I wrote this post all the way back in 2012 when I first started teaching crochet as Carry Yarn Stitching. Christine brought in a beautiful set of heirloom antique crochet hooks to show us, undoubtably the finest I’ve ever seen.
I’d forgotten about this post until I stumbled over it today, but rereading it brought back the joy of those classes and reminded me that I’m passing on skills that stay with people.
The writing here isn’t great, and the photos are clunky, but the memory is special. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you Christine.
Caroline. x
Nobody managed to correctly guess what it was (well, apart from K. who was already there!)
This antique is beautifully carved, I think from oak, although I could be wrong, in the shape of a parasol or umbrella. Lift off the handle, and you can see it’s hollowed out to protect the finest crochet hooks you can imagine. The hooks have their own lids to protect the delicate ends, and would be about the right size for crocheting with sewing thread. Christine knows I’m fascinated by items like this, and brought it in when she came to the Squares workshop.
The top of the folded parasol removed to show the hooks
Lids removed from the hooks – can you see the ends?
She said the hooks and case belonged to her late mother-in-law, who inherited them from her own aunt. This lady was an accomplished lacemaker, who learnt to crochet as a child, trained as a milliner, made her own wedding items, and was eventually promoted to making fine wedding veils. Quite a career back then! C also told me that,
“during the war she made all her own net/lace curtains for her first home and I’d guess again she used those hooks”.
Here’s some of her work, probably made by the same crochet hooks in the case:
The hooks and original case were amazing, the fine lace doilies, runners and veils were amazing on their own, but to hear about the woman herself, and the stories behind them, was absolutely inspirational.
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