Comments on: A knitting bias? Survey for knitters and crocheters http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/ Knitting patterns, projects, pictures, tutorials plus news and views from the world of yarn and needles. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:41:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Meg http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-562 Meg Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:15:42 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-562 I've really enjoyed reading all the responses. I have experienced a great deal of anti-crochet prejudice, but i physically CAN'T knit, needlepoint, cross stitch or hold a crayon without wrist pain. Because of the way I was originally taught to hold a crochet hook, I CAN use an ergonomic hook, so I crochet. Yes, I hate being thought of as a second class citizen, but I'll put it up with it in order to enjoy the pleasures of fiber. BTW, a North American yarn co. survey (I think it was sponsored by the Craft Yarn Council of America) showed crocheters outnumbered knitters 2 to 1. :purple: I’ve really enjoyed reading all the responses. I have experienced a great deal of anti-crochet prejudice, but i physically CAN’T knit, needlepoint, cross stitch or hold a crayon without wrist pain. Because of the way I was originally taught to hold a crochet hook, I CAN use an ergonomic hook, so I crochet. Yes, I hate being thought of as a second class citizen, but I’ll put it up with it in order to enjoy the pleasures of fiber.
BTW, a North American yarn co. survey (I think it was sponsored by the Craft Yarn Council of America) showed crocheters outnumbered knitters 2 to 1. :purple:

]]> By: JeanneGreenEyes http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-550 JeanneGreenEyes Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:45:53 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-550 Yet another pop-over from Ravelry! I do not enjoy knitting myself, but enjoy what others create. I love crochet and what I am able to do with it. I agree that hold-over images from the 70s of crochet continue to influence people's opinions to the negative, which is sad because both are fiber art forms that utilize a linear filament (mono or ply) and manipulate it with implements to create various fabrics. Both techniques create beautiful, versatile, detailed or not items for many applications and during the American Victorian era, both were extensively used and valued, along with broomstick, Tunisian, tatting, netting, macrame, bobbin work, and others. They behave differently, but different does not equal Better or Worse. The Plain Bellied Sneeches vs the Star Bellied Sneetches (thanks, Dr. Seus!) kind of snobbery is just boorish and unimaginative. People who give me attitude about crochet (and yes, it does happen) just make me tired and I let them know so. My favorite response is to wave one of my long Tunisian hooks and tell them about Egyptian mummification processes! :scarf: Yet another pop-over from Ravelry! I do not enjoy knitting myself, but enjoy what others create. I love crochet and what I am able to do with it. I agree that hold-over images from the 70s of crochet continue to influence people’s opinions to the negative, which is sad because both are fiber art forms that utilize a linear filament (mono or ply) and manipulate it with implements to create various fabrics. Both techniques create beautiful, versatile, detailed or not items for many applications and during the American Victorian era, both were extensively used and valued, along with broomstick, Tunisian, tatting, netting, macrame, bobbin work, and others. They behave differently, but different does not equal Better or Worse. The Plain Bellied Sneeches vs the Star Bellied Sneetches (thanks, Dr. Seus!) kind of snobbery is just boorish and unimaginative. People who give me attitude about crochet (and yes, it does happen) just make me tired and I let them know so. My favorite response is to wave one of my long Tunisian hooks and tell them about Egyptian mummification processes! :scarf:

]]> By: Vicoria http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-549 Vicoria Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:34:17 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-549 Wow, there are certainly some strong views out there. I'm not terribly active in the online community (just aren't enough hours in the day) so am not really aware of the knitting vs crochet 'debate'. In 'real life' I've luckily not really been exposed to much prejudice. I taught myself to crochet a couple of years ago and found it really easy to pick up. I decided on crochet as I found a great book with some very inviting looking photography and to be honest I was a little bit scared that knitting would be too difficult. I made some great non ugly (!) looking contemporary items that I am really pleased with. I was however getting frustrated with the overall lack of contemporary looking patterns available. I'm still very much a novice and am not really well placed to be making patterns of my own (a bit like trying to run before I can walk). As a result at the back end of last year I decided to teach myself to knit. If I don't say so myself I am getting on quite well! There certainly are a lot more contemporary patterns available BUT as with crochet there are also some monstrosities out there! Personally I think each craft has its place and what's wrong with having both skills under your belt? Wow, there are certainly some strong views out there. I’m not terribly active in the online community (just aren’t enough hours in the day) so am not really aware of the knitting vs crochet ‘debate’. In ‘real life’ I’ve luckily not really been exposed to much prejudice.

