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?!