Year of Projects: Crochet Master Class – Hairpin Lace Coaster
(This post is part of my Year of Projects: Crochet Master Class
Before I tell you all about my hairpin lace adventures, let me just show you my painted crochet trivet after I blocked it.
And now on to the hairpin lace. You may recall that I’m not overly excited by the look of hairpin lace. Nonetheless, hairpin lace is a chapter in Crochet Master Class
I tossed a partially used ball of Lily Sugar’n Cream in Faded Denim into my suitcase, intending to make yet another trivet. And then… all of these things sat in my bag for my entire trip. On Wednesday night, when I was packing to come home, I realized that I had to try the hairpin lace, if only because I had carried the supplies to Pennsylvania.
It might be because I was exhausted and it was late at night, but I found both Learn to Do Hairpin Lace
Me trying to get 48 loops onto the loom. It was a snug fit.
I didn’t notice this on the package until the next day.
D'oh!
Here’s my hairpin lace “strip” joined into a circle.
My first hairpin lace coaster, partially completed.
At this point, the coaster was looking super ruffled. I assume this is because I used yarn (intending to make a trivet) instead of thread (for a coaster). Since it was now after midnight and I still had to pack, I decided to restart with half the number of loops after check out the next morning.
Why yes, those are my jeans in the background. By now I was in Swarthmore, waiting for the LYS to open so I could visit on my way back to New York.
This one seemed a more appropriate length. But then, disaster struck.
I called this my Mobius coaster on Ravelry. You can see at the top where I twisted the strip when joining it.
(Project page here.) At this point, it just seemed ridiculous to start again – I mean, it’s a trivet, not a fitted sweater. The point of this exercise was to learn to do hairpin lace, which was definitely accomplished. So I followed the pattern through to the end.
I would definitely recommend Ferosa Harold’s tutorial if you’d like to learn hairpin lace. There are step-by-step photos (for right- and left-handers), it’s free, and you can make a small project in a very short time.
As for me, I’m not sure how I feel about hairpin lace. I prefer the look in circular objects like this trivet, but I’m still not sure it is worth the effort. It’s true that it is quite simple to do (once you figure out what the heck you’re doing!), but it is fairly monotonous and the loom is a bit cumbersome. The idea of making a hairpin lace blanket like Yarn Berry is doing kind of makes me want to run screaming for the hills. And yet, I’m sure I can find a good use for this skill now that I have it.
I have that issue of Crochet today, and I can honestly say that I have not been inspired to try hairpin lace. First, no loom and second it just seems like a lot of work! Hooray for you for venturing into new territory (although starting new projects after a full day is generally not a good idea! – at least for me). Learning a new skill in always good, who know when it might come in handy!
The hand painted trivet is bursting with color! Nice job. Happy Sunday!
Thanks, Robin! I knew I needed something to say in my weekly Year of Projects update, so that’s what motivated me to learn a new skill at midnight
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I’m not much of a fan of hairpin lace either. Years ago the big things was to do it on broom handles, I didn’t like the look then and it hasn’t grown on me through the years either. lol, though they do have much better tools for accomplishes the task nowdays. I watched a u-tube video the other day to see if anything had changed and decided…na, probably still not for me. Congrats for your perseverance! YOu can say your card in punched, lol.
Haha. I actually do enjoy broomstick lace, but so far the hairpin lace hasn’t really grown on me. We’ll see – maybe I’ll fall in love, Sandy!
I think the blue denim looks great, but my gosh does it look fiddly. I can see why it’s not your favourite thing
Thanks, Emma! It is definitely fiddly, as you say, though not particularly difficult.
I reckon everyone has those moments when they’re saying ‘how on earth do you do that’ aloud to their crochet/knitting……
Your hairpin lace turned out well, even if that’s your first and last attempt. I quite like the look of those formers that look like a flower, I think it’s the same method.
Have a great week!
I’m glad I’m not the only one talking to my crochet, Faith!
Well done figuring out a new skill–I think your finished product is beautiful. I was not sure what hairpin lace was until now!
*smiles*
I’m glad I introduced you to hairpin lace, Kim. Now you’ll know what all the cool kids are talking about
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It makes my head hurt just to look at the WIP photos. Kinda makes me think of what my knitting looks like after I’ve frogged a couple of rows and am not at all sure I’ll to pick up all the loops again ;(
The finished coaster is cute enough, but I’m not sure I’d spend much more time on this technique if it’s not appealing to you. I’d pat myself on the back for learning a new skill and move onto something else!
Thanks for putting it in perspective, Minding My Own Stitches!
Oh boy what a process!
Pat yourself on the back for trying it. You dunno until you try, yeah, whether you like something or not?
Thanks, Kepanie! I’m glad I tried it out but it is a bit fiddly for general use (for me).
Ha! My hairpin lace blanket which has a total of three strips done and hasn’t been touched for months? Yeah, must get back to that one, lol. I know how you feel, but it looks great
Hahaha, Liz. Well, you seemed to like making it
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