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RESTORATION, PRESERVATION & TEACHING SINCE 1983

Broomstick Lace

Broomstick Lace technique is usually done in a continuous pattern of loops only. Sometimes this technique is interspersed with rows of crochet before picking up the loops over the broomstick again.

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The photo shows the broomsticks tools I use.

  • On the top is the classic broomstick that supposedly was used by pioneer women.
  • They used up scraps of yarn while sitting on the porch after sweeping the house.
  • After doing it the purist way for a long time, I discovered giant knitting needles.
  • The sharp point facilitates the slipping off of the loops and makes the job faster and much more enjoyable.
  • For smaller loops on my baby designs, I use a smaller knitting needle.

Canary Broomstick Lace Coverlet

This delicate coverlet is done over a regular, as well as the smaller broomstick.

The pinks and blues are worked over the large and the yellow rows over the smaller tool. This creates a lacy pattern in soft canary colors. The material is Bellina Italian Acrylic, hand wash, dry flat.

The size of this piece is 38 x 30″

Snowflake Broomstick Set

This pretty outfit features a warm Lotus Unger Virgin Wool with tiny beads woven in. I worked the yarn over the small broomstick with single and half double rows in-between, and a cute elfin hat completes the ensemble. Made from beaded Unger wool, hand wash or dry clean.

Hairpin Lace

Hairpin Lace or Maltese Crochet (as it is sometimes called) are pieces that are  light &  airy. This can be worked into beautiful pieces of peacock eyes and individual loops  To see this technique in "Wearable Art", please visit my Heirloom Treasures Boutique.

These photos show one of the newer hairpins on the market now. The width of the strip is adjustable but the length of the strip is limited before the loops have to be removed. This is one reason I prefer the older and longer metal hairpins.

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Loops with a crochet hook that is comparable with the yarn or thread I use. See, I’m using my favorite hairpin!

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This photo shows one of the newer hairpins on the market now. The width of the strip is adjustable but the length of the strip is limited before the loops have to be removed. One reason I prefer the older and longer metal hairpins.  Photo by Stewart Stokes.

Appalachian Spring Gossamer Wrap

This is a very fine example of delicate hairpin work.

About 900 loops on each side of the hairpin are worked into peacock eyes and individual loops, then crochet together into one delicate gossamer piece.

Made from single strand American Super Luster Pearle Cotton, hand wash, dry flat.

The wrap measures 72 x 24″ with 6″ fringe on each long end.

Maltese Pool Party Scarf

I used several strands of American Super Luster Pearle Cotton held together and inserted beads along the way.

It is trimmed with picots and features tassels and beads on the ends. Hand wash, dry flat.

This scarf is 72″ x 6″ with three 3″ tassels at each end.

Tunisian, Victorian and Bullion Crochet

Interesting techniques using Tunisian, Victorian and Bullion Crochet.   And some other items such as crocheted pillows, hanky baby bonnet.

Victorian and Bullion Crochet Booties

These Victorian Crochet  inspired cuties are made from tan #30 mercerized bedspread cotton. They are bullion crochet booties, created by pulling a tiny hook through all 16 loops on that hook in one continuous motion. Then the bullion crochet pieces are then worked into a fan design and connected by chains and picots. Hand wash and air dry.

Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian crochet is yet another variation of what can be done with crochet techniques.  A long crochet hook is used to pick up stitches from the previous row, which are then worked off with the same hook. The Tunisian weave is often quite tight and pieces tend to curl but are worth the beautiful results. This white baby sweater is made from Orlon Acrylic and easy care.

Fits 9 – 12 months, chest is 20″, shoulder to hem length is 10″.

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Filet Crochet Pillow

Filet crochet is worked from a chart and there is much counting involved.  Although the basic technique is a simple double crochet and chains to create the openings.

The pillow is cotton fabric, filling and thread, hand wash, air dry. Size is 14 x 10″

The Magic Hanky

Here is one version of the beloved Magic Hanky.  This baby bonnet is made by turning a linen handkerchief into a bonnet.

Bring your baby home from the hospital or wear at baby’s Christening.

According to the poem, it will be neatly tucked away until the baby grows into a bride or groom and with a little snip the hanky turns into a wedding keepsake.

These are linen hankies trimmed with #30 pearle cotton, flowers and ribbon. They come in white, pale blue and pale pink with designer border.  And with The Magic Hanky original poem with bible verse. Size newborn to 6 months.

Irish Lace

Most of my Wedding & Christening designs are build on Irish Lace designs and wisdom. I spent several summers in Ireland ~ Rita de Maintenon

My designs are inspired by some interesting material or color combination reminding me of a natural phenomena or special event. Although I have a general idea of the desired outcome, I often develop a piece as it grows by changing colors or techniques to create the perfect outcome.

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Irish Rose Detail

I was intrigued by this old Irish Lace Rose pattern and very pleased with the outcome. The rose, leaves and shamrocks are typical of the Celtic culture and passed down with pride. After working thousands of picots in the skirt and sleeves, I feel very Irish myself. This gown is featured in the Heirloom Christening section.

Irish Crochet Christening Gown

Thousands of tiny picots and the classic Irish Rose grace this Celtic gown.

  • Shamrocks on the shoulders, silk ribbon and around the hem complete the outfit.
  • Made from American Royale mercerized cotton.
  • The lining is satin with an antique lace hem.
  • ​Size newborn to 6 months.
  • Chest is 18″, shoulder to hem length is 26″
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Irish Crochet Picot and Shamrock Details

There are thousands of picots and the “Luck of the Irish” shamrocks are featured in this detail photo.

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