5 comments about Knitted Lace of Estonia: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions.

1. I must admit, the lovely cover is what got me interested in this book. I am new to lace knitting (but not new to knitting) and had only completed one simple lace project when I bought this book. I started off with the "Lily of the Valley" scarf. I checked the errata online and saw that any corrections had already been incorporated into my printing. I started on the scarf and toward the end of the first repeat of the pattern, I realized that there is an error in the pattern that was not in the errata and that can't be easily remedied correctly except by completely reworking the pattern. How frustrating. I fudged a modification that let me keep working. This was quite disappointing. I ended up frogging that project and did another of Nancy Bush's patterns from "Lace Style" -- a Lily of the Valley shawl. The pattern was really easy and fun to knit, until I got to the knitted on border, the same kind of border ("modern") in many of the patterns in this book. She recommends slipping the first stitch of every row, and then gives instructions for picking up stitches around the edges for knitting on the border. There was no way to make the border look neat. I must have picked up stitches for the border about a hundred times, then decided to quit and bind off the silly thing. It looks lovely the way it is. I would recommend that you not use a knitted on border unless you knit the first stitch of every row, rather than slipping it. Otherwise, you end up with unsightly holes. The knitted on border is not considered authentic by the Estonians anyway. They also do not use Kitchener stitch. Nevertheless, it's a nice book and if you want to do an Estonian "style" scarf or shawl that is not completely traditional, this is a very good book.



2. I just received this in the mail. I had looked at the pictures in the "Look Inside" option, and I had seen some I loved and some I thought were to plain. But looking through the book itself, there are SO MANY absolutely BEAUTIFUL shawls! Some may think it has too many repetitive themes, or that a lot of the shawls look alike, but I think that gives you more options to use the pattern in different ways, and you get to pick which way you want to use it. I crochet, but when I first saw this on Amazon, I decided that I wanted to learn to knit just so I could make these works of art! I have a friend, and experienced knitter who is going to work with me on this, and I can't wait until we start! These shawls are the kind of thing, I think, that are something that you pass on to daughters and granddaughters as heirlooms!



3. A very good book to get acquainted and start with knitting lace the estonian way. Very detailed explanation about the special stitches, the techniques to block, an estonian lace stitch dictionary ... And some very beautiful patterns of stoles, shawls and scarfs: you just want to start right away.



4. I love this book and I am glad that I own it now =)
   There are new techniques and stories, traditions of Estonia lace that definitely enhance my lace knitting skill.
   If you love lace knitting, you won't regret of owning this book. I already have made a gorgeous scarf using this book and I can see myself making more stuff out of this book!



5. I purchased this book as a gift for my daughter, who is an avid knitter. She absolutely loves it. These are not patterns for the faint of heart or for those with little knitting experience but experienced knitters looking for a challenge and used to working lace will enjoy this book. The author provides clear, easy to follow directions and the pictures are beautiful; the resulting scarves and shawls are exquisite. The engaging history of this technique provided by the author is a delightful bonus.

No comments about Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Volume Five: Lace Knitting: The Ultimate Stitch Dictionary from the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine (Vogue Knitting Stitchionary: ... from the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine).

5 comments about Crazy Lace:an artistic approach to Creative Lace Knitting.

1. This is not your grandmother's lace book. There are no recipes here to follow. Instead you are guided by Artist Myra Wood along an inspiring ride toward improvisational knitting in lace fashion. The basic mechanics are covered and you are the designer deciding to modify existing traditional lace patterns or create new patterning. All areas of lace knitting are covered - increasing, decreasing, directional stitches, creating patterning and lace fabric and charting your own patterns, symmetry vs. random and various shapes as well as top down, inside out, ruching, edging, etc. Not just the how - but why or in this case why not. If you have never knit lace before you can pick up this book and begin to create. Filled with beautiful pictures of hand dyed yarn lace creations. If you are a veteran knitter and are looking to add more of your own design ideas into lace work this is for you. This book view laces in a new lens and would appeal to freeformers, free-ranger knitters and generally anyone who is open to a different approach of creating lace looks.



