RESTORATION, PRESERVATION & TEACHING SINCE 1983

Handmade multicolored crochet poncho using techniques inspired by heirloom crochet restoration, displayed on a black mannequin.

Online Crochet Courses for All

Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, Rita de Maintenon shares the timeless techniques at the heart of heirloom crochet restoration. With over 40 years of experience, she’ll guide you through heritage methods like Hairpin lace, Broomstick lace, and Irish crochet—making traditional fiber arts accessible for all skill levels.

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Heirloom Restorations

Heirloom pieces are still appreciated as reminders from the past and they are sometimes in need of repair. Working with thread is my passion and a technique not often seen any more.

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Side-by-side comparison of a damaged vintage crochet lace tablecloth and its beautifully restored version, with the words “Heirloom Restoration” across the center.

Heirloom Fiber Arts Blog

May Musings - I always welcome May with a lot of anticipation! As I am writing this on May 1, 2025 – spring and my busy season are finally here. I fondly remember May Day in Europe, dancing around the May pole and little girls selling Lily of the Valley bouquets at every street corner in France. I wonder if they still do this… We don’t have as much fanfare, but I love May because all my houseplants will now safely move to the sunporch and heavy coats and jackets can be put away until next Thanksgiving. May has two fun events in store for me. Of course, there is our annual Fiber Day at the Folk Art Center with lots of fiber… Read More

April Musings - Welcome Spring! As I am writing this on March 27, 2025 – we in Western North Carolina remember the devastation of Hurricane Helene six months ago. GOOD MORNING AMERICA visited Asheville live this morning to update all their viewers on the progress that has been made, highlighted our communities’ resilience, and invited everyone to come and visit our area. We are ready to welcome visitors back again and there is much to do and see despite the visible ongoing recovery efforts. Watch the coverage here: Asheville Rising on Good Morning America We are currently watching several wildfires in the mountains nearby but hope for relief this weekend with lots of rain in the forecast. Read More

March Musings - If you read this in early March, I will be in Gatlinburg, TN at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts with a lively group of ladies, participating in my "Fun with Geometrics" workshop. We are exploring and working with Circles, Squares, Triangles, and Rectangles. These shapes lend themselves to a variety of design possibilities for your own ideas. While in Gatlinburg, I will have time to revisit their exquisite Aquarium and the Smoky Mountain Spinnery Yarn Shop. Pigeon Forge is right next door with many offerings for entertainment; the only one I like is Dollywood, because Dolly not only offers regular theme park fun but has a special area to honor the Blue Ridge Mountain artisans and culture. Read More

Unique, Wearable Fiber Arts

All are my crochet wearable art designs are original. Many feature vintage heirloom techniques, such as Hairpin lace, Broomstick lace, Tunisian lace, Irish lace and thread lace in contemporary application.

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Learn About Heritage Techniques on Your Own

Rita has detailed her techniques in two published books.

Cover of "Heritage Crochet: In A New Light" by Rita de Maintenon, featuring heirloom lace tools and vintage threadwork with the subtitle "Enriching Your Designs with Heirloom Lace Techniques"

Heritage Crochet in a New Light: Enriching Your Designs with Heirloom Lace Techniques

Learn the history of heritage crochet techniques, and how to use them to enrich any crochet project. Clear instructions from master teacher Rita de Maintenon, plus 160 photos and online videos, take intermediate-level crochet skills to the next level, allowing you to learn to crochet broomstick lace, hairpin lace, Tunisian lace, Aran cables, and thread lace such as filet crochet, Irish crochet, bullions, and picots. These traditional skills also form the foundation of heirloom crochet restoration, helping preserve vintage techniques through modern hands.

After mastering the basics of these often undervalued skills, learn how to move between them, combine them, and—most importantly—move from pattern dependency to "pattern independence." Readers are guided in how to create their own designer projects without the need of commercial patterns. Original-design examples are featured throughout. This book belongs in every fiber lover’s library as a constant resource of information and inspiration.

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Cover of the book "Crochet for Knitters" by Rita de Maintenon, showing pink knitted and crocheted

Crochet for Knitters: The Marriage of Hook and Needles

In this book, master fiber arts teacher Rita de Maintenon shows you how to take your knit and crochet skills to the next level. Combine your knitting expertise with graceful crochet accents to give your projects a refined, designer finish. Learn to pair your favorite knitting style with easy lace crochet, use cast-on and cast-off techniques creatively, and add personality with handmade borders, trims, and embellishments.

With clear guidance and practical examples, Rita helps you move seamlessly between knitting and crochet—opening the door to a whole new level of creative freedom. These hybrid techniques are not only beautiful, but they also play a vital role in heirloom crochet restoration, allowing crafters to reimagine and repair vintage pieces with artistic flair.

Whether you're enhancing a personal project or preserving a family treasure, this book empowers you to break free from pattern dependency and develop your own one-of-a-kind fiber creations.

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Both Books Available on Kindle Now!

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