An eclectic collection of lace patterns and short stories about knitting, this book reveals the tales told by Mary Schiffmann to Nancy Nehring. Schiffmann was one of the founding members of the Lacy Knitters, a national guild for lace knitting, and she made collecting lace patterns her life's work. The book begins with Schiffmann developing her knitting skills as the daughter of missionaries in Japan, then continues with further anecdotes and memories from a life of knitting. Each interesting episode is accompanied by a lace pattern that Schiffmann collected during her fascinating life. The patterns are presented with both row-by-row instruction and in charted form. Projects include towels, handkerchiefs, a sweater, and a christening gown.