Crochet Lace

By Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss

Every crocheter stares admiringly at vintage lace, wishing to replicate its delicacy and elegance. The originals were stitched with finer thread than we use today, making that gorgeous heirloom-quality crochet lace an elusive dream. This unique guide showcases a collection of antique tablecloths and bedspreads--each a magnificent example of the crocheter's art--and revises the old techniques to suit today's threads. Complete patterns are included for each project, along with instructions and full-page photos that make intricate designs easy to follow. Special attention is paid to working with traditional steel hooks and choosing the perfect crochet threads, and plenty of advice is offered for working in filet. These projects take time, but the results will become tomorrow's heirlooms.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 140273350X
• ISBN13: 9781402733505
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Union Square & Co.
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Gorgeous vintage lace bedspreads and tablecloths

It perhaps redefines optimism that a reader who has never before tackled crochet and suffers a condition which can cause periods of very low vision would dare to purchase a book like this. The book itself contains 23 exquisite crochet pieces which have been adapted for contemporary yarns. It contains lovely photographs of the finished pieces, and beautifully clear instructions. So, why did I buy this book? Knowing, as I do, that I may never be able to complete any of the pieces? Am I mad? It's simple, really. The art of crochet lace is beautiful. The notion of making a piece which could become a precious gift for a valued friend or loved one, is very tempting. I hope that I will be able to make at least some of these pieces: the instructions are clear and well presented. But if I cannot, then at least I can admire the beauty of the photographs and, eventually, gift the book to someone who may wish to learn the craft. Once, many of us learned such crafts from an early age within families, and many still do. But others do not, and books such as this one ensure that vintage craft patterns are not lost. I am fortunate to have some of the work completed by my grandmother over 100 years ago. I treasure these pieces and hope some day to pass on similar pieces to my own descendants. I recommend this book highly to fellow lovers of craft work. Jennifer Cameron-Smith