I taught myself to crochet a couple of years ago and found it really easy to pick up. I decided on crochet as I found a great book with some very inviting looking photography and to be honest I was a little bit scared that knitting would be too difficult. I made some great non ugly (!) looking contemporary items that I am really pleased with. I was however getting frustrated with the overall lack of contemporary looking patterns available. I’m still very much a novice and am not really well placed to be making patterns of my own (a bit like trying to run before I can walk).

As a result at the back end of last year I decided to teach myself to knit. If I don’t say so myself I am getting on quite well! There certainly are a lot more contemporary patterns available BUT as with crochet there are also some monstrosities out there!

Personally I think each craft has its place and what’s wrong with having both skills under your belt?

]]> By: ouryve http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-548 ouryve Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:09:16 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-548 I've dabbled in crochet, but don't enjoy it nearly as much as knitting. In almost 2 years of knitting, I'd say I've become quite a good knitter, but I don't have the patience with crochet to get there. I also find it really hard on my wrists, so can only do it for short bursts and then can't knit afterwards! All that doesn't mean I think any less of the craft, but it does mean I only usually pick up a hook to edge (or even fix) my knitting! And none of that stops me from collecting crochet magazines - I just wait till they're on sale, instead of snapping them up immediately! :!: I’ve dabbled in crochet, but don’t enjoy it nearly as much as knitting. In almost 2 years of knitting, I’d say I’ve become quite a good knitter, but I don’t have the patience with crochet to get there. I also find it really hard on my wrists, so can only do it for short bursts and then can’t knit afterwards! All that doesn’t mean I think any less of the craft, but it does mean I only usually pick up a hook to edge (or even fix) my knitting!

And none of that stops me from collecting crochet magazines – I just wait till they’re on sale, instead of snapping them up immediately! :!:

]]> By: Connie http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-546 Connie Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:09:43 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-546 Truthfully, I can go both, but I think that crochet is only suitable for afghans and occasionally doilies, which I have no use for. I don't like the fabric, and I do get sick of the whining on Ravelry about how yarn stores and knitters are all biased crochet. A lot of us think, but only a few of us have the balls to say, that crochet is mostly ugly and that's why we don't do it. Truthfully, I can go both, but I think that crochet is only suitable for afghans and occasionally doilies, which I have no use for. I don’t like the fabric, and I do get sick of the whining on Ravelry about how yarn stores and knitters are all biased crochet. A lot of us think, but only a few of us have the balls to say, that crochet is mostly ugly and that’s why we don’t do it.

]]> By: Shooie123 http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-545 Shooie123 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:54:32 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-545 Something I think that needs pointing out is that the knitting vs crochet bias seems to be a predominantly North American issue, and a fairly recent one at that. As someone mentioned to me recently, in some languages the word for knit and crochet is the same and the only differenciation is whether or not you are crafting with a hook or crafting with needles. Knitting has just happened to be the craft that experienced a boom. Crochet is slowly catching up, and has anyone seen much tatting recently? :0) The truth of the matter is that both crafts are done for enjoyment and are a luxury (albeit an inexpensive one if you shop carefully) , and one must have leisure time to do it. Bias slips in here in the same way that it does with any item that's not a necessity. Some folks just want to feel that they have something better/faster/prettier/snazzier than the person next to them does. Thats exactly why people line up for hours in miserable weather for the newest Apple product. (I hope that made some sort of sense, I'm operating on little sleep and no caffeine at the moment...) Something I think that needs pointing out is that the knitting vs crochet bias seems to be a predominantly North American issue, and a fairly recent one at that. As someone mentioned to me recently, in some languages the word for knit and crochet is the same and the only differenciation is whether or not you are crafting with a hook or crafting with needles. Knitting has just happened to be the craft that experienced a boom. Crochet is slowly catching up, and has anyone seen much tatting recently? :0)

The truth of the matter is that both crafts are done for enjoyment and are a luxury (albeit an inexpensive one if you shop carefully) , and one must have leisure time to do it. Bias slips in here in the same way that it does with any item that’s not a necessity. Some folks just want to feel that they have something better/faster/prettier/snazzier than the person next to them does. Thats exactly why people line up for hours in miserable weather for the newest Apple product.

