Friday, January 10, 2014

A Blog tour for my book: The Go To Book for Irish Crochet Motifs


The Go To Book For Irish Crochet Motifs.
I don’t promote myself or my work all that often. But I am so proud of this book I decided to do a blog tour. I asked some fellow lovers of crochet if they would look my book over.
You can find the book at
Annie's
Their write up for the book
If you have ever tried to make an Irish crochet motif using vintage pattern books, you most likely ended up confused, frustrated and a bit bewildered. In this book, we have taken these lovely motifs and written them in a manner where they make sense to the modern-day crocheter. Now these stunning motifs will be preserved and used now and in the future.
To make this fun
I will be giving aways 2 signed copies of my book at the end of this tour.
All you have to do to have a chance to win it is leave a comment on my blog.  At the end of the Blog tour on the 18th I will do a random drawing for the winners.
 
I think all the participants of this tour will be giving away books also.
I know that Susan Lowman’s has a signed copy as I delivered hers personally last week.
So to see what they have to say about the book and to enter their drawing be sure to visit them on these dates.
Susan Lowman on Saturday the 11th of January.
Amy Shelton of Crochetville on Tuesday the 14th of January.
Andee Graves on Friday the 17th of January.
 
I respect and value these people and their opinions and look forward to hearing what they have to say about the book.
I will do my drawing on Saturday the 18th of January so you will have a week to make your comment.
Now about how this book came to be:
I have a love affair with Irish Crochet.
Just look at my work and you can see it reflections in my designs

There is something special about combining motifs and crochet to create works of art that appeals to me.
So I was thrilled when I got to realize a dream of mine
To make Irish Crochet motifs patterns
more assessable and doable for the average crocheter.
When I first discovered there was a whole world of Irish crochet most of the Irish crochet motifs patterns were in antique pattern books and the style of pattern writing was iffy at that time. Some of the patterns just made no sense what so ever. So unless you were good at looking at a piece and creating it that way a lot of the Irish crochet motifs where frustrating for a person to make. Some nigh on to impossible.
So When I mentioned that I dreamed of doing a book that would have better written patterns for the motifs so today's crocheter could enjoy making these motifs to an editor, and she told me to go for it,I did with relish and enthusiasm. This book is the results.
The hardest part of the book was to decide what to include. There is so many wonderful and lovely motifs and I had to make choices. I knew I couldn’t include it all. Wish I could have but there are limits to what I could accomplish in a given amount of time. I must admit a few motifs that are my own originals slipped in. I couldn’t help myself, the book got my creative juices flowing.
I tried to give a good cross section of the different motifs one might want to use.
I decided to break it down into types of motifs, Flower, leaves, fill in motifs,overlays and so forth. So that motifs could be easily found.
I did not do any projects in this book as it is intended to be a reference book when someone needs a motif to use in creating an Irish crochet piece. They can be used as embellishments also. Adding a special touch to everyday items. There are a myriad of uses for these motifs. Just let your imagination run wild.
I also tried to set it up with traditional motifs that use padded rings and padding cord. But I also included a more modern version of as many motifs as I could that are a bit less intimidating as I realized that not everyone is comfortable with the traditional techniques. The best of both worlds.
I did do a section on how to do the true Irish crochet with the fill in lace background. This is one of the most rewarding ways to create truly artistic pieces of crochet work.
Work these motifs in yarn, thread, or whatever your hear desires. Use them any way you can think of and I will be a happy designer.    
I was so pleased when I actually saw the book as it turned out as I envisioned. I will tell you we worked very hard to try and make these patterns as error free as possible. I thank the tech editors for the patience with me and the good job they did. They helped make the book what I dreamed of. 
It is my hope and dream that this book will fill a niche that has been sadly unfilled and make these motifs useable now and for the future..
This was a labor of love for me and
I hope you use my book to enjoy the world of Irish crochet.
 
The winners are
Brenda 
Who posted this on January 10, 2014 at 11:59 AM
I love doing Irish Crochet. Your book looks great. Would love to win a copy!
and

I was looking for crocheted flowers for my grandson's wedding cake I crocheted but none I really loved. Now that I have seen a sampling of your work, I think I have found at least one I love. I hope I am one of the lucky ones. Thanks, Anita
Beautiful work.

Congratulations to both of you.
I need both of you to get hold of me at kathyawhite@centurylink.net  so I can arrange to get your books to you.
Please contact me asap. 
 

71 comments:

  1. Never tried Irish crochet, would love a chance to win your beautiful book!

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  2. love your work :) this is an awesome dream realized

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  3. I love Irish crochet. Alas as you mentioned some of the patterns are hard to duplicate. I have a large stash of threads just waiting to "become" This book would be much used.Yes please enter me.Thank You and have a great day.

