Snuggled in our respective nests, my family drifts into maker-mode. Daughter is throwing pots on her pottery wheel. Son is woodworking. Husband's shooting up a storm with his camera. And of course, my needles are clicking.
Although we're merrily crafting a blizzard of goodies, curiously, we never seem to remember it all takes an enormous amount of time to complete these energetic handmade gifts. I predict there may be more than a few IOU's.
As an experienced knitter, I look for a challenge this time of year to add to my crafting legacy. I do not crochet. Not because I can't (mom taught me). It's because of a long-standing attitude that knitting is more beautiful than crochet.
Don't start throwing hooks at me yet.
When I started knitting, granny square afghans lit up the craft world. Granny...Afghan...SO not cool. Gorgeous Crochet Snowflakes...SO cool.
I've changed my tune and want to share with non-knitters -- who have no idea what I'm talking about -- the difference between knitting and crocheting:
Knit and crochet are distinctly different crafts with different tools that work up various stitches. Knitting is done on needles -- straight, double pointed or circular. Crochet uses hooks of varying sizes. Straight knitting looks like a bunch of interlocking "v"stitches. Crochet stitches are "chains" -- crochet hook gets inserted into a stitch and yarn is looped. Knitting tends to be tight. Crochet is looser, more open weave. I'm told crocheting is quick (not so much for me), while knitted garments take many, many hours to complete.
Wrapping, twisting, cabling, chaining, braiding...who cares? Inspired by these gorgeous snowflakes, momentarily, I put down my needles and pick up a hook.
In the maker spirit, here's a round-up of my 3 favorite crocheted snowflakes:
Frosty Filigree Snowflake from Martha Stewart
Rustic Twine Snowflake from Aesthetic Nest
Beaded Snowflake from AgaKnickKnack
What's your craft legacy?
Photo via flickr