Archive for: June 2007

One of the easiest projects for a beginner is the crochet scarf. It’s great for any skill level, it’s quick to make and when you’re done, you can wear it with pride. The really great thing about making a crochet scarf is that there is no wrong look. You can use your favorite crochet technique or try a brand new one. You can use bulky, fluffy yarn, fine baby weight yarn, crochet thread or a crazy novelty yarn. It can be made in one piece, motifs or have ribbons or other yarns threaded through open work. And don’t even start asking about the possible colors. The crochet scarf is the project of your dreams.

The Long and the Short of it

Before you start on your crochet scarf project, take the time to look on the Internet for ideas. The free pattern sites are one place to start but so are the fashion catalogs online. You may need a pattern for a complicated stitch pattern, but you don’t need help from anyone to find out how to start and shape the scarf. It’s straight. It’s as long as you want it to be. That’s it.
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While crocheted purses appear to be the current rage, these accessories are far from new to the fashion scene. In fact, the first crocheted purse pattern was published in Holland in 1824! At this time, the popular styles of crocheted purse patterns were pouches or round, flat bags. In the 1920’s the “finger purse” came into vogue. The finger purse was a small bag that dangled from a crocheted ring that was worn around the finger. These purses were quite popular to wear with gowns on special occasions.

These days, crocheted purse patterns run the gamut – from small drawstring bags to carry the bare essentials, to large totes that are designed to hold everything but the kitchen sink. Evening bags are particularly in demand, since available materials for crocheted purse patterns include luxurious chenille and sparkling metallic. The best thing about a crocheted purse is that it takes very little yarn or thread to complete, and many of the patterns are perfect for a beginner’s project.
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Sometimes when a fashion comes back, it makes a big splash. Never has that been truer than with the crochet poncho pattern. The late 1960s’ hippy look came into its own in the 1970s when it combined funky with crafts-look. If someone wore a macramé belt, there almost had to be a crochet poncho pattern worn over the peasant blouse.

When that macramé faded, and when no one wore shoulder bags made of old jeans, when head bands were no longer worn on the forehead, the crochet poncho disappeared as well. It’s back now, along with everything crochet. You can make a crochet poncho because it’s hot or you can make a crochet poncho because it’s cool but the best reason to make a crochet poncho is because it looks good in every possible style.
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Martha Stewart wore one when she left jail. Jennifer Lopez wore one in her film, “Monster-in-Law”. It appears that the crochet poncho is making yet another comeback as a fashion staple. The good news is that you do not have to spend a bundle to purchase this fashion statement at the mall. With a few skeins of yarn and some crochet know-how, you can create your own for just a little time and cash.

The patterns for a crochet poncho are truly abounding these days, so you should have no trouble finding something to your liking. There are crochet books with poncho patterns, magazines that sport the latest styles, and even free patterns on the internet for your perusing. A crochet poncho can be created in a variety of materials – from the bulky yarns that will create a cozy cold-weather accessory to the linens and cottons that make up summertime favorites. Some ponchos are even embellished with beads or fun fur for a more exotic look.
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