When did crochet get cool? I noticed recently how many of my friends are learning to crochet and how quickly the Learn to Crochet classes at Fibre and Clay book up. Not to mention the requests I get to host crochet parties for Hen Do’s or Baby Showers. It’s lovely to see a blanket appear from an afternoon’s fun and gossip. Something a bride or new mum can treasure forever.

When I was a teenager in the ’70′s my Dad made us long fringed waistcoats, full length dresses with puff sleeves and our house had more crochet lace doilies than you could shake a stick at. But, then came the 80′s and I hid my multi coloured granny square blankets under the bed when friends came round and the only time Dad got out his hook was to make christening shawls or matinee coats for new babies in the family (whatever happened to matinee coats I wonder).

From the archive, made by Dad in the 1970's and still cool!

In the last couple of years I’ve lost count of the number of crochet garments on the fashion catwalk, discovered some  talented designers like Linda and Emma who make crochet fun, useful and above all stylish. Look out for their patterns in Inside Crochet Magazine (which incidentally has a great new blog, you should drop by and say hello).  For once it seems I was “ahead of the curve”, I’m making the most of it, because I’m sure it won’t last.
It made me wonder, have you recently discovered crochet? And, where do you go for patterns and inspiration?
Happy hooking
Tracey x