kitty: homework.... Lace Stitch inspiration books

If some of you haven't guessed I have a knitting book obsession. Or to be more honest a book obsession. No surprising for someone who use to own a used book aggregated site on the internet for 8 years. To be honest if the cover of the book looks interesting I will probably order it it to add it to my collection, old or new. I troll through ebay looking for interesting vintage pattern books and pamphlets to add to the collection. It breaks up the deadline of my normal day. So the discussion came up recently about recommendations for knitting lace stitch books. Here are some of my favorites in no particular order.
Knitting Pattern Books
	Knitting Lace By Susan Lewis The 91 motifs presented in this book were taken from a 19th century lace sampler in the Brooklyn Museum. Lewis dissects and charts each pattern to make them accessible to lace knitters of all skill levels. In this book, you will find complete written and charted instructions for all 91 patterns in the sampler. Full instructions for four lace projects: a shawl, a sweater, a girl's dress, and socks/stockings. Detailed directions to design and chart your own lace patterns. Information for machine knitters to convert hand-knitting charts to machine.
	Mary Thomas's Book of Knitting Patterns  By Thomas, Mary Probably the best such manual ever written. A new motif or design in each chapter; over 300 figures illustrating the patterns.
	Barbara Abbey's Knitting Lace By Barbara Abbey By popular demand (and lobbying from Sandy Terp), Barbara Abbey s Knitting Lace is back in print. There appears to be another swell of interest in lace knitting; wonderful! This book is one of only two I know of that is dedicated to lace edgings (and the other one has been out of print for many years); 100 of them to be exact; plus some background lace and instructions for doilies. An excellent - and unique - resource, now in hardcover.
	Heirlooms Knitting By Sharon Miller She also has written: Shetland Hap Shawls, Princess Shawl, The Lerwick Lace Shawl, Love Darg Shetland Shawls (Just ordered)
	Arctic Lace: Knitting Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska's Native Knitters  By Druchunas, Donna Qiviut, or musk ox down, is a world-class fiber--luxurious, warm, and lightweight. People who experience it become obsessed. Qiviut makes perfect hand-knitted lace, as demonstrated by the Alaskan artisans of Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers' Co-op. This book presents how-tos for knitting and designing lace, projects suited to new as well as experienced lace knitters, yarn sources, and comprehensive cultural background.
	THe Haapsalu Shawl: A Knitted Lace Tradition from Estonia  By Siiri Reimann & Aime Edasi  A glorious, coffee-table size book of knitted lace, Estonia and a binding love between the two. Not a simple pattern book, and certainly not a project book, but a time capsule into a far off world where the soul of a people is captured in the hands that guide the needles to create the indigenous patterns of a rich heritage. The photography capturing this world is rich and the drawings and charts make the techniques and patterns close to a hands-on learning experience.
	Shetland Lace Knitting From Charts  By Hazel Carter
	Creating Original Hand-knitted Lace  By Margaret Stove Intended for all levels of skill, Margaret Stove's new book, with 236 illustrations and diagrams, is unique in that it is specifically designed to enable knitters to create original hand-knitted lace. The opening chapter looks back over the years to the sixteenth century and the first knitting to use holes in a decorative manner. Early chapters then discuss the structure of knitting, the 'tools of the trade' and where and when lace can be used to its best advantage. With accompanying step-by-step pictures and diagrams, the effects of individual stitches are illustrated and explained. Having examined how stitches can be created, readers are invited to participate in specific, carefully described and illustrated exercises. Readers are then introduced to the important stage of project planning and then provided with a detailed account of how it is possible to progress from the 'visionary' stage of inspiration through the practical stages of design to the ultimate finished product.
	The Art of Shetland Lace By Sarah Don The authoritative book on the finest of knitting. Technique, instructions and patterns for the gossamer wedding ring laces
Japanese First and formost any book written by the Prince of Knitting is just pure knitting inspiration or crochet patterns.
	1000 pattern stitch - knitting patterns crochet knitting needle definitive editions By When they say definitive edition in the title they really do not lie on that one. There are 3 stitch books that I don't think I could live without. This is one of them. I simply adore this book and a lot of patterns you don't see in the other books. I actually picked up my copy while I was in China, one of the only 2 knitting books at the bookstore.
	Couture Knitted Patterns by Hitomi Shida ISBN-13: 978-4529041768 And this would be the 2nd stitch book I couldn't live without. :)
	Figured 250 Gorgeous Knit Patterns by Hirose Mitsuharu ISBN-13: 978-4529042284 And the 3rd stitch book
Lace Shawls
