Crochet has a wonderfully old-fashioned quality that warms our modern hearts.  Bright floral motifs and chunky geometric stitches make crochet distinctive and fun to create, wear and use.

Our friend Suzy collects vintage crochet pot holders and doilies, some handmade by family members, others discovered at yard sales over the years. The pot holders pictured all date from the 1960s.  

These pot holders are simply two crocheted pieces sewn together along three sides.  You can use any stitch pattern that catches your fancy, but Suzy recommends sticking to cotton yarn, which is strong and machine washable. 

Simple motifs and patterns make easy embellishments to clothes and home projects. Leah, one of the managers at Purl, adapted Victorian crochet patterns to her beautifully modern bamboo nightdress.  Her project journal shares details about her search for the perfect stitch.