Stahman's Shawls and Scarves: Lace Faroese-Shaped Shawls from the Neck Down & Seamen's Scarves (Paperback)

~ (Author), Ralph R. Blount (Illustrator), Peter E. Wilson (Illustrator), Mark Vandrsys (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Faroese shawls are known for the unique shaping that makes them cling to the wearer's shoulder and not slide off, as many other types of shawls are prone to do. Traditionally, Faroese shawls were knitted from the bottom up. Stahman has devised a method of knitting Faroese shawl patterns starting at the neck and working down, a distinct advantage for the knitter, who can try the shawl on while it is in progress and choose to make it shorter if the garment requires more yarn than planned. In contrast to Nancy Wiseman's book (below), which is targeted to the beginning and intermediate knitter, Stahman's is a master class for the lace-knitting enthusiast. Self-publishing has made it possible for Stahman to concentrate on those aspects of each pattern of most importance to the lace knitter: clear photos of the finished garments, large-scale charts for each design, and a lengthy section on techniques of lace knitting. Color photographs, less important to the lace knitter, who often works in one color, are omitted here, presumably to make the book more affordable. Included are instructions for knitting 14 shawls and 40 seamen's scarves. Essential for large public library and textile collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Rocking Chair Pr (February 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967542707
• ISBN-13: 978-0967542706
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #242,199 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In appreciation of all Stahman's work, February 4, 2002

By	RBB "Forest House Fiberworks" (Lewisburg, PA USA) - See all my reviews

I have knitted one shawl as presented in the book (Catharina), and one that I designed using Stahman's design guidelines. In addition, I have also made several Seaman's Scarves following her "Matthew" pattern (dedicated to the memory of Matthew Shepard). In all cases I used my own handspun yarns. While it took some concentration to adapt a totally different lace design to the Faroese shaping, I couldn't have done it without Stahman's many hours of planning and designing. I'm indebted to this book, and recommend it to adventurous novices or experienced knitters alike. [....]

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Know what you are buying before you buy it, May 31, 2005

By	A. Reader (Boise, Idaho United States) - See all my reviews

If you are new to lace or to knitting, the terms "faroese-shaped" and "seamen's scarves" refer to very specific shapes of garment. If this is the shape you want, this book is a great investment. I have made almost all the scarf patterns for gifts. While the basic pattern is always the same (moss stitch borders, ribbed center of the scarf so it will fit the neck better) Stahman uses different patterns for each scarf, so they are all unique. Like most lace, the scarves can be made with any weight of yarn.

I have not attempted any of the shawls, as Faroese is not a shawl style that I particularly care for, but the book was worth the scarf patterns, IF you don't mind that they are all exactly the same shape. They are perfect for gifts.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Appreciation for Myrna Stahman's work, August 10, 2002

By	June from Western WA (Lacey, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

Myrna Stahman did a wonderful job with her research and planning for working a Faroese-Shaped Shawl from the neck down. Her information was detailed, informative, and creative. Her many hours of work have made my job so much easier! It does take some concentration to pursue these patterns. The end results are worth the challenge. Myrna Stahman has taken much of the frustration out of Faroese shawls. Her work allows you to pursue your own pattern designs with style and confident results.