CRAFT Crochet hooks more people into the hobby

By BARBARA GASH
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
The number of knitters and crocheters in the United States has swelled to more than 45 million, according to the Craft Yarn Council of America.
We are seeing an especially rapid growth in crochet, which is certainly not just about granny squares anymore. Current fashions have helped boost this hobby, and it doesn't hurt that celebrity magazines tell us about the crocheted creations of Jennifer Lopez, Catherine Zeta-Jones and other stars.
Appeal
Another driving force is, of course, the variety of beautiful yarns on the market now, both affordable and widely available. In addition to the classics, "the new eyelash, furry and ribbon yarns are so gorgeous that people want to jump in and work with them," says John Boggs of pattern book publisher DRG. He cites their particular appeal to young people both male and female, a segment that makes up much of the hobby's growth. "It's a hobby that is portable and relaxing," adds Boggs.
How does crochet differ from knitting?
To crochet, you need only a continuous strand of yarn and a single hook. Stitches are made by wrapping yarn around the hook to form loops. Loops are then drawn through the wrapped yarn to make the stitches.
You can keep making loops, called chains, to create a foundation row, and then build on this foundation.
You can crochet in straight rows, or you can join stitches to work in the round.
It's versatile for both fashion and home decor, with its raised stitches that create beautiful texture.
Here are a few books to help you get started, or inspire you to new projects:
U"How to Crochet" -- a progressive lesson book, by Pauline Turner (Collins & amp; Brown, $29.95).
U"Crochet with Style" -- fun sweaters, by Melissa Leapman (Taunton Press, $19.95).
U"The Weekend Crafter: Crochet" -- 20 simple designs, by Jane Davis (Lark Books, $14.95).
At local yarn and craft stores, look for Lion Brand Yarn's Crochet for a Cause kit, which includes yarn, crochet hook, beginner instructions and pattern for a scarf. It retails for $9, and sales benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To see it on the Web, visit www.lionbrand.com and click on "Order Online," then type "cause" into the search window.
XBarbara Gash writes about sewing for the Detroit Free Press. Write to her at the Free Press, P.O. Box 828, Detroit, Mich. 48231, or send e-mail to compusewaol.com. Letters cannot be answered personally.