Crochet: Even Your Grandmother Thought it was Cool

Crocheting as we know it has been around since the 16th century - you'd think that everything that could be done has been done, with a hobby this old. Think again: the world of crochet has been evolving as quickly as your fashion tastes. There are new yarn and thread styles available every day, it seems - and in colors that allow you to express your own personal style.

Odds are good that your Grandmother crocheted. If she was like my Grandmothers, she either tried teaching you how, or at least gave you an afghan. When I was younger I couldn't really see why I'd want to know how to crochet. I can tell you now that I'm glad I learned. Crochet is a skill that allows you freedom to be creative and to express yourself.

Make a bright orange, fluffy scarf and wear it in defiance of a cold and blustery winter day. Better yet, make one for your significant other and watch them get all mushy on you when they realize how much time you put into this cute and useful little day-brightener. Create the sexiest bikini that fits you perfectly, and enjoy the stares. Dress up your bed with some soft, crocheted throw pillow covers in your favorite colors and textures. Make a hat that tells the world it is busy protecting one seriously hip and creative human's head. Throw your latest satchel creation over your shoulder and go window shopping in downtown - and use the money you saved making your own favorite new bag to buy some awesome shoes.

My point is, don't stereotype crocheting as something that only old people do, or as something that isn't cool. Pretty much everyone agrees that a person who has talent, a sense of style, and a unique look is going to get thumbs up, every time. So grab a friend and hit the craft store: there are some fantastic books with instructions for novices to artistocrats (my new favorite word), and patterns for you to follow and improve on. Give your sense of touch a pleasure trip and wander the aisles of yarn; there are soooo many soft and textured yarns available. Surely there are a few you can't wait to make something out of! Here are a few tips to get you started crocheting:

Find free patterns on the Internet: There are loads of fun and hip patterns on the Internet, if you don't feel like spending $$ on pattern books at the craft shop. The Crafttown Crafters Resource Center is a great resource - be sure to check out their asymetrical poncho and fun lollipop patterns. Some yarn manufacturers also have free patterns available on their websites. Lion Brand Yarn has some in-style patterns on their site right now.

Look for Internet-only coupons and sales:Joann.com always has something on sale, and frequently it is their knit and crochet merchandise. Sign up for their email newsletters and get notified when they have sales. You'll also receive 50% off coupons from time to time - you can't beat that!

Put together a traveling project bag: If you keep your needles and favorite yarns in a tote bag or backpack along with some of your favorite patterns, you're already packed for an impromptu roadtrip, or some hangout time watching movies at a friends' house. You might as well be creative and productive while you're sitting somewhere for a couple of hours, right?

If I haven't convinced you by now to try your hand at crochet - or maybe knitting if you prefer, here's my last ditch effort - the "everybody's doing it" ploy: Julia Roberts, Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz, Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker, Pamela Anderson - and even Russell Crowe all have been seen knitting or crocheting!