First Book of Modern Lace Knitting

by Marianne Kinzel

Even the average knitter can now begin to knit in modern lace patterns — "Celandine," "Mosaic," "Rose Leaf," "Candlelight," "Coronet," "Valentine," "Azalea," "Primula," "Sun Ray," "English Crystal," "Springtime," "Three of Hearts" — all by well-known modern lace designer Marianne Kinzel. What is especially attractive about Mrs. Kinzel's approach is not only her fine knitted lace designs but also the comparatively short time and low cost involved in accomplishing each project.
Marianne Kinzel, well known to knitters in the United Kingdom and the United States, has long been looked to for her gift for clear presentation and even more so for her ability in devising original designs. She begins with a chapter on the fundamentals of lace knitting, covering everything the average knitter needs to know to begin working in lace. Other chapters give detailed instructions for projects in two-needle, round, and square techniques. Over 25 distinctive lace projects are presented, including luncheon sets, tray and table cloths, curtains, cushion covers, chair backs, and doilies. Instructions are presented both in the traditional written method and in the chart-and-symbol method. There are keys to the charts in English, French, and German, lavish and helpful illustrations, and sound practical advice on knitting techniques, finishing, and laundering. There are also instructions on altering the patterns to your own special needs. Perfect for the beginning lace knitter or the advanced professional, Marianne Kinzel's lace patterns make well-suited gifts and items for around the home.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

92 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1972

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kinzel's lace knitting; the charts are easy to follow, and the results are gorgeous. Haven't made many of the patterns in this book (the second book has patterns I've made more than once), but the ones I've made have turned out splendid. If you like lace knitting, Kinzel's books are worth a look.

[Judi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 70's reprint of an original 50's era book, this is both interesting from a historical needlework perspective and as an introduction to knitted lace. She gives an easier alternative method to start knitting in the round.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book was a great primer on lace knitting that I'd recommend, but none of the lace designs grabbed me unfortunately and I remain without a lace knitting project at the moment.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published some time ago, so information on yarns and needles is out of date. Some of the stitch terminology is also unusual by modern standards, but it is all explained adequately in the basic instructions, so the patterns are much more accessible than many older patterns.

The book is divided into sections: General instructions, designs knitted on two needles (back and forth), designs that finish round, and designs that finish square. All sections contain both large and small projects. You can make small doilies or coasters or large bed spreads or many things in between. Many of the projects are for finished objects that are obsolete (cheval sets, which I had to look up). With some creativity, they can be adapted to items that are used in modern life, such as scarves, shawls, blankets, etc.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reference.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's simply not as pretty as the second, but it does have more instructions.