The only criticism I have is that there are errors (typos) in the instructions, that are annoying and could confuse beginners. For example, one pattern gives instructions for Row 1, then Row 2, then Row 4 – which should actually be row 3. Another pattern gives an incorrect stitch count within the first few lines.

Also, there is no guage info – apparently because these items don’t really need to fit. Still, if your guage is off, you may need more or less yarn. To obtain the same results as the author with the exact same yarn, I have had to adjust the needs size significantly (from size 11 to size 17).

Even with all that – I do like the book.
Rating: 4 / 5

After a brief introduction of the history of lace shawl knitting and the appropriate yarns to use, the author presents a detailed description of shawl shapes (triangle, square, rectangle, circle and halfcircle) and how to create them through increases and decreases. That’s exactly what I wanted to know !!!

There are a few stitch patterns shown and a few complete projects to knit which are all helpful, but were not my main focus in buying this book.

If Ms. Waterman were ever to revise and expand this book, I would ask for a more detailed discussion of fitting stitch patterns into the various sections of the shawl while still at the same time shaping with increases and decreases. There is a brief discussion, but I could have used more details.

Now, with Martha’s Waterman’s explanations of the ways to construct the various shapes and my copies of Barbara Walker’s First and Second Stitch Treasuries, I have everything I need.
Rating: 5 / 5