A STITCH IN TIME

We all love modern crochet designs, but sometimes only a classic will do. We’re taking a step back and meeting the collectors who can’t get enough of vintage crochet

- Sophie Tarrant

Crochet, as we know it today, is thought to have been developed in the 16th century. We’ve come a long way since then, and throughout the centuries crochet has remained a popular hobby and a mainstay in the fashion world, often harking back to earlier styles. We met up with a few of our favourite crochet designers who enjoy the vintage look to see what it is about antique designs that they love so much – and how easily they translate to the modern craft world.

OLD SCHOOL COOL

“I’ve had an obsession with 1960s and 70s fashion since high school,” explains crochet artist Kelsey Ferruggia, who lives in New Jersey, USA and creates vintage-inspired garments and accessories under the name Kozmicbluescrochet. “Crochet was a popular hobby during that time period, so I thought, what if I made clothes from 1960s and 70s patterns? I turned to my grandma and with her guidance (and YouTube videos) I learnt how to do it. I then started making wearable bags, and Kozmicbluescrochet was born!”

Crochet has long been in style, both on the catwalk and in craft stashes, and just like Kelsey many other vintage-lovers have found themselves inspired to learn the craft. Cate Coles, who blogs about her passion for retro-style under the name Vintage Gal, agrees. “I’ve always loved everything old, even as a child,” she explains. “I got into vintage clothing at college, and fashion from the 1930s and the 1960s was my favourite. Crochet was very popular during both eras, and I wanted to reproduce some antique pieces. Modern clothing is often quite basic, but vintage clothing – especially from the 1930s – is so unusual, and has amazing cuts. Interestingly, the garments look complicated but are actually just cleverly constructed and pretty easy to make.”

MATERIAL GIRLS