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  4. I love doing Irish Crochet. Your book looks great. Would love to win a copy!

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  5. I love irish crochet. I would love a chance to win this.

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  6. Oh my goodness, so very, very beautiful! Some of your crochet looks like tatting. I would love to learn to do this. I would really love to win a copy of your book!

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  7. This looks like a great book! I'd love to win a copy and learn Irish crochet.

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  8. I was looking for crocheted flowers for my grandson's wedding cake I crocheted but none I really loved. Now that I have seen a sampling of your work, I think I have found at least one I love. I hope I am one of the lucky ones. Thanks, Anita
    Beautiful work.

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  9. I love Irish crochet in all its forms. Would love to win this book. Tracy Brumfield

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  10. im 45 been crochet since i was 5 but never tried Irish crochet but i surely would love to win so i could try it :) Great book x

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  11. Would love to win this book. Love doing thread crochet

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  12. This looks so lovely! I've only recently started crochet again and am loving fine work. I'd love to try Irish crochet next!

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  13. I made a Mantilla for my daughter in November for her birthday...this is very similar and very beautiful...I need to try it...thanks

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  14. I have always loved Irish crochet, but have been afraid to try it. I like your quote that you want patterns that "more assessable and doable for the average crocheter"! Wendy Neal

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  15. Beautiful work. Would love to win a copy of your book.

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  16. Beautiful work

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  17. This is a fantastic book - I purchased it a few weeks ago and it is just an amazing reference book for crocheters. Thank you!

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  18. Reminds me of Malta lace and Gupour lace; just absolutely beautiful; i have crocheted since learning in Malta when I was 14 years old; thought that Irish crochet was difficult because it looked so elegant; possibilities you have shown are endless; would really enjoy learning and teaching others.

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  19. I love Irish crochet and it is very frustrating to say the least in the way it is written. Would love to have this book, Irish crochet is beautiful.

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  20. Would love this for two reasons : I love to crochet and I am Irish. Good luck with the tour - the book looks great!

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  21. Looking forward to getting a copy of your book, Irish crochet is beautiful. I need to make more of it.

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  22. LOVE Irish crochet! This book as some patterns I would love to make & wear!

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    1. The book only has motifs in it. You get to decide how to use them. The pictures on the post are Irish crochet pieces I have done.

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  23. These are stunning!! I dream of having time to try every one!! Maybe next year when all the kids go to school!! Great job!

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  24. A beautiful rendition of a much-needed resource. I am of Irish descent and love traditional work. I have very old pattern books and sometimes the instructions are like reading a badly translated different language.looks like a wonderful job.

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  25. Irish Crochet in on the crochet bucket list. Your book looks like it would be so much easier to reference than diving into the vintage patterns. Thank you Kathryn!!
    From Kathylovescrochet aka Kathy Hulet-Bennett

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  26. Looks like you have a wonderful book. Your motifs sure do show off Irish Crochet very well. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a fascinating book.

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    1. I will need at least a first name to put you into the drawing. So I can differentiate you from all others who posted anonymously.

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  27. OMG this looks awesome! While thread crochet is prohibitive due to vision issues, i would LOVE to try these with different yarns! they are beautiful.

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    1. You can do the motifs in what ever your heart desires. I just did them in the thread as it shows off the stitches so wonderfully.

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  28. Beautiful! I love the designs shown.

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  30. I haven't ventured into the crochet thread world yet but I plan on it soon. Having a set of up to date patterns would be awesome. I have ADD and am a bit obsessive so over time I've found different hobbies to help me channel my focus. In the past I have spent 5-8 hours at a time curling paper for intricate origami ornaments and then got into gardening and other crafts. Now that I've picked up crocheting I can't get enough. I find the more detailed and elaborate the better. I like projects that require patience and a find tuned focus. I'm a dedicated learner when I get passionate about something and I think I finally found a passion that will last for life.

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  31. I would not mind receiving this book, I do understand how much work went into making it, but the designs I can see are breath taking! susantrew@yahoo.com

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  32. I love doing this kind of crochet, can't wait to your book comes out

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  33. It looks really hard... but I would love the chance to win your book.

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  34. Fascinating technique/art with a hook...wow...would so much love a copy of the book..... TY for doing this....Grace

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  35. I love Irish crochet motifs & patterns. This book sounds divine and would make a great addition to my library. I have crocheted for over 40 yrs and love showing others how to enjoy the craft as well. My yarn & thread stash is just waiting to be created into loving items and i believe this would be the book to help accomplish that. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the giveaway!

