Some things just never get old. No matter what generation and no matter year someone is living in some hobbies just never leave.
According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, in the 19th century crochet was a way to relive stress in Ireland during the time of the Great Irish Famine.
What started off as crochet lace work to cope with the surrounding difficulties, turned into a worldwide trend.
It soon became popular in other places around the world such as America and other parts of Europe.
Will hundreds of years have passed it seems that the tradition has not.
Lisa Murno, assistant director at the Prospect Public Library, had always been a fan of crochet herself.
“I began learning crochet as a 12 year old on my own. I didn’t have a mother or grandmother that knew how,” said Murno. “So, I managed to learn from a book.”
Murno had always liked the idea of starting a crochet class that would allow kids to come and learn how to crochet for themselves.
Starting in January of 2011 Murno started her fist Crochet Class after school at the library.
“I don’t think Prospect has had a crochet program in a long time or if ever,” said Murno.
So starting with eight girls Murno meet with them once a week and taught them different stiches and techniques to create their own masterpieces.
The program was such a success that it has continued to run and new members have joined. Now, Murno has experienced learners coming back for more and new learners joining in.
In fact, the program has become so popular that Murno is now offering an adult crochet class starting in February that will meet the fourth Thursday of the month.
Lia White, ten year old participant in the class said, “[I like learning to crochet] because it is cool turning the ball of yarn into something by yourself.”
“I hope they think of the library as a place with innovative programs, a place of enjoyment,” said Murno. “I want people, in general, to think of the Prospect Library as “their” library.”
Murno has clearly shown that the tradition is not too old and that no one is too old or young to learn something new.
And as Murno points out, “[Crochet] isn’t the craft of the stereotypical grumpy old lady crocheting or knitting in the rocking chair.”