2. This is the lace book I have been waiting for. I think it is thoughtful, useful, logical, well thought out, and inspirational as well! Sections of all the topics that a newish ( two lace shawls) lace knitter needs. Myra offers the right combination of instructions, with a mix of structured suggestions, plus a touch of "go for it" that can be such a challenge for many of us knitters used to depending on patterns. I say, "Bravo, Myra!"



3. If you are the compulsive-obsessive "must do it perfectly and in order with detailed directions" type of knitter... you will HATE this book. If you already knit lace and LOVE your charted books and patterns, I'd suggest you pass on this one... it probably won't meet your standards. If you are looking for predesigned lace patterns and expect to be told stitch by stitch how to recreate something the author has designed... you'll be disappointed.
   
   However... if you have wanted to learn to knit lace and found yourself completely overwhelmed and paralyzed by the charts in books and patterns, I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you'd rather have FUN knitting lace than sweating over every stitch... and frogging more than you knit, I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you are a rebel at heart and really don't like being told what to do and how to do it, I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you'd like to understand how lace WORKS... why it does what it does when it does it, I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you'd like to sit down with nothing other than your needles and yarn and knit lace "without a net," I strongly encourage you to consider this book. If you'd like to learn "Lace Logic" so you can chart and graph your OWN lace patterns, you yourself personally, I strongly encourage you to consider this book.
   
   Most other lace books teach you to read lace by sight... literally. You have to learn what all the symbols mean to even begin to knit lace with most of them. You have to memorize the "words" by rote memory without really understanding why that group of "letters" make those "sounds."
   
   "Crazy Lace" teaches you to read lace by "phonics." You learn what "sounds" each letter (stitch) makes and what "sounds" (textures) they create when you combine them in specific ways, (combination of stitches in a given sequence). Better than that, "Crazy Lace" teaches you to "read" your knitting, and this translates into every aspect of your knitting skills. You learn to visually recognize why something looks the way it does... and how to make it look differently if that wasn't what you wanted it to do.
   
   This book is a WORKbook. This book is a foundational COURSE in knitting lace. Do not let its size fool you. It is not designed to "pick out a pattern," get a prescribed set of tools and materials, and follow a pattern. There is not a lot of text, but every sentence is precious and full of purpose. Let them marinate and savor them. Begin reading it, slowly and deliberately, on page one... with some fingering weight yarn and size 6 (4 mm) or 7 (4.5 mm) needles of your choice close at hand to test out things as you go along... and really DIGEST this information. Make the Sampler Scarf. Try your hand with some freeform Crazy Lace. Cast on some stitches and play with the various shapes in the latter part of the book. Play with the edge embellishments. Study the few charts included to get you started with charted lace knitting.
   
   This book's primary purpose is to teach you to trust yourself to create your own lace; but you'll want to follow other's people's paths sometimes, so you are introduced to charting "language" along the way too.
   
   When you get to the end of the book you will know how to knit lace "without a net" with freeform abandon. You will know how to read a basic beginning charted lace pattern... if you choose to. You will understand the logic of lace such that you can design your own lace patterns and chart them for others to follow. You can do some of each, all in the same project.
   
   In other words, this book will set you free to create lacework in any way you please, and please no one but yourself. At the same time, it provides you with a solid foundation to branch out into more traditional lace knitting and patterns with confidence. You can be as free or as obsessive as you choose to be. You'll feel a whole lot less intimidated by those charts and graphs. You'll be able to look at a lace project and "read it"... and be able to figure out how you might recreate something similar, without a pattern, if you'd like to do that.
   
   Will you learn everything you need to know about lace knitting from this book? No. Will you have a firm, broad, foundation upon which to add new lace knitting skills. Oh yeah, baby! You will.
   
   If all you do is glance through this book and look at the drop-dead gorgeous photos, you may not be particularly impressed. You may even be initially disappointed. If that is your initial response, you've not given it a fair chance and you are short-changing yourself on a marvelous experience in knitting that will benefit all your future knitting projects.
   
   I hope you won't do that. Approached from the direction the book is designed to be used, it is worth far more than the price you will pay for it. Unless you USE the book and the information therein, you cannot possibly appreciate the gift Myra Wood has given the knitting world.
   
