Crocheted Red Hat Bear (Lots more on our Bears page) Crocheting Mouse (See our Mice page for mini-mice and a cute mouse   Name Doilies - Filet Crochet

History of Crocheting

No one is sure when and where crochet started.  The word comes from a French word for hook.  According to crocheter Annie Potter, "The modern art of true crochet as we know it today was developed during the 16th century. It became known as 'crochet lace' in France and 'chain lace' in England."  She reports that in 1916 Walter Edmund Roth visited descendants of the Guiana Indians and found examples of true crochet.

Another researcher, Lis Paludan of Denmark proposed one theory that crochet originated in Arabia, spread to Tibet and to Spain where it followed the Arab trade routes to other Mediterranean countries.  A second theory of Paludan's is that the earliest evidence of crochet came from South America, where a primitive tribe was said to have used crochet adornments in rites of puberty.  While a third theory suggests that three-dimensional dolls worked in crochet were found in China.  Nevertheless, there is no absolute knowledge of the originating source of crocheting.  No crochet work prior to the 1800's has been found in Europe.

Personal Crocheting Experience

Recognition includes invitations to participate in numerous national events to exhibit intricate crocheted items and demonstrate the art of crocheting.   Engagements have included independent evaluations and consulting assignments, work in Christian and other non-for-profit activities, and participation programs sponsored by United States government agencies and the States of Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Mexico.  Numerous awards and recognition for crochet work received for quality, complexity, and creativity.

Craft Shows and other Activities Scheduled for Crocheted Gifts & Collectibles in 2008 & Beyond.  Look for us there!

June 13-15, 2008:  Texas Folklife Festival, San Antonio, Texas

We've been invited for nearly two decades (almost 20 years!) to demonstrate the art of crocheting at the Texas Folklife Festival.  The Festival is hosted by the University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio.  Located on the Institute of Texan Cultures grounds in San Antonio, Texas, this event showcases Texas’ diversity, strength and heritage by featuring delectable dishes created by ethnic groups, arts and crafts vendors, pioneer craft demonstrators (like mine!), stages presenting musical entertainers and ethnic dancers, storytellers and more.  More than 10,000 individuals and organizations representing more than 40 ethnic groups come together to participate in this Texan cultural event.  Look for us there in 2008!

2008 (Exact date to be determined): Grace Church, 6901 San Antonio NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico

This is a nicely organized craft show held in the Grace Church facility.

2008 (Exact date to be determined): La Cueva Arts and Crafts Fair, La Cueva High School, Albuquerque, New Mexico

This is one of the larger craft shows held in Albuquerque.  Over 170 crafters.  Don't miss this one.

May 28-30, 2009: Albuquerque Fiber Arts Fiesta, Albuquerque, New Mexico

This event is sponsored by the Albuquerque Fiber Arts Council, Inc. (http://www.fiberartsfiesta.org).  Fiber artists of all media are invited to submit their crafts to the juried exhibits.  The fiesta will be held in the Creative Arts Building at the New Mexico Expo, which is also the home of the New Mexico State Fair (One block North of Central Avenue on San Pedro).  There will be fiber art exhibits, demonstrations, and guild booths.  Vendor malls and fashion shows are also included.