The word crochet comes from the French word, "croche", which means "hook". Crochet-like work probably goes back to ancient times when a finger was used instead of a hook. Though finger crochet is still practiced today, it is more common to crochet using a hook to pull a strand of material (thread, yarn, wire, etc.) through one active loop that is on the hook and to repeat this movement to form chains that ultimately form a fabric.
In Europe during the 1500's, the use of lace for trimmings on gowns and jackets or on headpieces, distinguished the royal and wealthy from the poor since the latter could only dream of wearing such things It is believed that crochet was developed as the poor man's imitation of the rich man's lace. (Marks, R. , "Crochet History", 1997 Posted on CGOA Web site with permission 2009 ).
For example, the crochet shawl shown below is called the Blurre. A design by Addydae Designs (http://www.addydae.com/), it is a crescent-shaped shawl that has either 5 or 6 colors that transition into one another causing a gradual blurring of the lines between them. Although shawls no longer enjoy the popularity they once did, the shawl was an integral part of women’s fashions well up until the 20th century. Today, the shawl is mainly considered a primary fashion element for knitters and crocheters, who spend many hours of their day thinking about designing and making shawls. They have created so many styles and shapes of shawls that you would, most likely, not be able to make them all in your lifetime.
Blurre Shawl by Addydae Designs
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