Modern Lace--Kim's Espadrilles

Over on the Ravelry Group, Irish Crochet Lovers, some of us were chatting about what we do with all of our loose little motifs from practice, and from the CAL's.  Some folks keep a sample book and some make jewelry or embellish items.  Melba is making a fabulous bag, using a thrift-store purse and motifs in shades of brown.  I have been keeping all of my motifs in a ziplock baggie, saving them for....I don't know what!  I couldn't think of a project for them, as they are all different figures and weights of thread.  I like symmetry and using them in a joined piece would mean that I would have to make more of them to balance out my design.  I was feeling a little lazy about that.  During our chat I looked down at my feet, and lo and behold, inspiration struck!  I was wearing my cheapie espadrilles that I bought on clearance at Target.  Then and there I arranged some motifs on my toes and sewed them onto the canvas!  I received many compliments the next morning at the school run.  What do YOU do with all of your motifs?  Leave a comment below to help out the rest of us!  ~~Kim

Jeff Amazes Me

If you haven't seen Jeff's Poppy Project, take a few minutes to check out his slideshow of the design and creation process.  It is amazing!  Thank you, Jeff, for taking the time to make this video.  Your focused and thoughtful approach to this artpiece is something to which we all can aspire.

Jeff's slideshow HERE 

From Jeff's YouTube page--  "In July 2011, I was invited to make a version of the International Poppy Project in Clones lace - a form of Irish crochet lace. In June 2012, I finished the project. A number of people asked me about how I designed and worked the piece. This slideshow describes some of the process." 

Antique of the Week--Full Length Dress

Firefly1052, an eBay seller, was showing this dress a while ago and was kind enough to share it with us here on the Irish Together Blog.  It is a French Victorian dress made of white net and elaborately detailed Irish Crochet work.

Front

Detail of bodice.  I love the change in texture that is achieved with the different types of background joining. 

Bodice net and collar detail.  The collar is 2.5 inches tall.

Detail of the waist decoration.  This looks like a much heavier thread was used here than on the other Irish Crochet areas.  I wonder if it was added later...?

Back view.  The strip of Irish Crochet near the bottom of the skirt is 4.5 inches wide.

Side view

Close up of large flower on sleeve.  I see possible Clones Knots on the petals!

Do you have an antique you would like to share?  Send an email to Kim at irishcrochettogether@gmail.com.