I've also thought about this at some length over the last few months as I've been crocheting and knitting. To me, the distinction lies in an intangible feeling of "creativity" associated with the process of each project. If I follow a pattern directly and use the same colors and sizes recommended, it feels more like a craft. But even working from a pattern, there are times when I begin to "create" rather than "reproduce." I see colors in my head that express a particular message for the recipient of the item. I make modifications that improve style, function, or simply expression. Even if I don't execute all the changes, the creative process, for me, insinuates a shift away from craft and toward art.

I feel that most of the "outside world" views crochet mainly as a craft, though. I seldom get compliments on my creative expression—I get compliments on my ability to "make." True, I've not yet designed much of anything original, but even if I had, I still feel that people are more focused on my ability to perform the skills needed to transform yarn into garment than they are on the creative process that unfolds along the way.

This topic came up recently when I was talking to an "artist" friend (artist in the sense that she went to art school). Although I've been in and out of art guilds, have sold paintings, have designed and sewn custom made clothes and make up my own patterns for crochet, I am a crafter to her. I found her reasoning a bit pretentious. I am a crafter because I am not using the accepted standards presented in art school. I didn't mention to her that just because my degree is in something other than art doesn't mean that I didn't take art classes. Indeed, I did, and from a reputable school (Columbus College of Art and Design). I just happen to take what they taught me and turn it into my own. So am I a crafter or an artist. Maybe we are all just legends in our own minds :)) I honestly think people make too much of the distinction. If it makes you smile, do it.