It's an age old question, and in crochet (as in many other hobbies - wink, wink) the answer is YES!

How much it matters (I'm talking about crochet now) is quite surprising.  I don't make a lot of things that have to fit - so for most of my work I get by without making a gauge swatch.  Should I do it more often? - probably, but when you're making things like shawls, hats and mitts there's really no need.

There have been times, where in order to have something come out the way the pattern says it will, I've taken the time to swatch.  Certainly it can save anguish in the long run, as nothing is more aggravating than spending countless hours on a garment only to find it doesn't fit (you, the person you're making it for, or anyone you'd even consider giving it to).  Plus it helps you get to know the pattern you're going to be using.  Let's face it, some patterns look good on paper, but when you spend some time with them you find out that you don't like them nearly as much as you thought you would.

If you're a swatcher (occasionally or otherwise), you've experienced the impact that hook size has.  It's generally not dramatic, but when worked over a number of rows you can see how much a difference it makes.

So what happens when you change hook size and yarn thickness?  Well obviously you're going to get pieces that are different sizes.  What's surprising is how significantly different the sizes are.

Take a look at these squares.  I'm making a throw with this pattern and was trying to decide what kind of yarn to use.  It calls for dk/sport acrylic,  but I was leaning toward worsted cotton.  I made one of each.  I liked the way the cotton felt, but the baby soft  acrylic had more stitch definition.  If I used the cotton, I wouldn't have to make as many squares, but in the end I decided on the dk/sport. 

Turns out it's not as easy as I thought.  My first stop was Ravelry.  When I searched "Knit and Crochet Combination Patterns" I was rewarded with 7 results. The one afghan it contains is actually a knit sampler with crochet edging. Hmmm.... Not quite what I'm looking for.  I tried a variety of different searches with very disappointing results.

Time for Google.  This lead me to Crochet Pattern Central and Knitting Pattern Central, websites that I've had good luck with in the past.  Here's a funny thing.  Both sites have a tab at the top for Knit & Crochet Combo Patterns.  The one on the knit page links to a blank page while the one on the crochet page links to a moderate size list. Anyway, I was once again disappointed with the results.  While the patterns do employ both techniques most of the ones I looked at were knit projects with crochet trim, and I didn't find any "sampler" patterns.

After wondering aimlessly through a variety of blogs and websites I decided that perhaps the only way to get what I'm after is to come up with my own.  By searching for knit or crochet "sampler" patterns I was rewarded with a much larger selection.  I'm sure a lovely blanket could be created by combining my favorites from this group.  Somewhere along the line I did find one combo pattern.  It's the blue sampler afghan from Red Heart. 

There remains one afghan that has been on my radar for some time.  It's the Groovyghan by Tracy St.John.  This eye popping burst of colors, shapes and lines simply captivates me.  I love the way that Tracy uses so many different crochet techniques.  By combining horizontal and vertical lines with circles and squares there's so much movement and energy I can't help but smile every time I see it!

Crochet-a-long, knit-a-long, quilt-a-long, read-a-long, craft-a-long: what ever kind of a-long it is, there are plenty of reasons to considering joining.
Here are my top 5:

1. You get the benefit of the expertise of the person running the group - often the pattern designer or an experienced crafter with lots of hands on knowledge.
2. You meet new people who you already have something in common with!  This means new blogs to read, new inspiration, and new friends.
   
3. As a group you solve pattern problems and clarify instructions when someone asks, "What does it mean when the pattern says..."
4. You can find and share modifications that help ensure the project fits your own style or makes accommodations for sizing or materials.
5. It's like having your very own cheer leading squad! There is a great sense of being part of a team and you get lots of encouragement.
   

Early Centuries: Man creates handwork for practical purposes using materials like strands of woven fiber, cords or strips of cloth. Hunters and fishermen make knotted fishnets, openwork cooking utensils, knotted game bags and animal traps. Handwork is expanded to include decorations for ceremonial costumes, religious rites, celebrations, marriages and funerals.

1500s:  European royalty and the wealthy lavish themselves in lace made with a needle and/or bobbin.

Some believe that in Italy Nuns are doing a form of crochet called “nun’s work” or “nun’s lace” making textiles for the church.

1700s:   It is accepted by many that crochet developed from a type of Chinese needlework; an ancient form of embroidery that reached Europe in the 1700s and became known as Tambour. By the end of the 1700s Tambour evolves into what the French call “crochet in the air”.  (“Croche” is Middle French for hook).

