Kitchens teaches lace techniques
Crystal Kitchens will teach the steps in making hairpin lace, like the scarves pictured, at Madison Public Library on July 24. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Crystal Kitchens will introduce the art of hairpin lace at Madison Public Library on July 24.
Kitchens’ session will run from 10 a.m. to noon. No crochet, knitting or sewing experience is needed. This workshop is open to anyone at least 14 years old.
The class project will be a ruffled scarf, made from one hairpin lace strip.
“Hairpin lace is one of those forms of crochet, including broomstick lace and ‘daisy looms,’ that requires a ‘frame’ to make loops held together by single or double crochet stitches,” Kitchens said. The sewer can produce a large item with less work than only crochet stitches.
The modern hairpin lace loom or fork has two parallel prongs held at the top and bottom by two bars with holes to hold prongs at several different widths. The sewer easily can remove these bars to make strips longer than the prongs and to remove lace from the loom. Originally, ladies’ hairpins were used for looms.
Hairpin lace can be made of yarn, thread, narrow ribbon and other materials. “This technique is perfect for novelty yarns that may be difficult to crochet or knit,” Kitchens said.
By joining strips of hairpin lace, individuals can make items like scarves, hats and afghans. “Loops of hairpin lace strips are joined by crochet stitches to create these items,” she said.
For the library class, hairpin lace looms and yarn will be supplied. Participants can bring a loom, three coordinating yarns or novelty yarn and/or narrow ribbon about 1/8 to 1/4 inch and a size G crochet hook (or one matching the yarn).
Kitchens is offering these workshops to perpetuate handcrafts from earlier centuries alive in the 21st century. “I’ve had the pleasure of learning some of these handcrafts from generous teachers. Now, I want to share the pleasure that I’ve found in making something with my hands,” she said.
Registration is required. Call Teresa Allison at 256-461-0046 or email to tallison@hmcpl.org.
For more information about Kitchens’ classes, visit WeavingBasics.tumblr.com.
