ThreadWork

Deciphering Century Old Patterns: 

Crochet has been handed down from generation to generation through family and friends with or without written patterns. In the 1800's it was very common to work directly from a picture of the finished work or from a sample of crochet. If you've ever tried to crochet a pattern from the 1800's or 1900's, you will find that most of the directions seem to be missing. This is because needlework was taught to the young women in school from the early 1800's through the early 1900's - before pattern books were published. The women of that time knew what the publishers meant because they were all too familiar with crochet instructions from their needlework classes. Thus, publishers didn't think they needed to put all that extraneous stuff in the written instructions - so the directions are vague, to say the least.

I love the challenge of deciphering old patterns and create much of my lace from antique patterns and/or replicate a piece from old workings I pickup at estate sales or antique shops.

Irish Crochet Lace:

"Irish crochet" is a type of lace that has its origin in the famine years of the 19th century in Ireland. This type of lace is characterized by separately crocheted motifs, which are later assembled into a larger piece. In the mid 1800's it became a large industry because of the need of the people to supplement their income due to the great potato famine of that time. It was a common practice in that time for each person to become skilled in making one thing and one thing only, such as a leaf or a flower. Another person would then crochet the different motifs together using a background stitch.

If you have ever tried to crochet an Irish crochet pattern you can understand why it becomes such a difficult and tedious a project. The people who crocheted the Irish laces were truly masters of their craft. They didn't create from patterns, but from their imagination. They looked at a flower and replicated it in crochet. They didn't have radio, television, or books during this time in history. This contributed to their ability and desire to focus on such an intricate and elaborate art and create such finely detailed work.

I will always be a student of Irish Crochet and from time to time I will post Irish Crocheted items for sale in my shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisticNeedlework?ref=si_shop

 

Reticella Crochet: 

Reticella is thought to be an outgrowth of Punto Tagliato cut linen work, or in French, Pointe Coupe. Reticella is a needlelace which dates back to 1530. Queen Elizabeth made Reticella needlelace fashionable by wearing elaborate gowns adorned with narrow cutwork edgings in Reticella. The geometric star and snowflake pattern with projecting points and scallops used in Reticella is often referred to as a 'Rosette'. Reticella Needlelace "plates" or designs, have long been interpreted into crochet and used to create such items as this doily.

Edgings, Beadings, Trimming and Insertions:

Express your individuality in a world of mass-produced merchandise. The most versatile lace produced. The final touch to every project. You can add a trim or insert to just about anything: trim a hand towel, pillow case, sheet or curtains. Dress up a plain tablecloth by sewing on a fancy lace edging.  For a feminine touch trim the cuffs of a blazer or the pockets on your jeans with lace. String yards of lace trim on the Christmas tree as garland. The list goes on and on. I produce a huge amount of trim but unfortunately, most of it is sold before it can be posted in this Shop. Edgings and trim are produced with extra fine thread to create a delicate working. Thread weight used in beadings and insertions will be a little heavier; typically a #20 or #30 and always super soft.

Venetian Crochet Designs

Venetian crochet was created as an alternative to Venetian needle lace from Italy in 17th & 18th century. Although it began as an imitation of Venetian Lace, eventually it became an art form in itself, and in many ways just as beautiful, but far more durable and adaptable. Venetian designs are complex and intricate making them ideal for trimming wedding and christening gowns. Venetian designs most always contain arches or scallops with alternating solid rows rather than open meshes. This  doily is made using high quality #10 mercerized pearl cotton.

Learn more from Artistic NeedleWork:
Getting-started-with-thread
Reticella Designs in Crochet
Mondano Netting