I’ve been known to sit in front of the television now and again to watch a few selected programs. One program that I’ll rarely skip over is one regarding and traveling antique show. These antique experts will either travel in groups to various cities or the program director will find experts in the area to be a guest on their show.

One of the things that fascinates me about this program is the many times I see them emphasize a display of someone’s craft work. Some crafts that I’ve seen show cased are hand sewing, bobbin lace making, tatting and quilting.

Often times there’ll be a letter from the “stitcher” who tells a little bit about when the display was put together, where it was done (city/state/providence/country), the reason behind making the display, and preserving it, and what the craft is. You might ask what the big deal is over a handwritten letter that gives all these details and I’m going to explain by telling a story.

My father crocheted since he was nine years old. He was taught by a teacher who felt that finishing your homework was not a reason to sit idle. After he married my mother and she learned to crochet, he eventually picked it back up to work the joints in his arthritic hands and fingers. Among the things my father enjoyed making the most was baby items-in particular; baby blankets. While in my sister’s yarn shop a woman came in who was collected items to auction for a charity for children in the foster care system. I offered her one of my father’s baby blankets, but only if the auctioneer would read a story about my father (pertaining to his crochet) before auctioning the baby blanket. This was agreeable.

Approximately two months later, I did hear back from the woman. Now, keep in mind that this auction was held in a small town. Where I’d expect the baby blanket to gain about $35.00 for the kids, the lady was highly excited to tell me that the blanket brought $75.00. The story went to the auction winner along with the blanket.

This experience has added to my belief that a written story (especially handwritten) about what you’ve displayed or want to sell helps to bring the value of your item considerably higher.

So, using either yarn or thread, crochet up samples of various stitches and tack them to a decorative background. I do recommend that you title each sample with the name of the stitch in a complimentary way. Background material (whether card stock or fabric of some kind) is vitally important to your display. You’ll also want to have a nice frame and I’d suggest a cover other than glass-perhaps Plexiglas.

To keep a handwritten note, telling the story of your crochet craft display, you can get photo “corners” to stick on the back of your framed piece which will keep your story close at hand. Other options are to get business-sized clear pockets. Some have a sticky side that can be attached to the backing of your frame. For those that don’t have a sticky side, you can glue them in place with most any glue.

Now that you know how to preserve a piece of who you are for future prosperity, it’s time to get out your hooks and yarn/thread and have fun with it.