Clones Irish Lace with Maire Treanor

This past July I had a wonderful opportunity to meet and take a workshop with,
Maire Treanor, an amazing Irish Lace crocheter. She has been documenting and preserving this exquisite delicate crochet craft. The class was filled a great group of intrepid crocheters who weren't afraid of those little tiny sized crochet hooks and skinny thread. Talk about patience!!! I found Maire to be a very kind and encouraging teacher. Her vast knowledge was not only of the stitches ( including the famous clones knot) but also the history and economics of the "Lace Industry" in Ireland.

Ava's Birthday Hat!!!

Another Rare Vintage Photo

It's a little blurry - but here's a vintage photo of me circa 1982 -
at a little Holiday Sale. All crocheted items - aaaaaand - I'm so YOUNG!!! - no gray hair!!!!
ps. all the patterns in the hats are basically "tapestry" crochet. I had kind of figured out how to make color changes creating all sorts of designs on my own.
Now I see some really incredibly complicated and beautiful designs on Ravelry ( laracroft) http://crochetcodex.blogspot.com/

Another Commission!!!

Wow! I got another commission from a wonderful man - who is generous and allows me creative freedom!!!! Two traits I adore!!! He called it a "snood" - but technically it's a hooded caplet or maybe a hooded cowl? I had so much fun making it!! Think I could write a pattern too -

Valentine's Day Commission

Thanks all for your comments on the "Crab" Head - Hat- Hmm - a Pattern - don't think so- would be too hard for me to write. But I am in the process of writing several patterns. They should be ready this Spring. I've had a lot of commissions lately, which is kind of great!!!

Crab Head

I'm going to a workshop with Prudence Mapstone - Jan 15 and 16 - so excited!!!

here's what i've been working on lately - It's for my cousin Meighan - who will wear ANYTHING I make!!!

2 Pointed Hats

I have made many 2 pointed hats over the years.Every time I crocheted one I put it together in a different way. Last year I gave myself the challenge of creating a systematic way of constructing the hat in order to publish a pattern. I taught several classes at "Blue Bird" yarn store in Sausilito, California.Each time I would amend the pattern to make it more direct and understandable . Finally I consulted a tech editor to further refine it.Some of the hats pictured in the photo - montage are a bit fancier and more complicated.The pattern gives the basic construction, and a good starting point .