Folk Shawls: 25 knitting patterns and tales from around the world (Folk Knitting series) [Paperback]

Cheryl Oberle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Oberle is a freelance knitwear designer and knitting instructor whose teaching emphasis has been on shawls and lace. Folk Shawls, her first book, features designs for 25 beautiful shawls derived from folk traditions around the world, including Ireland, Scotland, Japan, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Victorian England, Russia, Mexico, South America, Norway, the Himalayas, Spain, Native America, and the American heartland. Oberle introduces each shawl with a brief description of its cultural background, and her instructions include a full-color photo of the shawl, a materials list, and both written and charted instructions. This outstanding contribution to the literature of knitting is generally recommended for public libraries and textile collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"If I had to have just one shawl book, this would likely be it." —KnitNet

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883010594
• ISBN-13: 978-1883010591
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,474 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! Another great knitting book this year, May 31, 2000

By 

Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Folk Shawls: 25 knitting patterns and tales from around the world (Folk Knitting series) (Paperback)

This has been quite a year for great knitting books. And Cheryl Oberle's book on shawls is not to be missed.

The photography is really outstanding. Cheryl models her shawls in such a way to show the beauty of the shawl and at the same time make an artistic statement.

The shawls represented are quite varied; most are done, however, in sport weight yarn. This is convenient for those who don't want to attempt a project in cobweb-fine laceweight yarn. However, directions are given if you do want to change the yarn weight to suit your tastes.

The schematics include a layout of the shawl shape (oblong, diamond, triangle, etc) and the lace patterns are charted in many cases. There is a nice section on techniques.

All together, a really fine volume in the folk series from Interweave Press.

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Folk Shawls, May 30, 2000

By 

Margaret E. Karp - See all my reviews

This review is from: Folk Shawls: 25 knitting patterns and tales from around the world (Folk Knitting series) (Paperback)

I found this book to be excelent. Not only do they have some of the best patterns I have seen in a while. But it also gives you the history of the shawls. The patterns are easy to follow. With clear instructions. It also contains line by line and charts for the patterns. Which make them great to follow. With shawls from The Faroe Islands, Ireland, Japan, America, Iceland, Victorian England, Russia, Scotland, Mexico, South America, Norway, Native America, The Himalayas and Spain. Also three others that are called variations. This book has somthing for everyones tastes. And in the back of the book it gives the yarn sources used in the patterns. Containing addresses, telephone numbers and web sites. All of the shawls are pictured with the aurther. They are done with a clear picture of the shawl. You can truly see the work on them and their is also a drawing of all of the shawls. So you can see the shape of the finished product. I truly like this book. I think the story that comes with each one is truly inspiring.

91 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful collection of shawls, January 23, 2001

By 

Carol Peterson Hennekens (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Folk Shawls: 25 knitting patterns and tales from around the world (Folk Knitting series) (Paperback)

Shawls are a great thing to knit. Even for beginners, the lack of shaping (armholes, etc.) allows for a project that can be elegant when finished and is often deceptively easy to make. Shawls are in the fashion news and Cheryl Oberle's book couldn't be timed better.

This is primarily a pattern book. Cheryl's designed 25 terrific rectangles, squares and triangles drawing upon international traditions (and her own imagination). She includes a brief history of the tradition as an introduction to each shawl. The photography is wonderful. As for Cheryl being the model, the story (straight from Cheryl's mouth) is that Cheryl was demonstrating how to wear the shawls to the model. The photographer said that there was no way the model would ever wear the shawls as gracefully as Cheryl -- hence Cheryl the model.

My only reservation on this book is that it's light on technique. There's a small opening segment with everything one needs to know for the book. But, if you aren't looking to make one of the shawls, this isn't the sort of book you're likely to use as a reference or source of inspiration for your own designs.

Skill range -- advanced beginner to expert.