Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls

I'm new to lace knitting, but not new to knitting. I've become fascinated with lace shawls and was looking for a good introduction. This book is exactly what I was looking for. After a brief introduction of the history of lace shawl knitting and the appropriate yarns to use, the author presents a detailed description of shawl shapes (triangle, square, rectangle, circle and halfcircle) and how to create them through increases and decreases. That's exactly what I wanted to know !!! There are a few stitch patterns shown and a few complete projects to knit which are all helpful, but were not my main focus in buying this book. If Ms. Waterman were ever to revise and expand this book, I would ask for a more detailed discussion of fitting stitch patterns into the various sections of the shawl while still at the same time shaping with increases and decreases. There is a brief discussion, but I could have used more details. Now, with Martha's Waterman's explanations of the ways to construct the various shapes and my copies of Barbara Walker's First and Second Stitch Treasuries, I have everything I need.

This book is an excellent book on how to create your own shawls. The projects are very limited, however the number of stitch patterns, how to shape shawls, how to mend them, and different ways to wear them make this one of the best lace book that I have come across.

Shawls are very "in" right now, and nothing is more stunning than a lacy shawl in a great color. Martha Waterman's book is very unique in that it has a little something for every knitter; if you are new to lace knitting, there are some not-very-difficult but really nice-looking shawl patterns. Some are written out row by row if you don't like charts (I do like charts--the symbols are quicker to read for me, but some people do not prefer them.) If you are an experienced knitter, this book is like a toolbox with various shawl shapes (round, half-circle, square, triangle, oblong) and stitch patterns in a small but useful lace library. You can combine the stitches and shapes and make your own creations. So you won't outgrow this book.If you like to follow patterns, the Kerry Blue Shawl is just terrific. It is a square shawl with various lace stitches, and is knit from the center outwards, with four diagonal "rays" at the corners. This is actually a very easy shawl but looks like an heirloom. It would work as a baby christening wrap also. The Kerry Blue Shawl is written out row by row, for those who eschew charts. Because lace knitting doesn't need to "fit" you can use all kinds of yarns of various weights. Find a yarn, test out how the stitch looks, and "guestimate" the yards you will need by comparing the yardage and gauge used in the pattern. If you run low, you can make the shawl a bit smaller.I have quite a few lace knitting books, but I actually use this one the most. I just love this book!

Before getting this book, my knitting had been limited to Arans and Guernseys. This book is a great introduction to designing and creating your own lace creations. Starting with triangles, the author step-by-step explains the different shapes in which shawls traditionally are knit. While there are 8 patterns for shawls in the back of the book, I think the author's point in writing this is to get your own creative juices flowing. She shows you that it is possible to be a designer. For me, the charts of different lace stitch patterns are more of help than hindrance, as the review below suggests. By using the charts and some graph paper, the designer can "see" what the design is going to look like before it is even knitted.Overall this is a great book!