Hooked on crocheting
Experienced photographer, electric bass player, “Neutral Milk Hotel” fan, music enthusiast, avid cellist, sister, friend.
At any moment in time, Lila Weiser ’17 can assume any number or combination of these titles. However, she has one more title up her handmade-sweater sleeve: devoted crochetier.
Similar to knitting, crocheting is the process of creating fabric from yarn, and evolved from traditional practices in Iran, South America and China.
The type of crocheting your favorite pair of knit shorts from Free People might actually be made of, however, first came into style in the early 19th century.
Unlike its two-needled cousin, crocheting involves a single crochet hook and has only one stitch active at a time.
The activation of only one stitch at once makes it an easier spin-off of knitting.
“I could never knit,” Weiser said, while explaining the difference between the two styles. “It’s way too difficult.”
Crocheting, on the other hand, seems to be more of Weiser’s forte.
“I picked it up because my great grandmother used to crochet a lot,” Weiser said.
“When I was a little girl, she taught me how so I would be able to make myself scarves and things.”
Nearly 10 years since Weiser picked up her first ball of yarn and crochet hook, she has made over 150 scarves and dozens of blankets. She has even ventured as far as making animal-shaped door knob covers to keep them from getting cold when her family lost power during Superstorm Sandy.
Lately, Weiser has been considering starting to sell her scarves to classmates and friends. It’s clear to see, though, that she is hardly in it for the money.
“Frankly, I would be extremely flattered if anyone ever bought one of my scarves,” Weiser said. “I’ve always loved making them, profit or no profit.”
Among her collection of handmade scarves sit some of her most prized pieces, ranging from infinity scarves to frilly matching hat and glove sets.
“I’ve also made a monogrammed pillowcase that was really cool,” she said. “And once, I crocheted a scarf that looked like a pencil, which was definitely the most creative item I’ve made.”
Weiser has spent hundreds of hours throughout her childhood sitting with yarn and hook in hand, which might make some wonder, “Why?” The answer: passion.
“It’s really nice to make something for yourself,” she said. “And it’s even more rewarding to make a scarf for someone else.”
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