Crochet is a traditional art dating back to the Sixteenth Century.
An art that once helped save a Nation  from starvation became the accomplishment of queens. The word itself is derived from the French word croche, meaning hook.  In the beginning it was almost entirely a convent art, classified with other types of handiwork under the general heading of nun's work. During the great Irish Famine of 1846, the nuns taught it to their pupils and the proceeds from the sales of fine lace helped alleviate existing miseries. It was then that it became, along with playing the harpsichord, one of the graceful accomplishments of the well-born young lady. One of the loveliest is that known as Irish Crochet, famous as far back as 1743.
(  The entire story of the History Of Crochet by the Spool Cotton Company,  will be included with any of our Crochet Auction Items IF you request it when sending us shipping information or payment information. Please make a separate note if you wish to receive it.    It is free of charge. )

TOOLS & SUPPLIES:

For Fine Lace Work a small fine thread is used along with a tiny hook.
Crochet Thread Sizes:  10, 20, 30, 50. The # 50 being the finest and smallest thread.  Steel Crochet Hook Sizes: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and sometimes 15 are used for Lace, Doilies, Tablecloths, Veils, Shawl, etc.
Larger More Bulky Items such as Afghans, Rugs, Sweaters, Ponchos, Mittens, etc.  are usually done with YARN.
There is an infinite variety of yarn sizes and materials as well as large hooks to fit the project.  Wondeful yarns are now available including: Eye Lash Yarn, Fun Fur,  Crinkle, Chenille, Suede, Polar Fleece, Etc.  Hooks for more bulky items are usually sized as: ex.  G-H-I-J-K, etc. 
An "Afghan" hook is a special very long hook to hold the "afghan stitches" on the hook in a row until ready to take them off.
 ( see directions for Afghan Stitch on your particular pattern.)
If you are a beginner, it is best to buy a pattern in a book or pamphlet and use what is recommended for THAT particular pattern.  If you are experienced you can design your own patterns or adapt an older one.  I learned to crochet at the age of  4 yrs old from my Grandmother.  And I have found many other materials for crochet such as "rick-rack", "ribbon",  and "Strips of Fabric", as well as added embellishments such as Beads & Pearls that can be crocheted into the item at the time of construction. 
All of these supplies are available on E-bay. 
Please keep in mind that some patterns or hand made items are Copyrighted and should not be copied and distributed for sale !
If you buy a Completed Hand Crocheted item,  please remember that it was very time intensive and took many hours to complete.  A Timless Art !

"We Are Dedicated To The Preservation Of  Traditional Hand Crafted Items"

Beaded Doiley Auction Item - The Other Beaded Crochet Doily that we had previously pictured, was sold on E-bay on 10/19/05.