"Irish Crochet in Austria and France" and "Irish Crochet Lace in the Nineteenth Century" We are approaching the holiday season with the availability of two new crochet history books by Barbara Ballantyne, an Arachne member located in Australia. They are particularly suitable for those who are interested in Irish crochet history and those who are lace collectors. "Irish Crochet Lace in Austria and France", 96 pages, ISBN 978-098085071-0, features details of 25 pieces of early 20th century Irish crochet (known by that name even when worked in other nations). Large amounts of Irish crochet laces were produced in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and in France during the first quarter of the 20th century, and many who have crocheted items in their lace collections have probably never considered that their pieces may be from these or other nations. The books and instruction publications have usually been in languages we are unable to read and understand. This English language research fills an information gap about crochet and its places of origin. It was a substantial industry, and this book will help you to identify whether a crocheted item is from Ireland, or elsewhere. There are many references to early publications, and to sites where you can download more information and instructions. There is a very handy comparison chart at the front of this book. It lists a characteristic, such as Motifs, and says for Ireland "Bows, butterflies and pendants rare". For Austria and France it says "Bows, butterflies and pendants used quite often". "Irish Crochet Lace in the Nineteenth Century", 88 pages, ISBN 978-098085072-7, features details of 29 remarkable laces created in Ireland in the 50 or so years after the famine. Makers could afford the extra time required to incorporate unusual techniques. This type of lace was popular because it paired so well with fashion and decorating during this period. The lace could be complicated and dense, though not always. Some examples have needlelace grounds and needlelace fillings inside crocheted flowers! Perhaps this is something you have not noticed before. The European book was the impetus, and the Irish one was secondary, when the author realized she should write more about the same period's lace from Ireland. This makes both books helpful for analysis and identification. Barbara is skilled in distilling the information contained in old out-of-print publications for our edification. Both books contain an extensive reference/bibliography and helpful index. Arachne members are aware that we have individuals who are committed to sharing knowledge of various aspects of lace through published material. You also know that in order to do this, lacemakers have resorted to self-publishing. At _www.crochethistory.com_ (http://www.crochethistory.com/) , you can see some photographs and additional information provided by Barbara. Select "Books" from the menu, and then the two titles given above. For each book, go to "More information". You can write to Barbara for ordering information and prices. Lacis (Online Shopping) in the U.S. carries these books, and a shipment is on its way to Roseground in the U.K. (via sea, to reduce costs).
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