Irish crochet flourished after the great Potato Famine in the 1840s when poverty was so severe and food so scarce that half the population of Ireland died or fled. Crocheted lace was both portable and required no more tools than a crochet hook, some of which were as fine as the eye of a needle. A luxury for the rich, fine lace was expensive to buy, which enabled the maker of lace to provide for her family. Irish crochet stands out from the main body of crochet with its individually made motifs, often mimicking nature, which are joined to create a fabric or an embellishment. In class, we will explore and create several Irish Crochet motifs (such as the leaf, rose, stamen, etc), then reproduce and connect them in projects like a key chain, hair clip, pin, and a headband.

Participants must be at least motivated beginners who can: chain, single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, and increase. Students will be working with hooks of various sizes. Participants must be able to see adequately to distinguish and count stitches. Class will have the opportunity to work with crochet thread and smaller sized hooks. Students should be able to see and manipulate small crochet stitches and chains.

Students ages 12+ with adequate abilities and skills may register for this course. Youth ages 10+ may register if accompanied by an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete two projects and pay two materials fees. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full paying adult; call to register. 

Required Tools

• All students must bring their own crochet hooks with which they will work worsted weight yarn down to crochet thread. Instructor recommends hook sizes E, F, & G, as well as 2.25 mm and smaller, if willing to work with thread-weight yarns.
• Instructor will supply all the yarn and thread necessary, but if student desires to work specific colors or yarns into the projects, feel free to bring more from home.
• Needlework tools, such as scissors, yarn needles, hand-sewing needles, measuring tapes, etc.

Optional Tools

• Any specific colors or yarns student wishes to incorporate into projects.
• Any project lights specificly needed for student comfort. Ott lights will be provided..