A Gathering Of Lace.

Sioux Falls, SD XRX, 2001. Hardcover First Ed, so stated. First Ed, so stated. Very Near Fine in Near Fine DJ: Both book and DJ show only minute indications of use. Book shows just the slightest touch of wear a a couple of the corner tips; else flawless; binding square and secure; text clean. DJ shows light wear at the upper extremities; mild rubbing; unclipped; mylar-protected. Overall, very close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. Oblong 8vo. 173pp. Edited by Elaine Rowley. Photography by Alexis Xenakis. Hardback with DJ. Yes, it's finally here! And, it is well worth the wait. This is a beautiful and BIG book - coffee table size and 174 pages. The most astounding thing about this book is the amazing range of projects offered within the theme of lace. Just among the shawls offered there are: 3 triangles, 2 rectangles, 8 circles, 2 faroese and 3 squares. Then there are garments ranging from shrugs and tunics (6) to socks (3) and a christening gown. Then, just for grins, is Debbie New's lace boat (I kid you not!). As for the skill levels required, there are a few projects for solid beginners. (The actual knitting of lace isn't difficult -- it's the keeping track of where you are in the pattern that is the trick.) Most of the projects are best suited to knitters with some experience with lace.Beyond the patterns, there's a good techniques section in the introduction. There's also a gallery of lace projects where the designer doesn't have a written pattern available but it has some fun ideas (including the boat). There's also a section with a message from each designer. The book concludes with a section about the making of the book - coordinating 30 designers, photographing garments on several continents (and the photos are stunning). What a project for Meg Swansen to coordinate. Bottom line -- a gorgeous book of patterns but with enough technique and design that you can use it as a reference too.