As part of my program’s EDCI 767 course we have been asked to pursue a “free inquiry project” by documenting the process of an inquiry on whatever we like.  I am interested in reflecting on the general steps that we take in learning new things,  not necessarily what the thing being learned is.  For this reason I chose to launch my inquiry into something that I know almost nothing about, and decided upon crochet.

 

embroiderizer (photographer).(2008) retrieved October 6, 2019 from flickr 

I began this inquiry by asking myself what I know about crochet and what my current misconceptions towards it may be. I assume it is of French origin, and think the materials used are needles and yarn. I generally think of crochet to something that is primarily done by the elderly and can be used to make blankets, clothing, and dolls. I realize that these views may be narrow, so to end this post I will leave a list of several questions that I will seek to answer.

What is the cultural history of crochet?  In turn, am I being culturally insensitive by picking it up?

What can be made with crochet?

What materials are necessary for crochet? Do they vary, and if so, why?

Are there different styles of crochet? If so, what style(s) will I attempt to learn?

Where am I going to source my materials?

What resources am I going to use for my background research and for learning the practice?

Do I need to pick a project to complete or are there ways to “dip my toes” into crochet?