The art of modern crochet is only limited by the artisan's mind.
~ Monica Lynn Sadler ~
Founder, Designer & CEO

VERSATILITY

Modern crochet is an amazing art form. There are beginners, and there are masters. Although it can be basic, it can also be extremely complicated, requiring immense expertise. Crochet is incredibly versatile in that it can be made to look like knit, lace, fabric and even tapestry.

Gone are the days where only Nana is seen crocheting. You may find it surprising that crochet (modern or otherwise) is loved and practiced by all age groups, from Gen Z to the Silent Gen, men and women alike. You may see someone casually crocheting on a park bench, or in a local yarn store with a group of fellow artisans. Each of those people views this art form differently. It may be design for some, relaxation for others, or simply artistry.

The mixture of textile, color, and texture has proven to create uniquely beautiful clothing, accessories, and even home décor. Those of us in this buzzing industry are filled daily with inspiration, creativity, and possibilities. We hope to pass our love of this art form on to you.

ORIGIN

Frankly, there is no solid evidence that we know of, as to the age of crochet. The earliest evidence of crochet, as we know it, is first commonly seen in the second half of the eighteenth century. The origination of crochet is also unclear. However, there are three dominant theories:

Crochet may have developed from Chinese needlework, an ancient form of embroidery known in Turkey, India, Persia and North Africa, which reached Europe in the eighteenth century, and was referred to as tambouring. The main theory behind the origin of crochet seems to be that it began when it was realized that chains worked in a pattern would hang together without background fabric.

At the end of the eighteenth century, tambour evolved into what the French called crochet in the air, when the background fabric was discarded, and the stitch worked on its own. Tambour hooks were as thin as sewing needles, and therefore the work must have been done with very fine thread. [http://EzineArticles.com/85872]

FASHION

Take a look at the runways in New York, Milan, and Paris. Modern crochet is on every runway, artistically intertwined with the latest fashions. Vibrant textiles, rich color, and soft hues in various textures bring designs alive.

Since its humble beginnings, this beautiful art form has evolved exponentially. Fresh designs and innovative styles now fill the aisles of department stores, home décor emporiums and a myriad of online shops. Modern crochet has become various things to various people - an art medium; a creative outlet; mode of business and more.

TEXTILES

The textiles used for crochet are only limited by the imagination. Yarn, thread, and cord are more commonly used. However, if we think creatively, one can also use fabric, ribbon, rope, or wire as well. Given that textile weights vary from lace to super bulky, many astounding combinations can be explored.

Let us discuss for a moment the variety of plant and animal fibers are available. Most of us are familiar with wool. However, there is a plethora of wool variety. The more common include alpaca, angora, cashmere, merino, mohair. One can also go the organic route of textiles such as silk, cotton, hemp, and bamboo. Some of the most breathtaking yarns have a blend of fibers.

TEXTURE

Texture is created by combining textile(s) with stitches. Although there are only five basic stitches in crochet, the way the modern crochet artist compiles these stitches creates hundreds of other stitches. Advanced artisans create wondrous works of art that are quite elaborate in texture.

The core of crochet is handcraftsmanship at its finest -- the textile flowing through the fingers of the artisan, creating stitches which become designs that can be worn by your neighbor or crafted into haute couture gracing the worldwide runways. Irrespective, modern crochet is truly art.