Let me take you back a few years, when a 5mm crochet hook was my best friend, and pretty much all the yarn I used was Aran or medium weight. I seemed to be constantly drawn to chunky crochet, mostly because it worked up faster, and so I felt somewhat accomplished when I'd finished a project in record time. That was when I was constantly thinking of projects to create, but slowly that factory line started to burn out. It's a classic canon event for any crafter or artist. Nowadays, with my slower, relaxed approach to projects, I'm drawn to 3mm or 4mm crochet hooks at the largest, and DK, light weight yarn or below. Of course, the outcome of any crochet hook and yarn weight is dependent on the project you choose, your preference of finish, or in my case what feels more rewarding. My attitude to crochet projects has definitely shifted, and I really enjoy smaller stitches and more intricate textures. I don't mind if a project takes time, because I now prioritise quality over quantity. I would rather have a sweater that I truly love and admire, over one that I rushed and moved on from.
That's why in recent weeks I've been interested in different stitches and techniques that are new for me. I realised that I've definitely found comfort in the same types of stitches, likely culprits are a US single and double crochet. But there's so much more to explore, and even with my few years experience, I've barely covered the surface. Even now, there'll be a creator designing a new stitch pattern, and I think it's fascinating that a simple motion of wrapping yarn around a hook and pulling it through loops has so many variations.
Although, I have to admit something. Luckily, I've created this safe space for myself. I've been tempted to put the crochet hook down, and reach for knitting needles. It wouldn't be my first time though. My memory recalls only ever knitting once, and that was during lockdown. I vividly remember using an acrylic, slate-grey yarn and a pair of wooden needles, that I used to make a scarf whilst watching the entirety of the TV series Community. To which at the end, I frogged the entire thing. Another classic canon event. During the same time of learning to crochet, I was also given a hoard of knitting needles from family. I still have them to this day stored under my bed, where once every 6 months I'll dig them out and clean. But recently, I've been researching into some knit projects that I don't think crochet could replicate. Of course, it is physically possible to do so. But I think there's always a slight difference in appearance between the two.
One of said projects I've been captured by, is a beautifully floating poncho. In my opinion, it would be a simple project to begin with, since it's just a long rectangle joined at the short ends? Or maybe it could be made using those knitting needles that join together (Update: I've just looked them up, and I mean circular knitting needles). I've also been inspired by some clothing, as the colder season begins to creep in. I think knitters have pure talent, it's something I know takes practice and dedication. And the results reflect that. Of course you can get a knitting machine, but if I see someone out with a half-finished project on a pair of knitting needles, they're an automatic cool, classy girly.
Whilst also broadening my crochet knowledge, I thought learning to knit would work side by side, and possibly better my projects. I know some creators that use both with their work, in fact one business Dainty Knit (@daintyknit) is a huge inspiration of mine, and does exactly this. Based in South Korea, they create clothing and accessories inspired by the 2000s, childhood nostalgia and punk style. Since discovering them, it's low-key been a dream of mine to work for them, or contribute in any way possible to what they do. But in order to do that, I better start learning how to knit.
My knowledge of knitting is the following: Cast on and purl stitches. I might know the motion of what to do, but anything else is another language to me. Although, I guess that's how I felt when I first started to crochet. If you'd shown me ch 12, 10 dc, ch 2, turn, I would have been too stunned. But now it's like a second language. Sometimes I forget how far I've come with crochet, so maybe in a few years, I'll say the same for knitting.
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