Ilga's Knitting World

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Wendy Knits Lace

I recently purchased Wendy Johnson' s new book on knitting lace and it has become a new, indispensable guide to lace knitting for my library.

Wendy Knits Lace is sub-titled "Essential Techniques and Patterns for Irresistible Everyday Lace" and it is exactly that: essential, techniques, patterns, and irresistble.

I have lots of books on lace knitting, many of them exquisite. But Wendy Knits Lace has perhaps the best, clearest, most practical description of all the techniques a beginner lace knitter needs. Large, clear illustrations and explanations. She answers the most basic questions and I am grateful that she has included so much information: for example, on tools needed, different kinds of cast-ons and bind-offs, different increases and decreases--as well as her confession that she almost always uses a circular needle (as do I).

The early patterns are very basic, suitable for a beginner, yet satisfying for a more experienced knitter.

There are gorgeous, elaborate patterns, too, like this "True Love" stole:

Because lace is so well suited for shawls, Wendy has included quite a number of them, in various shapes. This one she calls her "Two-Thirds Shawl".

The "Vortex Spiral Shawl" makes a large circle that can also be made larger for an afghan.

I particularly like this circular shawl and it makes me want to knit one, too.

There are, of course, other pieces, a cardigan and tunic, as well as gloves:

And, of course, socks. Wendy is famous for her sock patterns.

Wendy's book is an excellent reference source for all things lace knitting and I know that I will turn to it often for her lace knitting advice.