From Library Journal
Mary Schiffmann (1908-96) was an indefatigable collector of lace patterns for knitting. Such was her enthusiasm that she once purchased plastic doilies pressed from knitted lace originals and managed to decipher instructions for re-creating the originals in cotton thread. She was also a cofounder of the Lacy Knitters, a national group working to promote the preservation and cataloging of old knitted lace patterns. This book offers both her reminiscences on her work and a collection of her patterns and teaching notes. Patterns include a photograph of each item plus written and charted directions. Highly recommended for textile collections and public libraries.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
An eclectic collection of lace patterns and short stories about knitting, this book reveals the tales told by Mary Schiffmann to Nancy Nehring. Schiffmann was one of the founding members of the Lacy Knitters, a national guild for lace knitting, and she made collecting lace patterns her life's work. The book begins with Schiffmann developing her knitting skills as the daughter of missionaries in Japan, then continues with further anecdotes and memories from a life of knitting. Each interesting episode is accompanied by a lace pattern that Schiffmann collected during her fascinating life. The patterns are presented with both row-by-row instruction and in charted form. Projects include towels, handkerchiefs, a sweater, and a christening gown.