No comments about Wrapped in Lace: Knitted Heirloom Designs from Around the World.

5 comments about Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Volume Five: Lace Knitting: The Ultimate Stitch Dictionary from the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine.

1. Vogue Knitting Stitchionary 5: Lace Knitting provides knitters with a powerful knitting dictionary covering lacework. It packs lace styles and patterns with designs for all levels of knitter, from beginners to advanced, and it includes close-up color photos with every stitch to reinforce learning. A 'must' for any knitter's collection!



2. A good book for someone who has very little in the way of lace stitch dictionaries. Nothing really different or new by way of stitches, but the directions are easy to read. The biggest draw back was that some of the samples were knitted in a very dark blue and it is hard to see the stitch definition, which is important in a work of this kind.
   If you are interested in stitches, go to Barbara Walker's books.



3. I always say "your knitting is as good as your knitting reference." Vogue Knitting continues its standard of excellence with this volume of lace knitting. Of super importance to me are the photographs. It's the photo that makes me want to create the stitch. Once I see the stitch, then my creative juices begin to flow. The photos within the book are large, colorful, modern. Written instruction, charting and stitch key follow and are included on the same page as the work. This series is well put together. I agree, that if you can only afford one really good series, it would be this one. I own many other stitch dictionaries. While each series has great stitches (Original Harmony Guides, to name one) the layout of some books can be convoluted. I find myself constantly turning pages searching for keys etc. . . I don't have this problem with the Vogue series. Sure, certain dictionaries may have more stitch patterns; quantity doesn't always mean a better book. The book must be functional, (lay flat, explain and illustrate proper technique) stitches must call out to the knitter. I must see unique stitches that aren't in my other books. That's what this lace stitch dictionary brings to me.
   
   The swatches within the book use Zarina from Filatura Di Crosa, an extra fine merino wool. I've used this yarn before and think it is a good choice to show off the definition of the stitches as opposed to a lace weight. The yarn used is very thin and lace knitting is about the technique used, not so much the yarn. Note that this book is a stitch dictionary, not a book of patterns. There are approximately 5 models in the book modeling garments that I have seen within Vogue magazine pages, but there is no reference to these designs or where you may find the pattern. They are in the book to give the knitter inspiration for the lace stitches. If you've ever had doubts about lace knitting, perhaps thinking it is too intricate, this book will ease that notion and inspire you to pick up your needles and get to knitting those yarn overs!



4. Vogue say: "The newest volume in Vogue Knitting's must have series"
   Is it a must have? That's for you to decide. Perhaps this review will help you to make a decision.
   The introduction makes clear the distinction between lace knitting and knitting lace. It's all about whether you yarn over on one side of the work or both. When you yarn over on both sides of the work, you are knitting lace.
   The latest is in the "Stitchionary" series contains lots of practical information on knitting lace. There are full page descriptions of abbreviations, Yarn Overs, and a glossary.
   And while yes, Vogue does not use the lace symbols we are used to, the symbols it does use are actually clearer. Instead of the usual backward and forward slash for K2 tog and SSK, the symbols used has a little dash under the slash. So instead of relying on an aging brain to remember which way the slash is leaning, you can much easier see the direction in which the slash is leaning.
   The glossary is definitely up to Vogue's standards of excellence. I especially like the Technique Tutorial on Yarn Overs. Most of the time I manage to execute whatever the pattern demands, but Vogue describes and illustrates what Yarn Overs look like: between two knit stitches, between two purl stitches, between a knit and a purl stitch, between a purl and a knit stitch, at the beginning of a knit row, at the beginning of a purl row, multiple YOs and etc. In other words, they explain every instance in which one might encounter a yarn over.
   The photography of the stitch samples is superlative. In fact, at first glance, I actually thought there was white knitting yarn threaded through the yarn overs. That's how crystal clear the illustrations are! The cool blue and gray color palette used for the pattern samples makes the illustrations literally pop off the page.
   Eye candy yes, but this book includes lots of new lace patterns. It does not recycle patterns we know from other books. The editors have even managed to come up with new ways to do the basic and all time favorite of lace knitters - Feather and Fan. This is not your mother's or your grandmother's lace book. There are new, different and unusual patterns. And I am happy to see the chapter on edgings which makes lace books complete. Many of the patterns have a full page devoted to the picture of the pattern, row by row directions, and a chart.
   The book takes a broad view of lace knitting, including cable and lace patterns and Fair Isle patterns which include lace. Some of my favorite patterns are "peacock tails", "argyle" and the piece de resistance - "parachutes". I had fun playing the game of "How did they come up with the name of this pattern?" Sometimes it is not as obvious as you might think.
   So is this a necessary inclusion in one's knitting book library? Again, that's for you to decide. As for me, I adore the Stitchionary series, and I am as smitten with knitting lace as most knitters are these days. I could not imagine my knitting book library without this!



