What is Hairpin Lace?

Hairpin lace is a form of crochet that is by done using a crochet hook and a hairpin lace loom, which consists of two parallel metal rods or prongs held at the top and the bottom by removable bars. Historically, a metal U-shaped hairpin was used, from which the name originates .Fine hairpin work, resembled lace; it was once named Maltese lace, and by combining it with ordinary crochet, very attractive articles could be made.As to the origin of hairpin lace, no one really knows but it was very popular in the Victorian era. I think hairpin lace maybe be related to broomstick lace also called jiffy lace.

Hairpin lace is formed by wrapping yarn around the prongs of the hairpin lace loom to form loops on either side, which are held together by a row of crochet stitched worked in the center of the loom. This creates a piece of lace can be worked to any length by removing the bottom bar of the hairpin loom and slipping the loops off the end of the prong. The strips produced by this process can be joined together to create an airy and lightweight fabric.The loops of one strip are easily joined to the loops of another by a method of intertwining, and they may be crocheted together in numbers of ways; while the crochet stitches down the center of a strip can also be varied

Any type of yarn or crochet thread can be used to achieve different colors, textures and design effects. The design possibilities are endless.You can make items like scarves, shawls, hats, afghans, and other things. Hairpin lace can also be added and sewn on to, knitted and crocheted works or as 
decorative accents.

Over time hairpin lace has has had it's popularity in Victorian era and then  a revival in recent years. In the 1950's there were numerous pattern books on how to create stoles. Here is one of them.

Here is a good tutorial for hairpin lace if you want to give it a try.