Knitted Lace Books

On my recent trip, I was in Berkeley for half a day and was able to squeeze in a short trip to Lacis. I had come prepared with a list as I wasn't sure if I'd even be able to stop in. But if I can shop efficiently for anything, it would be books!

First I found two sets of miniature double-pointed knitting needles, 4 inches in length, .75mm and 1.25mm.

Then I hit the bookshelves.

Knitted Lace, by Sonja Esbensen and Anna Rasmussen. This is the first book of Danish knitted lace patterns by Esbensen, and it has been translated into English. So now I can consult it when I have questions about Kunststrik II.

Creative Knitting, by Mary Walker Phillips. When I had seen this book earlier, I didn't think I'd be too interested. But after seeing Janice Rosema's freeform knitting and crocheting at the LA County Fair, I am intrigued with the possibilities of "non-traditional" knitting ideas.

Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls, by Martha Waterman. Techniques, history, stitch patterns, finishing, ideas for wearing shawls.

Creating Original Hand-knitted Lace, by Margaret Stove. Construction techniques and patterns.

Knitting: 19th Century Sources, edited by Jules & Kaethe Kliot. My favorite! Excerpts from Weldon's Practical Knitter. Patterns for everything just as they were published (and illustrated) in the late nineteenth century in England. Counterpane squares, socks, edgings, doll clothes, baby clothes, anti-rheumatic kneecap cover, knickerbockers, petticoats, barrister's wig in puffed knitting, etc.

The preface includes a short quote from Weldon's Practical Needlework:

[Knitting] does not distract the attention or check the powers of imagination. It forms a ready resource when a vacuity occurs in conversation; it impairs neither body nor mind, and requires no straining of the eyesight. It may be interrupted without loss, and again resumed without trouble. [...]

My hemp string bag proved to be an excellent project for traveling as it has just two simple pattern rows that can be easily interrupted and resumed, the hemp doesn't show dirt, and the tension/gauge doesn't have to be exact.