Hands in Delight

Fiber’s Fraternal Twins Highlighted in Fall Issue of Interweave Crochet

August 24, 2010 at 10:56 pm 4 comments

I like to think of knitting and crochet as the fraternal twins of the fiber world. They love each other dearly, as sisters do…..but, they sometimes bicker and jockey for attention. Both share common lineage. Both are quite beautiful while being strikingly similar and very different at the same time.

I have always thought of knitting as the popular twin with long beautiful hair – the cheerleader type – to which everyone immediately flocks. Crochet is the quirky twin that you have to get to know first…..but once you do, you fall in love with her many facets, gravitating to that special quality that only she possesses. Yep – as the quirky girl growing up, I just can’t get enough of the often unappreciated beauty of crochet.

This is exactly what drew me so intensely to Interweave Crochet. Finally, a magazine that gets it….issue after issue, it celebrates the sheer beauty of crochet. Interweave Crochet is always very current and fashion forward while the designs, for the most part, appear classic and timeless.

So….when the fall issue arrived last Friday, I was less than thrilled to see seven “Crochet + Knitting” projects featured on the cover. I mean, I love my sister, but can’t I have the spotlight all to myself for once!?! I have to say though, after finally bringing myself to open it up (I normally tear through every issue the first day it arrives) and reading it from cover to cover, I was pleasantly surprised.

First of all, it includes some great patterns. The Sage Jacket by Dora Ohrenstein (on the cover) and the Pink Cosmos Coat by Margaret Hubert (to the right) are my favorites. Both patterns are a bit ambitious but that’s what’s fabulous about Interweave Crochet. It forces crocheters to stretch their limits.

Second of all, the article on slip stitch really got the wheels of my brain turning. I love the historical elements of the stitch and the versatility. In fact, the work of David Burchall featured on page 50 of the issue peaked my interest the most. It is truly amazing – I love how the samples mimic the look of knitting and the possibilities are endless with one simple stitch. So, I went on a “mini” internet search to find some more of his work and perhaps a pattern or two…….I am sad to report that his blog is no longer working. If you are out their David, please, please share the love…..I would love to read more about your work. Write a book! I’ll buy it!

Lastly, the combined knitting and crochet projects are fun and eye-catching. I can’t say that I’ll be picking up two needles any time soon (I tried and I just don’t like it as much as crochet) but it was entertaining and fun exploring the possibilities. And, ultimately, that is what Interweave Crochet is all about….exploring the possibilities of crochet. This particular issue just added another dimension to the quest.

Thank you Interweave Crochet editors for stretching my limits……I do love my “knitting” sister after all….this issue was like giving her a big, fat hug!

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