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

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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

In “Twisted Sisters: S, Z, and Your Crochet Sanity,” ReRe unpacks the hidden world of S and Z twist and why it almost never appears on the label. You’ll learn how S and Z twist developed through industrial spinning, why most commercial yarns are still S-twist by default, and how that history accidentally left crocheters out of the design conversation. ReRe explains how twist direction interacts differently with right-handed and left-handed crochet, why some yarns split, fuzz, and “fight back,” and how different fibers—wool, cotton, acrylic, and shiny plant-based yarns—behave under each twist. The episode also explores why more crochet influencers haven’t launched Z-twist lines, touching on mills, minimums, risk, and discontinued favorites. By the end, you’ll know how to spot S or Z in seconds, match twist to your hands and project, and stop blaming your tension when it might actually be physics messing with your crochet sanity.

SOUND ATTRIBUTION

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

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“Weight a Minute: An Exploration of Yarn Weights and Whys” demystifies yarn weight

systems for crocheters, connecting industrial terms like tex, denier, and Nm to

everyday labels like DK, Worsted, and Bulky. ReRe explains why yarn labels

differ across countries, how to use WPI and swatching for smart yarn

substitution, and shares a simple five-step checklist so your projects keep

their intended fit and drape. Listeners also get access to a free Yarn Weight

Conversion Sheet PDF to make shopping and stash-diving easier.

Yarn Weight Conversion Chart - https://explorationcrochet.com/p/yarn-weight-conversion-chart

Craft Yarn Council - https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/aboutcyca.html

Sound Attribution:

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

telephone.wav by iut_Paris8 -- https://freesound.org/s/570274/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Number Song Music https://pixabay.com/users/matthewmikemusic-25386219/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=233460

Number, 12 Times https://pixabay.com/users/aicanvas-5347436/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=300089

This Old Man https://pixabay.com/users/matthewmikemusic-25386219/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=373880

Episode 10 of Exploration Crochet asks: Acrylic yarn—superhero or super villain? ReRe traces acrylic’s origin from 1940s lab fiber (polyacrylonitrile/PAN) to 1950s brands like Orlon®, explaining how it’s spun, crimped, and dope-dyed for bright, colorfast, machine-washable results. You’ll learn where acrylic shines—afghans, granny-square throws, amigurumi, donation and outdoor projects—and where to rethink (high-heat kitchen use, hot-climate garments). The episode balances benefits (affordable, warmth without weight, reliable dye lots) with tradeoffs (pilling in budget grades, thermoplastic heat sensitivity, microfiber shedding) plus practical blocking and laundry tips. Verdict: acrylic isn’t hero or villain—it’s a fit-for-purpose tool that democratized cozy color.

Step into the flickering candlelight of Exploration Crochet for “The Ties That Bind — Fiber Arts, Folklore, and Magic.” In this Halloween special, host ReRe unravels the myths and mysteries spun through history’s threads — from Celtic knots and Slavic storm-binding to the Greek Fates, the Norse Norns, and the Navajo Spider Woman. Discover how cultures across centuries believed yarn, string, and fabric could shape fate, summon protection, or seal a promise. Then watch that legacy come alive in modern crochet, where each loop becomes an act of creativity, connection, and quiet courage. With stories of witch’s ladders, red-string lovers, and the tapestry from Brave, this episode celebrates the universal truth behind every stitch: we create the world together, one loop at a time.

Check out the curated reading list: The Ties That Bind: Fiber Arts, Folklore, & Magic

sound attribution

Music Box For Suspenseful Scenes by ViraMiller --https://freesound.org/s/742115/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Irish Field Men Female Choir Drone Myst Fantasy Atmo Mastered.wav by szegvari -- https://freesound.org/s/619179/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

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In this episode of Exploration Crochet, ReRe takes listeners on a

fiber-filled road trip through the world of Yarn Crawls —

community-driven events where crafters visit multiple local yarn shops armed

with hooks, passports, and plenty of enthusiasm. From the origins of the crawl

tradition to the first official LYS tours in the late 2000s, we explore how

these creative adventures connect makers and strengthen the fiber community.

Along the way, ReRe highlights global yarn crawls from the U.S. to South

America, where shop-hopping and skein-squishing turn travel into craft

celebration. You’ll learn what makes a successful crawl — from prizes and

passports to trunk shows, demos, and charity tie-ins — and get practical tips

for first-time crawlers. At its heart, this episode reminds us that every yarn

crawl is about connection, creativity, and the shared joy of discovering fiber

together.

Yarn Over Hook Crochet Yarn Crawl 2026 | https://yarnoverhook.com/crochet-yarn-crawl/

SOUND ATTRIBUTION:

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

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