A Lesson in Irish Crochet from Emily of Nothing But String

I came across Emily's work a few days ago and I've had the image of this bowl stuck in my head ever since. It's just so amazing with the texture and the color—I can see this in a very traditional house, or in a most modern one, which I think is the mark of something very timeless. Let's hear more from Emily herself, of Nothing But String on etsy, who also makes jewelry (bracelets, rings, necklaces, brooches), gloves, and scarves, among many other things.

How did you learn to crochet?
I first learned how to crochet at a very young age from my Italian grandmother.  She also worked out of her home making crocheted dresses, woman's skirts and jackets, and beautiful bedspreads and tablecloths for people.  Over the years I stopped crocheting, it just wasn't cool for a teenager, but as life's stresses started to take their toll later in life I found a comforting refuge in crocheting.

What's your favorite thing about the craft?
I've always been a fan of thread crochet and I've always loved making doilies and tablecloths.  It was while searching online for motifs to make a new tablecloth that I discovered Irish Crochet [a form of crochet that involves many more stitches than regular crochet, and is often much more delicate, like tatting—admire the pincushion above to get a sense of it].  I was just fascinated by the technique and the quality of workmanship.  It's not like any other form of crochet that I know of.  Needless to say I haven't looked back since.

What inspires you?
I get my inspiration from just about every where I look, but it's mostly flowers.  I love how they look and how they can accent all sorts of items.  I can say with all sincerity that this is no longer my grandmother's crochet.