| Knitted lace -- Patterns. |
| Knitting -- Japan. |
| Knitwear. |
Available:*
Library | Collection | Material Type | Call Number | Status | Item Holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Bewdley Branch | Searching... Unknown | Adult Non-Fiction Book | 746.43 Fre | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
Knitted Lace Pieces are Stunning, but that is no reason to save them only for special occasions. The 25 lace patterns in this book are designed to showcase you stitches in pieces that can be worn anywhere. They incorporate Japanese lace stitch patterns to beautiful effect in pullovers, socks, shawls, hats, mitts, and more, in infinitely wearable designs. Knit in neutrals, these pieces are easy to pair with items in your closet; knit in fabulous colors, they are showstoppers! A little unsure of your lace knitting skills? Have no fear! In addition to the patterns, this book includes an illustrated introduction to lace knitting stitches and charts, along with an introduction to sock knitting. The skill level of each pattern in designated, so you can start with a pattern within your comfort zone and build your skills as you go. Get ready to fill your wardrobe with a selection of gorgeous lace knits!
Author Notes
Birgit Freyer was born in 1962 and thus belongs to the generation of girls who got their "proper" handicraft lessons. She later studied design and worked as a freelance web designer and lecturer in adult education. After years of letting her knitting skills lag, she started knitting again 20 years ago. She always worked out her own designs, and when asked about them by friends and others, she began to write out the instructions. For 15 years now, she has made her patterns available at www.die-wolllust.de.
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
This sophisticated if challenging debut by knitter Freyer shows how to knit a variety of garments using Japanese-inspired designs, which the author suggests are defined by "unusual lace patterns with prominent dynamics." She offers a detailed overview of knitting basics, covering knitting gauges, casting-on methods, and proper technique for blocking different articles of clothing. Freyer's designs are intricate and rated according to difficulty, with easier patterns including the white "Yoshiko Hat" and the elegant "Hanayo Cowl." On the harder side of the spectrum are the beige "Naomi Pullover" with raglan sleeves and the long, flowing "Kisaki Cardigan." Less advanced knitters will appreciate the gauge swatch charts Freyer provides for every project that help determine proper needle size and stitch count, in addition to serving as practice for each pattern. Knitters accustomed to following written instructions may need time to decipher Freyer's complicated charts, which are accompanied by minimal written guidance and make use of more than two dozen symbols. Additionally, the author admits having little background in Japanese stitch patterns and there's virtually no commentary on what makes the designs "Japanese," raising questions about their authenticity. Nonetheless, experienced knitters will appreciate the elaborate patterns. (Dec.)
Library Journal Review
Freyer, a prolific German knitwear designer, turns her attention to lacework in the style of Japanese stitch patterns. With this collection of more than 20 patterns, knitters can closely customize projects to their desired size with her advice for adjusting the number of pattern repeats or increases, rather than just following a given set of directions. Clear, comprehensive instructions for techniques, including those specific to lacework, such as insertion of lifelines and blocking with wires, are accompanied by easy-to-follow drawings and photographs with plenty of contrast. All designs are charted, and suggested yarns are available from Freyer's website. Unfortunately, the book gives little background about Japanese knitting and tends to treat Japanese culture as window-dressing. Two Japanese characters that appear to translate as "wool" are used to designate pattern difficulty without any explanation of what they mean. Japanese given names are used for the majority of the projects, but all the models appear to be white. VERDICT The patterns and instructions are lovely. The gimmicky, surface-level nods to Japanese culture are not.--Judy Poyer
Table of Contents
| Preface | 6 |
| Basics | 8 |
| Yarn, needle, size, and gauge swatch | 10 |
| Casting on | 11 |
| Tips & tricks | 12 |
| Binding off | 13 |
| Finishing | 16 |
| Special stitches | 18 |
| Reading charts | 21 |
| Knitting symbol explanations | 23 |
| Sock knitting workshop | 24 |
| Knitting pattern from this book | 25 |
| Patterns | 26 |
| Yoshiko Hat | 28 |
| Yoshiko Cowl | 32 |
| Yoshiko Arm Warmers | 36 |
| Yoshiko Leg Warmers | 40 |
| Airi Shawl | 44 |
| Misaki Pullover: Long-Sleeve Version | 48 |
| Misaki Pullover: Short-Sleeve Version | 56 |
| Sachiko Fingerless Gloves | 62 |
| Jamini Socks | 68 |
| Suyala Scarf | 74 |
| Suyala Poncho: Option 1 | 78 |
| Suyala Poncho: Option 2 | 80 |
| Suyala Poncho: Option 3 | 82 |
| Hoshiko Triangular Shawl | 84 |
| Tomomi Tubular Cowl | 90 |
| Kisaki Cardigan | 94 |
| Kisaki Pullover | 102 |
| Natsuki Corner Shawl | 108 |
| Sayuri Arm Warmers | 112 |
| Hanayo Cowl | 116 |
| Ayumi Stole | 120 |
| Ayumi Scarf | 124 |
| Akira Socks | 126 |
| Umeko Stole | 130 |
| Kiyoe Scarf | 136 |
| Naomi Pullover | 140 |
| About the Author | 148 |
| Thanks | 151 |