	Knitted Lace of Estonia: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions  By Bush, Nancy Combining some of the oldest knitted artifacts in Northern Europe with authentic tips and expert advice, this distinctive guidebook demonstrates a wide range of knitting knowledge. Featuring 14 heirloom-quality projects, this savvy reference includes traditional lace-knitting techniques such as the starburst, twig, peacock, and lily of the valley patterns. Modern variations on classic methods and adding lace edges are also explored, and photographs from several Estonian museums beautifully illustrate various completed designs. With accessible graphed and written instructions, the projects include Estonian-style shawls, stoles, and scarves.
	A Gathering of Lace  By Swansen, Meg Editor Rowley, Elaine Photographer Xenakis, Alexis Collected from knitting designers all over the world, the patterns in this guide will be a joy to create for any knitter. The lavish full-color illustrations and easy-to-follow instruction charts will make these traditional patterns an exciting addition to a lace knitter's repertoire. From beginner to advanced, the 34 projects contained include designs for sweaters, vests, shawls, scarves, gloves, and socks. With beautiful photographs of these unique patterns, this knitting book is perfect for those who love to knit lace and those who would love to learn.
	Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls  By Waterman, Martha Timeless and beautiful shawls from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in an array of shapes with openwork, textured stitches, and lace edgings. Everything you need to know to design and knit your own shawls is provided, including detailed instructions for eight shawls.
	Victorian Lace Today  By Sowerby, Jane Photographer Xenakis, Alexis Part project book and part history lesson, this unmatched collection of lace patterns offers techniques for embellishment and edging to shawls and scarves. The 40 projects are deciphered, rewritten, charted, and adapted for modern tools and fibers. Illustrated.
	The Gossamer Webs Design Collection: Three Orenburg Shawls to Knit  By Khmeleva, Galina Presenting three classic Orenburg-style lace patterns in written form for the very first time. Created from a series of basic elements and patterns handed down from generation to generation from the Orenburg region of Russia, Galina Khmeleva has worked with these talented craftspeople to bring you these unique knitted masterpieces. Create your own heirloom shawl following step-by-step instructions and charts laid out for ease of knitting from bottom to top.
Historical Reprints
	The First Book of Modern Lace Knitting  By Kinzel, Marianne Easily learned, low-cost fundamental methods for over 25 distinctive projects, including Rose Leaf, English Crystal, Mosaic, Coronet, Valentine, Celandine, more. Includes diagrams, charts, and photographs of completed articles.
	The Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting  By Kinzel, Marianne Perfect for knitters of all skill levels, eye-catching designs include Grand Slam, Lilac Time, Maidenhair, and others. The book features step-by-step directions for creating over 29 complete projects. 41 illustrations.
	Knitted Lace Designs of Herbert Neibling By Herbert Niebling The name of Herbert Niebling has become legendary among lace-knitters.In his designs you may find familiar leaves and flowers - but frequently his extraordinary and unique motifs will make you gasp; he seems to bend the "rules" of knitting to near-impossible lengths. Over two dozen patterns are included - edited and revised by Mary Frances Wogec - along with her full English translation. What a treat. This beautiful book, Knitted Lace Designs of Herbert Niebling is a reprint of Gestrickte Spitzendecken by Eva Maria Leszner. However, the English translator discovered errors in many of the instructions - and has corrected everything she found. Most comforting as you launch into one of these spectacular designs.her
Faroe Islands
	Bundanaurriklaedid By Imported from the Faroe Islands, 19 traditional Faroese shawls; color photos; charts and schematics. Hardcover, plus complete softcover English translation supplement by Marilyn Van Keppel
	Three-cornered and Long Shawls By Sigridur Halldórsdóttir The reprint of a near-legendary Icelandic shawl book contains instructions and charts for 27 lovely lace shawls and scarves knitted with Icelandic Laceweight or UnSpun Icelandic wools. Author's English translation included.
German
	Kunst Stricken: GroBe und kleine DeckenISBN: 9783897980709 Verlag fur die Frau SC Folio   16 pp. + 4 fold-out pattern charts   This pattern folio contains the instructions and charts for 36 gorgeous knitted lace articles. The patterns are for round, square and oval articles of varying sizes. Each of the patterns is charted on the large fold-out charts included and two of the patterns are also translated into English. Also included is an English translation of the knitting symbols used. A gorgeous collection!
	Kunststricken: Schone historische Muster ISBN: 9783897982260 Verlag fur die Frau SC Folio   6 fold-out pattern charts   This pattern folio contains a collection of 24 mid-20th century knitted lace patterns for table runners and doilies. The designs are charted on six large fold-out pattern sheets. Please note: The text and symbols for these patterns are in German.
	Omas Strickgeheimnisse by Erika Eichenseer, Erika Grill And Betta Kron. 200 historical knitting patterns from a folk museum collection. Comes with English translation.

