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.

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.

Combining some of the oldest knitted artifacts in Northern Europe with authentic tips and expert advice, this distinctive guidebook demonstrates a wide range of knitting knowledge. Featuring 14 heirloom-quality projects, this savvy reference includes traditional lace-knitting techniques such as the starburst, twig, peacock, and lily of the valley patterns. Modern variations on classic methods and adding lace edges are also explored, and photographs from several Estonian museums beautifully illustrate various completed designs. With accessible graphed and written instructions, the projects include Estonian-style shawls, stoles, and scarves.