5. If you already own the previous four volumes in the STITCHIONARY series, you may want to purchase VOGUE KNITTING STITCHIONARY VOLUME FIVE: LACE KNITTING to complete your set. However, VOLUME FIVE is nothing more than a rather unwieldy coffee-table-book collection of "more than 150" lace stitch patterns "taken from the pages of Vogue Knitting magazine."
   
   The patterns are organized into general categories: easy/mesh, edgings, chevrons, allover, panels, combos, and motifs. However, the "lace knitting" title is misleading, because there is no instructional material on (1) combining lace stitch patterns into garments, shawls, or stoles; (2) selecting patterns that are appropriate for different kinds of projects; (3) attaching edgings; or (4) understanding or using the charts and written-out instructions.
   
   There is one page of instructions for yarnovers (illustrated with line drawings). This page appears to be taken from the publisher's very good general reference book, VOGUE KNITTING. There is also a short glossary of knitting terms used in the book. For each stitch pattern, there is a beautiful, enlarged, color photo of a swatch knitted in the pattern. The selection of patterns is somewhat random, because VK magazine is the pattern source, but many basic lace patterns are included. There are also quite a few complicated "designer" patterns (evidently created for specific patterns published in the magazine) that may be of limited practical value to knitters seeking ideas for lace items of their own design.
   
   Many other stitch dictionaries are currently available that provide more patterns, and therefore offer better value (e.g., the Mon Tricot stitch dictionaries, the Barbara Walker stitch treasuries, the Lesley Stanfield stitch treasuries). One very good lace stitch treasury is HARMONY GUIDES: LACE & EYELETS: 250 STITCHES TO KNIT. One general stitch treasury that includes a good sampling of lace patterns and edgings is the Reader's Digest ULTIMATE SOURCEBOOK OF KNITTING AND CROCHET STITCHES. Two excellent books that provide copious instruction on lace knitting and designing, as well as some lace stitch patterns, are Sharon Miller's HEIRLOOM KNITS and Jane Sowerby's VICTORIAN LACE TODAY.

5 comments about Crochet Lace Innovations: 20 Dazzling Designs in Broomstick, Hairpin, Tunisian, and Exploded Lace.

1. CROCHET LACE INNOVATIONS: 20 DAZZLING DESIGNS IN BROOMSTICK, HAIRPIN, TUNISIAN, AND EXPLODED LACE offers innovations by the author, who took many traditional crochet techniques and modernized them to produce new, contemporary designs. From using a long strip of Broomstick lace to create a chic belt to blending traditional lace crochet stitches with accent beading, this packs in patterns, color photos, and outstanding lace creations in a top recommendation for any needlework library.



2. The patterns start simple yet go to the real dedicated crocheter. Broomstick lace takes a substantial amount of time to accomplish the pattern. Stitch diva has great video tutorials if you wish to learn. A few easy patterns yet most are at the minimum intermediate ones. Others are simply way way complicated yet are worth thetime and effort if you wish to devote the time necessary to accomplish. The photographs are excellent, the instructions are straightforward. The abbreviations are explained and there's lots of solid advice. There is also sections in the book about where to purchase yarn and other items to aid in your crochet hunt. Well worth the purchase for those who love to crochet.



3. I was looking forward for this book, and was not disappointed. The patterns are beautiful, the explanations (at least those I've gone through) are detailed and clear, and yes - you can learn some new techniques.
   While the book has mostly advanced patterns, there are a few simpler patterns, that even beginners can make, and from which you can learn a new technique. There is a gorgeous and rather simple broomstick lace belt (which I made in 2 days - and I certainly do not crochet all day long), some scarves and a lovely exploaded lace collar. There are very few tops - but there are several jackets, and if tops are what you are after then her former book "everyday crochet" is full of them. Also, unlike "everyday crochet" the jackets here have shaping at the waist, and the "nip" technique shown may be applied to other garments Ms. Chan designed.
   I'd also like to mention the fact that the publisher did a great job with the styling, photography and graphics. Every garment is shown from several angles, which makes it easier to understand how it is constructed, and the book is generally very pleasant to look at.
   All in all - a wonderful book which I highly recommend.



4. Yes, there are beautiful patterns and very clear instructions. These designs are the first hairpin and broomstick patterns I've added to my queue - they just look like things I'd love to make and wear. I also wanted to point the section that really sets this crochet book apart from the others in my collection. Towards the end of the book is the Garment 101 chapter, where we are given templates called Jacket 101 and Skirt 101 to do our own lace garment designs. Doris leads us through choosing, designing, adjusting, fitting, and troubleshooting a custom item. That is very unique and elevates the usefulness of the book beyond "four new techniques" and "20 patterns" would imply.



