My daughter Allison has a degree in interior design and works as a set designer for a large photography studio nearby.  Last night I met with Allison and Chis (one of the photographers)  to do photos of the Lace Pottery in colors. 
     The photos are breathtaking!!!  I can not wait for you to see them.  [...]

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     While designing a Santa Tank Cover last week I started thinking about how much I love designing crochet patterns for the holidays.  As long as I can remember I have loved the holidays, especially Halloween. 
     When I was in elementary school we had a long drive home from Detroit to Royal Oak Michigan where we [...]

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     This week I’ve been thinking about how exciting it is to be a crocheter with all the fantastic patterns that are available. When I first started crocheting over 40 years ago (I can’t believe that!), I never dreamed all these wonderful magazines; books and patterns would be so readily available.  Don’t you just love [...]

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Choosing a Storage Area
You can slow down textile aging by selecting an ideal storage area.  The ideal area for heirlooms would be a dark place, with a clean and insect free environment at a temperature between 65° and 70° with 50% humidity. Storage in attics or basements is not recommended.  Basement humidity is too high [...]

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When our family lived in Michigan we lived in a fantastic neighborhood that really knew how to celebrate Halloween!  One woman would dress up in a professional witch costume with a wire harness hooked to her back.  She had a big black cauldron with steam rolling off the top.  She was surrounded by tombstones and dry [...]

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Heirlooms – Part 3 - Storage    
Before you store your piece make sure it is clean, non-ironed and as stain free as possible.  Never store textiles in plastic bags or on wire hangers. Plastic emits harmful chemicals and the textiles can’t breathe!  Mildew will inevitably occur when excess heat and moisture build in the plastic bag.  [...]

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     We have had several requests for oval doilies recently.  After doing a quick search on the MaggiesCrochet.com website I found two books published by Leisure Arts that contain oval doilies.  The first book- “A Year of Doilies” by designer C. Strohmeyer actually had 2 oval designs.  This fantistic 26 page book includes 12 doilies - one for each [...]

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     Today we had several visitors to the Lace Pottery Gallery.  A few of them were crocheters and had seen the Lace Pottery online. 
     One of the visitors was Jane Rimmer.  Jane moderates the yahoo group called: Those Yarn Crocheters.  She also heads the Harrisburg CGOA in Harrisburg PA.  They meet the last Thursday of [...]

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Heirlooms – Part 1 - Cleaning
     Immediately after wearing or using a piece it is important to hand wash it before storing.  Storing something dirty will encourage bacteria to grow that could possibly damage or destroy your treasure.  Bacteria thrive on old stains and spray starch.  It is important to take care of any problems [...]

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Heirlooms – Part 1 - Fibers
     In 1993 I had the pleasure of meeting my great Aunt Lil.   When I told her I designed crochet patterns, she told me about her sister Annie who crocheted beautiful doilies.  Three of Aunt Lil’s heirlooms were Annie’s doilies. They were beautifully done with tiny thread, roses and filet [...]

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