Page "Crochet" Paragraph 12

In the 19th century, as Ireland was facing the Great Irish Famine ( 1845-1849 ), crochet lace work was introduced as a form of famine relief ( the production of crocheted lace being an alternative way of making money for impoverished Irish workers ).

Mademoiselle Riego de la Blanchardiere is generally credited with the invention of Irish Crochet, publishing the first book of patterns in 1846.

Irish lace became popular in Europe and America, and was made in quantity until the first World War.