kitty: How to read a Japanese Knitting Pattern?

Hi Monika and Peppermint Mocha Mama, Since you both asked the same question I decided to just do a quick post about how to read a Japanese Craft Book and how to order from Amazon JP. Ordering from Amazon.co.jp these days really couldn't be easier. There are a couple of things that will make your life easier though: 1) Install Google Chrome : Google Chrome will identify that the page is in Japanese and will give you the option to automatically translate the page into English. Now it will still be broken English but you can figure it out pretty easily. 2) Amazon is also pretty smart as well, right above the wish list area there is a link that says "In English". This seems to internally trigger at least some of the text on the pages to be English. Bottom line though if you are a regular US Amazon customer just use muscle memory to place your order. The links are exactly the same and with Google Chrome most of the text is in English. 3) Once you have a couple of ISBN's of books that you are interested in, use the "Customers Who Bought this item also bought section" to look for other titles you might be interested in. Then you can do the look inside feature to see what the book is like inside. There is also always the option of ordering from YesAsia if you don't want to fool with ordering from Amazon JP. -- Http://www.yesasia.com

So now the more pressing issue. How do you read a Japanese Knitting or Crochet Book? Over the years a few people have asked me this question, I guess bottom line are you the type of knitter that would like written instructions for each row or are you comfortable kind of winging it with basic instructions? I am a full believer that anyone can learn to do anything they put there mind to. Japanese patterns are basically all on one page and very concise. 1) They will tell you how many stitches to cast on 2) Knit a certain number of rows 3) Then you will start to see information about how to increase or decrease the numbers of rows. (0-1-1) Increase 1st on both sides on the next row(double sided arrow) (8-1-6) Knit 8 Rows, Increase 1 st on both sides 6 times (double sided arrow) (5-3-4) Knit 5 rows, Decrease 3 stitches on the side with the arrow 4 times (-3) 1# is the number of rows to knit 2# is the number of stitches to increase or decrease 3# is the number of repeats for the first and second number (4) is the number of stitches to decrease If the pattern does contain a specific stitch pattern there is always a clear chart drawn up and with Japanese Standard Stitch Patterns. For Crochet Patterns you are on your own for if they are easy to read or not. Crochet still is so daunting for me. I really do not understand the concepts. There are so many crochet patterns that really interest me, but alas I am left wishing I had paid more attention to when my mother was trying to teach me. She on the other hand is an amazing crocheter, but she only does it from written text not charts.

