There is nothing I like better in a book than immediate engagement! While skillfully intertwining the background of her Italian heritage with the story of being taught to crochet by her Nonna (Italian grandmother), Karen Whooley creates a keepsake of lace crochet designs inspired by countless memories. In most books about crochet, the patterns take center stage. Not only are Karen’s Italian lace crochet designs exquisite, but they also take center stage in the essence of being conceived in memories yet updated to modern, elegant fashion. I was instantly hooked reflecting on memories of my own Oma (German grandmother), who taught me to crochet. The authentic memories established in the Introduction will compel you to explore the beautifully themed designs in Modern Italian Lace Crochet.

The patterns in her book have Italian names that give the reader a glimpse of Italy captured in the modern style of Italian lace. “Architeturra reminds me of all the gorgeous architecture in the walled city of Lucca, Italy. A study of textures, this triangular shawl looks complicated, but really starts off slowly and allows you to get comfortable as you change stitches along with changing colors. It will captivate you, just like the terracotta-colored buildings for the city that inspired it,” writes Karen. The Italian themes are replicated in Karen’s lace as she uses patterns and colors to capture her memories of Italy.

Karen’s trip down memory lane includes shawls, Venetian lace, tunics, a Finestrelle hat, Italian motif toppers, a multipurpose scarf/shrug, a lace sweater and a classic, dressed-up, drop-sleeve cardigan. “Believing that everyone learns to read patterns differently,” Karen has included both written instructions and symbol charts for each design. Having both options allows one to follow her patterns precisely to create beautiful Italian lace. This is a must-have gem of a crochet book!

Karen Whooley is an internationally known crochet designer, author and instructor. Crochet is her passion and that devotion can be felt through the pages of Modern Italian Lace Crochet. She prides herself in bringing “each crocheter self-confidence and enabling them to take what they have learned from her designs and classes so that they can happily create whatever spurs their own crochet passion.”

I hope you will share in the history of Modern Italian Lace Crochet with Karen and establish reminiscent memories of your own that can translate into your own creative Italian lace designs.

Modern Italian Lace Crochet is available at karenwhooley.com and Amazon