Crochet is a craft that has mysterious origins. Some theorize that it was originally done with a curved forefinger rather than the hook of modern crochet. Therefore no artifacts were left behind and a set origin cannot be confirmed. The first published crochet patterns appeared in the Dutch magazine Pénélopé in 1824. Crochet gained popularity within the middle class of Europe during the 1800’s as a more economical substitute for the lace of the nobility. For this reason, crochet suffered a stigma of being considered a "common person’s craft" and was shunned by upper-class and royalty, and not as a unique craft unto itself. Queen Victoria of England helped to break this stigma by openly purchasing crocheted items as well as learning to crochet herself. Even into the modern era, somewhat, crochet is considered the "ugly step-sister" to knitting. But really the two are completely different, aside from the use of yarn as a common material. But unlike the crotchetiers of the past, we can be proud of our craft and wield our hooks with pride!