Let’s talk tools of the trade.

Facts:

1. Knife or Pencil: Early crocheters held their hooks in a “pencil hold” to look more dainty, but the “knife hold” became more popular to reduce strain on the hand and wrists from things like carpal tunnel syndrome.

2. Yarn Eater: Even though it takes less time to complete a crochet project, crochet uses up to 1/3 more yarn than knitting.

Opinions:

1. Despite popular opinion, I firmly believe that there is no wrong way to hold a crochet hook. As long as it works for you, then it isn’t wrong.

2. Having a big yarn stash is always the right answer. Just because you don’t need the color now, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future, especially if it’s had-dyed. Those colors are always impossible to find later down the road unless the dyer is still in business and is willing to make a small batch for you.

Ever wonder where the word crochet comes from?

Facts:

1. “Crochet” comes from the French word “croche” which means “hook”.

2.The word ‘crochet’ is derived from the Old French word ‘crochet’, a diminutive of ‘croche’, in turn from the Germanic ‘croc’, both meaning “hook”.

Opinions:

1. I find the fact that Crocheters are also called Hookers, hilarious. Especially since it is more linguistically accurate.

2. Nothing is impossible with crochet, given enough time and supplies, it can be done.

Doing facts about patterns today.

Facts:

1. The first published crochet patterns appeared in 1824 in the Dutch magazine “Penelope”

2. The Granny Square, originally published in 1897 by the Weldon Company (London) is one of the longest running crochet patterns in print.

Opinions:

1. Patterns, while extremely helpful, are not 100% required when making something.

2. The granny square is the most versatile pattern to know.