holidays. I have made a few new items for my shop, but I've decided it's time to get my handmade Christmas presents out of the way. My shop has been stagnant since the launch of v2--I've had one sale--and with Christmas shipping dates about a week away, I have the feeling that the Christmas rush has passed me up. Ah, well, there's always next year.

I have a few items in my shop that I think would make great gifts for people on my gifting list, so as of December 6th, these items will no longer be available in my shop:

Shadey Babies - Rupert
Shadey Babies - Randolph
Angel Star Crocheted Wire Ornament
Angel Heart Crocheted Wire Ornament
Twas the Night Before Christmas Bookmark, Pastel Colors
Autumn Fire Wire Crochet Bracelet

I don't know if any of them will come back, especially the Christmas ones--at least not until next year.

Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays!

Lots of Things Goin' On

I've been busy here in the craft "studio" of STA these days. I've completed some promo items and got them sent off. Now I need to make more. I've also been working on a crochet pattern for a holiday bookmark. I'm trying to write it out so others can understand it. It will be a new item in my store hopefully within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, I have one of the bookmarks made and listed for those who have no interest in making their own, but would like to have one. I plan to list a few more as I get them created.

To get yours or for more information, just click on the pic:



I did some of these Butterfly Bookmarks for my promos that I sent out earlier:

They're also listed in my store with the options to buy just one or to pick five.

This is the newest ring in my shop:

It's made of an adjustable ring base and a metal heart.

But my favorite creation so far, one that I've worked on since sometime in September, is my Crocheted Wire Angel Ornament. Currently, there are two listed in my shop, and each is different. I'm hoping to post more soon, as well as something similar, yet a little different, so stay tuned!

These are exclusive to Shade Tree Arts and totally original. You can't get them anywhere else.

In addition to these things I am doing for my store, I also found time to create this adorable little hat for Crystal, at Indulging Scentsations, and in return, I got to pick out something from her store. I couldn't resist trying some of her bubbles!


I had a lot of fun making this for her daughter. If you're interested in something similar, feel free to contact me. Contact information is found at either my web site or my store.

There's other things in the making, so keep checking back. Until then...

Happy Crafting!

Exciting

New and exciting things are brewing here at STA. I was finally able to get some very productive crafting time in over the past couple of days. New items will be making it to my store over the next couple of days--one in particular, I'm really excited about. What is it? Well, you'll have to wait until tomorrow's post to find out. As for the other things, I have a ring and maybe a bracelet to post--if I don't decide to keep it for myself! Hopefully, the sun will shine a bit tomorrow so I can take some good photos for my latest creations.

I've also had the chance to make up some promo items to give to a fellow Etsian, Elm Designs. She has some really cute items, so if you haven't seen her store, check it out when you get a chance.

In other news: I got my fourth sale yesterday...yay! I made another ring like this one, and it sold within the hour--my quickest sale yet!--to yet another fellow crafter, Craft_T_Chic. Lots of craftin' and buyin' going on these days.

I also made it yet another Treasury list. If you're not familiar with the Treasury, check out this post: Etsy Treasury Demo.



Happy Crafting!

Pleased

I was pleased to see one of my items (outlined in purple) in someone's treasury list recently.



It's always good to be noticed.

I would have posted sooner, but I was having problems with my Blogger log in when the list was first made. It has since expired.

SALE on my only Halloween Item

Halloween is rapidly approaching, and due to time restraints, I was only able to produce one item for the occasion. I'm hoping to sell it before the 31st, so I marked it down to half price. To see more, click the link:

Halloween Keepsake Card

A Quick Lil' Update

I've been having log in issues. Evidently, I have two different email addresses associated with Blogger, and it's been causing me some problems, but I think I have it all figured out now. So back to crafting!

Look for new posts coming soon!