Expert: Ed Matos - 4/14/2011

Question
What are your thoughts about the growing number of men who 'openly' crochet?

Answer
Ken:

It is great. I have been crocheting and knitting for many, many years, and have been very proud of doing it so. I often take my project on trips and will openly work on them in public.

In the past, men did the knitting and crocheting for garments that they needed. Since they had the raw material, they would take those and made practical items (socks, shirts, coats, etc)

It's society who places a gender to what can be done. At this time, nothing is gender specific, any gender can be a construction worker, sewer, crochet, knitter, driver, dress maker, hairdresser, etc etc.

I use the art of crocheting both as a way of expressing myself, make heirloom items and to keep a balance in my life.

I like to continue the tradition of crocheting, and now have taken up teaching this great craft. I am recruiting both men and woman, but also children, so that this craft can live on for ever.

Happy Hooking

Ed