Sharon E MillerReseñas

This booklet is a study of an antique cobweb-gossamer weight Shetland lace shawl - the type of shawl that is so finely knitted, it can be pulled through a wedding ring. The book is intended as a master class for reproducing this particular shawl, and for making design changes to accommodate different yarn weights.

Sharon Miller begins with a 1910 publication, Aunt Kate's Home Knitter, that contains what Miller believes to be the first true gossamer lace Shetland shawl pattern to be published. To this she adds history, vintage and modern photos, a complete modern pattern including large color charts, a complete facsimile of the original 1910 pattern, and more than you would ever want to know about Shetland lace shawls.

Sharon Miller's summary, from the back cover of the pattern book:
The Princess Shawl is inspired by one presented to Alexandra, Princess of Wales by Shetland in 1863. It is one of the most challenging projects for lace knitters available.

I have been lusting after this pattern ever since I first saw a photo of it on Ravelry, and finally decided I must have it. The pattern is beautifully laid out, and includes several large scale color charts. The charts for the largest design elements are printed on double size sheets, and are not fastened into the book. I don't know if I am ready for this challenge, but I will have to at least try a few swatches. Even if I never make the shawl, this is a wonderful resource for the techniques and motifs used in Shetland shawls.

Note: This shawl is HUGE - if knitted in #70 DMC crochet cotton, the expected finished size is 64" vertically along the center back, and 108" wide. (It would weigh a ton in cotton!)

History, guildelines, stitch patterns, and projects

A well detailed pattern which takes you through, step-by-step, how to knit a lace patterned shawl. Measurement of shawl as shown is approx. 30 inches (75cm) wide and 72 inches (180cm) long. There are also suggestions for a smaller shawl which would be approx. 24 inches (60cm) by 64 inches (160 cm). Good coloured photographs showing details of the shawl at different stages of completion. An ingenious method of knitting the shawl to avoid any noticeable cast on and cast off edges - hence the title! There are both written pattern and chart so you can choose your favourite method. Plenty of backup by going to Heirloom Knitting website.

A tour de force treatment of one of the greatest knitting traditions. Miller's passion for the subject is equal to her skill in explaining how traditional Shetland lace is made - and how dedicated knitters can knit it themselves. I learned how to knit lace from this book, and treasure it. Worth every penny.

Heirloom Knitting is extremely well-researched, with lots of wonderful in-depth information on the history of Shetland Lace. It contains a few beautiful and intricate patterns, as well as a stitch dictionary to help you create your own. Sharon Miller's instructions are clear and easy to follow, which makes the shawls a pleasure to knit.

Heirloom Knitting is an outstanding reference for anyone wishing to learn or improve skills in Shetland-style lace knitting. Chapters include: Introduction, Knitting Advice, Patterns, Design, Projects, Miscellany (reference material). Patterns are provided for several projects, but the focus is on techniques for design and knitting of Shetland lace.

For those that love challenges, classic patterns and particularly, lace. Major time committments on these projects, but so worth it.