Customer Reviews

Crochet Lace

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

This is a beautiful book, with lots of color pictures, a lovely hard cover and easy-to read instructions. However, these are not easy projects. If you can't follow a lengthy, detailed pattern, you won't be able to make any of these. Some projects seem a bit dated, but others I can't wait to make. Tablecloths, wall hangings, bedspreads, even matching pillow covers. These projects are all somewhat challenging, there is nothing here for the beginner. All of these projects will take quite a bit of time to complete, and are worked with fairly fine thread (no worsted weight here.) Projects include classic crochet stitches and filet crochet. Only the filet crochet has visual charts, the other patterns are given in words only. I usually prefer spiral-bound books that will lay flat while I am working but this book seems sturdy and well-made. At least it won't fall apart on me! Despite the tag used by Amazon, there are no tatting projects in this book. I am thrilled with this book, it is just what I wanted.

The tablecloths and bedspreads in this book are absolutely gorgeous, especially for those who appreciate thread crochet and lace, like I do! There are full, styled photos of each project, along with close up photos of some of the projects in this book. There are even close up photos of some of the pieces used in the patterns which are made with joined pieces. Of the 23 patterns in this book, 10 are filet crochet with charts for each part of the pattern. Every one of these tablecloths and bedspreads takes a lot of time to make, but the end results are worth it! There are 2 table toppers in this book that are much smaller and faster to make than a tablecloth or bedspread. One of the table toppers and one of the bedspreads are made with size 3 crochet thread and a size F/3.75mm crochet hook. The rest of the projects are made with size 10 or 20 crochet thread and a steel crochet hook. The individual pieces from some of the patterns can be made and used as they are instead of making the whole tablecloth or bedspread. I've made several of the circular sections from the Pineapple Ovals Tablecloth and framed them. They look great! And any of the animals in the Animals on Parade Child's Spread would also look great framed.

I have owned this book for over 2 years now and I just love it! I finally got up the courage to make the Pineapple Ovals Tablecloth this past January and finished it today, just in time to use for our Christmas meal (with a clear covering over it for protection from dropped food!). I've loved this tablecloth pattern ever since I saw it.

This book is NOT for anyone wanting to make a quick project! But if you have patience and stick to it, you can turn out a masterpiece that is worthy of handing down for many generations! Or if you just love looking at the photos, it's great for that, too!

My husband ordered this book several weeks ago for me, still no book - today I noticed there are only a few left, I hope they ship it before they run out.

This book is mostly filet crochet and a few clumsy attempts to 'modernize' crochet by using worsted weight yarns. Nothing particularly spectacular, unless you like really big filet designs. One pattern for a large peacock bedspread was pretty good.