Customer Reviews

The Gossamer Webs Design Collection: Three Orenburg Shawls to Knit

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This book begins with detailed instructions for knitting small sampler-sized shawls. It then provides three complete patterns for full-sized Orenburg lace shawls. The first is a triangle shawl with a detailed border, the second is a rectangular pine-tree pattern, and the final shawl is a very difficult, but very stunning, medallion square.

I highly recommend taking the trouble to knit one of the samplers and learn the techniques. The three patterns that follow assume that you are already familiar with the basic shawl construction. If you try to begin your first Orenburg shawl with one of these patterns, you will probably be confused. There are also some small pattern errors. These will be easy enough to figure out for an experienced knitter who has gone through the samplers, but this is not a book for raw beginners.

The shawls themselves are very beautiful (especially once they are blocked out - a step you can't really skip). Sadly, this seems to be the only book of Orenburg patterns published in English, so if you move in knitting circles, you will probably run into someone who has knit the same shawls. In fact, a simple web search for 'Orenburg knit' will turn up at least half a dozen pictures of these shawls on people's project blogs.

I was a little bit disappointed when I received this book, having allready "Knitted Lace of Estonia" by Nancy Bush.
In the book you find the pattern description for a triangular shawl, a scarf and a square shawl. And a stitch and border dictonary. There are ten basic elements in Orenbrug shawls and you can combine these stitches as you please.

This book is more a history of lace knitting. It doesn't really provide patterns for shawls or scarves. If that is what you are looking for, this is NOT the book for you.

Despite the title, it can hardly be called a "collection", as there are only three complete patterns in the book, and one of those is only partially charted! However, the basics of the Russian patterns are clearly charted as well as how to make their standard borders, how to turn corners, etc. The lace is beautiful and the basics part of the book would be a good tool for those who want to start knitting this type of lace.

I'm a little partial to Galina's books. I love the passion she shares for her love of Orenburg Lace. It is her heritage and she knows Orenburg lace like no one else. The patterns are easy to follow and the results outstanding. Each gossamer web would be a family heirloom. (If you get a chance, take one of her classes. She is witty and will share her secrets and love of Orenburg lace.)

This book is terrific. One day I'll be brave enough to start such a great project. In the meantime, it's great fun just to look at and drool over the great shawls. The directions are written so that I can understand them well.

This is a book on technique and provides excellent instruction on the basic construction of Orenburg shawls and how to create your own using the techniques. I am particulary partial to knitting the borders as I go rather than going back and adding them! However, if you are looking for a book of shawl patterns you can follow, you probably don't want this book as there are only three complete patterns given.

Great book, full of information and ideas. Just the book if you are interested in making the superfine shawls from Orenburg.

I love this book. The sample shawl is my next goal. I haven't done much lace knitting so it will be slow going but worth the effort.