   NOTE: I didn't buy this book from Amazon. I got an autographed copy from the author. I took a class from her at the TKGA Conference May 2009 in Portland, OR. I paid a lot more for the class than the cost of this book. Her book wasn't released until Nov 2009. I cannot tell you much more valuable this book is, for me, because there simply was not time for her to cover ALL the material that is in the book in class. I can work through every thing she taught me in the class, at my own pace... and still have SO much left to learn from the book! Personally, this book is a HUGE bargain and I simply cannot recommend it to you highly enough if you are really motivated to learn to knit lace... or if you'd like to expand your lace knitting skills by learning to generate your own lace creations led only by the "logic of lace" and the flow of the fiber.



4. This book is not a book of rote patterns, it teaches you how to design your own lace and not traditional lace.
   
   Beautiful thought provoking photos, very inspiring



5. This is a LOVELY book, well put together with many great tips on knitting lace.
   
   Can it be everything to everybody? No, no book can.
   
   Can it help you [re]discover the joy in your knitted lace? YES, YES IT CAN!
   
   I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and as someone who started my knitting life HATING knitting lace, and now love above almost anything, THIS is the kind of book that would have put me on the right path a bit sooner.
   
   Check it out - it may help you get over the lace-hump by rethinking how you put those "holes" in your work!

No comments about Crochet Lace Innovations: 20 Dazzling Designs in Broomstick, Hairpin, Tunisian, and Exploded Lace.

5 comments about Learn to Tat (with interactive DVD).

1. This seems to be a great book for getting started with tatting. (I say "seems" to be because I'm very new to tatting and don't know if there's something better out there!). I love the way that the books starts with "classes" that bridge the gap between the basic technique and complex patterns. The author gives you some good guidance in what to practice before moving on to the next step.
   
   I would give the book 5 stars except some of the basic instructions just don't make sense and you have to try a few things to figure out what they mean. Also, it's sometimes difficult to figure out what instructions go with what picture. But after some persistence and patience (and if you're lacking in those, tatting is not for you at all!) I got the basics down.
   
   My only disappointment is that I find tatting much more difficult than crochet, but that is not the fault of the book!



2. Best details and instructions. Close up on the DVD were absolutely great and you cannot help but learn. I had seen others before and they cannot compare.
   Charlene



3. This is the best book on tatting I've ever seen. And the video is filmed slow enough so you can really follow. I never thought I'd see a tatting instruction book that was as good as hands on instruction, but this one is it.



4. This is an excellent reference for a beginner tatter. The book is composed of "classes" which start simply and gradually add difficulty until you are comfortable with all the elements of tatting. There are a range of projects included in the book (with difficulty levels and clear instructions).
   
   The real gem of the book is the included DVD. I wasn't expecting a high-quality production but it was surprisingly good. The DVD goes through all the same "classes" as the book and gives great closeups on stitch formation.



5. I puchased this product and loved the book but the DVD did not work--- upon arrival the DVD was sealed in the book I was so disappointed--- I returned the book and DVD and received a fast refund of my funds but was refunded the expense of sending the product back
   I have since reordered this book from another company

5 comments about Victorian Lace Today.

1. This book is valuable on so many levels--as a "coffee table" book, as a history book, and as a pattern book. The reference materials at the end are very helpful, especially the technique section.
   
   I agree that written directions would be helpful, but maybe they were left out for space considerations. I'm the opposite, I much prefer following a chart rather than row-by-row instructions.
   
   Some of the patterns look very complex (something to aspire to!), but I wouldn't be too intimidated by the difficulty levels listed. The one project I've completed so far was listed as "intermediate", and I didn't have any touble, even though it was only the second lace shawl I've ever made. You can make it a little easier on yourself by using heavier yarn, too. Some sock yarns work into beautiful lace.



2. As a newcomer to lace knitting, I found so many projects in this book to inspire me. I have tried some of the patterns and feel this book will inspire me for years to come. The pictures are beautiful but the examples are exquisite and I am thrilled with it. It begins with simpler patterns and has something for any lace knitter. It offers a variety of styles from shawls,capes, stoles,scarves. A must have for any lace knitter!



