June Blogger of the Month - Lazy T Crochet

This month, the Etsyblogger team's blogger of the month is Tricia from Lazy T Crochet on Etsy. Her blog, LazyTCrochet is filled with an assortment of her musings and some great information about "Yarn, Etsy, Food, and Friends."

It might have been hard for you to guess what Tricia sells in her shop, but if you guessed crocheted items, you win the John Madden award for obviousness. If you said slouchy crocheted tee shirts, you probably need more to do to keep your mind and imagination busy. So we've established that Tricia crochets (and knits as well)... but I have a dilemma - how do I spin a yarn out of that? [pun intended]

I came to the conclusion that I would be better off making this an informational post rather than a storyline, so if you've never crocheted or knitted before or even if you've been crocheting or knitting for quite a while now, you may come away knowing a little bit (or a little bit more) about these ages old crafts.
So, what are the differences and similarities between knitting and crocheting? Well, they both use long strands of one material or another, whether it's yarn, string, fabric, or even plastic grocery bags! For purposes of this discussion, since Tricia works mostly with yarn, let's think in terms of that.

Knitting and crocheting techniques both form fabric through the creation of a series of interlocking woven loops. Both techniques can be used to create a variety of different stitches determined by the weight of the yarn, the number of strands of yarn, the number of loops in an actual single stitch, as well as the tension of the yarn. The major difference is that knitting uses two actual tools - a set of knitting needles, to form basic stitches. Crocheting also uses two tools - one of which is a simple smooth-ended hook while the other tool is simply the crocheter's index finger which holds the yarn as the loops are made.

Standard crocheting techniques create complete stitches one at a time, while knitting requires that loops be held on the second needle until the pattern is complete at which time they are "bound off". (Note - there is a form of crocheting called Tunisian crochet or afghan crochet (not to be confused with creating afghans which can be done using traditional crochet stitches) that uses the "held stitch" method to create more knitting-like patterns.) This results in a structural difference between knitting and crochet. In knitting, each stitch is supported by the corresponding stitch in the row above and it supports the corresponding stitch in the row below.


In crochet each stitch is only supported by and supports the stitches on either side of it. If a stitch in a finished item breaks, the stitches above and below remain intact, and, because of the complex looping of each stitch, the stitches on either side are not likely to come loose unless put under a lot of stress. Crocheting is typically thought of as airier and more open than knitting, although the thickness of the fabric it produces tends to make it bulkier than knitting -but it all depends on the knitting technique, yarn or thread, and stitches used.

One of the nicest things about crocheted and knitted items is their breathability. Most people are under the misconception that these items will keep you warm by holding in heat. In reality, the openness of the weave, especially in loosely woven patterns, allows heat that builds in the fibers to circulate with the air around you, actually keeping you more comfortable than a tightly woven textile. Lacey patterns serve more for appearance than warmth, adding beauty and texture in a way that no mere fabric can.

Tricia's shop, Lazy T Crochet has a great assortment of accessories, hats, scarves, shawls, capelets, bracelets, purses, and even coffee cozies in a variety of patterns and colors and textures - definitely something for everyone - so be sure you stop by and see what might suit your needs or be a welcome gift for someone you know!

(Don't forget to enter to win my current free blog giveaway here )