In this episode of Exploration Crochet, ReRe kicks off a new deep-dive series on crochet innovations by tackling the craft’s most universal—and frustrating—beginning. We’ll explore the "Achilles' Heel" of crochet: the starting chain. This episode of Exploration Crochet traces the evolution of the starting chain and the rise of chainless foundation stitches like FSC and FDC. Host ReRe explores why the starting chain "won" the historical format war and why it took over 150 years to find a better alternative. We highlight the work of technical maverick Bill Elmore and designer Doris Chan, who fought editorial resistance to modernize pattern publishing. Learn why the transition to foundation stitches revolutionized garment making and how you can use 200 years of technical development in your next project…without “canceling” the classic chain. So, let’s dive into Crochet Unchained: The Evolution of Starting.

Foundation Crochet Links |

FSC - https://youtu.be/WNkjb7QMcWk?si=u_0wy_0JrjfHv3m6

FHDC - https://youtu.be/fFKdw7_reM8?si=EhU31i4WjKaEH6qz

FDC - https://youtu.be/NSNSrGqEW7g?si=rmWQQ3V8b_lkJ-e_

FTC - https://youtu.be/MlCQIB17BE0?si=iFp9l_AsaUmB1wB-

Sound Attributions |

https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html

Synthesizer Echo Plinks 1 by ani_music -- https://freesound.org/s/165317/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Synthesizer Echo Plinks 2 by ani_music -- https://freesound.org/s/165316/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

In the Season 2 premiere of Exploration Crochet, ReRe officially introduces herself with a crochet creator Q&A inspired by Rachel from The Faded Wildflower Crochet YouTube channel. ReRe shares how she learned to crochet at 8 or 9 years old—three stitches, one spirally hair tie, and a lifelong love of making. You’ll hear why ReRe refuses to pick a single “favorite thing” to crochet (because the answer is basically… yes), what yarn she’d choose if “forever” means a zombie-apocalypse-level forever, and the one project she can’t see herself ever starting, let alone finishing.

ReRe also talks about where her inspiration really comes from—history, math, science, stories, events, pop culture, and especially the 5 W’s. She shares a favorite recent make as well as her thoughts on the best and worst things about crochet - they are the same.

Plus, an important community call: the Yarn Over Hook Network is building The Colossal Crochet Yarn Crawl of 2026, and ReRe is collecting crochet-friendly local yarn shops nationwide for a future, passport-style event complete with patterns, goodies, and yarn joy—because crocheters belong everywhere.

Links mentioned |

1. Rachel - The Faded Wildflower Crochet (Q&A inspiration) | https://youtu.be/8Iorqsy_Djo
2. Free pattern link | Curly Cue Tie | https://tinyurl.com/curlycuetie
3. Colossal Crochet Yarn Crawl of 2026 info + where to submit shops | https://yarnoverhook.com/crochet-yarn-crawl/

Sound Attribution |

1. https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html
2. Jazz Fusion Bossa Nova Vibe by NomisYlad -- https://freesound.org/s/822784/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

In this episode of Exploration Crochet, host ReRe takes a thoughtful look at the first four episodes of Game of Wool: Finding Britain’s Best Knitter, exploring what the show gets right and wrong about knitting, crochet, and craft culture on TV. Speaking as a crocheter-who-has-knit, a non-Brit, and a non–reality-show person, she unpacks the title, the “new generation of knitters” tagline, and the way crochet is folded under “knitting.” ReRe walks listeners through each challenge—highlighting where crochet shines and where the format distorts how these crafts actually work. She also looks at the production side: extreme time limits, yarn choices, editing tricks, casting decisions, and the lack of clarity about compensation and intellectual property rights for contestant designs. Throughout, she balances critique with appreciation, celebrating the imagination and innovation of the makers while reminding listeners that “everything isn’t for everybody”.

Links |

Episode 1 | https://youtu.be/k4FokKLplvY

Episode 2 | https://youtu.be/dZD40mA-rMg

Episode 3 | https://youtu.be/yfWwzxBoPto

Episode 4 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y1Ai4Nn1dM

Exploration Crochet | https://explorationcrochet.com

BBC4 Presser | https://www.channel4.com/press/news/more4-cast-new-competitive-knitting-series-game-wool

Channel 4 Applicant Request | https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/takepart/game-of-wool

Stuart | The Woolpatch | https://www.youtube.com/@TheWoolpatch

Janie Crow | https://www.janiecrow.com/

Shetland Organization of Knitters |

https://explorationcrochet.com/p/the-game-of-wool-wk1-shetland-organization

Prudence Mapstone: Scrumble | https://www.knotjustknitting.com/freeform/

Sound Attribution |

https://dova-s.jp/EN/_contents/author/profile162.html

Morphagene Reel - Glockenspiel Rubber Mallet.wav by radiohummingbird --

https://freesound.org/s/635381/ -- License: Attribution 4.0