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.

Knitters will delight in these 25 traditional and innovative vest patterns collected from around the world and through the ages. Both functional and decorative, these wonderful projects for men's and women's vests are accompanied by folk stories and regional histories from the country of the design's origin, including Tibet, Scandinavia, Guatemala, Japan, North America, and many others. More than a pattern book, readers will feel connected to the cultures behind the projects as they bring these native crafts to life.

Create these romantic shawls and scarves with fabulous fibers; then wrap yourself up in the inspiring stories behind the designs. Create 12 beautiful shawls in half-circle or full-circle shapes, plus four scarves · Find projects for beginning to experienced knitters Choose from leaves, clovers, flowers, and other classic lace motifs Gorgeous designs will provide the comfort-- real-life tales will warm the heart.

These 20 patterns, ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, take knitters on a world tour of buttoned, clasped, and tied coats, jackets, and wraps. Inspired by open-front garments and textiles from around the globe--including Austria, England, Japan, Peru, and Norway--these figure-flattering designs bring a contemporary edge to a variety of knitting traditions. Step-by-step instructions and copious photographs illustrate how to use standard stockinette, garter, and cable stitches to create chic projects such as shepherd's frocks, tweed coats, Peruvian gauntlet wraps, and Faroese-patterned jackets. More advanced techniques for fanciful lace and colorwork and the history behind beach pattern is also included.

Which one will you knit first? With 50 patterns for knitted shawls and wraps to choose from, in so many styles, textures, and yarns, choosing your first project will be a welcome challenge. From simple knit-purl designs for beginners to slip-stitch color work designs, doubleknit, brioche, lace, and cables--there are designs to interest every level of knitter. There are so many fabulous designs, this will become your go-to shawl knitting book.

Indulge yourself in hand-painted and lace yarns. Many shawl projects take only one skein! What is actually more popular than knitting socks? Knitting shawls! 13 out of 35 of Ravelry's most popular patterns of all time are small shawls or wraps. And who better to curate a collection of these trendy-yet-classic designs than the editor of Knitscene, Lisa Shroyer? Free Spirit Shawls features 20 shawl projects that are presented along 4 themes: Color (simple colorwork), Lace (the infinite pretty possibilities achieved by simple yarnovers), Simplicity (variegated yarns and simple stitches used to create simple yet striking designs), and Texture (cables and knit-purl combinations). Technique features focus on special areas of expertise such as Shetland construction and the anatomy of semicircular shawls. With her intimate knowledge of what knitters are hungry to make and wear, Lisa has curated a contemporary collection that will reach far beyond simple trends and will continue to inspire for years to come.

Only a few knitters in Maine still use the traditional patterns of their great-grandmothers. Fortunately, Robin Hansen has searched out these talented craftspeople and has reconstructed lost patterns from surviving examples. Her popular book includes 11 designs in sizes for infants, children, and adults.

Enhanced with more than three hundred images, a comprehensive history of knitting in America includes twenty historical knitting patterns.

With enormous enthusiasm for the language of ordinary northerners, this scenic portrait of coastal peoples combines history, etymology, and recollections to record a folk culture that strives to survive against current worldwide trends of uniformity. The examination delves deep into the boat and fishing traditions that shape this small angler community, including smuggling, the scenery, and the surrounding wildlife. The increasing threat that globalization poses to these sea populations makes this an important preservation - as well as an excellent source of factual information and reference material about those who live on the North Sea.