Folk Shawls

Shawls are currently making a huge comeback in the fashion world, but many people do not realize that the shawl has been worn for many centuries and in many cultures. This collection of patterns and traditions features shawls from around the world. From the Himalayas to Spain, from Iceland to Japan, and from Mexico to Norway, many of the shawls featured here have been taken from examples of historic knitted shawls. Other designs have been translated into knitwear from patterns for woven or lace shawls. Included are 25 patterns as well as historical and cultural information about shawls that have been used for prayer and mourning, as bridal veils, and as christening garments. Each design is presented with a full-page color photo, written instructions, and charts.

Knitters will delight in these 25 traditional and innovative vest patterns collected from around the world and through the ages. Both functional and decorative, these wonderful projects for men's and women's vests are accompanied by folk stories and regional histories from the country of the design's origin, including Tibet, Scandinavia, Guatemala, Japan, North America, and many others. More than a pattern book, readers will feel connected to the cultures behind the projects as they bring these native crafts to life.

Indulge yourself in hand-painted and lace yarns. Many shawl projects take only one skein! What is actually more popular than knitting socks? Knitting shawls! 13 out of 35 of Ravelry's most popular patterns of all time are small shawls or wraps. And who better to curate a collection of these trendy-yet-classic designs than the editor of Knitscene, Lisa Shroyer? Free Spirit Shawls features 20 shawl projects that are presented along 4 themes: Color (simple colorwork), Lace (the infinite pretty possibilities achieved by simple yarnovers), Simplicity (variegated yarns and simple stitches used to create simple yet striking designs), and Texture (cables and knit-purl combinations). Technique features focus on special areas of expertise such as Shetland construction and the anatomy of semicircular shawls. With her intimate knowledge of what knitters are hungry to make and wear, Lisa has curated a contemporary collection that will reach far beyond simple trends and will continue to inspire for years to come.

From the author of the modern classic The Knitting Sutra comes an inspiring and colorful narrative on knitting through one’s darkest hours. Susan Gordon Lydon’s groundbreaking book The Knitting Sutra offered a new way for knitters to look at their craft—as a healing and meditative endeavor instead of a granny hobby or an indulgent pastime. The first book without knitting patterns to capture the knitting audience, it has been widely imitated, but no other book has endured so well. With Knitting Heaven and Earth, Lydon again breaks new ground, this time following the emotional ties that become bound up in her handicrafts when a series of wrenching events—a heartbreaking romance, the death of her father, a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer—leave her reeling. Through it all, Lydon finds new reserves of strength in knitting, in the skeins of sumptuous yarn and colorful thread that help her make sense of the trials of the heart.

Enhanced with more than three hundred images, a comprehensive history of knitting in America includes twenty historical knitting patterns.

Here is the history of knitting around the globe, examining styles, techniques, and particular styles countries and regions—including England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Japan, Australia, Canada, United States, Peru, Bolivia, and more. Highlighted are 20 profiles of historically significant knitters who are using particular techniques today—plus 20 patterns that exemplify knitting traditions from around the world.

Come voyage through lost roots of the multi-dimensional artistry of collage. This seemingly simple method leads you on an adventure of self discovery, developing your innate abilities for shapes-shifting using paper, scissors and glue. Author and artist Donna Thompson shares her wisdom and stories as she leads you on a journey through time. From caves of old to collaging in your own home, this colorful adventure is an in-depth exploration of humanity’s ancient connections to making art. This triple layered approach is actually three books in one. It begins by guiding you through the mystical Doorway of Color, where you learn the Celtic ways of sensing, gathering and envisioning with images. Next comes the Doorway of Ceremonies, where you unearth indigenous ways of communing with collage. And finally, the Doorway of Dreams, leading to the most ancient ways of remembering who you truly are. Learning to quest with collage is all about playing with colors, signs and synchronicity. It is also a metaphor for the ongoing journey of each human life. You are invited to come along in search of multi-hued elements to weave into an ever unfolding landscape of your own design. Collage Quest is a guide for tracing these deep roots and translating them into modern day materials and language. It is a unique and powerful 21st century tool of co-creation. www.HealingInteriors.com

These 20 patterns, ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, take knitters on a world tour of buttoned, clasped, and tied coats, jackets, and wraps. Inspired by open-front garments and textiles from around the globe--including Austria, England, Japan, Peru, and Norway--these figure-flattering designs bring a contemporary edge to a variety of knitting traditions. Step-by-step instructions and copious photographs illustrate how to use standard stockinette, garter, and cable stitches to create chic projects such as shepherd's frocks, tweed coats, Peruvian gauntlet wraps, and Faroese-patterned jackets. More advanced techniques for fanciful lace and colorwork and the history behind beach pattern is also included.