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Folk Shawls: 25 knitting patterns and tales from around the world
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.
143 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 22, 2011
The premise of this book is that each of the 25 patterns is tied to a location/knitting tradition. I felt the tie-ins were a little weak. For example, the Aran Pocket shawl's tie-in is:
"Women on the Aran Islands often wear woven plaid shawls from Scotland. The basket weave pattern and the pockets on this shawl are based on a modern Scottish woven plaid shawl."
That's it. The pattern itself is a nice, basket weave, rectangular shawl with pockets. Nothing fancy but good simple pattern. It would be one thing if the book were called something like "Simple shawls inspired by textile traditions", but "Folk Shawls"? I expected pattern inspired by traditional, locally knitted shawls, so I was disappointed in the book.
But that doesn't make it a bad book. It has some nice basic shawls and a good section on techniques. Nothing stunning or unique, but a decent reference for the beginning shawl knitter.
"Women on the Aran Islands often wear woven plaid shawls from Scotland. The basket weave pattern and the pockets on this shawl are based on a modern Scottish woven plaid shawl."
That's it. The pattern itself is a nice, basket weave, rectangular shawl with pockets. Nothing fancy but good simple pattern. It would be one thing if the book were called something like "Simple shawls inspired by textile traditions", but "Folk Shawls"? I expected pattern inspired by traditional, locally knitted shawls, so I was disappointed in the book.
But that doesn't make it a bad book. It has some nice basic shawls and a good section on techniques. Nothing stunning or unique, but a decent reference for the beginning shawl knitter.
March 12, 2013
A lovely book on the craft. This book is definitely intended for the more intermediate to advanced knitter, depending on the pattern itself. If you have never knitted something before, or are a total crocheter, I do not recommend this book. Do yourself a favor and knit a simple garter stitch scarf before attempting these pretty gems.
Having knitted the "Spanish Christening Shawl" as a tester, and tried a few others out, I love this book. 4 stars because some of the techniques could have been a little better explained, but the important thing is how well the patterns work out.
The layout is simple with beautiful pictures that accurately capture what the finished project will like like when finished, a drawing to give the overall idea of the completed work, as well as written and charted instructions, depending on your preference and comfort level. Cheryl Oberle has helped to design and create a staple book that I recommend for anyone looking to expand their repertoire, especially if you are looking to get into lace work. The instructions are clean, very precise, and work out well. It is also excellent practice to learn to read charts, which are clear, and have a very concise legend at the front of the book explaining each symbol.
The diversity of shawls is enough that if you want a simple block style shawl, one without frills and extensive lace work that is more solid like a throw, those shawls are included in this collection. The lacy, very delicate, feminine, and yes, somewhat complicated lace patterns we imagine grace the shoulders of Victorian and aristocrat women are also contained in this book. Folk shawls from different cultures you may not expect or consider having a tradition of shawls and knitting are included: Russia, the South American countries, Japan and other east Asian countries. Each is beautiful and complex in its own way, and each technique used to construct your masterpiece is explained. Although, another caution, knitted explanations of techniques are not always clear, so look a video tutorial up if you can, should you get stuck. I know I did a few times.
A word to the wise and inexperienced: If you really don't care about how big the shawl comes out, I wouldn't generally worry about the gauge swatch, as shawls are rather forgiving in their dimensions, unlike some other pieces of knitted clothing you may want to work up.
You might say "Eh, shawls are too hard, I can't do the more complicated stuff." Truth is, everything in knitting has some level of difficulty. Don't be afraid to dive in and try it out - there is a whole world of awesome things you can do with yarn, and especially, as Oberle shows, shawls.
Happy knitting!
Cheers, Oberle, cheers.
Having knitted the "Spanish Christening Shawl" as a tester, and tried a few others out, I love this book. 4 stars because some of the techniques could have been a little better explained, but the important thing is how well the patterns work out.
The layout is simple with beautiful pictures that accurately capture what the finished project will like like when finished, a drawing to give the overall idea of the completed work, as well as written and charted instructions, depending on your preference and comfort level. Cheryl Oberle has helped to design and create a staple book that I recommend for anyone looking to expand their repertoire, especially if you are looking to get into lace work. The instructions are clean, very precise, and work out well. It is also excellent practice to learn to read charts, which are clear, and have a very concise legend at the front of the book explaining each symbol.
