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| The "Carra" Sontag Hand-made for Rachels' Seamstress Services |
"Sontag is a woman's crochet'd or knitted jacket that has long ends crossing over the front and tying at the back; and it commemorates Henriette Sontag (1806-1854), a German operatic coloratura-soprano singer, ennobled in 1826. In 1828 she married Count Rossi."
For several years I had wished to offer this crocheted garment on the Rachels' web-site but was unable to concentrate fully on it until this year. And I am so thankful I did, as it is most stunning! Created by the maker of all the crocheted caps on the Rachels' site, "Carra" is expertly hand-crafted and will last for many years with proper care. In addition, a new crocheted cap is offered that I have put together with the "Carra" Sontag. Called the "Carra" Coif. Has just the right amount of coverage to keep your head warm during the cold days.
Made in a wool-ease yarn that is 80% acrylic and 20% wool, "Carra" is hand-washable. Per request, one can also have the "Carra" made in another yarn fiber.
The History of Crochet
The origins of crochet date back to 16th century France, where nuns used hooks for making beautiful lace. In fact, the word "crochet" comes from the French term for hook. The art of crochet was carried by the nuns to Ireland. Here, Irish girls skillfully copied many rare old patterns and crochet became a refined accomplishment required of well-bred young ladies.
Although modern crochet dates back to the 16th century, various crude forms of the art have been found in many earlier societies as far back as 2000 B.C. One of these forms was accomplished with a needle similar to a fisherman's needle. Another form was developed from an early mariner's technique of looping without tying a knot. It is thought that weavers combined these methods in an attempt to find a simpler method of weaving using sticks. These crude 'hand-weaving' tools eventually became crochet hooks.
Crochet was refined into a craft during the 16th century in French convents, but it was not until the 19th century that crochet was recognized as one of the "womanly arts" on a level of popularity with knitting and embroidery. Women fleeing France brought the technique and the French name "crochet" to England around 1820. A quarter of a century later, crochet was introduced in Ireland as a cottage industry with which people could make a meager living. The beautiful rose designs of Irish crochet were used in edgings, tablecloths, and delicate blouses sold all over the world. Unfortunately, the modern machine copies have lost much of the delicacy and beauty of the original handmade crochet.
Traditionally, crochet has been worked in cotton threads for purely utilitarian items such as tablecloths, napkins, and bedspreads. Today, crocheting employs many types of threads and yarns for an endless variety of garments, afghans, and decorations for around the house.
Taken from the Leisure Arts Book "I Can't Believe I'm Crocheting!"