Here are some Resources to help and guide you: 1) A JP Craft Book to learn about Japanese Knitting Symbols -- Fluffbuff よくわかる編目記号ブック―棒針あみ120 Clear and Simple Knitting Symbols 74 pages Published 1993 ISBN 452902413X / 9784529024136 This is a great book to teach you the meaning of the most common symbols. The book shows you the symbol and then walks you through the steps to make the stitch. There are a few other books in the series that I have written about. Crochet Motifs - Crocheting and Joining 66pages - 1992/11 ISBN-10: 4529022927 Amazon JP Knit Buddies Post The Very Basics of Crocheting 74 pages - 1993/04 ISBN-13:9784529023498 Amazon JP Knit Buddies Post Some of my favorite Stitch Books: 2) ABC of Knitting -- By Tata & Tatao of the ABC's of Knitting Site One of the most useful sites that I have found for learning how to read Japanese Knitting Patterns. The Basics of Japanese Knitting Japanese - English Knitting Dictionary - Priceless How to read Japanese Charts 3) How to read a Japanese Crochet Pattern -- by Purlyshells Blog She shares her experiences on her trials and tribulations of reading a Japanese crochet pattern for the first time. She takes you through step by step of the first row and some of the symbols.   4) Japanese Knitting Patterns - My adventures with Japanese Knitting Patterns and Japanese Knitting Books In 2008 she did a Japanese Cable Vest Kal and wrote about how to translate the pattern. An Excellent resource.

kitty: Japanese Craft Books - Amazon Jp - 4277430686

Japanese Craft Books - Amazon Jp - 4277430686

Hand-knitted scarf fun back [Paperback] by Shimada Toshiyuki (Author) 103pages - 2010/10/8 ISBN-10: 4277430686

I haven't bought many books this year from Japan. Some how most of the titles and covers just haven't excited me that much. This was one of the books though I had to have right away. I was so excited when I saw the cover of this book and looked at the view inside on Amazon.jp. The elongated knit scarf never took on such beautiful shapes. And to be honest I am really surprise that ravelry isn't just full of scarfs knitted from the pages within. So here are just a few more photos from inside the book.

kitty: Japanese Craft Book : Swedish traditional knit pattern book Britt - Britt-Marie Christoffersson784529046640

	Swedish traditional knit pattern book Britt - Britt-Marie Marie Kurisutoffeshon Christoffersson (スウェーデンの伝統ニット模様集 ブリット‐マリー クリストッフェション Britt‐Marie Christoffersson ( 大型本 - 2009/1) ) ISBN-10: 4529046648 ISBN-13: 978-4529046640 Release Date: 2009/01 Amazon JP
Back in February of 2008 I lucked out and found a copy of Swedish Sweaters by Britt-Marie Christoffersson on Amazon US and to this day it remains one of my favorite titles in my library. Though the sweaters are a little dated, the charts are truly inspirational. What truly fascinates me though about Britt-Marie Christoffersson are the amazing classes I have read other bloggers post about in Japan. (link - link - link) Class photos that dreams are made of. Some of the techniques that are illustrated in her work I still have no idea how she accomplished them. So when I saw on Amazon jp that she had a new book they were carrying I jumped and ordered it. The photo of the book nor the look inside didn't do the book justice.
As you can tell the book doesn't disappoint at all and is really spectacular.
It comes in an oversized black portfolio case with a small colour booklet of some of the historical designs. Then each of the charts are printed on over sized glossy poster board. I wish all the charts had corresponding colour photos of the original historical garment, but we all can dream. Maybe someday I will get the nerve to do colourwork again (first attempt), but for now I am just an admirer from a distance.

