2008 Limited Edition CGOA (Brainsbarn) Commemorative Hook

2008 CGOA Limited Edition Commemorative Hook by Brainsbarn.com

Manufacturer: Brian & Anne of Brainsbarn.com
Type of Hook: 2008 limited-edition, CGOA Commemorative hook, carved from the exotic fine-grained, lightweight hardwood, chakte kok (Sickingia salvadorensis) with a cloisonne bead; size I.
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: a pullover that will be featured at the 2012 Stitches East show for KnitShopGirls.com

What I like about the hook:  Part of the fun in attending the Crochet Guild of America's Conferences (formerly known as ChainLink, now part of the Knit and Crochet Show), is in collecting the limited edition crochet hooks, such as the one pictured above, crafted by Brian of Brainsbarn.com.  This hook is very-much like the other Brainsbarn hooks I have featured here: they are light-weight, with a nice long neck (great for making tall stitches, or short rows of Tunisian crochet), and have a nice, smooth finish.  I find this hook a joy to work with.

Knitters Pride Interchangeable Tunisian Hook(s)

Test-driving Knitter's Pride Interchangeable Tunisian
Hooks while shopping at Webs Yarn Store.

Manufacturer: Knitters Pride
Type of Hook: lightweight wood
Own/Covet: Covet
On the Hook: test-drive sample

What I love about the hook:  I like the weight and size. I also like that the cables lock in nicely (they screw in). If you were to invest in 2 sets, I don’t see why you couldn’t connect a second crochet hook and do ”Crochet on the Double” or add a knitting needle and do ”Portuguese Knitting.” (In thinking about this, I don’t see why this wouldn’t work for the Denise Interchangeables…)

During my test drive, I did have problems with one hook “sticking” a bit, but that could be easily remedied with a bit of conditioning (using wood balm/oil). I didn’t buy the set -- I was hoping to buy just one hook/cable combo and give it a more rigorous workout in the comfort of my home before deciding if I want to buy the entire set. Unfortunately they didn’t have the single hook/cable available for purchase in the store, but they do have it available for ordering through their website, yarn.com.  I don't know if the single Tunisian hook comes with the cable, and if so, how long it is.  Once I glean this information I'll update this post and order me one taking this hook off my Covet List and onto my Own List.  The hooks are made in India.

Daystar Crochet Hook

Daystar Crochet Hook by Katherine Kowalski

Manufacturer: Daystar by Katherine Kowalski (on Etsy)
Type of Hook: "Tortoise" dyed hardwood, size J
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: Scarf using extended hdc stitches, blending two unlabeled yarns together.

What I love about the hook:  This Daystar hook is one of my longest "regular" sized hand-turned crochet hooks.  On average it is about 1/2" to 1" longer than the rest of my collection; if I had a larger hand, I might not have noticed this. I find the extra length adds a smidge more weight to the back end of the hook -- however, I'm willing to overlook this because of the fantastic length of the shank (the part just after the hook's neck, and right before the hook body begins to flare for holding).  The elongated shank allows me to make beautiful stitches requiring multiple yarn-overs without becoming stretched out by the thumb-rest area, and the finish is silky smooth so the yarn just glides!  The hook is a pleasure to use!

For those looking for Graydog Crochet hooks, imho, Katherine's hooks are about as close as you can get.

Capt Jack Sparrow Crochet Hook

Capt Jack Sparrow crochet hook, inspired by the
Pirates of the Caribbean movie series.

Manufacturer: LemonadeShop (on Etsy)
Type of Hook: Boye hook cleverly adorned with clay, size "H"
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: Nothing at the moment, but Capt Jack Sparrow did enjoy coming about to hand-crochet some chemo caps for young buccaneers in need. (Caron's Spa yarn is great for chemo caps!)

What I love about the hook: As a huge Johnny Depp fan, and of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, having the character of Capt Jack Sparrow testing his sea legs with the rapid yarn overs required for crochet stitches, I found crocheting with this hook to be a lot of fun. 

Shiver me timbers, one of the great things I liked about working with Heather (the clay designer for this brand of hooks) on this custom design, is that she was able to smoothly wrap the "ocean" around the thumb rest of the hook, tapering it into a smooth join around the mizzen of the hook (that's pirate talk meaning "middle") so I can freely twist the hook between my fingers with each stitch I create.  (I'm not a fan of thumb rests because I rotate the hook with my fingers).  Heather did a great job with the tiny details, complete with some pirate bounty, and sword!   And, although not pictured, Heather even gave Capt Jack Sparrow a cute bumm too! I'mjustsayin'...

