Crochet Lace

This book is a re-release of the 2003 book of the same name by Pauline Turner. You may want to check your existing books to be sure that you don't already have it. It does not seem to have been updated, merely re-released.

That was good for me as I don't have a copy of the original book. Ms. Turner provides very interesting historical information about crochet and makes conclusions based on her research. Additionally, and more importantly to me, she provides excellent information about various types of lace crochet.

The patterns in the book are based on US crochet terms, so you will see mention of single crochet. There are a good number of illustrations, photographs, and detailed instructions for the various stitch types, motifs, and patterns included in the book. The chapters include: The Basics (basic information on how to crochet), Filet Crochet, Motifs, Joining Motifs, Irish Crochet, Crochet Imitating Other Types of Lace, Edgings, and Adaptation and Finishing.
Each of these chapters provide information on how-to as well as examples and/or patterns utilizing the type of crochet mentioned. Yes, there is a pattern available for the gorgeous lace gloves on the cover of the book.

Unfortunately, the instructions (though very well done) are written and not provided in visual format. That is probably because the book was written in 2003 prior to the newer trend of including both written and visual patterns. Visual patterns are good for those who don't read a particular language for those who follow patterns visually better than the written word. I can follow either, so this was not a problem for me.

The book is well-written and is a fairly comprehensive study in crochet lace making. It is not a book for beginners but would be a great addition to a crocheters' library. It does not include any ground-breaking concepts for today (remember it is really 13 years old in content) but was probably fairly innovative when first published. This is probably the book that many individuals wish that they had picked up when it was first published and now will have the opportunity to pick it up.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This is an excellent reference book on crochet lace. Ms. Turner writes clearly and comprehensively about lace crochet, beginning with the origins of crochet, how to crochet and then the methods of the different types of lace crochet.

The instructions appear to be clear and easy to follow. Using this book would aid the crocheter in creating a lovely lace collar or some other garment. How about lace edgings for pillow cases, or the ubiquitous lace doily? Or even the ultimate challenge, a lace tablecloth or bedspread?

This books explains how to make all these items and teaches the reader about lace crochet at the same time. Very good crochet book!

Hard trouble downloading to my Kindle, as all it showed was the photos. It did go to my Ipad however, and I loved the patterns and the layout of the book. I like how she set it up with specific areas, and the directions are easy enough that even myself, a fairly novice with crochet, could easily handle with a little extra hints from my sister. I probably could have figured it out on my own, but when you have a resource you use it, right? Anyway, I am trying my hand at the green shawl, down in a light camel color. Should feel good come this winter. Would highly recommend this book.

The photographs are wonderful!

I was thinking that this book was going to be too complex for anyone other than an accomplished crocheter. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is not the case, and that the projects are achievable and interesting. In this way, the cover is somewhat misleading. I love that there are photos of completed projects on the same page as the pattern, but found it really annoying that they were orientated differently in most cases (if the pattern was orientated vertically, then the accompanying picture would present the item horizontally). In most cases, there was no valid reason for this.

Lots of great patterns and projects - I can't wait to revive some of my old camis and tops with lace edging.

A very extensive resource for this most delicate of crochet techniques. Much of this book is its comprehensive bibliography which details where to find these vintage patterns, whether on the internet or in printed form. Photographs are well-thought out and presentation is impeccable.

Great book with patterns for accomplished lace crocheters, but I would not recommend it for someone who wants to learn as there is very little for someone who does not already have a basic understanding of lace crochet.

The description of this book stated that no experience was necessary. I’d say that is definitely not true. I’ve tried crochet before and failed to really get it. So I tried this book. It didn’t help me any though it did inspire me to go search the internet for videos again. And this time I did pick the basics up quickly, so yay for that. I still wouldn’t feel comfortable with some of these patterns yet. Some because they seem overwhelming (a single bedspread that requires breaking out the daisy loom as well as 32 balls of crochet cotton). Some because they seem too fine for a newbie. Some because they’re meant to mimic tatting, and I find needle tatting much faster and easier. So that’s the bad.

The good is that if you’re already comfortable with crochet of all sizes (specifically smaller hooks / motifs here), you’ll sure enjoy this book. Aside from the patterns it attempts to give us some history of crochet. Though the patterns are the main aspects of the book. From gloves, to edgings, to blankets — there’s a little of everything using primarily smaller motifs. Much of it is meant to mimic more Victorian styles with little to no attempts to modernize those classics.

I’d recommend the book for advanced crocheters or those comfortable working with smaller hooks. For newbies and those not comfortable working smaller, I’d skip it.

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?

It makes me want to take up crochet again, to create all these pretty items!

This is an extraordinary book! The author begins with historical information on the beginning of crochet. Next she goes into each stitch type with easy to follow instructions and excellent functional diagrams to help even the newest beginner understand how to accomplish the stitch. Next she explains Filet Crochet with the most concise instructions I have seen. Then she explains motifs such as granny squares, circles , squares and medallions. Each stitch,and motif is accompanied by full instructions and diagrams and photographs to help you complete the work.
This is the most completely helpful book I have read and used on crochet. It is suitable for the absolute beginner and the seasoned crocheter.
I highly recommend this book!!!

Good, basic instruction for making crochet lace, enhanced with photos and some historical background on each of the stitches and laces. Oddly, the pages look like they've been copied on a copier - the text is ragged and broken in places - but enlarging the font made it readable.

I enjoyed the delicacy of this work and wanted to know more about it.

Beautiful patterns!