Irish Crochet is a style of crochet that many people find extremely beautiful and extremely intimidating to attempt. Even experienced crocheters might shy away, although they sigh at the beauty of this heavy textured lace. Irish crochet is one of the oldest and most spectacular types of crochet, and looks a lot more difficult than it is. It emerged, along with other forms of crochet, in the first part of the 19th century. In the 1840's, schools of needlework were set up in Ireland to teach crochet during the Irish potato famine. In many familes, every member contributed to the work in order to make a living. Because of this extra income, lives were saved just through the use of a homemade crochet hook. There are two things that make Irish Crochet different from the crochet that emerged in other parts of Europe around the same time. First, Irish crochet uses padding cords to add texture to designs. For example, in making a very basic crocheted rose, the crocheter would crochet the foundation chain over a few strands of crochet thread to pad it. The rest of the rose would be made exactly as usual, and then more padding might be added to the edges of the petals. It's not that much more difficult than "regular" crochet, and the extra effort yields a luxurious, old-world effect. The other part of Irish crochet that makes it different, is that instead of working the entire project in rows, "motifs" are made first, then a background is filled in. For example, clusters of "grapes" can be made, then leaves and vines added. These motifs are put face down on a piece of muslin or paper (I just use cut-up brown paper grocery bags, it works fine) and the background, in some form of open net, is crocheted in around the motifs. Getting the background right is the most difficult part of Irish crochet, but even then your effort is repaid with a result of amazing beauty. If you love historical needlework, elaborate lace, or are a crocheter looking for the next big challenge, Irish Crochet is a wonderful hobby.