I found that the weight distribution for this hook-decked-out-in-clay is no different than some of my jeweled beauties by other hook makers. It is comfortable to use, and ready to take on more amazing yarn adventures. :)

Sistermaide Crochet Hook

Dynamo pint-sized crochet hook by Sistermaide.

Manufacturer: Sistermaide (on Etsy)
Type of Hook: hackberry wood, size "J"
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: scarf for donation using short-rows of Tunisian stitching (original pattern)

What I love about the hook:  The hook was recommended by a participant on Ravelry in the Crochet Liberation Group.  I had never heard of this hook maker before, so being a fan of collecting crochet hooks I decided to give one a try.  Even though the length (5 1/4") was listed when I purchased it from the Sistermaide Etsy shop, I didn't give it much thought until it arrived in the mail.

Wow; this is one of the shortest crochet hooks (aside from steel hooks) that I own.  I wasn't sure how I would like it until I took it out for an official test drive.  What I've found is that this little hook is like a sports car -- it wants to go! Go! GO!  lol

Even with its slight taper, I am enjoying creating short-rows of Tunisian stitches with it; the head shape is perfect for "bar hopping," and the length fits comfortably in my palm.  Did I mention that it is lightweight too?  I like that!  And I'm looking forward to hand-crocheting more projects in the future with this pint-size dynamo crochet hook!  Thanks for the recommendation "OGirl."  :)

Dodo's Design "Twisted" Crochet Hook

Dodo's Design "Twist"

Manufacturer: DoDos-Design
Type of Hook: wooden, size "J"
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: nothing at the moment

What I love about the hook:  In 2006 and 2007 unusual crochet hooks seemed to have been the rage-- for me they still are -- imho, if you were shopping for hand-turned crochet hooks, this would have been the time to collect some of the more ornate ones hand-crafted in modern times!  Dodos Designs seeming came from out of no where, hosting a variety of different styles delighting crocheters.  I'm lucky to own several and will show more in the future. This particular hook with its see-through twisted carving was one of the most sought after styles (I think I still have battle scars from heavy eBay bidding; lol).

The Dodo hook was sold through eBay, and was mentioned in the August 2006 issue of Talking Crochet.  They had a booth at the 2006 CGOA ChainLink / Knit & Crochet Show, and in 2007 they would be selected as the Commemorative Crochet Hook for the CGOA's Hook Collector's group.

Unfortunately their website, www.dodo-design.com, went defunct in 2008.  It is unknown why they stopped offering their crochet hooks & knitting needles made of exotic wood, ox horns and bones.  My memory says that the hooks were manufactured in India, but I have no concrete evidence (at the moment) of this.   On Phootsy's website are images of how the hooks were created: http://www.phootsy.com/Dodo.htm

Unfortunately, for me, their hooks were heavily coated with a shellac varnish taking away from the natural wood feeling I enjoy so much, so I don't use them often.  However, their unique designs are what hooked me in collecting them.

T. Buettner & Co. Inc Crochet Hook

Nun's Crochet Hook; photo by Marcia. Hook belonged to her grandmother.

Manufacturer: T. Buettner & Co. Inc (aka "Nun's" crochet hooks)
Type of Hook: wooden, size "K"
Own/Covet: Covet
On the Hook: nothing; the hook is owned by Marcia.  Originally blogged about this hook here.

What I love about the hook:  The company T. Buettner & Company was located in Chicago, Illinois, and specialized in the importing and manufacturing of goods for crocheting, embroidery, knitting, spool knitting and the likes for 100 years. Many companies at the time published their own patterns to help support the sales of their thread & yarn lines, so it is no surprise they also offered their own line of crochet hooks.

While it is possible that the Nun's line of crochet hooks could have been produced in Germany, it is in knowing that this hook is stamped with the letter "K" that it was created for American use.  I covet the hook because it is a part of crochet history.

Safari Crochet Hook

Manufacturer: Dave of Grizzly Mountain Arts
Type of Hook: "Pyro-Art" Tiger maple , size J (6.00mm)
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: nothing at the moment, but it just finished whipping up several Chemo Caps! :)

What I love about the hook:  I was hunting on the Internet for German and Russian crochet hooks when I stumbled upon a 2009 blog entry for a "pyro art giraffe print crochet hook."  Can we say I instantly coveted that hook?  Yes, I think we can.  And deeply, too. 