3. Wow! I drool over this book. I love to knit lace and this book has the most beautiful presentation of lace projects that I have ever seen. There are photographs of flower, wood, bridges and natural objects to complement the lace projects. The colors are luscious. If I had enough time in my days, I would knit every project in this book!
   
   The projects are primarily shawls and scarves and vary in degree of difficulty. I think that one should be an intermediate knitter to take on one of these projects. As an experienced knitter told me when I did my first lace project (which I called my 'Chaos blanket'), "Learn to Count". Counting is the key to lace knitting.
   
   I recommend this book for every lace knitter and for anyone who has ever dreamed of knitting lace. This book is inspirational and one that you will look at over and over for its beauty and ideas.



4. This book offers some history along with gorgeous color photos and excellent instructions. This book was recommended as "the best" for knitting lace by a local yarn shop. It's not for a beginner, but there is a nice section "Techniques, Tools, and Talk" that clearly explains what you need to know to tackle the projects. I borrowed a copy from our town library and then decided I needed my own copy! It is a beautiful book!



5. this is by far my most favorite lace books of all time! No matter what your knitting level, you need this book!

5 comments about First Book of Modern Lace Knitting.

1. I asked the lace knitting group I belong to what would be a good book to start with learning lace knitting and many answered,FIRST BOOK OF MODERN LACE KNITTING by Marianne Kinzel.I looked it up on Amazone and found it right away and also found the, SECOND BOOK OF MODERM LACE KNITTING and had to purchase both. Very good books to have if you are just starting out with lace knitting. Iltcrft



2. This book is a "must-have" for anyone looking for lace that is a little more challenging. Many people will have to re-learn some of the knitting terms (pins vs. needles) but it is definitely worth the effort.



3. This book is full of beautiful patterns with the great detailing that make lace knitting so enjoyable. Some of the book is not written out line by line, the patterns are adaptable and flexible. If you are looking for a great resource book with patterns that will get your mind working, this is the book for you. If you're wanting straight patterns to follow then you might want to pass this one up for now. Definitely a great addition to any lace knitters library.



4. Interesting book - focus is on doilies, and tablecloth type stuff. A bit much for a beginner at lace.



5. This is a collection of exquisite knitted lace designs by Marianne Kinzel. The patterns are in very fine thread lace and mostly use knitting needle sizes around 2.00 mm or finer.
   
   The sizes of the pieces range from doilies to tablecloths and bedspreads and every lace knitter should have this book and Book 2 in her collection.

5 comments about Fashioning Technology: A DIY Intro to Smart Crafting (Craft: Projects).

1. I'm very happy I bought this book. I came to it as somebody who is interested in multi-media art and crafting, but with little experience of home made electronics. If you're as clueless as I was don't worry, the author starts at the beginning by providing pictures and descriptions of all the parts you will need, she gives a great introduction to electronics, and her directions are very clear. The projects in the book are varied and fun, but I was more interested in learning how they were made than actually making them. I was able to use what I learned from reading about her projects to make my own designs. At the end of the book there's a very useful list of suppliers of materials, without it I would have found it hard to track some of them down.



2. I picked this up at the library to check it out and was immediately impressed with it's accessible and easily understood explanation of how to read and use electronic components like resistors, capacitors, transistors and LEDs. Just about the best I've ever seen. I had to add this to my personal collection for that attribute alone. However, there's a lot of basic and easy to grasp instruction and information on materials and production techniques, too.
   
   There are plenty of projects in this book to get you started and if you're half-way creative and imaginative you should be able to springboard off them to come up with your own ideas.
   
   I wish more instructional manuals and books were written as clear and understandable as this one.
   
   Outstanding!



3. This book is a wealth of information for those looking to start delving into the world of 'soft circuits' and smart materials. It is for the beginner, and includes detailed information on circuits and parts, as well as explanations of the latest smart materials and their usages. In the last section of the book, there are easy-to-follow instructions on making a variety of projects that will inspire anyone on the possibilities for these materials.
   
   Happy crafting!



