Thread Alter "doily"

[Stitchinpick]

Our church has crocheted thread cloths on the alter (where brides and grooms kneel). The alters are padded and covered in velvet, and then a very, very openwork cloth is on top of the velvet (more like a doily than a heavier patterned tablecloth). No one has a pattern for any of the work, and the cloths have gotten very, very old. I do not have the dimensions yet, but I would guess it to be about 2 foot by 4 foot off the top of my head. Any suggestions of a book with similar types of patterns I could look for?

I have not crocheted with thread for about two years (arthritis pain). Plus, all of the thread work I have done in the past has been trim and lace. I am not even sure I can pull this off. I thought I might try a fancy-schmancy hook to see if my hands can take it (since I am able to do yarn crochet). So pretty easy would be nice. :D

[Empress Busy Bee]

Off hand I would suggest a dresser scarf or table runner. You might have to make it longer. May have to adjust the width, not sure.

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/BriarRose.html

http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa070100.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/Fairyshingles.html

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/Field.html

http://**********************************************kievrun1.htm#

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/FormalGarden.html

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/Lacet.html

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/LacisTablerunner.html

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/Cloverpath.html

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/Pineconerunner.html

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/Queen.html

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/celtwich/Runner487.html

http://www.crochettreasures.com/freepatterns/freerunner.htm

http://www.tias.com/11052/PictPage/1922772439.html?mall=%2Fstores%2Fmaterialpleasures ;itemKey=1922772439;store=%2Fstores%2Fmaterialplea sures;catId=Textiles-Runners;itemNo=DS162



Scroll down a little here:

http://www.crochetmemories.com/patterns/doilymenu5.php

:)

[Stitchinpick]

Wow Empresss. Thanks for all the suggestions. I am looking seriously at the pincone runner. Thanks.

[RachelG]

Also, you might want to check out all of the ones called Altar Lace on this page:

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/religious.php

...not sure if they are what you are looking for, but I thought I'd see.

[Empress Busy Bee]

Oh good on you Rachel! I didn't even see those there. :lol

[RachelG]

Perhaps I should put them in more than one category? :think

[Stitchinpick]

Thanks Rachel. Who knew there were patterns for alters out there. . . I learn something new everyday?!

Even though you would think the alter cloths would be most appropriate, this is not to a super-drapey show alter. What I am looking for is more of a light lacy topper.

Thanks for all the help guys. Crochetville is the best!

[Empress Busy Bee]

No Rachel, I wouldn't worry about it. I just didn't realize there were patterns for them so I didn't look. :)

[Gran]

I've seen lovely cloths in other countries for the prie-dieux. Is the cloth over the kneeler or the rail? The ones I've seen which lie over the kneelers have been of sturdier handwork than the ones over the railings.

I'll do a bit of research and see if I come up with anything for a prie-dieu pattern. As far as I know, altar cloths may never be used anywhere else.

Addendum: I've since discovered that the cover for the kneeler/Prie-dieu is called a nuptial cloth.