YarnoverChicago: The Crochet Fashion Rennaisance; This Ain't Your Granny's Square

Okay, so crochet is fun to do; it's faster than knitting; and for some people it's easier to learn. But really, isn't crochet all about doilies and shawls? I mean, you might wear a crocheted scarf or hat. It's good for stitching up a wrap for your 97-year-old granny, or a baby blanket for your niece's kid, but beyond that, no one really wears crocheted stuff anymore, do they? Who, in her right mind would be caught dead in public sporting a crocheted dress?! Can you imagine? It'd be just ghastly, Auntie Mame! Why not just put a macrame plant hanger on your head, a granny-square poncho over your shoulders and be done with it?! Unless you're time-traveling back to the '70s, what possible use could you have for crochet? The Age of Aquarius has been over for a long time, my dear!

First of all, Miss Thing (or Mr. Thing, for that matter), don't you be dissing doilies and shawls, okaaaaaaay?

Secondly, though we picture crochet as being all about motifs, granny squares and lace, you can actually make some very sleek fabric using crochet stitches. But that's a discussion for another day.

Let's consider the stereotypical image of crochet, shall we? Who on earth would even consider wearing it? Well, how 'bout Beyonce Knowles? Is she hip enough for you? Here she is in a blonde wig, sporting a uni-kini. Sure doesn't look like some aging flower child, does she? (Not, mind you, that there's anything wrong with being an aging flower child. Why, I see one in the mirror whenever I brush my teeth .... What can she be doing in there?)

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Think Ms. Knowles might be the exception that proves the rule? Well, here are some more young celebs sporting elegant crocheted garments:

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Here we have Leann Rimes in an Emilio Pucci creation, Kate Bosworth in a dress from Topshop, and Selena Gomez wearing the Willow and Clay sweater. Again - not exactly aging flower children.

Crochet is enjoying a renaissance in the fashion world. You'll see it on every runway. So even if you're just a beginner, you can still enjoy wearing crocheted fashions. Following are some links for crochet fashions that you can buy right off the rack. Having them in your wardrobe will, I hope, inspire you to learn how to make them for yourself.

One caveat: unlike knitting, crochet cannot be done by machine. Any crocheted item you see has been hand-made. So if you go to a discount store and find a great crocheted sweater for, say, $25.00, it was likely made by slave labor. When you're shopping, please give some thought to the skilled craftsperson who did the work. If the garment you're purchasing costs a little more than you expect, that might mean that the person who made it is being paid a living wage. If it's amazingly cheap, maybe you can live without it.

FROM NORDSTROM'S