4. This book is the best introduction into basic electronics, basic sewing and the high class of e-textile technology. Want to know how textile resistors work? Want to see how the connect electronic components to textiles? Just check out this book, everything clearly described for beginners with lists of resources, overviews with easy explained electronic terms and principles. For he more advanced e-textile experts this book serves as excellent source of inspiration using many examples from clothing over accessories and toys to home decoration to show the potential e-textile technologies open up to creative minded DIY enthusiasts.
   
   It's a page turner for crafters looking for the unconventional, the unique and unexplored world of fashion+technology.



5. With 'smart materials and techniques you can make accessories, toys and more that light up, make sounds, or even move. Fashioning Technology is for any crafter who wants more than the typical range of stationary objects: a range of projects offer seasoned crafters techniques for blending easy electronics into projects, and provides clear direction and options for customization. Black and white and color photos throughout offer step-by-step and exciting options highly recommended for any library strong in crafts.

5 comments about Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting.

1. Oh boy! This book makes you wonder how much time people used to have on their hand in order to produce such beautiful knitting. Awe inspiring for a modern day knitter who will try (at least once) to produce one of these wonderful lace projects.



2. Beautiful old patterns. Fairly well explained.
   I wish there were a stitch count per row or pattern repeat.



3. Love the book: Second Book of Modern Lace knitting. I belong to a knitting lace group online and asked for a sugestion to start with and the response was, Book of Modern Lace by Marianne Kinzel. Imagine my delight when I found out there was two books by Marianne Kinzel. Of course I had to have both. ILTCRFT



4. Just like the first book, this second book by Kinzel is a classic in its class. No lace knitter should be without it!



5. This Dover re-publication of Kinsel's 2nd book is an exceptional value. the charts are all error-free and the photos are large and detailed. The symbols may be a bit unfamiliar, but it is well worth the time needed to learn the new ones, or to rechart the entire pattern. The last two patterns in this book, "Balmoral" and "Rose of England," are classics and so easy to knit up.

5 comments about Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls.

1. This is a good book for beginning shawl makers, but I would not really recommend it for experienced "shawlers." Has basic construction techniques and a section on patterns, but doesn't really provide good info on how to expand those patterns with diagonal or circular increases as the shawl grows.



2. This book was highly recommended to me by several other knitters when I asked what pattern books to purchase to learn lace knitting. And I can definitely see why!
   
   The stitch patterns in this book are not only gorgeous, but give endless possibilities for shawl design. Ms. Waterman gives many different variations on open work stitches, and information on the different traditional shapes for shawls.
   
   I am just starting out working with lace, so I am not comfortable yet designing my own patterns. I bought a more traditional pattern book with instructions for several lace shawls. I will work with those to learn the ins and outs of increasing and decreasing, and the different types of shaping. Then I will progress to this book and design my own lace patterns.
   
   This is an excellent book for those advanced enough to design their own knitted lace patterns, and a great reference book for those of us who are aspiring to do so. I really enjoy books that force me out of my knitting "comfort zone'' and make me want to take my craft to the next level!!



3. This paperback book (119 pages) has only black and white pictures. It is mostly a book on knit stitches with a mere 8 patterns. She does touch briefly on the history and origin of knitting shawls. Overall, this is really more a book on how to design shawls, choosing different yarns and needle sizes and is not suited for someone who wants to be able to pick up a book; find a pattern; and know which yarn to use.



4. I've got the first edition which was riddled with errors. I wanted charts so I ordered the second ed. The individual lace patterns are charted but the shawls are still written out. In addition, the number of shawls has decreased from 14 to 8. The book has been edited very tightly cutting down on anything excessive which includes some of the fun and some of the photos. However, it's still tops for help on designing shawls which is why it gets 5 stars from me. This ed still has a few corrections which are available from the publiser's website.



5. I found out about this book on one of the knit list that I belong to. It was highly recommended as a great source for shawl knitters or those that want to learn about lace shawl knitting.
   
   I have found it to be a great source for designing my own shawls as Martha Waterman has great imformation and lace knitting charts in the book. I highly recommend it to any one interested in lace shawl knitting or designing.