4.49

4

Jan 12, 2009

An updated look at the lace-knitting of Victoriana, including original and historic patterns. Victorian times brought new interest to knitting with the advent of printed patterns, allowing knitters greater complexity and a larger audience when sharing techniques and designs. The lace contained in this book is gorgeous and it also includes some historical notes. I would have liked to see more realistic outfits on the models (seriously, they look like they were dressed by kooky church ladies!) and An updated look at the lace-knitting of Victoriana, including original and historic patterns. Victorian times brought new interest to knitting with the advent of printed patterns, allowing knitters greater complexity and a larger audience when sharing techniques and designs. The lace contained in this book is gorgeous and it also includes some historical notes. I would have liked to see more realistic outfits on the models (seriously, they look like they were dressed by kooky church ladies!) and larger charts (seriously, the charts are painfully cramped), but if you just let the work speak for itself, this book is a delight! ...more

2

Dec 02, 2015

Full of yardage and other errors - in several places, the item as knit does not match the item photographed. Some photos are out of focus.

5

Jul 19, 2018

I haven't tried any of the patterns yet but I look forward to doing so. The non-pattern pages made for interesting reading, and the photographs are wonderful. I especially enjoyed the photographer's account of her meeting with Jane Sowerby.

5

Jun 02, 2018

I love this book and I have already made a few Shawls from the patterns. Nicely written and lovely photos. I cant recommend it highly enough!
The cover of mine has been put on upside down making it quirky like me.

5

Jul 07, 2017

Every project had a story. I enjoyed reading it and have many projects on my to do list. The pictures are gorgeous.

4

Mar 02, 2011

I've dipped in and out of this book mainly for the patterns. Still trying to decide whether to buy it and break my rule of not adding to my shelves. I decided a while ago that I'm only buying from charity shops and then handing them back to re-sell or using the public library. Use it or lose it. We can't lose our libraries!

I might have to buy this as there are lots of lovely patterns but I don't find them easy to follow. I eventually realised that it is actually an American book even though all I've dipped in and out of this book mainly for the patterns. Still trying to decide whether to buy it and break my rule of not adding to my shelves. I decided a while ago that I'm only buying from charity shops and then handing them back to re-sell or using the public library. Use it or lose it. We can't lose our libraries!

I might have to buy this as there are lots of lovely patterns but I don't find them easy to follow. I eventually realised that it is actually an American book even though all the photos are of England, confusing! That's probably why I'm having a bit of bother. Must try harder! ...more

5

Jul 04, 2008

This book is absolutely fabulous! There are tons of projects, and marvelous descriptions for everything. Several of the items are made with one of my favorite yarns, Rowan Kidsilk Haze. The final chapter of the book has photos of all the yarns used in the projects. There are also suggestions for yarn substitutions.

I can hardly wait to start something from here.

4

Sep 19, 2012

I like this collection of patterns. It is primarily lace shawls and scarfs. They are beautiful and practical. There's a wide variety of types as well. The writer has collected old Victorian patterns and have adapted the instructions to the current conventions and with clarity.

There are gorgeous pictures and a few bits of history interspersed throughout the book.

5

Dec 08, 2009

One of the few knitting books I own and one of two to travel to Japan with me. Also the one book I've knit the most projects from. This book is amazing and beautiful; it lives on the "show" bookshelf full of yarn and whiskey for people to peruse instead of on the coffee table, but it is our coffee table book.

5

Apr 12, 2010

This has some jaw-dropping designs. It also has some easy to do patterns that most knitters can do. It is a beautiful book as well. You should check it out from the library first just to make sure that you want to knit some of the patterns.

5

Nov 25, 2010

This is a stunning book with gorgeous photography and really lovely patterns. Jane Sowerby managed to decipher Victorian lace pattern, which would have been a nightmare for most of us and each project is beautiful. On my wish list now is to buy a copy of this book and lots of lace yarn.

4

Jan 23, 2009

Loved the photographs. Not all of the directions match the photographed items so be sure to read the knitting as well as the instructions. I've been told that there is a website that has reader contributed corrections.

4

Feb 02, 2016

Lovely, lovely shawls. I've started one, and it's going well so far.

I appreciate the attention paid to adding borders - there's a whole 'how-to' section, along with notes on how to alter patterns in order to use different borders.

4

May 21, 2010

2015: I did a review of this book on my blog: http://knittwhisperer.blogspot.com/20...

6/10/10I took it back to the library today. Very sad, but somebody else was waiting for it. Sigh.

4

Mar 03, 2008

I am still (since christmas) working on an awesome lace scarf from this book. The historical sections describing the evolution of lace and the hand written pattern is awesome. The patterns are classic with clear charts.

4

Apr 07, 2010

An interesting look at lace knitting in 19th century London with patterns updated and translated into modern US lingo.

A lovely collection of shawls and scarves beautifully photographed.

I will be knitting more from this book.

5

Jun 21, 2012

In addition to having some truly breathtaking lace patterns, this book has an excellent techniques guide at the back. And the narrative on the author's research into the patterns themselves is fascinating

5

Jan 27, 2012

I'm rating this five stars on the gorgeous photos. The historical background information is also great.

4

Oct 01, 2008

Beautiful items with interesting historical information. Haven't attempted any projects from this yet.

5

Jul 04, 2008

Wow! If you're looking to knit lace, you'll have a very difficult time deciding which one to knit from this book.

5

Jan 12, 2009

I love this book. I can't wait to knit my first project from this wonderful gem.

4

Oct 14, 2009

Xrx really knows how to sell knitting through pictures. It is sumptuous.

What it is like in practice, however, I can't say. Not good enough to think about knitting lace....

0

Nov 18, 2009

The photos alone make me swoon. Beautiful. Wide range of patterns available, from simple to complex. approch is that knitting lace can be done by anyone.

3

Oct 28, 2012

Lovely shawls, but the yardage estimates are VERY inaccurate--40% short on some.

5

Dec 18, 2007

The patterns are lovely, the photographs are incredible and the historical details are fascinating!