Fiber artists weave magic

Fiber arts make a comeback in popularity with younger generations

“What are you knitting?”

Every fiber artist hears this at least once in their life, regardless of whether they are knitting or crocheting. There is a difference between the two, but some people don’t know the difference.

Knitting is when there are two needles and the work is kept on the needles the entire time. There are straight needles and connected needles for different types of projects. There are also different sizes of needles, typically measured in millimeters, ranging from 2 millimeters to 40 millimeters.

English teacher Erin Umpstead said that crochet is an important feature in her life.

“Crochet feeds my soul and it’s an outlet. It’s my art form, but it also allows me to get out excess energy,” Umpstead said.

Crocheting is when there is one hook and the work is held off the hook most of the time. Most crochet hooks are not as long as needles due to not needing to hold the work on the hook. There are many different sizes of hooks as well, measured in millimeters, ranging from half a millimeter to 35 millimeters.

The smallest hooks are used for making doilies and lace while the thicker hooks are used for chunky yarn which is often used for blankets.

Sophomore Allison Wieger explained that blankets are one of their favorite things to make.

“They’re really mindless and I can just get into the groove,” Wieger said. Wieger also said that the monotony of crochet is a way to relax.

“I’m usually zoned out and just getting into a groove unless it’s a complicated project.”

Smaller projects tend to be more difficult due to the small size of the stitches, but some people find them enjoyable.

“I make unicorns. They’re fun and they go pretty quick. I love to make anatomical hearts because they’re creepy and fun,” said Umpstead.

There are many different types of yarns and different materials used for the yarns as well. Yarn is measured in seven different weights, starting with lace, super fine, fine, light weight, medium weight, bulky, super bulky, and jumbo.

Acrylic fits under the medium weight, known as worsted yarn and is most commonly used for beginners due to the same texture in the entire skein of yarn.

More experienced crocheters use other types of yarns such as wool or cotton. Beginners don’t have to use just acrylic and experienced crocheters don’t have to use wool or cotton, people just have to find the brand or texture that they like.

Some crocheters use patterns while others freehand certain objects that they’ve made before. Umpstead explained that she uses patterns until they are committed to memory, and she will learn something else.

“So if it’s something new, then I have to use a pattern. If it’s something that I’ve done, I tend to do a lot of the same thing for a while and then I lose interest and I do another thing.”

Some people want to learn to crochet, but can’t figure it out. They struggle with learning how to make a slip knot or how to chain, or maybe going onto the second row.

Senior Hannah Hoang-Pham decided to help Holt High School overcome these problems and show them how to become crocheters. If you are interested in learning how to crochet, join the Holt Crochet Club, Mondays from 2:45 to 3:45 in room 106 at North Campus.