The diversity of shawls is enough that if you want a simple block style shawl, one without frills and extensive lace work that is more solid like a throw, those shawls are included in this collection. The lacy, very delicate, feminine, and yes, somewhat complicated lace patterns we imagine grace the shoulders of Victorian and aristocrat women are also contained in this book. Folk shawls from different cultures you may not expect or consider having a tradition of shawls and knitting are included: Russia, the South American countries, Japan and other east Asian countries. Each is beautiful and complex in its own way, and each technique used to construct your masterpiece is explained. Although, another caution, knitted explanations of techniques are not always clear, so look a video tutorial up if you can, should you get stuck. I know I did a few times.
A word to the wise and inexperienced: If you really don't care about how big the shawl comes out, I wouldn't generally worry about the gauge swatch, as shawls are rather forgiving in their dimensions, unlike some other pieces of knitted clothing you may want to work up.
You might say "Eh, shawls are too hard, I can't do the more complicated stuff." Truth is, everything in knitting has some level of difficulty. Don't be afraid to dive in and try it out - there is a whole world of awesome things you can do with yarn, and especially, as Oberle shows, shawls.
Happy knitting!
Cheers, Oberle, cheers.
November 22, 2020
I've enjoyed this whole series of pattern books, the Folk series from IK, though this isn't my favorite (even as much as I love shawls). These are certainly pattern books for a more advanced knitter - not a beginner's pattern book. Each of the patterns here has a tie-in to a local textile tradition - mostly knitting, but some weaving traditions too. Some of the ties were a little weak, to be honest, but I still loved seeing the worldwide touches. As much as I like the series and I like shawls, I think this one wasnt a favorite because even though there was a nice variety of shawl shapes and techniques, quite a number of them were kinda plain. I do like my lace after all, and shawls offer plenty of opportunity for that!
The photos were nicely modeled to get a full-size sale view, but I missed some of the close-up pictures that are more common in newer IK books. Stitch pattern details would have been appreciated in a number of these patterns.
I haven't made any of the patterns here yet, but there are a few I'm interested in. Some more I'd be interested in too, though adapting the lace patterns on some of the plainer patterns (i.e. the garter-heavy patterns). As I haven't knit any of these, I can't speak to clarity or accuracy of the patterns, but IK is always good about printing errata if needed.
The photos were nicely modeled to get a full-size sale view, but I missed some of the close-up pictures that are more common in newer IK books. Stitch pattern details would have been appreciated in a number of these patterns.
I haven't made any of the patterns here yet, but there are a few I'm interested in. Some more I'd be interested in too, though adapting the lace patterns on some of the plainer patterns (i.e. the garter-heavy patterns). As I haven't knit any of these, I can't speak to clarity or accuracy of the patterns, but IK is always good about printing errata if needed.
June 29, 2023
Gorgeous. Clear. As a previous reviewer noted, this is not for a beginner. This isn't a "learn to knit shawls" book. But it is full of gorgeous patterns that will grow your skills! Can't speak to the historical parts, I honestly ignored them.
October 15, 2017
Lovely, lovely, lovely book of possibilities!
I got to meet the author after reading the book and she is just as lovely!
I got to meet the author after reading the book and she is just as lovely!
April 10, 2018
Variety of shapes. Nothing for me.
September 29, 2020
A lovely little book of knitting patterns, with some history attached
November 6, 2014
Folk Shawls is mostly a pattern book. There are many great anecdotes about the countries the shawls derive from, and historical information about how the shawls were derived. The shawls are all lovely, and range from simple to complex.
Oberle does not waste the experienced knitter's time with a how-to section. There is a "techniques" chapter, but it only gives instructions for specific methods used in the patterns. These are methods that will probably be familiar to experts, but the chapter is informative for beginning and intermediate knitters.
I say it's "mostly" a pattern book, but the construction of each design is broken down in such a way that a knitter of intermediate or higher skill level could adapt it for a different yarn and gauge. So in that sense, it is also a book of inspiration.
Oberle does not waste the experienced knitter's time with a how-to section. There is a "techniques" chapter, but it only gives instructions for specific methods used in the patterns. These are methods that will probably be familiar to experts, but the chapter is informative for beginning and intermediate knitters.
I say it's "mostly" a pattern book, but the construction of each design is broken down in such a way that a knitter of intermediate or higher skill level could adapt it for a different yarn and gauge. So in that sense, it is also a book of inspiration.
June 4, 2009
Most books that contain knitting patterns have only a few worth knitting. This one makes a person want to knit them ALL. The background of each shawl is given providing each a "personality." Some are plain to show off a beautiful yarn, and some are of an intricate stitch for a more plain yarn, but all of the shawls are interesting in their own way.
