Wrapped in Lace: Knitted Heirloom Designs from Around the World [Paperback]

When I was a graduate student, a professor once gave me the assignment of making a survey of all literature on a specific topic, then summarize my findings about the body of knowledge. This book called to mind that assignment because Ms Stove pays tribute to a number of different schools of lace knitting/knitted lace (the book discusses and illustrates a difference between the two, but for all purposes I will keep calling it lace knitting) with the gorgeous pieces that are presented in the book. Not only does the author present her own creations, but there are explanations with photos from lace knitting pioneers such as Marianne Kinzel and Marilyn van Keppel, there is a also discussion of the Pi Shawl by Elizabeth Zimmerman. It is wonderful to see how the contribution of other knitters is discussed, assimilated and how it can be used to further the knitter's purpose.

Also a lot of technical information is given on each type of shawl, from faroese to Orenburg by way of Estonia. This would be an excellent book for someone interested in the progression of lace knitting as a art form too. There are introductions to the different sections that read a bit like letters from Ms Stove, and I guess they would annoy me more if they also didn't provide background information into the process of creating lace knitting. The editing of the book is very good, with clear charts as the other reviewer mentioned, but also with highlighted notes and clear diagrams to illustrate the knitting directions of the different pieces. That last bit is particularly appreciated because the variety of shapes and methods in the book teaches you that lace is very versatile and can be created in many ways.The technical section has a great deal of relevant information including some that I don't think I have seen discussed anywhere, such as how to knit lace in opposite directions and how to graft lace knitting. So that will definitely be of use to avid lace knitters, even those who have everything.

I think that the best thing about this book is not the patterns, (though there's a good array of them and they are as a whole to die for) but for the information and knowledge that went into the making of this book. It is a bit like having a lace knitting expert reveal all of their secrets.

In this book (not her first, but certainly this one is more well known) Ms Stove gives a lot of information about the lace making process and also the designing process. She gives information about how to make circular shawls with short rows or with increases for instance and a lot of the shaping information for how to obtain the different shapes is well photographed, well documented and priceless not only to the fledgling lace designer but also to just about any lace knitter who wants to understand what the process is.

This book is aptly tittled. Its format (9X8'")on glossy paper makes for easy reading and use. The back cover flap with its key to chart reading can also serve as a fold over book mark. Full front and back views on models plus several sectional close-ups on corners, borders and motifs illustrate clearly the exquisite beauty and complexities of the lace. Stove added extra notes (Pointers) to all her designs to facilitate our knitting. All the patterns are charted with repeats outlined in red, no row by row instructions provided. Under "Special lace technique" Stone explains the steps of grafting lace, lace knitting in opposite direction and repairs of knittings in progress and completed. CONTENT: All are Stove's original designs except for 2 reconstructed family heirlooms. FORMATS OF THE OFFERINGS: Circles: X 4 designs with circumferences varying from 48 to 55 inches; Squares: X3 designs 43-48 inches square; rectangulars (Scarves) 3 designs 56X11, 10X49, 8X46 inches plus one Faroese style shawl 38 inches across the shoulders 19" at center back. The shawl pattern "Tribute to Orenburg" (not in the book) can be downloaded for free on the Publisher site. Most of the knitting is done on size 2US needles and the 57" diameter shawl named Kowhai and Fern requires 3280 yards of yarn. I feel this shawl is a once of a lifetime endavour, a true heirloom for expert lace knitters. Other patterns slightly less demanding are at the advanced level. Construction tips and pointers should inspire us to do our own designs celebrating our local natural beauties. Mme Margaret Stove is an outstanding artist, teacher and mentor.

This book is going to be a Christmas present for my sister. Since it arrived a full week before I was
expecting it, I had plenty of time to peruse it and make sure that it was everything that she is looking
for in instruction and design of knitted lace.

The book also arrived in immaculate condition. It will be a pleasure to give as a gift on Christmas day.