I took a deep breath, crossed my fingers and sent an email asking if he was making any more of this style crochet hook.  To my delight Dave responded quickly stating he no longer sells on eBay, and that he  now mostly makes spindles and other fiber tools with a crochet hook now & then. (His work is beautiful! Check out his Etsy shop here.)  I asked if he'd be willing to take a custom order -- he said yes! -- and the next thing I know, I have this tiger-wood giraffe theme beauty in my crochet-addicted hands!

What is not to love about it?  It is light weight, with a slightly pointed head, and neck that tapers into the body.  With me being a big giraffe fan, the pyro-burn etching of giraffe print is what makes this crochet hook so unique.  (yarn pictured is by madelinetosh.com)  Who knew crochet-hook hunting could be so much fun?!

NYCCG 5th Anniversary Hook

Manufacturer: NYCCG 2006 Commemorative Crochet Hook by Grafton Fibers
Type of Hook: Rich red and ebony wood; size 5mm
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: nothing at the moment
What I love about the hook: Hey, it's a hand-turned crochet hook by Tom Dyak of DyakCraft; formerly called "Grafton Fibers." What's not to love?

This is one of their earlier hook designs: nice long neck, smooth body, great weight balance. The hook was created to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the New York City Crochet Guild; you had to be a member to order one. The hook is stamped with "NYCCG 2001-2006"

Richie Rich's Crochet Hooks

Manufacturer: Rich Woods (Eastern States Exposition; 2004)
Type of Hook: wooden; various sizes & woods
Own/Covet: Own 1 of the 7 (the dark brown one closest to my thumb, "Honduras Rosewood"); covet the other 6
On the Hook: Nothing at the moment

What I love about the hook: Rich and his wife had a booth at the Eastern States Exposition for as long as I can remember. I had always stopped at his booth to both admire all the barretts and pens they sold, as well as watch him work his magic in his little "on sight" studio he had.

In 2004 my CGOA Chapter was demonstrating on Connecticut Day and asked Rich if he was interested in trying to create some crochet hooks. He was game, hand-turning seven crochet hooks (I'm holding all seven in my hands in the photo above.) Each hook was unique; no two alike. They were divided up between the members interested, of which I was a lucky one.

The following year Rich and his wife were gone. I was advised his wife was ill and that he hoped to return in 2006 -- sadly he has not returned at all. Hopefully he and his wife are in good health, enjoying retirement.

Because these hooks have thumb rests, I do not use mine. The hook is light weight, balanced beautifully. I call them "Richie Rich's" crochet hooks because of the rich memories I have of this couple.

Dee's Felted PolyClay Crochet Hook

Manufacturer: Boye crochet hook -- adorned by me!
Type of Hook: metal hook size "H" with polyclay and felted roving
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: nothing at the moment

What I love about the hook:  is that I have not seen a polyclay and felted crochet handle together -- until now.  The idea to blend the two mediums came from when Linda of www.dyakcraft.com taught my CGOA Chapter members how to felt a handle onto our crochet hooks, and from some recent polyclay crochet hook purchases I've recently made (to be featured in an upcoming post!).

The hardest part of the project was rolling out the clay; I actually used 3 colors: hot pink, hot yellow, and a dark glittery purple.  The rolling of the clay repeatedly blended the colors into a murkey yet-still-sparkley purple.  I wrapped the clay around the thumb rest and added a little "swirl" on the very end of the hook and baked it based upon the clay's instructions.  That was easy.

Once it cooled, I put some elmer's glue on the remaining (exposed) handle of the hook and started needle felting the roving on (I have some more needle felting to do on it).  The little gems you see on the wool are actually stickers.  I don't know how long they'll stay on, but since this customization was an experiment, I thought, "hey, why not!?"

My new crochet hook may not be the most stunning crochet hook evahhhhh, but it does prove a point: crocheters can -- and will -- alter their crochet hooks for both comfort and ascetics.  I like the way the polyclay allows me to roll my hook, while the wool reduces the weight should the whole handle been dolled up with the clay.  This is something I look forward to exploring further in the future.  :)

Dee's Dowel-y Crochet Hook

Crochet hook I made in Nancy Nehring's class @ 2006 CGOA ChainLink Conference.

