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Showing posts with label Prince of Knitting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prince of Knitting. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

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.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

kitty: Japanese Craft Book - 9784277133319

Japanese Craft Books - Amazon Jp - 9784061740037
The new knit of optical Osamu's Hirose
103 pages - 2001/08
ISBN-13: 9784061740037

Well, it is definately an early Prince of Knitting Book. The focus is not as put together as some of his latter books. The project scope seems disjoined and odd mix. Some are amazing projects while others are made out of fun fur and you just wonder why.

It always makes me smile when you can see his passion for finger knitting. There is a full photo diagram on steps to take for knitting at the end of the book.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

kitty: mesh lace trend on the runway

Earlier in my life I had the great fortune to see a peek at an amazing private lace collection. The collector had spent a life time traveling the world picking up tid bits, scraps, monastery works, fans, you name it if he found it he would pick it up to add to his collection. The original collector passed away when I was in college and he passed it on to someone I regrettable have really lost touch with, one of the great sad nesses of my life.

At the time, though I appreciated the collections beauty, I really regret not taking closer notes and making sketches of the different designs that mesmerized me. My feelings of appreciation for his collection has really magnified in the last couple of months as I have begun my course in studying knitted lace. Something that I wish I knew was in his collection. :(

Little did the Korean woman stopping at the Tea Zone know would really change my life. The result is that I am trying to acquire as many of the lace resources that I can find. What saddens me is really the lack of publications on the top.


One thing that really has been exciting me of late is to see how more couture designers are working lace into their garments. Not that they have progressed to the 16th century Italian ecclesiastical uses or the 17th century court costumes for males and females where elaborate ruffs, collars, cuffs appear in just about every European portrait of the day. But amazing and innovative lace is walking down the runway.

Olga from Knit Creations of A Curious Mind, posted this image a few months ago from the Spring collection of Oscar de la Renta.

(Photos are from Sytle.com Resort 2007 Oscar De La Renta- Runway of other crochet items)

Though the through of crocheting that adorable coverup really terrifies me, I have been seeing a lot of the similiar techniquest in Japanese craft books and one of my favorite Japanese sites. So I thought I would put together atleast a few references and examples I have seen.

Sites:

Thread & Yarn Handing Days
* Post about her favorite crochet books

*Standing up Flowers
* Macrame Tecnique

2007 International Freeform Crochet Exhibits

Books


Mesh Work
Prince of Knitting
98 pages
(2002/07)
ISBN-10: 4529037207
ISBN-13: 978-4529037204
Earlier Post

This is probably one of the most comprehensive technique books on the subject you will find. Multiple pages of step by step instructions with photos of each step in the process. It is broken down into different lessons for the beginner through the experienced. It takes you step by step setting up the working surface, laying out the motif's, crocheting the connecting cords, and then showing you the needle lace support structures.

 
Winter 2006 vol 132
185 pages - 2006/10
ISBN-10:4529043169

Printed by Nihon Vogue-2006
Earlier Post

 
 

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

kitty: you know, knitting hits main stream when...

one of the commercials during a J-Pop Awards Show is......
...the hair growth results vary with individuals
(loosely translated)
http://www.reve21.co.jp
(Images captured from the commercial that aired during, The Best Artist 2006 show, Nov 29, 2006 in Japan.)


Yes, that's right, the Prince of Knitting is doing a Hair Loss commercial that is getting pretty expensive air time. The Best Artist 2006 is a show about best musical artist during 2006 voted on by 16million fans.


Here are a few links to read more about the Prince of knitting: