Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Irish Lace Crochet (Part 1): September 14 Meeting Preview


Irish Crochet, also known as Clones Lace, is an intricate and lovely lace crochet technique that is
made by creating individual motifs that are then joined together on a mesh background. Motifs are often worked over packing threads to make them three-dimensional and both the motifs and the joining mesh can be varied by the individual crocheter. This picture shows some of the traditional motifs as well as a completed piece.


This month we begin a two-part series to explore this existing technique. At the September meeting, you'll get a chance to learn how to create motifs and practice with a Wild Irish Rose motif that uses several Irish Crochet techniques. Then at the October meeting, you'll learn all about joining motifs (including the mysterious Clones Knot).

We invite all interested Twin City crocheters to join us Saturday, September 14 from 1pm to 3pm at Prospect Park United Methodist Church for this meeting. You will need to bring the following materials:

  • If you want to make Irish Lace in the traditional way, bring a ball of #10 cotton crochet thread and appropriate hook size such as a 1.65 mm steel hook (Boye steel hook size 7). If you're accustomed to working in crochet thread you can (of course) adjust your hook size and/or thread size. For example, if you are used to working in finer threads such as #20 feel free to bring that size thread and a smaller hook.
  • If you are not comfortable with thread-work, the motifs can be worked in yarn such as sock-yarn or sport-weight. Just make sure you bring a solid-color yarn (preferably one with a tight twist) and appropriate size hook.

We hope to see you there!

(And don't forget that beginning in October, we'll be in our new meeting location - the Textile Center of Minnesota.)