My grandmothers made clothing - the older one (born 1888) on a treadle (which I inherited!). The older one also crocheted - but by the time I came along, she was only making doilies. Couldn't tell you if she ever made an afghan, but I don't think so. My younger grandma (born 1904) sewed for her three daughters, and was capable of recovering furniture.
My girlfriend taught me to crochet when I was 17 and we were hippies. That's what hippie girls did, you know. :-) So I've crocheted over the years. She went on to making purses and skirts; I, however, stuck with blankets and shawls.