Chain Link 2001 Special Exhibits

Special Exhibits at Chain Link 2001 - "Head West for a Golden Crochet Opportunity", Sacramento, CA:

• Broomstick Lace: Sacramento Chapter
• Diploma in Crochet: Kay Knifer, Patricia Vaughan and Lori Zalewski
• Studio Hooks

Special Exhibits Photo Gallery

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Broomstick Lace

The Sacramento Chapter displayed members' work and samples of "Broomstick Lace."

The origins of Broomstick Crochet, which is also called Peacock Stitch or Witchcraft Lace are obscure. There are no references or examples of it in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London or in the American Museum in Bath. Americans claim broomstick crochet as their own because there is evidence that the early settlers used it as a quick way to make blankets. In America, Canada and Australia, it is still practiced as a traditional craft and is demonstrated in rural life museums. In America it is sometimes called "jiffy lace." In Sweden, it is called "Lattice Loop." It probably originated in Europe, born out of necessity and used up odds and ends of yarn. Created in this way, it may not have been treasured as heirlooms and therefore the lack of evidence means that the history is mostly conjecture instead of fact.

From: Muriel Kent, "Exciting Crochet", David & Charles Publ., Devon, 1987

Diploma in Crochet

Three students displayed their course work for Part 1 of the Diploma in Crochet. Part 1 covers the techniques of crochet including broomstick, hairpin, Tunisian, and also the ability to read patterns and solve problems. Pauline Turner officially presented the "Certificate of Merit - Crochet Techniques" to the students at Chain Link 2001.

Kay Knifer

Patricia Vaughan

Lori Zalewski