Crochet this beautiful poncho and spread help spread the message #saynotocrochetonthehighstreet. Introducing the Not the High Street Crochet Poncho as crochet clothing and accessories continue to spread across the high street year upon year the team and I felt it was time to reiterate our message about the impacts of these mass produced, mostly cheap but not cheerful designs.
Now before we get started let’s rewind incase you missed how this all started, in 2021 I replicated a high-street crochet tote bag, breaking down the time taken and cost from the materials through to the production, you might remember the Not The High Street Tote Bag, if not CLICK HERE to read all about the concept.
Not The High Street Tote Bag
I’ve said it before and I’ll keep on repeating myself, theres no such thing as a crochet machine! Unlike knitting, crochet cannot be replicated on a machine therefore all crochet garments and accessories have to be made by hand, so all those lovely tops, dresses, bags and shoes have been made by HAND! Those items that cost you as little as £5, I’ll let that sink in for a second. The charity Labour Behind the Label ‘works tirelessly to improve the garment industry and the lives of those who make our clothes.’
Crochet is time consuming and can result in medical injuries for some so the thought of mass producing crochet clothing and accessories for Highstreet brands blows my mind! Did you catch Yarn Over Podcast Episode 5, when Laura of @heyitslaurajane chats about her crochet injuries and how this has impacted her career as a crochet designer?
inspiration
You may have seen this gorgeous granny square cardigan worn by model Gigi Hadid circulating your feeds, it definitely stopped us in our scroll and filled us with inspiration for a Not the High Street part 2!
Rather than replicating this design like what I did with the High Street tote bag I wanted to design a beginner friendly, size inclusive garment for you to make yourself so you can appreciate the time and effort (if you don’t already) that goes into a handmade garment and reinforce the message around the negative impact that crochet garments on the high street have on the workers who mass produce these by hand! This is when the idea for a poncho was born.
pin for later
behind the scenes
In 2022, the team and I made a start on designing a bespoke poncho taking inspiration from the infamous crochet cardigan worn by Gigi Hadid. Experimenting with autumnal shades we created a bespoke chequered design to create this intricate pattern of granny squares.
We want you guys to learn how to make your very own crochet poncho and for you to appreciate the value of crochet garments (now more than ever) and the time and effort that goes into producing something that is currently being sold on the high street in mass at such a low cost!
not the high street crochet poncho
community makes
In September 2023 the Not The High Street Poncho was initially launched as a CAL, here are some of the fabulous ponchos made from our fabulous Crochet Community.
more about crochet on the high street
Ostara Vest by Abby
‘mass produced crochet that is cheap but not cheerful…’
Abby of @calm.homemade took to the blog to share her views on mass produced crochet whilst encouraging people to make their own crochet garments. The Ostara vest is an exclusive design for the blog. Click below for the blog post.
Yarn Over Podcast Episode 7
A podcast discussing our concerns around the labor behind these handmade pieces sold so incredibly cheap! We touch base on the difference between crochet and knitting and the fact there is no such thing as a crochet machine!
4 Comments
Bianca Elliott
August 9, 2023 at 2:58 amNTHSTOTE
I think that is what the site (Instagram) said to do for the tote pattern
BellaCocoTeam
August 23, 2023 at 1:55 pmHi Bianca if you wish to purchase the NTHS Poncho you can use this link – https://thecrochetcommunity.com/not-the-highstreet-poncho-sign-up/ 🙂
Angela
August 30, 2023 at 4:28 pmI really love the poncho, which I have just been reading about in ‘Crochet Now’. Unfortunately, it’s now the 30th, so I’m too late to join the CAL. Is it possible to buy the pattern please?
BellaCocoTeam
August 31, 2023 at 10:40 amHi Angela, I’m sorry you missed out on joining in the CAL, the pattern will be available later in the year so keep checking 🙂