Victorian Lace Today

by Jane Sowerby

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, and are presented with full-color photos and illustrations of both the works-in-progress and the finished items. Comprehensive information on the tools and techniques of lace knitting helps beginning knitters, and challenging patterns keep experienced and ambitious knitters engaged. Delicate and decorative, the historical lace patterns in this book are adventurous and dynamic.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, How To, Victorian, Art

196 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

(from the jacket of her book: Victorian Lace Today)

Author Jane Sowerby, violist, teacher, spinner and dyer, began researching Victorian Lace knitting over a decade ago. She lives and knits near Cambridge, England.

Reviews

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mauri · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Charla · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Julie Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very lacy and intricate. A bit too much so for me.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some lovely shawls and I enjoyed the history, but someone needed to read the patterns. The yarn sizing was wrong on quite a few of them.

[Winifred · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Palawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[J A W · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Nitrorockets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow is this an excellent lace book. If you are adventurous enough to take on lacing then this is THE book for you. Great patterns a little bit of history and loads of pictures in color.

[BookMouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Tanya Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few knitting books I read cover to cover.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many errors.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[notgettingenough · Rating 4 out of 5]

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....

[Knittingdragonflies]

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.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FEAST for lace-knitting lovers.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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