To those familiar with the craft—and those who can at least spot a doily on grandma’s loveseat—crochet doesn’t typically evoke visions of immodesty, subversion, or the struggles of women in the workplace. There was a time in history, however, when the act of crocheting became bound up with the entrepreneurial dreams of impoverished women, as … Continue reading The “wanton-eyed” crocheter: from Irish lace to pussy hats
This year I am phasing out my stash of acrylic yarn, and here's why: our oceans are becoming polluted with tiny synthetic microfibers, and it's bad news for marine life. I don't enjoy being a Debbie Downer, so I promise you that I will end this on a positive note. Here's the gist of the problem, … Continue reading What can knitters and crocheters do about synthetic fiber pollution?
Making your own home goods, clothing, and accessories can be even more satisfying when you know it's reducing your footprint on the Earth. What makes a something "eco-friendly"? It's a rather broad term, and is probably applied in places where it shouldn't be. There's no universal definition. I tend to think of eco-friendly crochet patterns as ones that … Continue reading 7 eco-friendly crochet patterns
I've been on a Fair Isle crochet kick lately, and I decided to try something more muted and a little bit....spooky. A friend of mine is a lover of bats, creepy things, magical things, and creatures of the night. She also prefers neutrals and darker colors. So, the Nocturnal Creatures Bag was born! It's the … Continue reading Nocturnal Creatures Tote Bag Pattern
Fair Isle patterns aren't just for cold weather anymore. As the tiniest hints of spring were showing this month, I was scurrying like a chipmunk to finish this cozy, bright, and colorful pillow pattern. It's created with one of my favorite knit-look crochet techniques: waistcoat stitch and tapestry-style colorwork. And it's easier than you probably think it is! You … Continue reading Cheery Fair Isle Pillow Pattern
We're not always vocal about it, but some crocheters and knitters believe that their yarn craft is superior to the other. It's usually a good-natured feud, resulting in the concession that we've just grown accustomed to doing one or the other and we're probably not going to change. Although I'm firmly in the camp of crochet, I admire the … Continue reading A Quick Guide to Knit-Look Crochet Stitches
Maybe I've been inspired by the freakishly warm weather we've had off and on for the past week, or maybe I'm disturbed by the way it reminds me of impending climate disaster and I need something cheery to distract me. Whatever it is, I am deep into happy, bubble-gum-and-candy colors and adorable spring motifs for … Continue reading Happy Spring Pouch Pattern
This week I started watching Abstract: The Art of Design. I'm not the most talented TV review writer, so I'm not going to bother describing to you how good it is. It's really good. The first episode features illustrator and New Yorker cover-designer Christopher Niemann working in his minimalist studio, with a bucket of primary-colored … Continue reading Be a careless artist and a ruthless editor
I'm a sucker for holidays. I don't necessarily enjoy the taint of modern consumerism, but I do love food, making things, and celebrating seasons. I enjoy the connection that many of our Western, Christian-ish holidays have to the pagan traditions of Europe, the marking of the passing of time, and the opportunity to break out of … Continue reading Valentine’s Day reimagined: compassion, kindness, and non-complementary behavior
Finally, I've written a crochet pattern! It's small and simple, but pretty and practical. It uses the Cedar Stitch, which is the name I've given to a stitch pattern that I created. Of course, the world of crochet on the internet is vast, so if you come across its twin with a different name, please … Continue reading Cedar Stitch Washcloth: New Stitch, New Pattern
Mushrump 