On Fri, 7 Sep 2007 14:14:15 +1000, "Edna"
wrote:

Barbara I belong to a Group called Irish Crochet Lovers, a very quiet group
at present however I am sure someone there will be able to help you.
Also in the files is a pattern for a Flower Basket Motif and more.

Thank you, Edna, I've subscribed.



Edna in Sydney

http://groups.yahoo.com:80/group/Irish_Crochet_Lovers/


"B Vaughan" wrote in message
...
I've just started trying to do Irish crochet, after thinking about it
for several years. (Until recently, I was too busy to do any
crocheting.)

I'm using a size 16 thread and a 0.75 mm hook. These are both larger
than is usually used for Irish crochet, but they feel very tiny and
all ten of my fingers feel like thumbs. Once I get used to working
with this size, I'll try to use an even finer thread. In Irish
crochet, threads as fine as size 50 are normally used.

For those of you who don't know Irish crochet, it is intended to look
like lace, but is rather free form. You make various motifs with very
fine thread, often working over one or more lengths of thicker thread
to give a three-dimensional aspect to the motifs. The motifs tend to
be flowers, vines, leaves (including shamrocks, of course), and
scrolls. When you have enough of these motifs to form a desing, you
then make a long chain to serve as the outline of the final piece, and
baste this chain to a piece of paper or firm fabric in the shape you
want. Then you baste all of the motifs inside the frame you've just
made, and fill in the gaps with one of several special stitches that
are usually composed of chain stitch and picots or knots. When it's
finished, you cut the basting threads to free the piece from the paper
backing.

I've decided to make some bookmarks to learn some of the stitches and
techniques. It seems to me that the hook I'm using isn't really ideal
for this kind of work. The thread tends to slip off it while I'm
trying to pull it through. Does anyone have a recommendation for a
good brand of steel hook for very fine work?

I'm also having a little trouble working over the padding cord, but I
think that's getting easier.

--
Barbara Vaughan

My email address is my first initial followed by my last name at libero
dot it.




--
Barbara Vaughan

My email address is my first initial followed by my last name at libero dot it.