Early 1800s:         Crochet becomes “the poor man’s lace” and experiences a surge in popularity thanks to Mlle. Riego de la Branchardiere who turns old style needle and bobbin patterns into crochet patterns. In 1824 the first pattern is published and Mlle. de la Branchardiere joins in publishing many pattern books making them available to legions of women. One of her books, Knitting, Crochet and Netting with 12 Illustrations originally published in 1846 is available today as a free e-book, as is The Ladies Work-Book.

1845-1850:          Irish workers (men, women and children) are organized into crochet cooperatives during the potato famine making fine lace for the wealthy.  They rely on the earnings to survive and emigrate from Ireland.

1845-1859:          Two million Irish immigrate to America (four million by 1890) bringing with them their vast experience with crochet.  American women who are already adept at spinning, weaving, knitting and quilting add crochet to their repertoire.

1897:     A pattern called “Patchwork Square” is printed in Weldon’s Practical Needlework, published by The Weldon Company of London. The description indicates that it is good way to use up scrap and leftover bits of yarn which can then be sewn together into an afghan, rug or baby blanket.  A look at the picture shows what we know today as the Traditional Granny Square!!

It is my belief that creative women were already making grannies, but this has come to be accepted (by many) as the first time we see the pattern in print.

Up to this time we see many patterns for lace accents, lamp mats and shades, doilies, antimacassars and even bird cage covers! But, crochet is changing, and it’s no longer just the poor man’s lace. As we enter the 1900s – 1930 we see women crocheting afghans, slumber rugs, travel rugs, sleigh rugs, tea cozies and water bottle covers, as well as the now standard dishcloths and potholders. In The Handbook of Wool Knitting and Crochet (also available as a free e-book), originally published in 1918 you'll find a well rounded selection of these patterns.

Following the stock market crash in 1929 and the resulting economic depression, resources and goods are limited and women are forced to find new and creative ways to meet the needs of their families. Old and worn sweaters are ripped apart and the yarn is steamed for reuse. Every bit of fiber is saved, and it is here that we see the matriarch (Granny) leading the way and turning the otherwise useless bit and scraps into squares to be stitched together making blankets and other necessary items for her family.  We don’t know who coined the name Granny Square, but we do know that what was once made out of necessity is made today because of its timeless versatility and style.

The granny square has come so far that you can find them in the Smithsonian Museum, in the afghan that graced the back of the couch on the sit-com Rosanne (1988 – 1997). They can even be found in high fashion making their way down the catwalks as designers Henry Holland and Christopher Kane made them the focal point of their collections last year.

I venture to say that the granny square is an iconic symbol of crochet.  Most everyone (of a certain age) had a granny square afghan, or knew a family member or friend who did.  Ask anyone what crochet is and I bet they’ll think of a granny square – even if they don’t know what it’s called. I once had a knitter friend tell me that until she met me and saw all the things I made, when she thought of crochet she only thought of the granny square!

When I asked for your help in choosing my next project I had no idea what I was getting into! As I started looking at patterns I realized how diverse and plentiful they are. However, the history of crochet and in turn the granny is vague at best.  Through interviews, books and reputable websites I’ve created this timeline.  I’ve done my best to present accurate, factual information. Any mistakes or misinterpretations are mine.

I have the yarn, I have the hooks, I have the time.  I don’t have the right pattern.  Here’s the scoop.  There is a young couple who come into the library almost everyday, and they are expecting their first child.  They’re kind of hippyish, artsy sort of kids and I’ve grown quite fond of them.  I don’t know much about them (except for what they like to read), but I do have a feeling that they can use some help getting ready for the baby. Because of their fondness for handmade arts and crafts (bags, jewelry, clothes etc.) I think that they would appreciate and use a baby blanket from their favorite crochet crazy librarian! (Thus making them “Crochet Worthy”!)

What I need is the right pattern.  Between Ravelry, the internet and my collection of books and magazines I have plenty to choose from.  That’s where it gets confusing.  There are so many choices that I never quite know what to do. And I feel like it’s always a bit of a crap shoot.  Of course, Rav does do a great job letting me see what others have done, but not everyone uses ratings and makes notes about their projects.  So I’m hoping to hear from you with some suggestions.