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How Do You Feel About Fast Fashion Crochet?

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cro doily purse 0913

 

I had never heard of ‘fast fashion’.  Have you?  This very brief video gives a glimpse into some problems in the fashion world that will interest many crocheters.  The impact of ‘fast fashion’ is less on crochet than on many other facets of the fashion/ clothing/ yarn industry – but it’s there.  Please check it out and let me know what you think?

You can also purchase plarn ready made here via Etsy.

While the video addresses retail fashion more than what we, as crocheters, might create with our own hooks, I think the lessons of the video apply to all art forms.

As crocheters we are both producers and consumers as all of us create (produce) items from yarn that some of us actually produce ourselves while most of us just go to the store to purchase our yarn.  Do we care about the environmental effect of yarn production?  Do we care about purchasing yarn created by upcycling some other material (plarn, soda bottle yarn as in ‘fleece’)?  Do we create timeless or trendy pieces?

cro tee shirt yarn 0913

Only you can answer these questions for yourself.  Only you can determine if the issues raised in this tiny video are important to you.

For me, any way I can easily re-use, recycle, upcycle, and reduce the waste of fiber materials, I’m on board with that.  There are limits to my participation as I cannot use many of the recycled forms of ‘yarn’ because they are hard on my wrists.  But, I certainly like the look of many such items – tee shirt rugs, plarn totes and sandals, cassette tape flowers.

Here are a couple of links to get you thinking.  Look at this.

Or this.  There’s plenty more.  Just ‘bing’ ‘recycled yarn’ or ‘recycled fashion’ to see more and get more ideas.  Is this for you?

What do you think?

Comments

  1. This is certainly interesting jd. I’m not sure that it really applies to hand-crafted items since the goal there is always to produce the highest quality item possible with the resources that you have.

    However, as far as the fashion industry is concerned, I am all for the new trend. Personally, I get tired of most of my clothing after wearing it for a season or two. I have no problem “buying it cheap and buying it often”!

  2. I like old stuff. Old clothes, tablecloths, curtains, you name it. I also like clothes that fit properly and are well made…..those kind of clothes never go out of style and make me feel good about myself. Most of the things I see in the stores now are cheaply made and look cheap on the body. You can tell quality when you see the fit is proper and feel the fabric and the way it lays on the body. You CAN NOT get that at WalMart or Target, Maurice’s or Old Navy.

Have you read?

Whip It Up Crochet Blanket – Free Pattern

This Free Whip It Up Crochet Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like pure comfort crochet. It is a free download for a crochet afghan, and Mary Maxim describes it as a beautifully textured blanket with a plush, soft texture designed to be worked up quickly.

The yarn choice is what really sets the tone here. This pattern uses Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, with 5 skeins and a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That puts it firmly in the jumbo-yarn category, which usually means fast progress, chunky stitches, and that lovely instant-gratification feeling where the blanket actually starts looking like a blanket very quickly. Mary Maxim lists the yarn as weight 7 jumbo.

The finished size is also generous at 52 x 60 inches, so this is more than a tiny lap throw. It sounds like a proper snuggle-on-the-sofa blanket, and one that would make a nice gift as well. Mary Maxim specifically suggests it as a throw for home décor or as a thoughtful handmade present.

Skill-wise, this one looks very approachable. The page lists it as Beginner / Easy, and the stitch requirements are simple: chain, double crochet, repeat, single crochet, and slip knot. That makes it a good option for newer crocheters who want a chunky blanket project without too much fuss, or for more experienced crocheters who just want something relaxing and cozy on the hook.

I also think this is the kind of pattern that has strong appeal for anyone who likes fast, useful projects. Jumbo yarn blankets are not subtle, but that is part of their charm. They feel squishy, dramatic, and very giftable. Sometimes you want a delicate heirloom project, and sometimes you want a big soft blanket that feels like crocheting with a cloud. This one definitely leans toward the second category. That last part is my take based on the listed materials, size, and description.