kitty: Haapsalu Shawl - Haapsalu Sall

Pre-Order Knit & Purl	Estonian Version Publisher - Saara kirjastus(Saarakiri OÜ)
Annotation: A glorious, coffee-table size book of knitted lace, Estonia and a binding love between the two. Not a simple pattern book, and certainly not a project book, but a time capsule into a far off world where the soul of a people is captured in the hands that guide the needles to create the indigenous patterns of a rich heritage. The photography capturing this world is rich and the drawings and charts make the techniques and patterns close to a hands-on learning experience.	Per the publisher site: "Ordering books in english 22.07.2009 We are glad to pronounce that now you can buy our lovely book of “Haapsalu sall” by Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi. To order a book, drop an email to our manager of international sales (tiina@saara.ee) with your exact wishes. " I am itching for there other books - Click Here
If you are in love with lace knitting, it isn't to late to pre-order a copy of Haapsalu Shawl's from Knit & Purl. There are some rumors that there will only be 300 copies of the book printed in English. This is a translation from the original version which was written in Estonian and is out of print. My Copy came on Monday and I haven't stopped reading it and looking through the photos. I have even used one of the patterns in another textured shawl recipe shawl I am making for a christmas gift that I am really late on. Review: Unlike Nancy Bush book on Knitted Lace of Estonia: techniques, Patterns and Traditions, that was published in 2008, this is not a project book per say. It is a stitch dictionary of traditional designs with some very basic instructions on how the patterns were used in a few historical designs. The book is laid out with a brief history of the town and the knitters. There is a collection of reproduced historical photographs of the knitters of the area past and present. The next section is an outline of the techniques that will be needed to accomplish the art. There are wonderful drawings, photographs and the keys to the charts. It even clearly shows you how to build a lace frame and how to stretch your project. The stitch Library (More than 100 Lace Patterns) is then divided by themes. Variations of Lily of the valley motif, leaves/twigs, money, and large motifs that are shown in shawls. There is a mix of nupps, cables, crossed stitches, and patterned holes. Then there is an extensive section on lace edgings. The charts and images are very clear and easy to follow. ...... I have pretty much been in love with Estonian Lace for awhile and I have posted several post about the cast on and structure in previous post. ( Thoughts on Square Shawl - Estonian Lace ) I really hope I have the honor to take one of Nancy Bush's classes on the subject some day. But until then, I will treasure this english stitch dictionary for my records. The books is absolutely beautiful and though the price is high for the book I feel it is more than worth the price.
More Info / Pictures: Estońskie Szale - Estonian Lace Haapsula Museum - Läänemaa Muuseumi Gjabouri's Blog - Haapsalu Sall Book Aeti askeldused - Minu Haapsalu salid Purchase other Books and booklets - hobipunkt (have not ordered before) Włóczkomania - Diagrams of Estonian Lace - Greta Garbo Shawl Forum for Haapsalu Shawl - Click Here fotoforum.gazeta - Click Here or Click Here drutki szydełko i robótki - Click Here
New Estonian Book in JP
	Estonian Lace! Seto Lace & Haapsalu Lace エストニアで習ったレース—マフラー、リストウォーマー、ポーチetc. (大型本) by 林 ことみ Amazon jp My Copy just arrived, but I haven't had time to study it or read it.

kitty: Two new books from Avril

Children Playing with Yarn No. 6		Torii Setsuko baby knits - cashmere and organic cotton knit By Torii Setsuko
Hardcover: 64 pages Publisher: Lavigne (2009/11) ISBN-10: 4904721063 ISBN-13: 978-4904721063		Hardcover: 64 pages Publisher: Lavigne (2009/12) ISBN-10: 4904721659 ISBN-13: 978-4904721650
Contains: Scarf/caplet, hat, baby blanket, shorts, Bolero, Tank Dress, Purse, Hat, Tank Top, Let warmers, Fingerless gloves, Cape, & Pants Mom and Child: Changing Blanket/Mom's neck warmer, Caplet for child or mom, Beret for mom and child, Skull cap for the family Tank for the family, Bow Tie / pompoms decorations, Hat, purse, & hat		Contains: Baby Blanket, Tunic Dress, One PIece Dress with Bolero, T Shaped pullover, Stripe Pants, Knot Button Cardigan, Rib Pants, Baby Boots, Square Knitting Cap, Wide Border Pants, Checkered Vest, Patchwork Blanket, 2way Blanket,
Every 6 months or so it looks like Avril puts out a book using there yarns. This fall though it seems they have chosed to publish 2 children's books for Avril Yarns. Torri Setsuk seems to have a great departure for the sleek subfusk designs that we have seen in the past. Here we have fairly bright coloured simple designs for children using rather bulky yarns. I wonder if she is a new mom or a new grandmother?