Review
If you don't already have this book, I don't know why. Victorian patterns updated for today's knitter with currrent yarns. I think you will find many of the forty patterns to your taste. I know I did. The wonderful thing about knitting lace is that although it is time-consuming, it is cost effective. This is the most beautiful array of shawls, capes and fichus I have seen in one book. The photography is stunning, the pattern styles are varied - this is one knitting book you should possess. Instructions are clear and the information given on the original patterns and the pattern makers is interesting. Very highly recommended.-KarenPlatt.co.uk This title is a must-have for knitters looking for an excellent introduction to lace knitting. It features truly beautiful and detailed photography of 40 lace knitting patterns. A real inspiration, the designs are revised from original Victorian patterns - with mistakes corrected! - and seeing the way they are presented for modern tastes and in today's delicious yarns make us want to knit them all. Each is well graded by complexity level too so you can easily gauge your project's involvement. Choose from scarves, rectangular and triangular shawls, stoles and capes. The reference section is incredibly useful too. It is a bounty of tips and tricks, and includes clear illustrative diagrams on working knitted-on borders, information on how to plan, design and calculate your own lacework project, how to read charts successfully and also handy yarn classifications and substitution ideas. The historic background notes provide a fascinating extra level of detail, and in addition Jane's revealing final pages guide us through her Victorian adventure - how she went about discovering the marvels of Victorian lace knitting and producing this delightful book.-The Knitter
About the Author
Jane Sowerby is a former teacher who has done extensive research on Victorian knitting patterns and has given a series of lectures on Victorian lace shawls to craft guilds. Alexis Xenakis is the publisher of Knitter's Magazine and XRX Books. His photography is featured in more than 15 books, including all three volumes of The Knitting Experience. He lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
