Easter chicks!

Beginners Crochet Class 4 went well this week!

Crochet vs knitted chicks battle it out for the cutest Easter Chick award!

Beginners get to grips with shell stitches. Two patterns were achieved, shells in shells and shells on shells!

And some completed homework!

NUI Galway Arts & Theatre Office and Galway Crochet Craft celebrate Traditional Irish Lacemaking

These are just some of the samples of Irish lace shown at the Vintage Lace and Fashion Show at NUI Galway on Tuesday 20th March. Anne Quinn of Galway Crochet Craft is our crochet tutor at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery and a member of the Traditional Lacemakers of Ireland (see www.traditionallaceireland.com). It's nice to think that eventhough we are only beginners at crochet here at Le Grá we are (slowly!) following in the footsteps of some amazing traditional Irish craft-makers!

Crochet Classes going down a storm (in a teapot!) at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery

We have now completed 3 of 5 classes with Anne Quinn at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery. So far we have learned:

• chain stitch, slip stitch, double crochet, treble crochet, double treble
• combinations of these to achieve basket weave and popcorn and five different flowers and a shamrock!

And we have made phone covers, headbands and tea-cosies.

Every week Anne also brings along some work completed by herself and others to show us different styles, stitches and ideas.

Crochet Classes with Anne Quinn

Today we had our second of 5 crochet classes with Anne Quinn. Some brought in their phone covers with flowers that we learned last week. And Anne had some more samples of work to show us. Hats, tea-cosies and lace doilies.

Today we learned another way to mix double-crochet and chain stitches to create a hairband. We also looked at another pattern for a flower and also how to make a 'popcorn' stitch.

We're finding that even with a few basic skills, the work comes together fairly quickly and the stitches can be combined in different ways to create different effects.

If you would like to learn to crochet, just get in touch 087 6193870 and book your place on the next course of crochet.

Crochet classes with Anne Quinn at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery

We are delighted to welcome crochet tutor, Anne Quinn to Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery. And today was a busy morning as beginner's learned how to hold the hook, feed the yarn, create a foundation chain stitch and double crochet. With these skills we started our first project: a mobile phone cover. Wasting no time Anne showed us how to create our first flower motif. And even a quick run through picot stitch (which we will cover in more detail in another lesson).

We were hooked!

Anne brought along a number of examples to show us.

And showed us some alternative possibilities for crochet....using coloured wires and a selection of beads these necklaces can be created.

Anne had a beautiful christening robe, bonnet and shawl as well as these little booties, rosary bead set and an example of lace-making.

Although we are only beginners, we have been inspired to practice and perhaps one day we can aim to create some heirlooms like Anne's work!

Only 2 places left on our Wednesday morning crochet class!

Anne Quinn's crochet class will take place at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery every Wednesday for the next 5 weeks from 10.30 to 12.30 starting on 29th February. The course costs €75 (includes a hook and a ball of wool). The course will take you from beginner to intermediate level and you will complete a number of projects along the way. Come and join us for a relaxed morning learning new skills! Phone 087 6193870 to book your place.