5. there are new uses of familiar stitches in this book, the garments are fashion forward, it has charts as well as written directions.
   
   This is not oldfashioned or dowdy granny square crochet. Doris Chan's other crochet books are awesome also.
   Highly recommend to crocheters and knitters. Beautiful stuff, all clothing.

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

1. Beautiful, inspiring designs for lace knitters wanting to explore projects that are a bit more challenging. The projects range from reasonably simple, beautifully designed scarfs to unimaginably gorgeous, complex shawls. I moved from her sock books into first tentative steps with lace, and now into this lace book with trepidation, but this book is an incredible resource. I want to knit nearly everything in it!



2. I received this book as a birthday present and it was my favorite of all the gifts. Each design is exquisite. Usually you're lucky to get one or two designs that you want to knit from a lace book. I want to knit all of them, which is not something that I can say about other lace knitting books.
   
   The very best lace knitting book of my collection.



3. 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.



4. 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!



5. 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 comments about Successful Lace Knitting: Celebrating the Work of Dorothy Reade.

1. I bought this book sight unseen which was a mistake. The introductory chapter on Dorothy Reade is excellent. The patterns are to my eye, very very basic. I am a fair to middling lace knitter, no expert. There is nothing here I'd suggest to anyone who has any lace skills. I do think it would be an encouraging book to give beginners who fear lace work. While some of the patterns are classic and simple there is one that is tremendously ugly (Cherry tree (?) shawl....a mess of color and variegated yarn with a lace medallion and fringe. Ugh.). I allow every book an ugly pattern so I'd not rate the book only on that.
   
   Lace charts made lacework much easier for most of us and the book does a good job exploring the history of lace patterns. In the beginning, there are some photos of lovely lacework by Dorothy Reade. I particularly liked a circular motif in one photo. Sadly, nothing like that is in the book's patterns. I'll not keep this book but will probably gift it to a beginner.



2. This is Donna Druchunas doing what she does best! Her respect for history is to be honored just as she has honored Dorothy Reade bringing her name, many contributions, and remarkable spirit to light. The original photos of Dorothy Reade and her work are delightful to see. Donna does not only present us with Dorothy Reade's accomplishments and approaches to knitting, she also gives us a sense of Dorothy as a strong and fascinating person. The 20 new designs by contemporary designers utilizing lace stitch motifs from Dorothy Reade are quite varied from socks to shawls to sweaters to afghans and more. Another unique book from Donna Druchunas!



3. I am so happy that I purchased this new book by Donna Druchunas! I live in Alaska and have taken her Arctic Lace class, which has set me on a path to higher levels of lace knitting. One of my fiber friends, Alice Scherp, has the most beautiful item in this book, a Quiviut lace shawl. Handspun, hand dyed, and handknit, it is a testimony to the ageless beauty of lace, and to Alice's skill and willingness to teach and share her patterns with us.



4. Donna discovered the little known pioneering work of Dorothy Reade in the field of lace knitting patterns. Dorothy developed her own charting system for lace patterns using mainly just 10 symbols. Her first book published in 1968 was spiral bound with 25 original designs for lace knitting and cost $4.50. I bought that book years ago at Knitting camp. Donna contacted 16 designers giving to each one a pattern of Dorothy's and asked them to design a knitting project using that lace pattern. Donna begins with a short biography of Dorothy and then an intro to her lace knitting patterns and finally an explanation of the techniques used. All the 20 designs have been written out but with charts in a more modern chart used today. First project is an actual stole designed by Dorothy Reade. There are 4 more shawls. Also included are socks and hand warmers, baby cardi and blankie, wimple, 5 sweaters, afghan, etc. Yarns used also vary from the finest to chunky. Book includes designer bios and index. Book is rewarding on two levels: first as good knitting history and second for the lovely projects. Recommended to all.

3 comments about Learn to Do Tunisian Stitches: With Interactive DVD (Learn to Do, Annie's Attic).

1. Extremely well written and explained, very good illustrations and the video is well produced and easy to follow even for a novice Tunisian crocheter.



2. This is a beautifully presented book with excellent colour pictures and detail. If you are looking for something new to try then Tunisian Crochet is a great new craft or skill to develop.



3. This is a small project book with 10 items to crochet. The book is clear and easy to follow. The DVD has hesitation glitches and also some focus issues that are distracting. The envelope that contains the DVD is near the middle of the book, making browing through the book difficult...it would have been nice if there would have been a DVD pocket on the front or read page. All the items are made of light worsted or worsted weight yarn...many items would have been prettier made in a lighter weight yarn, giving a more lacy effect. I highly recommend a tunisian crochet hook with a flexible cord in place of the more old fashioned straight, solid hook.

