Sampler (Doily). 1998. Vintage crocheted doily and hand embroidery on linen. 20.25 x 20.25 in. (51.4 x 51.4 cm)

She would sit
and watch the crochet
needle loop forward then
quickly backward then forward
again so that a piece of straight
thread was converted into a
tight and unrippable little
conundrum. - - - - - - - - - - -
—Edna O’Brien, Down by
the River, 1997