There are shawls for the beginning knitter and a couple of more challenging shawls where you have to turn off the television and concentrate.
The book is a bargain for all the useful patterns, the ease in which it is written, and the good photography. If you belong to Ravelry, you can see all the patterns before you buy. Check it out.
There are shawls for the beginning knitter and a couple of more challenging shawls where you have to turn off the television and concentrate.
The book is a bargain for all the useful patterns, the ease in which it is written, and the good photography. If you belong to Ravelry, you can see all the patterns before you buy. Check it out.
August 28, 2009
I first flipped through this collection a few years ago and was not impressed... nothing stood out to me at all. However, I checked it out again at the library recently and liked it a lot more. The knits are very traditional - lace designs mostly, inspired by different parts of the world.
I am glad that Interweave Press has stepped up their photography in the more recent books. The photography in this book is pretty bad - there are no details shots, but fully modeled shots on the author from a distance.
Designs get 4 stars
Book layout gets 3
So, that equals 3.5 stars :)
I am glad that Interweave Press has stepped up their photography in the more recent books. The photography in this book is pretty bad - there are no details shots, but fully modeled shots on the author from a distance.
Designs get 4 stars
Book layout gets 3
So, that equals 3.5 stars :)
March 20, 2010
Have long wanted to read this book and treated myself to it recently. It does not disappoint! So far I have bookmarked 4 shawls and stoles I want to knit. Wonder how I'll feel about it after I've attempted them.
The book includes interesting information about the various styles and fashions for shawls and stoles in various cultures, and the patterns look interesting. Some are fairly daunting due to size, but none look impossibly difficult.
Another adventure in knitting coming up!
The book includes interesting information about the various styles and fashions for shawls and stoles in various cultures, and the patterns look interesting. Some are fairly daunting due to size, but none look impossibly difficult.
Another adventure in knitting coming up!
March 31, 2022
One of my craft books that always inspires me. I have completed a couple of the projects and my sister has done a couple others. Nice to thumb through it now and again. The patterns are timeless
31 March 22 - this remains one of my favourite shawl pattern books. I continue to draw inspiration from the patterns and the notes
31 March 22 - this remains one of my favourite shawl pattern books. I continue to draw inspiration from the patterns and the notes
October 1, 2008
Beautiful patterns, but come on - what is with all the errors? Were there ANY test knitters. After much frustration I abandoned my project from this book. Later I came to find out that the reason I couldn't make it work was the errors!
February 2, 2009
Mostly for experienced knitters. I borrowed this from the library and worked up the Prairie shawl once and the Butterfly (inspired by Native American Pow-wow) twice, then used the lace pattern from that for a cardigan just this last year.
September 15, 2009
Cheryle Oberle is a super person and a terrifie teacher and designer. In this shawl book she is the only model and she looks absolutely wonderful in her creations. These patterns are not easy but worth the effort.
May 21, 2010
Interesting patterns--I'm into knitting shawls these days, but it's also interesting that she talked about traditional shawls from different national and ethnic groups--and more stitches and construction methods that were characteristic of those groups.
October 18, 2007
My wedding shawl came from this book. I'm not really a shawl person, but these are really pretty, and make me wish I was more old school marmish so I could throw one on.
April 9, 2008
I liked that there was information about each of the countries in terms of the history or mythology of the shawl style. I will definitely look to getting my own copy.
June 30, 2008
Pretty shawls, but not enough that I liked or thought I'd actually get around to knitting to justify adding this to my library.
August 7, 2008
Beautiful ethnic shawl patterns.
July 19, 2010
One of my all time favorite knitting books. One day I will buy it and not have to keep checking it out at the library.
August 20, 2010
Some of the best patterns for shawls are in this book
June 27, 2011
Lots of nice shawls.
August 28, 2011
This is a wonderful book. I have made many of the shawls and some of them many times. The instructions are clearer than any other patterns I have found to make such complex and beautiful knits.
November 2, 2012
A couple of nice looking shawls but had to return book.
December 27, 2013
i like how each culture has its own story about knitting
June 28, 2016
This is an excellent book. It's one of the best knitting books around. I have already made three shawls from it and plan on making more.
July 12, 2016
Great book on different types of shawls!
December 21, 2010
Beautiful shawl patterns!
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September 21, 2013I have this book great resource for ones who love shawls
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews