There's nothing inherently wrong with crochet - it can often look quite nice, in a retro kind of way. Nothing too bad with a crochet afghan or poncho. Like most things, however, there's a limit. In the 1970's, the sky was the limit for the things you could do with crochet... and things often got ugly, real ugly.
The there was seemingly limitless ways to needlecraft your unsightly treasures: hairpin crochet, needlepoint, macrame, jiffy rugs, quilting, flower crochet, afghan weaving, etc. Your only limitation was your sense of taste. The 1973 crochet manual at the top of this post is for Ripple Crochet, often called Chevron Crochet and Flame Stitch Crochet. The various items created via Ripple Crochet accentuate the negative in a powerful way - the degree of "awfulicity" is simply unparalleled.
Okay, this first example isn't too bad. The Ripple Skirt might be mocked and ridiculed today, but it had its place 37 years ago. Remember, in the 1970's, nearly everything was made of yarn: the pictures on the wall, the pillowcases, the drink koozies, the dog's sweater, your shawl, the baby's cap, the macrame plant hangers, etc. So, a crochet skirt isn't the worst thing in the world. The next one, however, may very well be.
GREAT SHADES OF ELVIS!! A bikini made of yarn? Do you have any idea what happens to yarn when it gets wet? The minute this girl steps into the pool, this bathing suit is going to sag, and certain things are going to be exposed. But at least it's form fitting, so she has a prayer of keeping it on. I can't say the same for the next bathing suit...
Please tell me that no one actually wore this in public and got in the water. Plus, if you've ever seen crochet clothing, you know that there's some serious gaps in the fabric. In other words, even if this thing stayed dry, spectators would still be getting a pretty good eyefull.
But look, I've saved the best for last...
HOLY CAT HUMPING MOUNTAIN GOAT! SLAP MY ASS AND CALL ME SUSAN! I want you to just picture someone walking into the office wearing this. Actually try and imagine someone showing up for work in this. It is so bad that I think it was even bad in the 70's.... and that's BAD! If I showed up for work in a tie made of yarn, I think I'd be put on a mandatory leave of absence.
Before I end this post, I just want to show you what can happen when yarn gets put in the wrong hands. Kids, this is what happens when you mix drugs and yarn.
image source: BizarreRecords.com