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  36. The book looks fantastic, I have always been interested in trying Irish crochet. Would just love to win the book! marce _ hall at yahoo dot com

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  37. I love Irish Crochet. You just don't find many patterns for it, though Interweave did a nice series last year. I'd love to win the book, but I'll definitely put it on my wish list.

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  38. This is just so amazingly beautiful work and I would love to expand my crochet skills to include Irish Crochet. I have had my eye on your book for a while - it would be so awesome to win it! Thank you so much for publishing! arnjr22@yahoo.com

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  39. I would love to do some Irish crochet, its so delicate and lacey

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  40. Wow, stunning, I am new to crochet and would love to enter

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  41. Lovely work! I have just found out about your book.Last month I purchased 2 leaflets on making Soft Jewelry and Irish Rings Jewelry,which look very intriguing,I can't wait to try them! Good luck with your book...

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  42. I bought a vintage irish crochet book a few years but didn't actually know how to crochet!!! I move to Egypt and then learned and tried to use the patterns. No problem with the patterns! But I crochet like I knit, holding the hook and thread in my right hand...I just can't get the hang of holding the thread in my opposite hand. As a result I find it hard to join the motifs but I am still trying!!! Beautiful book...especially as its in English!!!! Its hard work following Russian patterns LOL.

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  43. Irish crochet looks so nice!! i'd like to give it a try :)

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  44. I am so happy that you have updated the patterns. I tried several times but the terms in the vintage patterns were so hard to understand. This book will give me the inspiration to try again.

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  45. I love Irish crochet as I am of Irish descent!

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  46. This book looks amazing and I can't wait to learn from it!! I too am Irish descent!

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  47. I have loved Irish crochet and worked to promote it for over a decade, so I am thrilled to see this book! Irish crochet has always been greatly appreciated but has become almost forgotten in recent years. Thank you for your work in promoting this wonderful craft!

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  48. Beautiful! I just bought a book of vintage patterns but have not yet deciphered them! Your book would help tremendously! Good luck on this new book!

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  49. For the past year I have been gathering up tutorials and patterns for Irish crochet. As soon as I finish my last couple of unfinished projects, I am starting to learn Irish crochet... It would be so perfect to win a signed copy of this book, but if luck isn't with me, then I will probably have to buy the book! Good luck to you with your book, and good luck to me to help me win it!

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  50. wow! that looks amazing. (jaw dropped to floor...)

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  51. If i don't win this book i will for sure be getting it right away. My Mom was a wonderful crocheter and I learned from her. I have all of her old books and you are right about how difficut it is to follow them. I love the flowers and can't imagine what my life would have been without string. I am always making something but love to make doilies the best. Your book looks lovely with lots of beautiful things to make. Congratulations on the publishing of your book. Time to start book II. Best Wishes on the success of all your hard work. Susie

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  52. Congratulations on this book, Kathy! I love your thread work. I've been meaning to try Irish crochet, and I think 2014 will be the year! Since you weren't able to fit all the motifs into one book, perhaps you'll do a volume 2!

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  53. You inspire me like no other. From you Blog nuggets of inspiration, your thoughts on this industry and absolutely your design work in thread....you are driving me in a whole new direction! Your new book is gorgeous eye candy! Big hugs till next time, Pamela

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  54. I've been crocheting for years and teaching crochet and I thought doing Irish Crochet would be no problem....wrong. The old patterns are almost impossible to understand. I was waiting for someone to write a book like yours. The photos are outstanding. I'm so glad you were "talked into" doing your book.

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  55. I am a fan of your desigsn (as you know!) and would love to have a copy of this book.

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  56. I love the detail of your designs. Miranda

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  57. I will see if my luck has changed when it comes to drawings!

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  58. Your designs are so pretty. I enjoy crocheting them and am glad you were inspired to writ this book. You will keep these designs alive. Thank you for rewriting them into modern day terminology!!

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  59. This looks like a wonderful book every crocheter should have as a reference book in their collection. Good Luck with your book and best wishes to all of us trying to win a copy. Sure to be a best seller!!

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  60. You do beautiful work! Congratulations on your masterpiece, and on achieving success at something you are passionate about! That is truly a blessing.

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  61. I never win anything so I will just buy one but I must say I love all of your work and I have several of your books.

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  62. Faço crochê irlandês e sou apaixonada por essa arte. Como posso adquirir seu livro o mais rapido possivel? Obrigada.

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  63. I love irish crochet vintage. I want your book. Thank you

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  64. Just ordered your book as I am just learning to do irish crochet. Looking forward to learning more motifs

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  65. Just ordered your book as I am just learning to do irish crochet. Looking forward to learning more motifs Lesleykate in uk

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