Did you know that unlike knitting, crochet cannot be replicated by a machine? There are machines that call themselves (or rather their manufacturers call them) “crochet machines”. They weave a fabric that from a distance resembles crocheted lace. However, when looked at up close, it truly is a simple warp and weft weave! The machine just has complex templates for weaving. On the other hand, machine knitting is indistinguishable from hand knitting, assuming even tension by the hand knitter, because the machine actually creates a knit stitch for each stitch. The so-called “crochet machines” can only make woven lace fabric that looks like crochet from a distance, and there are no machines that even attempt to create a facsimile of crocheted fabric, such as a sweater or afghan. I’ve seen the fake “crocheted” curtain panels and tablecloths produced on those machines… they aren’t particularly attractive and I’ve only seen them in cheap “diner” style restaurants and WalMart’s curtain department. So, if you see a bargain priced crocheted doily (Michael’s loves to sell these as decorating accessories) sweater or afghan, you can bet your last dollar that it was produced in a sweat shop somewhere by some woman or child working for pennies… or less.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Did You Know?
Did you know that unlike knitting, crochet cannot be replicated by a machine? There are machines that call themselves (or rather their manufacturers call them) “crochet machines”. They weave a fabric that from a distance resembles crocheted lace. However, when looked at up close, it truly is a simple warp and weft weave! The machine just has complex templates for weaving. On the other hand, machine knitting is indistinguishable from hand knitting, assuming even tension by the hand knitter, because the machine actually creates a knit stitch for each stitch. The so-called “crochet machines” can only make woven lace fabric that looks like crochet from a distance, and there are no machines that even attempt to create a facsimile of crocheted fabric, such as a sweater or afghan. I’ve seen the fake “crocheted” curtain panels and tablecloths produced on those machines… they aren’t particularly attractive and I’ve only seen them in cheap “diner” style restaurants and WalMart’s curtain department. So, if you see a bargain priced crocheted doily (Michael’s loves to sell these as decorating accessories) sweater or afghan, you can bet your last dollar that it was produced in a sweat shop somewhere by some woman or child working for pennies… or less.
Monday, January 05, 2009
What to Expect for 2009
2009 will be an exciting year of new glazes and more intricate and unique designs for both my pottery and crochet creations.
The main pottery colors will still be blues and greens but I am going to have more glossy versus matt glazes as they react more together so you never know what you are going to get. I will also be integrating additional colors to the mix such as a red/purple.
Crochet will also encompass more colors as well as more unique designs. Items you would never find in a store.
I am really excited about getting back into the studio and creating new pieces, thawing out my glazes and creating new glazes once the studio warms up again. The plan for 2009 is also to build a new studio which I will be able to heat and work in year round..
<---- To buy online please visit my Etsy shop by clicking on the buy online link to the left or scrolling to the very bottom of this website.
See you soon!
The main pottery colors will still be blues and greens but I am going to have more glossy versus matt glazes as they react more together so you never know what you are going to get. I will also be integrating additional colors to the mix such as a red/purple.
Crochet will also encompass more colors as well as more unique designs. Items you would never find in a store.
I am really excited about getting back into the studio and creating new pieces, thawing out my glazes and creating new glazes once the studio warms up again. The plan for 2009 is also to build a new studio which I will be able to heat and work in year round..
<---- To buy online please visit my Etsy shop by clicking on the buy online link to the left or scrolling to the very bottom of this website.
See you soon!
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