We are almost at the end of February, and I suddenly realized that we have not talked about Black History Month! How did I miss this? I mean, really. I’ve had Pandora, IHeartRadio, Facebook, and Google all reminding me! So I’m fixing this. Right here, right now!
But we’re not talking about just anyone for Black History Month. The person we’re going to look at is famous for a lot of things, but they’re also skilled in crochet. Can you guess who it is? Man, have I got a surprise for you!
No, really. It’s a man!
SURPRISE!!!
It’s George Washington Carver! He was a scientists, botanist, chemist, inventor, and most famed for his work with peanuts. He was also quite skilled with a crochet hook.
GWC learned to crochet from Susan Carver, his owner, when he was a child. According to the National Park Service, “Carver found time in his hectic schedule to crochet, knit, and do needlework. He found these activities satisfying and they enabled him to produce useful items for friends.
He had a great appreciation for the world around him, in particular, the materials found in nature. He dyed many of his own threads and fibers with natural dyes made from local walnut, mulberry, and ochre clay. He recycled old burlap and string bags into functional and attractive needlework. Bark fibers were woven into mats.”
If you’d like to learn more about George Washington Carver’s other great achievements, check out this great video.