I am in-between large projects at the moment, it's a funny state of limbo to be in and I feel somewhat idle when I don't have a large project on the hook. However, I have my all time fall-back crochet to hand. Flowers! 

Crochet Coral Flower…

Every so often I am inspired by alternative materials for my crochet, it might be the texture or the colour that sets my imagination off, I have often used polythene because of the sound it makes when handled. You might find it odd to be inspired by sound but my husband is a musician so sound is part of my daily equation.

Recently I went to a builders suppliers where I came across a spool of Manila Twine - I adore the scent of Manila…

Last night I was invited to do a demonstration of crochet at a business conference at the Ritz-Carlton. I had prepared a talk on the value of crochet piecework to Irish women through the years, how they fed and educated their families making beautiful intricate lace. I had samples of Irish lace with me, I had made small motifs to show the delegates what "a piece of work" is and then I broke out of the stereotype. 21st century crochet is so much more than pretty lace, it's funky colours and…

I never not knew how to crochet, or so it feels to me. I grew up surrounded by expert 'hookers' and watched them work from the word go. I don't remember learning to crochet, but I do know it was my maternal grandmother who did it. I don't remember the day or the time, but I remember the sensation. I must have been only 4 or 5 is what I can rationalize. I think most 'hookers' have this experience of having been "payed forward" as we were taught by our mothers/aunts/grannies.

I have…