THE LURE OF CROCHET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16020, 11 September 1915, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE LURE OF CROCHET.

Crocket holds a magic spell for many women. ..The materials are so cheap and the patterns so varied that it is possible to please all tastes; - Even the woman who does: not care for other * fancy -woA* will become intensely absorbed in the forking but of an intricate piece v of crochet .work. ' s : ■'■ i -- ■•'"■^ Crochet is, k perhaps, the ideal, fancy work for the holiday, whether it be spent at the : seaside, or at .some inland resort. There are no delicately-tinted silks to ; fade, or get soiled; and no v material to crush. *If the crochet gets dirty from much handling and careless usage it can be easily washed or cleaned and •: be as" good as ever. ,',' : {,."m-' ",%.%.;?..: : i'-r;.*-;-Few women, however devoted they may be to the lure of the crochet hook, get beyond making & delightful edgings for d'oyleys and teacloths, They are afraid .to, attempt Irish crochet, fearing that the work is. too "tedious.. ' : -r. V < ;; Naturally, in making the' finest Irish crochet, it is difficult to draw the fine threads very tightly until some ski» has been attained! by considerable practice. But Irish crochet is delightful if worked ,in fairly coarse cottonr It can then be utiliseS to make, pretty coatees and trimmings ; for both Mouses and frocks. One of the most exquisite trimmings of a* tussore silk dress consisted of fuchsias and foliage-worked in linen thread to match theftinV of the dress. v ( ; \* Once _tiie knack of Irish : " crochet is gained 'it cau be worked "Very rapidly. The method |of j. arranging Irish crochet is slightly different from, the " ordinary crochet* the .whole being composed of motifs—representing roses, shamrock, butHerflies, and other, objects; all of these 'being connected with loops .of chains and pickets. When the motifs are finished they are sewn firmly on to a pattern of i a ( collar or other article cut in , linen. j The connecting; links 'of chain, are then J worked. Finally, the edge is finished with the narrow picot edging always seen ! on Irish crochet. The charm of Irish crochet lies, in the scope it allows for the ■ individuality ■of the worker, as the motifs can be , arranged to suit any designs or individual fancy. ; ' . • " i From America comes a new crochet thread which is very firm and glossy. It is much used for crocheting summer hats, and works up delightfully into any article that requires, a . very strong cotton. It also makes pretty belts for wearing with summer • frocks. •'"■.:'■ ./.*? ■-'-■?, t A crochet,blouse is by no Weans difficult to do. Cut out a pattern of a wellfitting blouse in linen and select a prettypattern of crochet which will duplicate satisfactorily. This is worked to the -same size as the pattern, .increasing and decreasing when necessary. AJittle experience soon shows how i.this Irs done.' he result will be"* delightful blouse of which any girl would be proud. s