Manufacturer: Me!
Type of Hook: wooden; made from a dowel; size "L"
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: nothing at the moment; use mainly for  hand-crocheting chemo caps with bulkier yarns

What I love about the hook:  I love the natural feel of wooden crochet hooks.  There were CGOA conferences where Nancy Nehring taught the class on how to craft your own crochet hook, but they always quickly sold out - so imagine my delight when I got in her 2006 class!

For me, this class was more than about just crafting a crochet hook. It was more about self-discovery of what I like about the crochet hooks I use.  What I discovered in that class is that I like my crochet hook heads to be tapered, with a nicely shaped bowl, and slightly tapered neck that gracefully connects to the body of the crochet hook.  I also discovered Walnut Oil.  Apparently, not only is it good for consumption, but it is also great for conditioning wooden crochet hooks!

If you are interested in learning how to create your own crochet hooks, I have created a page here containing several "how to" links.  Crafting your own crochet hook is a journey well worth taking, even if you only go on the journey once, as I have thus far.  :)

NeedleLite Crochet Hook

Vashti Braha demonstrates her new light-up crochet hook at the
2006 CGOA ChainLink Conference.

Manufacturer: created by Mike, Roger and Bill of MrB Innovations / NeedleLite Crochet Hook
Type of Hook: plastic; lights up
Own/Covet: Own; size K
On the Hook: nothing at the moment

What I love about the hook:  Look into the archives of many online crochet groups from 2005-2006 and you'll see a surge in interest in crochet hooks that light up.  I don't remember posting anything on the topic, but I do recall being very interested. 

At the 2006 CGOA ChainLink Conference, I was in a crochet class with classmate Vashti Braha, who, after our break, came nearly bouncing in with glee with a new crochet hook from the Vendors Market.  (Yes, those are her happy hands pictured with her new NeedleLite crochet hook.)  Oh! I recall instantly coveting her new crochet hook - I had to have one for myself!  Unfortunately, the vendor who had them had sold out!

A few years later (in 2008 I think), while browsing trolling on eBay for crochet goodies, I found someone selling them.  Now I proudly own one.  What I like about the hook is that it is extremely bright ... great for when my eyes need a little burst of light when working with dark colored yarns.  I like the long neck and body - and that it has no thumb rest.  The button-cell battery is also easy to replace; and because it uses a button-cell, the hook is light in weight.  What I don't like, and it's just a minor thing, is that the manufacturer did not put their name on the hook.

These light-up hooks are more expensive than the Clover line of light-up crochet hooks (to be discussed in a future blog post), but I think, based upon the amount of light it produces, it is worth the investment. That, and the fact they're MADE IN USA!

Susanne's Ebony Crochet Hook

Manufacturer: Susanne's Häkelnadel aus Edelholz (translation: crochet needle precious wood)
Type of Hook: Ebony recycled from piano wood
Own/Covet: Own (several!) 
On the Hook: nothing at the moment

What I love about the hook:  A few years ago I purchased several of these crochet hooks from Webs yarn store, located in Northampton, MA.  (I have of yet to see them offered in other US stores.)  The hooks are created out of wood salvaged from a piano manufacturer in Germany -- I love this!

The hooks are light weight, and very smooth.  I love that the hooks don't have a thumb rest making it a great tool for creating narrow strips of Tunisian, or really tall linked crochet stitches.

I was unsuccessful in locating information about the hook creator, so I am unsure if Susanne is the company's name/crochet hook line (such as with Susan Bates' crochet hooks), or if Susanne is an actual person.  Regardless, the hooks feel nice, come from recycled material, have a nicely shaped head, and are reasonably priced.  Recommended?  Yep.  :)

Titanium Crochet Hook

Manufacturer: Molton Gold/London, England
Type of Hook: Titanium
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: nothing at the moment

What I love about the hook:  This is one of my prized crochet hooks in my collection. Based upon the eBay listing (I had won back in 2003), the hook came from  a jewelry store that was named "Molton Gold," which was located on South Molton Street in London, nearly 30 years ago.  The eBay listing states it is in the original box; it came with no paperwork or tags from the store. 

I have no idea who the actual hook maker was, but my understanding on how the rainbow colors were created comes from a 3-day-long crochet class I took around the same time I won the eBay auction:  the hook was dipped in a chemical, then electricity was added.  How long the hook sat in the electrified chemical determined the color the titanium took on; to see this process done in person is really cool.  (Google/Bing Joan Dulla to see some really cool creations using this process.)

Other than the hook being from London, being made from titanium, and the array of rainbow colors, I also love the long body.  I think it would be perfect for Tunisian crochet made with fine thread.  The only thing preventing me from actually using the hook is the head; it's kinda funky with it's extremely pointed head and notched out throat. 

