Customer Reviews

Folk Shawls

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the book that set me on the path to lace knitting a few years ago. Almost all of the patterns are beautiful, and while some are relatively simple, (the aran pocket shawl comes to mind) they still don't look like oversized scarves.

Some of them (like the Irish diamond shawl) have an unusual construction. And some of them (like the japanese sampler, knit on the side) were pretty original at the time the book was published. Still almost all of the designs have aged well. Nothing is overly frumpy either, even though this book was made before the knitting craze took the world by storm. It is a book like this that inspired the shawl trend.

Not only are the patterns beautiful, but the techniques are well explained. This was the first knitting book I read that had paragraphs to make an overview of the construction of the shawl. The techniques are not too elaborate, just adequate to the results desired. There is an excellent section on how to make the less common decreases that got me started on lace knitting, and is simple enough for a knitter who only knows how to knit, purl and k2tog to learn how to make everything in the book.

About half of the designs are knitted with laceweight/cobweb weight yarns, but there is a good amount of patterns made with heavier weights, so even someone who doesn't want to invest a lot of time can have a number of lovely alternatives.

Truly this is a gem, buy it before it goes out of print.

I agree very much with the "beautiful if not traditional" review. I too thought this book would be giving me the original patterns for folk shawls from around the world - but the emphasis should be placed on "derived from folk traditions".

The book covers some knitting basics such as different cast-ons/off, joining yarn, how to read patterns & charts, yarnovers, grafting, borders, etc., as well as a chart of symbols and abbreviations.

There are 25 patterns that in my opinion have an old-fashioned flair (so they're not a super modern twist on an old idea). The patterns are the traditional triangular, rectangular and square shawls that are accompanied by charts to show the stitches along with instructions.

The countries represented are: Scotland, Russian, Japan, Ireland, American Heartland, England, Mexico & South America, Norway, Native America, the Himalayas, Spain and the Faroe Islands.

Most of the shawls have some lace stitches. I would classify them as practical or serviceable shawls - something that would keep you warm (not too lacey, or using a lace pattern that's really open) but most of the shawls have some lace work for its visual appeal. That's not to say there's not lots of pattern - the Irish Diamond Shawl (done in a square) as an example is a very lacey pattern.

If you are interested in traditional style shawls, some with lacework, and lots with patterns, this book is an excellent purchase.

As a somewhat inexperienced knitter (been knitting very little more than stockinette stitch for nigh on 30 years), I found this book to be excellent! The patterns -- reworked from traditional designs into knitting patterns reflective of the origins and intentions of the originals -- are lovely, and the photographs give you a marvelous preview of what the finished product should look like. Of course, the one that I chose was one of the most complex in the book. The charting and instruction given, including (and especially) the section on techniques, were most helpful, and I was able to create an heirloom quality piece without running to anyone in the middle of the night for assistance. I'm eager to try another!

BE ADVISED: It does take quite a long time to finish some of these projects. It has taken me three months to finish one since I don't have large blocks of time to spend. Not sure how many hours total, but it's been well worth the investment in time.

I found this book to be excelent. Not only do they have some of the best patterns I have seen in a while. But it also gives you the history of the shawls. The patterns are easy to follow. With clear instructions. It also contains line by line and charts for the patterns. Which make them great to follow. With shawls from The Faroe Islands, Ireland, Japan, America, Iceland, Victorian England, Russia, Scotland, Mexico, South America, Norway, Native America, The Himalayas and Spain. Also three others that are called variations. This book has somthing for everyones tastes. And in the back of the book it gives the yarn sources used in the patterns. Containing addresses, telephone numbers and web sites. All of the shawls are pictured with the aurther. They are done with a clear picture of the shawl. You can truly see the work on them and their is also a drawing of all of the shawls. So you can see the shape of the finished product. I truly like this book. I think the story that comes with each one is truly inspiring.

I bought this book believing that I would be given patterns from traditional shawls - ones straight from the cultures of their origin.

But instead the book is a collection of traditional elements rejuggled and made new by the author's considerable talent.

I was disappointed not to get the book that I thought I was buying. BUT! The shawls in this book are so elegant and beautiful that it was only a "one-star" disappointment. And I still have "four-star" satisfaction with the whole purchase.

After several attempts at teaching myself, I STILL cannot manage two needles at once! So, I can't vouch for the clearness of the knitting directions, but the background stories and beautiful, clear photographs are inspirational enough to make this book well worth adding to your collection. The charts made it possible for me to convert my favorite pattern to crochet (it took me a long time to decide on just one!) and I suspect there may be more shawls in my future....

This book was purchased for me as a gift. My favorites to knit have always been small items. That is, until I received this book. The pictures are beautiful, and the patterns are clear and easy to follow. Most of them come in both chart and written instructions. I have read the descriptions of the myths and legends surrounding these works of art over and over again. Also, there is a wide variety of shawls, from small triangles to very large squares! I have to mention that there is a few errors, and if you look online you can find the corrections. I would suggest that anyone who knits order this book....and be prepared to start knitting yourself a shawl!

This is an aesthetically simple, beautufil book. The patterns are easy to follow and the text is fascinating--lots of simple information about the knitting customs of other countries. I have made two shawls so far, and I love them.

At a time when I was in desperate need of a new project , this book providied me with many choices. Directions are clear and materials easy to obtain. You don't have to be an expert !

This book was purchased for me as a gift. My favorites to knit have always been small items. That is, until I received this book. The pictures are beautiful, and the patterns are clear and easy to follow. Most of them come in both chart and written instructions. I have read the descriptions of the myths and legends surrounding these works of art over and over again. Also, there is a wide variety of shawls, from small triangles to very large squares! I have to mention that there is a few errors, and if you look online you can find the corrections. I would suggest that anyone who knits order this book....and be prepared to start knitting yourself a shawl!