The Magic of Shetland Lace Knitting: Stitches, Techniques, and Projects for Lighter-than-Air Shawls & More (Knit & Crochet)

I love this book. I checked it out from my library and ordered before I finished looking through it. It is more of a stitch encyclopedia than a project pattern book (similar to but considerably smaller than Barbara Walker's Treasuries) but the pictures are clear and in color and the and the selection of stitch patterns is outstanding. When discussing lace, there is always confusion surrounding the words 'stitch' and 'pattern' because 'pattern' can apply to the stitches that make up the lace or 'pattern' can apply to a set of instructions that will allow the knitter to construct a garment or knitted accessory. In this review, I will refer to 'stitch patterns' and 'project patterns' respectively.This book is divided into three sections: Techniques, Stitch Directory, and Projects. There are only seven projects but each one offers several suggestions for altering the project pattern to the knitter's taste. The techniques section is small but comprehensive . The Stitch Directory is the heart of the bookAs a general rule, Shetland knitting is made up of three parts: the center, the border, and the edging (what Lovick refers to as 'the lace' in her book, I would call edging). Remember that these designs were used by women who were knitting as a way of earning money so the center (generally the bulk of the item) was often knit in a simple all-over pattern or even plain garter stitch. A more ornate border framed the simpler center and then and edging (which was often sewn on) finished the piece. Edgings were typically scalloped which allows for easier blocking or 'dressing' as it is referred to in the book.The stitches are divided into 4 categories: all-over, insertions, 'lace (i.e. edging) and motifs. The pictures are clear and of good size. There are charted instructions for each stitch pattern and written instructions for many. Those that don't include written instructions often include elements that have written instructions elsewhere. Lovick goes over the technique of knitting on edgings 'sideways' ala Elizabeth Zimmerman and her edging patterns are beautiful. I do think a novice knitter might find this book, particularly knitting 'sideways' a challenge to follow at first.This is a much smaller book than any of Barbara Walkers volumes with 144 pages total but each stitch pattern has been chosen with care and the size and use of color in the photos makes it so much easier to really see how the pattern will look. I highly recommend this book.

Elizabeth's book is beautifully laid out and clear, the samples are knitted in light colored yarns so you can see clearly how the stitches line up. Most (though not all) patterns have both charted and written instructions.The book is designed for intermediate knitters who may have tried a few lace patterns, and would quite like to try designing their own, the book has useful pages on planning and shaping shawls, good technical pages covering types of increases/decreases, picking up stitches and knitting edges, plus a stitch dictionary which also tells you how big each pattern repeat is - useful when you are trying to put them together.The book also has a few patterns to get you started, one is a cute baby cardigan, a gorgeous crescent shaped shawl, and a traditional hap shawl which could be knitted in a thicker yarn to make a cozy blanket. I have Sharon Miller's book Heirloom knitting as well, and there is some crossover as both are stitch dictionaries, but Elizabeth's book is one I carry around with me in my bag if I take my knitting out with me, and it is a practical book on the subject of Shetland knitting, if your budget won't stretch to the $55+ that Heirloom knitting costs.

This beautiful book is a tour de force in lace knitting and a benchmark for the way all knitting books should be organized, written, designed and photographed. It does require the application of ones intelligence to create a successful item and as the author says she knits one and a half shawls for every one completed, owing to having to take some things out because they didn't work to her satisfaction. This is the nature of creating original work. If you want to be spoon fed other people's patterns it's probably not for you, but if you want to design and create original lace items everything you need is here. There are a few complete patterns to knit which illustrate some of the applications, but the major focus is to give the reader all the information needed to create original heirlooms of their own design and to apply lace knitting to a myriad of knitted items from shawls to socks or baby clothes and much more. Additionally the author is available through her website and Ravelry group to answer questions. You really can't ask for anything more. If you want to knit lace, buy it. If it seems too complex and above your skills, if you keep at it, you'll grow into it and come to treasure this book.

I debated for a good while whether or not to buy this book. I have over a dozen stitch dictionaries, and thought the stitches in here were probably covered in the books I already own. There are a few, however, I don't think I have seen before. Aside from that, there is a wealth of information in this book that makes it worth every penny, even if you are familiar with the stitch patterns.There is information on different types of yarn, their pros/cons and items made from that yarn are best suited for. There is a chart with yarn weights and the recommended needle sizes and what items to use those combinations for (for example, worsted/dk yanr on sizes 10-11 needles is good for baby blankets, pillow covers, etc.).Of course the book also covers basic stitches and materials for knitting. There is also information on edges and seams, working from charts, attaching a lace border, fixing mistakes, blocking, designing, and putting motifs together. Instructions for the stitch patterns are both written and charted - and the charts are larger than you will find in many other books.The projects in the book are a cobweb shawl, hat and scarf set, shoulder shawl, baby set, fingerless mitts, socks, and a crescent shawl. Some may be disappointed at the small number of patterns, but for me I don't mind. I actually prefer books full of techniques, rather than patterns, because I like to take the techniques from books and design my own items.I am glad I bought this book, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a lace book for their library.

Je le voulais depuis un moment, c'est chose faite et je ne suis pas déçue.Je le recommande mais uniquement aux personnes déjà initiées en dentelle et confirmées en tricot. En effet, c'est parfait pour se perfectionner et essayer de nouvelles choses.Si vous êtes débutant vous allez être dégoûté et ce sera dommage car il est très bien. Il existe aussi en français,( j'ai pris en version originale car parfois il y a des surprises avec les traductions).Bon tricot!

Semplicemente bellissimo libro, molto ben spiegato.Ovviamente è in inglese, quindi un po difficileMa i punti sono davvero bellissimi.

I have knitted lots of samples. The patterns are easy to follow. After I finish my latest knitting project I will be use one of the patterns from this great book.

Ever want to know about lace knitting or how to construct a Shetland shawl, buy this book. Did have some trouble with some of the instructions for the constructed garments toward the back of the book. You may not.

Es un libro al que le puedes sacar mucho partido.Si estuviese traducido en español sería espectacular, de todas maneras me parece muy bueno