Vintage lace has always had a magical impact on me. Its enchanting appearance is filled with historical values passed down through generations. Here are a few samples that caught my eye at the Fergus Scottish Festival this summer, aren’t they just gorgeous?! Irish Crochet and Bruges Crochet have touched my heart when I learned these techniques in my early 20’s…and Pineapple Lace doilies were the beginning of my crochet path in middle school.
I am passionate about incorporating traditional lace into my designs and using old motifs and techniques as inspiration. Pineapple Lace has a long history in home decor, and today it is found in various crochet categories. I started using Pineapple stitch for designing dresses and parasols in 2005 and it’s still one of my most favorite stitches.
Parasols are similar to large doilies; however, the lace forms a dome shape instead of laying flat. When the parasol is extended, it forms a rounded canopy.
If you're unsure where to find an umbrella mechanism, no need to worry. This is simply a standard stick umbrella that can be disassembled and have its original fabric cover removed. I recently purchased this stick umbrella in Walmart, but you can also find them on Amazon or elsewhere. You will also need size 10 cotton thread; Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread is a great choice. Check out my video below on how to turn a basic stick umbrella into a beautiful lace parasol.
I have another little trick to share. Over time, the woven yarn ends may become loose and will eventually pull out. To prevent this, apply a small amount of fabric glue to the yarn ends after weaving them. Ensure that the glue has fully dried before utilizing your parasol. I recommend using Liquid Stitch as it initially appears white upon application but becomes transparent once dry.
You can explore my patterns inspired by the traditional lace in this Lace Yarn collection.
