During the Great Irish Potato Famine spanned nearly a decade and millions of citizens either starved to death or emigrated. It’s estimated that Ireland’s population dropped by nearly 25% by the end. Part of the crisis was due to a potato blight which ravaged crops throughout Europe. The other contributing factor was that the remaining crops were still exported at their normal quantities.

To help families earn money to purchase food, religious and charity groups taught women how to crochet. The women adapted the technique to mimic traditional lace methods so it could be used for garments. At first it was seen as common and so was difficult to sell. However, after Queen Victoria was seen wearing a panel of Irish Lace which had been gifted to her it became highly desirable.

This block is a fun introduction into Irish Crochet. The name came about while I was designing as someone suggested it looked like something Edward Scissor Hands would create in his garden, while someone else noticed a little companion.

Is the block named after the movie character, or is it the name of the hidden friend? I’ll let you decide.

Note: This pattern is untested. Feel free to ask questions or show off finished blocks in the help thread.