Customer Reviews

Irish Crochet: Crocheter's Historical Pattern Series Volume Two

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This is a treasury of exquisite vintage designs of breathtaking delicacy and intricacy, of wild roses, tea roses, old roses, passion flowers, ferns, narcissi, blackberries,trefoils, daisies, fuschia, chrysanthemums, numerous types of butterflies, a variety of leaves, thistles, shamrocks, acorns, and grapevines. These designs are amazing in their three-dimensionality, and many of these can be made into decorative pendants of nodding fuschias, dropping acorns, and alighting butterflies -- enchanting! There are instructions for making up -- using the various background and edge stitches -- into a variety of beautiful items, not only edgings, insertions, medallions, doilies, and baby bonnets and booties, but also more unusual items such as opera bags, curtain tiebacks, hatpins, jabots, bows, necklaces, brooches, buttons, and belt pins, and even stunning masterpieces such as portrait hats, shirtwaists, gowns, and coats. If you are a lace-crocheter and buy only one book this year, let this be the book and you will not regret it!

I have been looking for patterns that were beyond the norm, something unusual and timeless, and this book contains more than I had even hoped for. I am delighted with this crochet book. These lovely creations were made during an era that wasn't congested with computer technology and television, perhaps this is why it seems so much more creative and, though time consuming, worth every moment of effort. I intend to use this book a lot, and I am so glad I ordered this one, it is filled with patterns that are so beautiful it's breath-taking. Worth every penny, I intend to buy every book from the historical series. I'm sure I will not be disapointed.

My Irish grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was about 8 years old, encouraging me to learn a skill that "can carry you through hard times." Many of my Irish family of the great-times-4-or-more-generations survived that terrible potato famine in Ireland by creating fancy clothing and accessories in thius distinctive style of crochet.

Irish Crochet: Crocheter's Historical Pattern Series, Volume Two, is a valued reference in my extensive crochet library. Melissa Johnson describes both the styles of Irish crochet and the patterns with her effective combination of text and illustrations, and the reprints of original 19th-century patterns are fascinating. As an experienced crocheter, I use this book both as an inspiration and a reference to design my own patterns. I believe that people who are learning how to crochet would enjoy this book as they read about the history, different styles, and pattern directions as they complete their first projects in Irish crochet.

For all those who love to crochet and enjoy vintage pieces this book is another must-have. Full of beautiful patterns you can make for yourself. If you are Irish you probably watched your grandmother or great-grandmother making these items for herself and her home. I have a tablecloth that my grandmother made and with this book and the right thread the items I make look just like her work. I could pass them off as her work with no trouble. They look like they were handed down, not make within the last few months. If you love to crochet you will love this book.

Another stunning book of Irish Crochet lace. Same setout as Masterpieces of Irish Crochet Lace. (photo of each piece and written out instructions) Lots of beautiful flowers and motifs. Challenging but well worth the effort. I have found this very inspiring and eventhough I may not make any irish lace I will definitly use some of the techniques and patterns in my crochet.

I'm very impressed with this book. It is very thorough and easy to read, although I would not suggest it for beginners. It has wonderful vintage style accent pieces as well as instructions for various motifs that can be used in a crocheters own design. After this book, I want to get the others in the series!