By curious irony, though its history dates back to the sixteenth century, crochet only came into its own with the birth of the machine age and has been growing in popularity ever since. The word itself is derived from the French croche, meaning hook. Originally the crochet hook was one of a number of tools used in the intricate process of lace making. As time went on, a repertoire of stitches ans designs evolved, and crocheting graduated into a seperate and pleasurable art. In the beginning it was almost entirely a convent art,classified with other types of handiwork under the general heading of nuns' work. It took a famine-the great Irish Famine of 1846-to give crochet its greatest impetus.
At that time nuns taught it to their pupils and the proceeds derived from the sales of crocheted articles helped alleviate existing miseries. It was then that it became,along with playing the harpsichord,ine of the graceful accomplishments of the well-born young lady. Fascinating and versatile,crochet has become one of our best-loved handicrafts. With hook and thread agile fingers are capable of producing an endless variety of beautiful modern and traditional designs,each with its own special charm. Probably one of the loveliest is known as Irish Crochet,famous as far back as 1743 when Royal Dublin Society awarded prizes for outstanding examples of the art. During the famine it became more generally popular when rare patterns of old lace were so skillfully copied by the Irish girls.
Crochet owes its widespread appeal to the fact that it is easy to do and lends itself to so many delightfull interpretation. The simplicity and adaptability of the basic stitches tempt the novice to try her hand and challenge the expert to outdo herself. This art offers a wide latitude of choice: Laces, delicate as cobwebs for tablecloths and doilies, other more suitable for curtains and bedspreads...rugs and afhgans in glowing colors in which texture and design are artfully blended...all of which spell beauty and utility for every home. Crochet knows the fashionable graces too, how a crocheted hat and bag can "dress up" a costume,how a lacy cocktail sweater can "make" an evening.
Fashion and crochet have united to design some of the most sought-after accessories, as well as every sort of warm and beguiling beauty for the carriage trade. The machine has brought us many comforts and luxuries, but when it comes to the touch of beauty which is every women's birthright,nothing,it appears,will ever supplant the charm and inimitable loveliness of "handmade". This is especially true of crochet. There is a joy in wearing it, a subtle magic that goes into it,that the machine cannot copy or equal. That is the secret of the charm of crochet-whether it is done for profit,or as a hobby,a means of brightening a wordrobe or beautifying a home. It is a art that grows on you....
Sjoe omtrent n mondvol, maar dit het my so geboei!
Ek het verlede winter hierdie "wrist warmers" vir die kiddies hekel.
O,ja, en n paar vir myself ook!!!
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