Guest Blogger: Sue Rock on Plaid Crochet

My own interest in crochet is with clothing. As a vintage crochet collector I have collected tens of thousands of patterns of every type from the early 1920’s to the current day and I am continually fascinated by how the crochet technique is used to create garments.

It was in a search through the collection for an interesting new pattern to try out that I discovered this:

The concept WOWed me and looking at the pattern it seemed quite simple – short even. What I learned was an amazing crochet technique which with the most basic crochet skills can create a phenomenal tailored textured look. Now, while sky blue, royal and olive worsted weight yarn were ALL THE RAGE in the early 70’s, I am sure you could come up with some color combinations that are phenomenal, such as:
Ivory, beige and brown
Cranberry and Ivory
Black, white and grey
Deep Purple, Olive and Putty(textured – ooooo!)

The plaid technique was a very popular crochet technique. By doing filet crochet in stripes of contrasting colors and then weaving the stripe pattern in vertically, a beautiful woven fabric is created with the plaid fabric illusion complete!

Sue Rock Originals has featured this design for its signature fall wrap skirt, a houndstooth wrap and looks forward to jackets and pocketbooks.

For more information on how to create this GREAT technique effortlessly – pick up Vickie Howells latest best seller – Pop Goes Crochet!

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc is the only textile charity committed to supporting the lives of survivors of domestic violence. With such a small percentage of women leaving domestic violence situations nationwide, we felt it was important to provide direct support to these women who have made the courageous first steps towards change. Each year SROE partners volunteers with the raw materials to create NEW clothing and accessories they will need as they live in transitional housing. Many times women leaving the cycle of violence only have their basics upon entering a residence. Volunteers create handknit and hand crocheted sweaters, shrugs, bags, tops and so much more!

We have established wonderful relationships with Safe Horizon, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Family Justice Center and Sanctuary for Families. As part of our mission, we train in all aspects of the textiles arts – including knitting (machine and hand), crocheting, sewing/tailoring, macrame and needlepoint.

The non-profit has a unique funding engine – Sue Rock Originals, an eco-fashion brand of women’s separates selling at boutiques throughout the NY area. Using reclaimed fabrics from the interior design and garment industries, Sue Rock Originals has a line of “Back to Basics” separates which are flattering to every figure!
 
Please review our most recent write up in the “I Love Franklin Avenue” blog http://ilovefranklinave.blogspot.com/2009/05/this-place-rocks.html


To volunteer or send donations
Contact:  Sue Rock  347 365 8747