Clones Lace, The Story and
Patterns of an Irish Crochet
by Maire Treanor Maire has authored a book of the social history of crochet lace-making tradition in south Ulster, Ireland. You not only learn the story of Clones lace, you will also find the patterns and instructions to make these motifs. There are photos throughout the book; women dressed in the most astonishing lacework and both vintage and contemporary items worked in Clones lace. As you read the history of Clones lace, your eyes will be opened with information you have not likely found elsewhere. Maire will tell you about the lacemaking schools of the early 1900’s; the bartering system; who purchased the lace; how cheap imitations of Clones lace began a downward slide for true Irish crochet to continue as a marketable craft; crochet traditions and Maire’s introduction to Clones Lace crochet. There are several photographs of crochet gatherings and stories about many of these ladies who designed, taught or contributed in some way to the tradition of Clones lace. A map and photographs of the Clones area brings one closer to this community that values handwork and the traditions of Clones lace. Crochet is more than just a craft to them; it is a joy with love infused with each handwork created. Take a break from you busy life and read story about tradition, history and our sisterhood of handworkers of Ireland. By the way, there are men crocheters in this book too. Although it looks complex to make Clones lace, Maire will show you how. She starts out with tips for beginners and left-handers; thread and hook guide, USA and Irish abbreviations and symbols; and step-by-step instructions and illustrations for basic crochet stitches. Clones knot instructions and illustrations follow. After practicing the stitches, read through the tips, and then chooses a motif you would like to try from the 21 patterns. There are patterns for small and large roses; clematis flowers that have a netted appearance, some having pointed petals and other petals wider and flattened; shamrocks; harp; leaves; grape; squares; thistle and fern. Each motif has variations on the main theme. Edgings are next with loops, shamrocks and scrolls. After making some of these little motifs, you can start on one of the projects, which make brooches, coasters, baskets, gardens, collars, bonnets, and handkerchiefs. The gardens are worked with a grouping of motifs with Irish crochet netting between the pieces. One of these gardens would be wonderful for the front cover of a small mini pillow. Clones Lace is a powerful book, full of emotion, beauty, imagination and a tradition we do not want to lose. Thank you Maire for sharing this information with all of us. |