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

1. The DVD may be good, but some of the patterns have errors in them and missing notation which may be a problem for beginners. The publisher is less careful than he should be. If you have trouble with shuttle tatting, you might try needle tatting... much much simpler. Barbara Foster books are excellent.



2. 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!



3. 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



4. 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.



5. 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.

No comments about Tatting Jewellery.

5 comments about The Complete Book of Tatting: Everything You Wanted to Know but Couldn't Find Out About Shuttle Lace.

1. I love this book. I have gotten so many ideas from it over the years. I had to reorder it because I lent the first one out to a friend and never got it back. It has about 5 different ways to tat. I'd recomend this book to anyone looking for a good tatting book to add to their library.The Complete Book of Tatting: Everything You Wanted to Know but Couldn't Find Out About Shuttle Lace



2. My daughter is tatting for many years, and she were surprised to find many helpful little tips she were looking for separetely in internet and in library all in one book



3. This is a very complete and knowledgeable book. Well written with excellent tips and pictures



4. This is an excellent book for the novice or experienced tatter. The book offers excellent directions and diagrams for projects in the book as well as information for the tatter to begin designing and completing their own patterns.



5. This lovely book is an excellent buy for the beginner learning to make tatted lace as well as for the more experienced tatter wanting a good collection of small patterns. Ms Jones starts off with descriptions of six different methods of tatting, with the hope that if you don't understand one method you'll understand one of the others. Details are given of a range of different techniques including lock stitch, roll tatting, cluny tatting and others, however there are no instructions for split rings or self closing mock rings as these had not yet been popularised at the time the book was written in the 1980s.
   
   There is a huge collection of patterns including tatted cross bookmarks, Christmas designs, tatted notepaper and an alphabet. Most of them are small pieces for beginners to enjoy, but the more experienced tatter will also enjoy this selection. One or two of the photographs don't quite match the diagrammatical instructions, but for the most part they are accurate.
   
   Regarding the diagrams, they are hand drawn and clearly presented and apart from one of the crosses I worked quite a number of the pieces in the book myself, and had no problems.
   
   Most people will enjoy this excellent collection of patterns and instructions and the book will remain a treasure on your bookshelf for many years to come.

5 comments about The Mermaid Shawl & other Beauties: Shawls, Cocoons & Wraps.

1. Like the other reviewers, I would find yardages useful. There's nothing worse than running out of yarn before one is done. However, the book is inspiring and is great for discussing how to design one's own lace shawl patterns. I do find her ribbed edges annoying - I far prefer garter stitch edges, as they're faster and less obtrusice.
   
   Not for the beginner who wants a shawl "recipe."



2. It arrived in great shape. Have added it to my shawl library. Thanks so much.



3. Loved the concept and her shawl photography is just beautiful. I like her idea that shawls don't have to be done in fine yarn on tiny needles. And the Cocoons - to die for. She presents interesting techniques and tells you how to do them with the way you work. She has charts for her lace (I LOVE charts) and this book seems to progress in an organized manner from start to finish. She tells you how to convert you mistakes into successes as well. And what a great idea!!



4. I like knitting books that provide the specifics on the yarns used for a book's photographs--even if they are discontinued yarns. I like knitting books that povide a pattern with an accurate amount of yarn needed to make it--not "unraveled from an over-sized designer sweater I bought". I like knitting books that, when they show a sample design--provide the pattern and not instruct the reader that the lace pattern is available in a lot of other lace books. Yes it does provide a guide to creating your own lace shawls and stoles. Call me strange, but I really like specifics and this book leaves gaping holes in the printed word. I received this book from amazon.com today and had to write a review because it is a newly published book.
   
   If you want to make beautiful shawls and stoles, with comprehensive instructions--buy Jackie Erickson-Scheitzer's patterns. They are truly divine and you'll get rave reviews on the finished garment.



5. What a beautiful book. The author goes into great detail about how to knit the Mermaid shawl. The photographs and instructions are very clear. If you've never knit a complicated lace shawl, this book will help. It is definitely for the experienced knitter. I have three criteria for buying a knitting book.
   
   1) Are there patterns in the book that I want to knit
   
   2) Are the patterns easy to read.
   
   3) Can I use the book as a resource.
   
   The answer to all three questions is 'yes' . Even though there is primarily only one pattern, there is a bonus section with other wraps and shawls to knit. The photographs are not only beautiful, but clear. The lace techniques challenge me to improve my skills and to create more beautiful knitted pieces. I highly recommend this book. When you're not knitting, you'll be looking at this book over and over again for inspiration.