I have just recently received my first handcrafted ergonomic crochet hooks from Nelsonwood and I'm so excited to show them to you. Nelsonwood crochet hooks are handmade, primarily wooden, hooks that are as much pieces of art as they are functional tools for crochet. No two Nelsonwood items could ever be identical, so every hook is a custom artpiece that only you possess. They feel so velvety smooth that I just want to pet mine, like a calming fidget. Do you think I'm being dramatic? I would have thought so too had I read this prior to touching and seeing my first Nelsonwood hooks.
Crochet is a fiber art in which items are made using yarn and a hook. Crocheted items can be functional (hats, socks, blankets), unique art pieces and heirlooms (doilies, christening gowns), or fun (shaped pillows, amigurumi, stuffed animals, and costumes).
I enjoy crochet very much and am astounded at some of the intricate art I see crocheters producing. I am a moderately skilled crocheter but my retirement dream is to spend plenty of time sitting on the deck and learning to crochet intricate doily tablecloths, mosaic blankets, and beautiful wearables.
Many crocheters have their favorite brand or style of crochet hooks (and yarns, but that's an entirely different maze of rabbit holes to go down). I recently saw a crochet youtube tutorial in which the artist showed her Nelsoonwood hook. I was so astounded by how beautiful it was that I went directly to the website. It wasn't long after that I ordered my first Nelsoonwood hook.
Nelsonwood
Bryan Tyler Nelson is the Texas wood artist of Nelsonwood. He handcrafts beautiful wooden items with a focus on bowls and crochet hooks. And the selection of woods and base/body parts seems endless.
You choose the components to each hook you order at Nelsonwood.
Hook. Most importantly to me, you are able to choose a wooden hook or a metal hook. My favorite hook over the years has been the Boye brand. So I select that option and the size hook.
Base (body). This is the largest part of the hook. Where you hand holds onto. You can choose one of the many woods listed (with a vast variety of colors and grains) or you can choose one of the AlumiLite designs. AlumiLite is a "Proprietary Casting Urethane". It is very strong, stronger than Acrylic and will not break or chip.
Exotic Wood Ends. Whether you choose a wooden or AlumiLite base, you will then choose an exatic wood for the ends (for example, the far end of the hook and the piece between the base and the metal crochet hook on my custom Nelsonwood hook.)
My next order will be a hook with the AlumiLite base. There are so many options. There are some styles that have feathers or dried flowers inside. With the clear AlumiLite, it looks like they are floating.
All handcrafted items, that aren't created first then are "ready to ship" take slightly longer to receive after ordering. The site states that it typically takes between 4-5 weeks for the hook to be created and shipped. That is reasonable for a custom, handmade item. I feel that mine arrived in the 3 to 4 week time frame. (Frankly, I only usually check my post office box weekly. And my Nelsonwood hooks arrived a week sooner than I had anticipated).
Nelsonwood orders can be made on Nelsonwood.net
Nelsonwood can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Personal Thoughts
As I can begin to see retirement age approaching, my hands seem to be retiring before the rest of me. I find myself wondering if days filled with working with my hands/fingers will be a realistic goal. This is the primary reason I hurried to order this ergonomic hook option. I also would like to be able to surround myself with a few nice, possibly heirloom, items here and there.
I did find the ordering page a bit confusing. Part of that was 1) I rarely read directions and just try to race through and 2) there are so many options that I had a very hard time making decisions. The good news is that Bryan has included a step-by-step "how to order" page that was extremely helpful (once I chose to look at directions!)
These hooks are pricey. I am not at all saying they are over-priced. Like all handmade items and works of art, the price is higher than mass-produced items. In fact, for what they are, the Nelsonwood custom crochet hooks are very reasonably priced. A younger me would not have been able to pay this price. Fortunately, the older me is able to splurge on some gifts to me. And, is it really a splurge if the ergonomic shape will help me continue crochet well into my retirement?
I tend to use only a range of 4 hook sizes; F, G, H, and I. So I have plans to buy Nelsonwood hooks in those four sizes. And the next will be one of those gorgeous AlumiLite bases. Probably one with the combination of flowers and fathers.
Personal Thoughts About Stereotypes
I'm rattling on about being an older woman and am looking forward to crocheting during my retirement. That is me personally. In no way do I want to continue the myth that crochet is a hobby that is only for old ladies.
There are many males (adult and younger) who are passionate about crochet and who are extremely talented. I am so very thankful for these folks who are sharing their passion and talent on social media.
I have worked with at-risk and special needs children for decades. I often offer crochet as a way for these children to have a hobby, develop skills (physical and emotional), have an outlet for their amazing creativity and so on. Unfortunately, over the decades, most males and many young female children were hesitant to try; citing "that's for old women".
I am thrilled that so many people, of such a wide range of age, gender, race, and culture are sharing their crochet passion with others. And am especially thrilled that males are showing their talent on social media.
Thank you for that.
