Wendy Knits Lace: Essential Techniques and Patterns for Irresistible Everyday Lace

by Wendy D. Johnson

Whether you’re new to lace or a more adventuresome knitter, here you will find plenty to occupy your needles. With twenty original patterns for gorgeous lace shawls, delicate camisoles, sweaters, hats, scarves, and socks, Wendy D. Johnson provides thorough instruction on the best lace techniques.

At last - gorgeous lace projects that are not only sumptuous, but designed for your everyday life.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the few knitting books where I actually read the information before the patterns. "Part 2: Lace Techniques" was written very clear and had great illustrations showing each type of fix, cast on, inc, and dec. I'm looking forward to trying some of the techniques she describes.

Part 3 has all the knitting patterns. They are lovely. I cannot wait to try a few. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interesting in learning lace knitting.

[Cynthia Frazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patterns are gorgeous, but the lack of stitch counts and straight lines in charts when the markers dance between sections are problematic.

[Lee Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy Knits Lace - Wendy D. Johnson

I picked up this book hoping to find some inspiration, as I've recently discovered a new love for lace knitting. 💙

When I first started knitting, I used to look at lace and think two things: 1️⃣ It reminds me of doilies (not that there's anything wrong with doilies! 😂) and 2️⃣ It looks far too complicated for me!

Fast-forward a few years, and with a little more experience under my belt, I've knitted a few small lace items and absolutely LOVE the finished results. 🥰🧶 It's amazing how your confidence grows as you learn new techniques!

There's an abundance of fantastic information in this book, with plenty of hints and tips to help along the way. I was particularly reminded of the importance of lifelines. I always forget about using them (I really should know better by now! 🤦‍♀️). This book has jogged my memory and reminded me to ask Santa for some gummy lifelines for Christmas. 🎅🎄 Perhaps then I'll have fewer knitting breaks caused by my fuzzy med head, which leads to mistakes and makes me want to set fire to my projects! 🔥🤣🥴

Lace In The Know – Lace Knitting Vs. Knitted Lace 🤓🧶

Lace knitting and knitted lace… what's the difference?

According to some experts, lace knitting has patterning on every other row, with a resting row in between, whereas knitted lace has patterning on every row.

I never knew this! 🤯 I love learning little facts like this, and it's always a bonus when a knitting book teaches me something new. 👍🏻

My Favourite Patterns 💙

These are the patterns that caught my eye:

💙 Lace Stripe Scarf
🩵 Elizabeth’s Cowl
💙 Stacy Shawl
🤎 Tiffany Triangle Shawl
❤️ Poor Poet’s Mitts
💜 Light As A Feather Smoke Ring

Overall, this is a beautifully presented book, packed with useful information, lovely photographs and interesting backstories behind the patterns. I really enjoyed reading the hints and tips and browsing through all the finished garments. There’s plenty here to inspire me and give me ideas for future lace-knitting projects. 🧶😍

A lovely addition to my knitting library, and just the inspiration I was looking for! 👏📚

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so NOT a lace knitter. Give me a chunky yarn and a quick project and I will knit on those forever. I think it's mostly because lace knitting books have an inordinate number of shawls and wraps. I only see people wearing shawls at knitting conferences, frankly. So... as I was reading thought this book, I was getting a bit disappointed. Until I got to the Vintage Kneesocks (p. 108), I hadn't flagged one project to work. I liked the author's previous books (on socks!) so we'll see how this works out. The book is well organized with lots of sidebars and tips, clear schematics when needed, and charts, charts, charts.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the beginning of the book. This really broke some of the processes for lacework down which was nice. Unfortunately the patterns were a little uninspiring and, yup, you guessed it, the clothing was not size inclusive. *insert deflated balloon sound here*

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

a range of lace knitting projects in size and complexity.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the other Wendy Knits books, this volume is nicely laid out with cute patterns and some really lovely photography. While basic knitting skills are required, it's front-loaded with instructions on how to execute some of the more advanced techniques that pop up throughout the patterns. I'm a serial shawl knitter so I'm hoping to give most of the patterns a whirl at some point, but really I bought it for the toe-up knee high pattern. I've been hording some lime green sock yarn for just such an occasion.

[Tonileg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely book with lots of pictures as well as an organized picture table of contents in the back so you can quickly find your project.
This is for intermediate level knitters that can read and follow a pattern with lots of yarn overs and decreases. I just didn't see anything for myself except the three sock patterns which don't look very comfortable as the 'lace' holes push against your skin when you wear boots, but it could be comfortable in sandals (heels?).
144 pages and borrowed from the library
2 stars

[Delia Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice book with 20 lace knitting projects for various skill levels, illustrated with attractive photos and with charts for the patterns. The introduction has some useful tips - the "lifeline" method of preventing dropped stitches and the "provisional cast-on" when you're going to start knitting in the other direction from your cast-on.

[Donna Ancypa Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very useful information and illustrations gathered in one place, though there are few things that will be truly new to the dedicated student of lace knitting. Some lovely patterns, including the Stacy shawl and the watch cap.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A master of both design and the well-written pattern uses her clear mind and articulate explanations to take us lucky knitters through the complexities of knitting lace. This book is just a pure pleasure. Thanks, Wendy!
Dr Gemma of CogKnitive

[Liz De Coster]

I got the ebook on my 3M app from the library; it was awful to the point of being unusable. The pictures were tiny, the charts were broken up, and it was just poorly formatted. However, the patterns themselves looked interesting, so I will be waiting for a print copy to judge the content.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent presentation with a variety of patterns from beginning lace to advanced. As a beginner with lace, I finished the watch cap with no problems and in less than three weeks. I am looking forward to working my way through the other patterns as well.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Wendy Johnson patterns, socks, shawls, hats. This book includes many different uses of lace knitting from shawls to socks to sweaters and hats.

[WifeMomKnitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of really useful information concerning how to knit lace: different cast-ons, bind-offs, etc.

[Harue Jules]

I cannot believe I am actually READING a knitting book, but since I never seem to take the time to read one, and as Wendy Johnson writes almost as well as she knits, I am enjoying it thus far. (^^)

[Fincalian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the fingerless glove pattern. Maybe I'll try those after I get a little more practice knitting in.

[Leslie Jem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a lace knitter, but if I was, I'd want this book. Gorgeous photography.