Learn the history of heritage crochet techniques, and how to use them to enrich any crochet project. Clear instructions from master teacher Rita de Maintenon, plus 160 photos and online videos, take intermediate-level crochet skills to the next level, allowing you to learn to crochet broomstick lace, hairpin lace, Tunisian lace, Aran cables, and thread lace such as filet crochet, Irish crochet, bullions, and picots. After mastering the basics of these often undervalued traditional skills, learn how to move between them, combine them, and--most importantly--move from pattern dependency to "pattern independence." Readers are guided in how to create their own designer projects without the need of commercial patterns. Original-design examples are featured throughout. This book belongs in every fibre lover's library as a constant resource of information and inspiration. AUTHOR: Growing up in Europe, Rita de Maintenon studied and trained in all aspects of fibre work and has taught fibre arts workshops for over twenty years. A retired educator, Rita lives in Asheville, NC as a full time fibre artist. She has taught Heritage fibre classes and workshops for UNCA, the Center for Creative Retirement, the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in TN, fibre weekend retreats and local classes. In addition to teaching, Rita loves restoration work on antique pieces and is well known for her designer creations, especially Christening gowns. Rita is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and a Blue Ridge National Heritage Artist. She is a Craft Yarn Council certified instructor and her website is: www.heirloomtreasuresfiberarts.com 160 colour images