(I hope that made some sort of sense, I’m operating on little sleep and no caffeine at the moment…)

]]> By: Lisa http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-543 Lisa Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:38:29 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-543 I have crocheted for years, was taught at a fairly young age and enjoyed it more or less. I started it back up again as an adult but wasn't particularly moved by the process. It wasn't until I started cloth diapering that I became aware of the prolification of knitting on the internet and in the craft world (and the highly priced wool that comes with it!). I learned how to knit because our cash flow restricted me to using only craft supplies I had on hand. I had a "how to knit" kit and thought I might try it. I did and I am addicted. Since learning how to knit, I've come to somewhat despise crochet. The process is not as soothing to me, the fabric created is not as interesting or useful. I do still crochet at times though, when the right pattern comes my way. Patterns for crochet are different than for knitting and require a lot more concentration than I seem to have available with young children around. However, crochet graphs are becoming more popular which helps my visual brain grasp the concepts. I must say also, I taught my bff to crochet and she LOVED it until I taught her to knit. Now she's kind of meh about it. Maybe she will chime in here, too, since I linked her to the survey. :D I have crocheted for years, was taught at a fairly young age and enjoyed it more or less. I started it back up again as an adult but wasn’t particularly moved by the process. It wasn’t until I started cloth diapering that I became aware of the prolification of knitting on the internet and in the craft world (and the highly priced wool that comes with it!).

I learned how to knit because our cash flow restricted me to using only craft supplies I had on hand. I had a “how to knit” kit and thought I might try it. I did and I am addicted. Since learning how to knit, I’ve come to somewhat despise crochet. The process is not as soothing to me, the fabric created is not as interesting or useful. I do still crochet at times though, when the right pattern comes my way. Patterns for crochet are different than for knitting and require a lot more concentration than I seem to have available with young children around. However, crochet graphs are becoming more popular which helps my visual brain grasp the concepts.

I must say also, I taught my bff to crochet and she LOVED it until I taught her to knit. Now she’s kind of meh about it. Maybe she will chime in here, too, since I linked her to the survey. :D

]]> By: Helen http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-539 Helen Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:17:21 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-539 I only crochet as I've found it very difficult to deal with two sticks. I don't have a problem with it until i see some really awesome laces hawl that is knitted and I can't do it.. oh well.. I haven't made myself many crocheted shawls either so.. I have recently taken up knooking which uses a hook and string.. Very interesting technique.. I do not discriminate against any fibre artist.. There is room in the world for all. I love seeing all the different techniques with threads and fabrics.. I only crochet as I’ve found it very difficult to deal with two sticks. I don’t have a problem with it until i see some really awesome laces hawl that is knitted and I can’t do it.. oh well.. I haven’t made myself many crocheted shawls either so.. I have recently taken up knooking which uses a hook and string.. Very interesting technique.. I do not discriminate against any fibre artist.. There is room in the world for all. I love seeing all the different techniques with threads and fabrics..

]]> By: Katherine http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-538 Katherine Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:20:44 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-538 :pink: Hello, Well I feel that weavers in using traditional looms, or the plastic kind or even knitting bees are missed out and considered a minor craft more than croceht or Knitting. I feel when looking at the craft magazines theres and equal amount of knitting and crochet and proberbly more paper craft mags there to be honest! When it comes to te books I feel there are equal cool and modern patterns for both and I have yet to witness this so call bias? (Again I feel spinning, and weaving is snubbed more.) I love both and admire/inspired by those who are better at it than me. So stop complaining and just create more cool patterns and craft! :D Kat x :jumper: :pink: Hello, Well I feel that weavers in using traditional looms, or the plastic kind or even knitting bees are missed out and considered a minor craft more than croceht or Knitting.
I feel when looking at the craft magazines theres and equal amount of knitting and crochet and proberbly more paper craft mags there to be honest!
When it comes to te books I feel there are equal cool and modern patterns for both and I have yet to witness this so call bias? (Again I feel spinning, and weaving is snubbed more.)
I love both and admire/inspired by those who are better at it than me.
So stop complaining and just create more cool patterns and craft! :D
Kat x :jumper:

]]> By: Kim http://eskimimiknits.com/2010/01/the-knitting-bias-survey-for-knitters-and-crocheters/#comment-537 Kim Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:32:43 +0000 http://eskimimiknits.com/?p=1193#comment-537 I've only had positive responses to my work, but I have heard negative things about crochet in general on the Internet. I think they're secretly jealous :) I’ve only had positive responses to my work, but I have heard negative things about crochet in general on the Internet. I think they’re secretly jealous :)

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