I don't know if any others exist; I would love to know more about this hook, and if there are more out there in the world.  :)

Glass "Hot Rod" Crochet Hook

See more images of this hook while being made by visiting:
http://twitter.com/#!/KnitGlassGuy/media/slideshow?url=http%3A%2F%2Fyfrog.com%2Foe50bqrj

Manufacturer: Chris of www.KnittingGlassGuy.com

Type of Hook: glass with dual inner twist colors of yellow & periwinkle, custom heart at the end; size H.
Own/Covet: Own
On the Hook: scarf for donation

What I love about the hook: Back in November 2011, I posted on Twitter that I wanted to treat myself to a new crochet hook.  Within minutes Chris was recommended by Helen of Orlando, and we began tweeting about custom creating a glass hook for me. 

I wanted a glass crochet hook with colors that "popped" so that when I crochet in public the hook will draw attention.  Chris created two hooks and let me pick.  When I asked if he could add a little heart at the end of the hook, he created that too.  Chris said after he made the heart there was a little bit of glass left over, so he surprised me with a matching pendant!

When I first picked up my new glass crochet hook to begin my initial test drive, it did feel a little heavy, but I quickly became accustomed to the weight and my stitches were soon speeding off my new "hot rod" crochet hook flawlessly.  For those concerned about the warmth of the hook, I found it warmed to my hand within moments, almost like crocheting with a wooden hook. 

If you never tried a glass crochet hook, I do recommend it:  Chris sells his for as little as $12 (plus S&H).  His glass hooks, like the one I now enjoy, is more expensive, but well worth it. :)

Harry Potter's Magic Crochet Wand

Manufacturer: Jimbo of  Jimbo's Front Porch
Type of Hook: branch wood collected from somewhere on Jimbo's ranch.
Own/Covet: Covet.  Hook is owned by my daughter, Mini~Dee
On the Hook:  A Harry Potter scarf she is designing.

What I love about the hook:  This was a special request I asked Jimbo for.  My daughter, having read EVERY Harry Potter book -- several times -- and now collecting every DVD of the Harry Potter movie series, was missing something.  This became clear when we were discussing if there are crochet hooks inspired by the books & movies we love.  I had never heard of a "Harry Potter Magic Crochet Wand" before and thought it would make a great birthday gift for her.

Only she didn't get it for her birthday, which will have taken place by the time this entry posts.  Jimbo was so quick in responding to my special request, that when it arrived in the mail, my husband & I both decided the hook was so awesome that we just HAD to give it to her early.  This meant she got it for Christmas.  (We also gave her yarn to crochet her own Harry Potter scarf; pictured above with her HP crochet hook.)

When I hold her Harry Potter hook in my hand, I find the natural crooking of the wood to be perfect for overhand holding.  I love how the crook straightens towards the body and neck, leading to a nicely shaped head.  I can see why she's been so spell-bound to crochet!  Jimbo really did a great job on this "one of a kind" crochet hook!  :)

Mini~Dee thinks the hook is pretty cool; she's been practicing her "flick & swish" technique with some beautiful stitches.  The head & body of the hook is smooth, and the rustic wood end inspires the castings of many spells, such as, "Accio yarn!"



Guest Blogspot: Craft Designs for You

Image used with permission.

 -*-*-  Guest Blogger: Sandie of www.crochetcabana.com   -*-*-

Manufacturer: Craft Designs for You
Type of Hook: hard maple wood in size L
Own/Covet: Own 
On the Hook: a scarf using Deborah Norville Serenity yarn. The color pictured is Stormy.

What I love about the hook:
I love the way the yarn just glides over the wood with hardly any effort. This particular hook is special to me because it was custom made to celebrate the 10th anniversary of my web site, Crochet Cabana in 2007. I have two with the same design - the L hook and a #4 steel hook. Cherie Leck and her husband Ken make the hooks themselves, carving the wood and painting the design. Cherie is a joy to work with.

The lighthouse and dolphins have always been incorporated in my logos on the web site. There is no real reason for this except that I enjoy and collect lighthouses and have a fascination with dolphins. The logos I have had at Crochet Cabana were all designed by my daughter.

You can see similar hooks at their web site.
http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/crochethook/samplecustomhooks.htm

I also own some of the custom made gemstone hooks on the same site. Beautiful hooks!
http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/crochethook/crochethooks.htm