Crocheted doily

Knitting and crocheting are one of the oldest forms of needlework. Nowadays they are also very popular among women (and not only!). Many things are done this way: doilies, table-clothes, curtains, plaids, cushions and many things for kitchen to make it cozy. Besides toys, that were knitted or crocheted become the best friends of children because they radiate mum's warm feelings. But do you know that many years ago only men could knit and crochet? And how did it appear? So here are some facts.

The history of knitting and crocheting.

No one knows who invented the first eye for crochet needle. No one knows but it is known that this first magic eye was born long before CE. The oldest crocheted thing is a beautiful belt with humming-bird as a motive. It was found in Peru and dates back to the 3rd century AD. A child crocheted sock was found in Egypt in one of Pharaoh Tombs. Archeologists say it is about 4 thousand years. And even a set of knitting needles was found in one of German tombs. Does it mean that before that time there were not knitting and crocheting? Of course we can't claim this because all these proofs decayed long ago even if there were some. We have only pictures. In the 5th century crocheting flourishes in the East and in the 9th century it came to Europe. They say in Europe crocheting came with the help of Copts - Egyptian Christians. And in the 12th century knitting and crocheting became house work. In the 13th century knitting became a very profitable branch of industry. In Scotland appears a traditional head-dress - knitted beret (tam-o'-shanter). In Europe knitted stockings appear. Both kings and retinue wore them. Stockings were very necessary and men wore even 12 pairs of stockings at once in cold times. It is very interesting that these times only men could knit and crochet. And they fought against women competition with the help of special pacts. In 1612 year Prague stocking-makers declared that they wouldn't engage any woman. Only after some time passed women began to prevail in this field. But men didn't lose an interest in this area. For example in 1946 year a man won the national American competition on crocheting. And the prize was a gold crochet needle.

Legend and reality

But you should know that legends have their own answers on every ancient event. In 1867 William Felkin in his work about history of stockings tried to prove that knitting was known even in times of Trojan War in period when Iliad" and Odyssey" were made by Homer. And words knitting" and weaving" were replaced because of inaccuracy of copyists and translators. It is known that Penelope while waiting her husband Odysseus tried to contain impatient fiancés by promise that she will get married as soon as her wedding dress is ready. But at night she unraveled all she wove during the previous day. In reality Penelope had to knit or crochet because one can unravel only knitted or crocheted thing (but not woven) quickly without visible signs and without breaking off the tread. And here is another legend. Athena was one of the most honored goddesses. She gave wisdom and knowledge to people. Girls of Ancient Greece respected Athena because she taught them needlework. Among good hands at weaving that made linen as clear as air Arachna was famous. She was a daughter of cloth dyer. Arachna became so proud of herself that decided to challenge Athena. Athena came to Arachna as a crooked old woman and tried to warn Arachna against this. One can't be higher than gods and one should try to surpass only equal. But Arachna didn't listen to wise advice of old woman. She made a linen that surpassed a goddess' one. But in her work Arachna expressed disrespect and contempt to gods. Athena become angry with this and tore this linen. Arachna couldn't endure such shame and committed suicide. Athena saved an arrogant woman but transform her into spider. Since those times she spins her web. In real life people also tried to use web as yarn. In Ancient China people made dresses of arachnoidal silk. The king of France Ludovick 14th had a souvenir of Montpellier parliament - stockings and gloves knitted of spider's silk. But as it was very difficult to establish its industrial production so spider's cloth one can see only in museums.

Russian lace.

But let's speak about crocheting. As in 1589 William Lee invented a special knitting machine so nowadays knitted things can be easily made. But crocheting is really unique. One can't invent a special machine to replace hand-made crochet things. So in crocheting you can find originality, singleness of the thing. Laces are very famous. In 16th century laces began to walk over Europe" and in 19th century this art became really jewellery. Crocheted things of that time kept safe in some houses and museums charm with beauty and grace and amaze with mastery. Russian laces are also very popular. For ages Russian people improved this mastery. Every girl should have a dowry. And all women of her family provide a dowry for her. Usually they get together and wave clothes, crochet laces for towels and bed linen. In old times every peasant woman had to do needlework. To provide clothes to her family she had to be able to weave, embroider, knit, and crochet. The most skilled took part in making lord's clothes. For the first time Russian lace was mentioned in the Ipatiev's chronicle. It was called gold lace because it was made of gold and silver thread. This lace was even sold by its weight.

Some differences

Dutch began to write patterns and to publish them as the first in their journal Penelope" in 1824. At the end of 19th century the unification of signs and symbols ended. And two systems appeared Britain and American. In Russia, Europe, America, Africa and Asia there was one system and in Australia, Great Britain and some other countries of the British Commonwealth of Nations they use other system. But it is easy to understand both of them because every edition has tables of translation. But the main thing is that these laces are made with warm-heartedness. Russian needlewomen really put hearts and souls in their work. And it is really pleasant to have such lovely crocheted doily that will remind you about those times or just make cosiness at your home.