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The first weaver to crochet caps according to her own recollection is Delores Mercado. Her first caps were woven when she lived in Carlotta and had the three divisions of the traditional
ceremonial dance cap (fig. 2). In these caps even the technique of the start is similar in its circular appearance to a basket start. She also respected the traditional main area of design and a
smaller edge pattern at the bottom of her early crocheted caps. Other weavers, possibly following the lead of Kathy Sherman, who is usually credited with popularizing the crocheted cap, do
not observe the three part division.
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Instead the ball or tuft of yarn at the top of the cap is similar to that of non-Indian ski caps and there is no edge pattern. This gives greater emphasis to the
big design in contrasting color. The popular everyday character of crocheted caps with their bold colors and patterns is suitable for their use. Indian loggers and hunters can now recognize each
other in the distance by their caps as much as by their given features. There is also no need to worry that the crocheted cap will be crushed as with basket caps. In addition the cost of these
caps is so many times less than any basket cap that replacement of a lost or damaged cap is readily achieved. |
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