No one knows the exact beginnings of Crochet. However it is thought to have been brought to America by Irish peasants fleeing the potato famine in the 1840s. It quickly emerged as a less costly alternative for the more expensive lace product. It was considered to be an imitation status of the middle class; frowned upon by the upper class who could afford expensive lace. In an 1854 needlework manual, Ann Stephens said crochet was “One of those gentle means by which women are kept feminine and ladylike in this fast age.”
What are the benefits of crochet?
The health benefits of crochet are reduced stress levels. Whither it’s the rhythmic nature of crochet, or the altered focus to what your hands are doing, crochet has a calming effect on the mind and the body.
If you are a multi-tasker and/or don’t enjoy doing nothing while waiting to see the doctor, the wait times during the many activities we take our children to, or, just waiting for dinner to finish cooking, try crochet. The mental calming effects alone are worth it, not to mention the reduced agitation of waiting. The necessary materials take very little space to carry along, a ball of yarn, crochet hook, possibly a pattern.
Last, but not least, crochet is fun! Who doesn’t like to see the outcome of what they produce: a beautiful doily, table scarf, lace edging, afghan, adorned pillowcases, mittens, hats, cowls, tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, and so many other things.
This was one of my favorite projects:
This was one of my favorite projects:
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| Lovely 26: pineapple doily, made by me in 1988 |
Vintage Pillowcase Set / Gold & White Crochet Edging
by FabricMuse http://etsy.me/17Jl4L9 via @Etsy
What crochet projects are you involved in?
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