Hooked on handmade: Crochet, knitting make meaningful gifts
This teddy bear uses a simple pattern and was made by Hayden resident Elena Johnson in a few hours. The two afghans were made by her mother and great-grandmother. (JOE CLICK/Press)
A crocheted hat with a personal label by Abby Johnson. Making crafted gifts for loved ones adds meaning and loving feelings that can last generations.
Knitted and crocheted items, such as scarves and winter headbands which can be created in time for holiday gifts, enjoy a resurgence in popularity among young adults.
For generations, everyone in my family got a “Nomo blanket.” My great-grandmother poured her love into every crafty creation - and she was always making something, several somethings most of the time.
More than a decade after her death, my Nomo afghan still adorns my bed as a daily reminder of that love, and of the ancestry of yarn-based crafts I’m proud to be part of.
Yes, I’m a little biased toward crocheting, knitting, and homemade gifts. But as any nifty knitter or happy hooker (crochet hooks!) can attest, few gifts are appreciated more than those hand-made by a loved one.
Especially now.
Crafty is “in.” After a general decline in interest in yarn-based crafts such as crocheting, knitting, and weaving since the 1960s and ‘70s, such crafts have risen in popularity in the new millennium.
Media outlets continue to report on this renewed interest. A 2018 article in Forbes Magazine commented on younger Millennials and older Gen. Z enthusiasts “disrupting” the craft industry with enthusiasm. AARP reported the rise of the “maker movement” in April 2019.
That popularity doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Given the benefits of these crafts – and the products that result from them - it’s no surprise.
Health benefits. In addition to providing a creative outlet and increasing dexterity, knitting and crocheting are good for the mind and heart.
According to Dr. Herbert Benson, author of “The Relaxation Response,” the repetitive movements of knitting and crocheting foster a relaxed state comparable to that of meditation.
These hobbies can also lower cortisol (the hormone related to stress), blood pressure and heart rate, according to Jane E. Brody, a Personal Health columnist for the New York Times.
How’s that for relaxed?
The American Counseling Association site Counseling.org even suggests crochet therapy for those with dementia. If you create with others, it’s a good social opportunity, too.
So if you’re hoping to share your love this holiday season with a more personal touch, here’s a little guide to start you off:
Beginners: For a true beginner, a scarf is the easy option. Its rectangular shape only requires you to know the basics. There are many books and online tutorials available to help.
If you’re a confident beginner, try branching out into items such as winter headbands or mug/thermos cozies. They have the same easy shape, but you progress to learning to sew or crochet them closed, add a button, or learn to work in the round.
Intermediate: Once you know the basics, small changes add variety and flavor to your projects. Change colors, learn new stitches, or mix skills. Use embroidery skills to sew a lace border or crochet around the edges of a knit scarf. The world is your oyster.
If someone you’re creating for won’t wear scarves (and there’s one in every family), hats, shawls or wraps, and leg warmers are all useful and cozy in winter. Mittens and socks are great too, although they can be difficult for beginners and you have to make them in pairs.
A single oversized sock might be considered a stocking, but there are patterns available for those, like this free pattern from Red Heart: Bit.ly/37j9bTU.
Intermediate knitters and crocheters can experiment with decorative patterns and stitches, or choose more complex projects such as socks, slippers, or stuffed animals (patterns help).
(The blog Little Yarn Friends offers a free, simple teddy bear pattern – even my first attempt looks quite charming: Bit.ly/2Kxvyv4)
Someone’s existing teddy bear could use a hat and scarf, too. Doll clothes are a big hit and quick to make.
Advanced: Experts can master complicated techniques – such as lace, Irish Aran style knitting, or the Fair Isle multicolor work. Or go for difficult shapes such as sweaters.
Still, even experts stick to basics, because the thirtieth scarf is just as fun as the first.
You can find more projects and ideas on knitting and crocheting sites such as Ravelry.com, a social media site for people who can’t get enough of sticks and hooks.
Users upload their own designs for free or a small price, and patterns are rated by the experience level required to complete them. Just be sure to give the designer credit if you publicize your work.
For materials and advice, local yarn and craft stores such as Alpaca Direct in Hayden and Joann Fabric and Crafts in Coeur d’Alene have you covered. Employees at both stores are experienced crafters.
Your local library and Coeur d’Alene bookseller Well Read Moose have pattern books which explain the basics as well.
And if you don’t knit, buy a few colorful skeins for someone who does. Who knows, maybe you’ll get a scarf next year.