Newer isn't always better. These old instructions work up smoothly once you get the hang of it!
Definately different! I just finished my first motif, the fourth floweret. I love thread crochet, and have recently done several modern renditions of "Irish Crochet", so I bought this book to add to my collection. I have worked from other material that was written using British terms, which takes a little getting used to, and I find myself easily adapting to the terminology. The terminology used here is similarly different, but not the same as british, however there is a "stitch conversion chart" and I found it easy to adjust.
A major difference that I found was the "style" in which it was written. Modern patterns tell you what to do with the next stitch, then the next. You follow the direction, then you finally catch on what they are trying to do ex: (2 ch, 1 sc in the next loop) 4 times. Where as this text tells you what needs to be accomplished, ex: make four times: 2 chain and 1 plain on the loop beneath. (US sc = plain). It takes some getting used to, and when I first started I thought that I would need to re-write the instructions in "modern terms", but before I could finish the first motif, I began to actually prefer this method of instruction! Wow! Also, the design flows together much easier than the modern renditions that I have tried. (Which almost scared me away from Irish Crochet.)
Also different is the cord foundation. I had never used a cord foundation before. Man, that took some getting used to! When I finally got the hang of it, I think it is genuis! The use of the foundation cord allows you to make sc stitches without working over a chain foundation all of the time. It also provides a wonderful contrast in thickness, which provides considerable depth the the motifs. Sort of like an outline. Which makes me realize that these motifs are expertly designed. The beginning instructions do a good job of explaining the use of the cord foundation. The only question I have unanswered is since the cord foundation is so thick, what is the best way to tie it off and work in the ends???
Several different weights of threads need to be used to accomplish the desired results. The original weights of thread specified are not readily available, and I am using No. 5 for a cord foundation as suggested in the adaptations in the foreword. I used No. 10 for the motif, and No. 30 for the ground (background) as I have it available to me. However this produces designs far larger than the templates in the back of the book. This is just fine for me, as No. 30 is really as small as I have the tools (and patience) to work with :) Next time I might switch to a No. 3 for the cord foundation???
If you have good thread crochet skills and some patience to get started, I think you should be very pleased with this booklet!
how to be an artist
This is a very old book, so the instructions are in 'victorian' format - just text - but they are very detailed and informative. There are no complete patterns for artifacts here, just excellent building blocks for our own designs. Photography is very good, so whatever might look intimidating in the instructions becomes very clear in the picture. Also the introduction is excellent, providing a lot of facts and no gossipy dribble, so common in this type of literature.
This book is fully sufficient to learn design of crocheted lace, I will definitely use it for many projects.
Not for an amateur
I have crocheted a long time and have done some Irish crochet. This book would be difficult for the average crocheter. I don't think the instructions are easy to understand, the photos are in black and white, very grainy and hard to see. An experienced crocheter would manage but there are better books out there. I do not recommend this.
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