The Lacy Knitting of Mary Schiffmann [Paperback]

Nancy Nehring (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Mary Schiffmann (1908-96) was an indefatigable collector of lace patterns for knitting. Such was her enthusiasm that she once purchased plastic doilies pressed from knitted lace originals and managed to decipher instructions for re-creating the originals in cotton thread. She was also a cofounder of the Lacy Knitters, a national group working to promote the preservation and cataloging of old knitted lace patterns. This book offers both her reminiscences on her work and a collection of her patterns and teaching notes. Patterns include a photograph of each item plus written and charted directions. Highly recommended for textile collections and public libraries.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Nancy Nehring is the author of numerous craft books, including 50 Heirloom Buttons to Make, Hairpin Lace Afghans, and Ribbon Trims.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188301042X
• ISBN-13: 978-1883010423
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,212,916 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy This Lace Knitting Book First, January 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Lacy Knitting of Mary Schiffmann (Paperback)

I highly recommend this book as either a first lace knitting book or to add to a collection because it is both helpful and beautiful. I have purchased other lace knitting books but because of their complexity I had never used them to produce a piece of lace. The author of this book, Mary Shiffmann, taught lace knitting and includes in the book a list of projects designed to help novice lace knitters develop their skills. I was able to pick up this book and without other help teach myself to knit lace. Also helpful is that all the patterns are charted. The book is an interesting mix of the author's personal history, discussions about lace, and lessons. It also contains an excellent variety of patterns (from easy to complex), projects and suggestions. I plan on working my way through many of the patterns.

The book has an artful approach that shows the beauty of hand knitted lace.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Very few projects, August 6, 2005

By 

Shelly B. Thompson "lace knitter" (Torrance, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lacy Knitting of Mary Schiffmann (Paperback)

The cover is deceptive in that it shows several lace doilies, but what you see on the cover is what you get in the book. Most of the stitch patterns are found in most pattern books. The only part of the book that is truly unique for the experienced lace knitter is the few lace edging patterns. Not worth 17.95 for those few patterns.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Lacy Knitting of Mary Schiffmann, April 6, 2005

By 

Scottish Gypsy "lisa_knits" (Stow, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Lacy Knitting of Mary Schiffmann (Paperback)

This book is very well put together. I have been knitting for 20 years and love the patterns in this book. There are a number of advanced patterns for more experienced knitters, something difficult to find these days, and a number of simpler patterns for novice knitters. I only wish it had more patterns and hope that they will come out with a second book.