History:
The history of crochet dates back to the 16th century, during which time European nuns did fine crochet work. By the early 1800's, crochet was a favorite in Ireland. Spreading to England, the craft originally was used to make lace or copies of Venetian or rose point patterns.
Crochet is still used to create beautiful lace for 
home decor projects or women's romantic collars, and the delicate openwork or "filet" crochet is popular for table linens and bedspreads... even wedding gowns. Because the technique produces a fairly sturdy fabric, it has become popular in recent years for more utilitarian items such as potholders, washcloths, and even rugs.
Crochet lets you get creative!
Although crochet is a favorite technique for afghans, since it is quick working and creates a warm throw, don't underestimate its beauty in garments. The thin, lightweight yarns and specialty yarns available today can also be used to create fashions that move and flow with the body and drape as well as any knitted piece.
Crochet has, in truth, unlimited possibilies. Crochet can become anything
from jewelry like this necklace designed Kelly Wilson of Kelly Wilson Design
. . . or it can even be used to create portraits and images as you can see in the Breast Cancer Research Stamp recreated by Todd Paschall, GA and his students.
Crochet also offers the ability to create many raised textures, such as bobbles or "popcorns," even cables. It's all a matter of learning a basic stitch and building on it to create your own work of art.
Want to learn... or looking for that special yarn? Find a retailer near you.