Inside Crochet - 39, March 2013

As spring fast approaches, we look forward to warmer weather with a special issue exploring lace crochet. Many openwork crochet techniques were originally produced as cheaper alternatives to the much more expensive and time-consuming needle lace fabrics. The crocheted fabrics that were developed are just as stunning and intricate, but much easier to make. This issue aims to aid your lace crochet journey, demonstrating that the technique is often much easier than it looks.

Many aspects of lace crochet can be off-putting to some, but we believe there is a project for everyone inside, even the menfolk! We hope that the Austin Sweater (page 52) and Steel Necktie (page 49), both designed especially for men, can demonstrate that lace stitches needn’t be reserved for women. If you fi nd that fi ne weight yarns have been a barrier to enjoying lace, turn to page 68 where Tracey Todhunter has used a familiar home product as an inspiration for an oversized doily floor rug worked in super-chunky yarn. Furthermore, the humble doily is celebrated in our regular column by Sara Sinaguglia on page 14. I shall defi nitely be hooking her pattern for vintage-style coasters. They are extremely pretty and made from that most unassuming of yarns – craft cotton. If all this seems a little daunting, we have a few helping hands to guide you. Debbie Tomkies explains the Filet Lace technique and has designed a very simple pattern to test your new skills, while our technical editor Charles Voth unravels the mysteries of the crochet chart on page 84. I hope you enjoy making your own perfect lace project, and don’t forget to share your pictures with us if you do!

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