Motivated by the construction possibilities of lace-making in “Natural Tendencies”, I sought a new method of pattern-making more complex samples of lace. At present, my basis for construction is a Japanese book of crochet motifs which I bought at the National Book Store in Tagbilaran City.

Begin with a motif. Then the transformation.

The book shows motifs in various shapes – round, triangle, hexagon, octagon as well as a few flower and edging motifs. The challenge I presented myself was that of “Transformation”: how can I transform the traditional motif into a strip of lace?

The transformation in progress.

The motifs are mostly worked in the round. To transform them into strips of laces worked from the narrow end, I had to “unravel” the motifs and re-work them in rows. In this process, I always make symbol drawings to keep track of the design and to explore variations.

Testing variations in the new lace design.

In most cases, I use the center of the motif as the beginning of the lace. In other cases, I begin the lace with a placket design.

As soon as a viable lace pattern is developed, I proceed to making variations in search for the various construction possibilities within the already established pattern. In the example shown above, I try to vary the size of the outer loops of the lace, increasing as the lace progresses toward the center (if it is to become a necklace). In this example, I also explore methods of curving the lace strip.

It is interesting in the end to compare the original motif and the resulting lace strip design.