Well, I'm not sure that you can mechanize crochet. In fact, I'm pretty sure it hasn't been done. It's one of those weird techniques that just don't automate easily, like cardweaving.

Yeah, most of the stuff I make for other people are gifts to family members (my itty cousins all have handmade sweaters or blankets) -- and I'm the sort who instead of asking for an item in exchange, usually asks "show me how to do that, please?" -- I am so DIY that my friends tease me about it.