Traditional Victorian White Work to Knit and Crochet for the Home: To Knit and Crochet for the Home

Interesting and attractive patterns are the main strength of this book. There are bedspreads, tablecloths and curtains, as well as smaller items such as placemats. I liked the patterns for knit or crochet borders that could be used on any sort of work. There are many suggestions for adapting patterns for a different use, and indications for changing the dimensions of a particular pattern. I have tried a number of the crochet patterns and the results were quite nice. However, I did find occasional mistakes in the patterns, for instance a round missing on the pattern for a square. The illustration and common sense allowed me to determine how to fix it.

This is a fascinating book, with some frustrating aspects.Hollingworth starts with a social history of Victorian needlework (especially whitework), which fills in an important gap for me. I've seen references to "whitework" but didn't know what it was, for instance, or why it had to be white. This part of the book is brief but wonderful.The rest of the book is evenly divided between knitting and crochet projects. There's a nice variety of projects. I don't crochet, so can't comment on the difficulty; but the knitting projects are mostly on the intermediate level.in fact, that's my only real frustration with the book. It's clear that the patterns are simplified for modern, less patient (or maybe less skillful?) knitters. For instance, there is a raised-leaf coverlet that is done in worsted weight cotton. Traditional coverlets were done in much finer yarns. The author doesn't tell you that, nor does she offer more challenging designs.Overall I give this book four stars. I like it for the history, but wish some of the patterns were more advanced.