Clones Lace: The Story and Patterns of an Irish Crochet

Clones Lace: The Story and Patterns of an Irish Crochet by Máire Treanor. paperback edition. ISBN: 9781856353830.

From the back "This book tells the social history of the crochet lace-making tradition in south Ulster. Between the mid-nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, almost every family in the area made Clones lace. Crocheting, as it was fondly called, was a part of the community. It offered great opportunities for young people, many of whom travelled to Dublin to train in design and then taught it in the west of Ireland. The lace-making industry declined, as fashions changed and machine-made lace became more popular, in the early twentieth century. The lace continued to be made locally, for tourists in a small way until the 1960s. "... the research done for this book will ensure that once again Clones lace will be given its place among the great Irish laces. Máire includes the stories that were recorded during lace storytelling night over the last ten years, as part of the "Cassandra Hand Summer School of Clones Lace".... "The second part of the book is aimed at the beginner, with guides to easy-to-do motifs that will introduce you to the beautiful craft of Clones lace. Máire has transcribed the Clone knot-filling stitch and the many secrets of this unique craft from other workers in the area, with easy-to-follow directions."