Stoles and shawls: hairpin lace, knitted, crocheted Book Summary

Introduction

This book, 'Stoles and Shawls: Hairpin Lace, Knitted, Crocheted,' published in 1917, offers a charming glimpse into the world of hand-knitting and crochet during the early 20th century. It's a collection of patterns and instructions primarily focused on creating elegant and practical accessories like stoles and shawls, utilizing techniques such as hairpin lace knitting and various crochet stitches.

What is this book about?

The book is centered around providing patterns and guidance for creating items like stoles and shawls using traditional knitting and crochet methods, with a particular emphasis on hairpin lace. Hairpin lace is a specific knitting technique that produces a dense, reversible basketweave fabric, often used for shawls and borders, and the book likely explains how to do this both by knitting and adapting it into crochet (sometimes called hairpin crochet).

It includes several distinct patterns: one is a knitting pattern for a hairpin lace stole/shawl, another is a more detailed, possibly larger, knitting pattern for a shawl, and finally, a crochet pattern for a shawl or stole. The book is presented in a straightforward, instructional manner typical of pattern books from that era, likely aimed at home sewists and knitters looking for beautiful, wearable items.

Key Lessons

The book primarily serves as a practical guide and pattern book, teaching specific techniques and providing projects to practice them:

Technique Focus: Hairpin Lace This is the central technique explored. While knitting is the primary method mentioned, the book attempts to adapt it into crochet. Hairpin lace (or basketweave) involves knitting two stitches back and two stitches forth, creating a dense, reversible fabric. The book likely explains how to do this knitting technique and provides the pattern for a shawl using this method. Understanding this technique allows for creating specific textures and structures that other knitting methods don't easily replicate.

Pattern Variety and Structure: The book offers multiple patterns: a simpler stole/shawl, a more elaborate shawl, and a crochet shawl/stole. This variety caters to different skill levels and aesthetic preferences. The patterns demonstrate how to apply the core hairpin lace technique in different sizes and complexities, showing the range achievable with this method.

Classic Design Principles: Though lacking modern photography or styling advice, the patterns reflect the design sensibilities of the time. Shawls and stoles were often seen as elegant accessories, sometimes featuring simple yet flattering shapes (like triangle shawls) or decorative borders. The book teaches not just how to knit the fabric, but how to construct a wearable, aesthetically pleasing item, even with basic shaping like straight edges.

Historical Craftsmanship: Beyond the techniques and patterns, the book embodies the value placed on handcraft during that period. It encourages the reader to engage in a meditative, creative, and practical activity, producing items that were both functional and artistic expressions made by hand.

Is this book fit for me?

If you are:

• A history buff interested in vintage knitting and crochet patterns.
• Someone who appreciates classic, elegant designs for accessories.
• A knitter or crocheter looking to learn or practice the hairpin lace technique (basketweave knitting or crochet).
• Seeking unique, period-specific patterns for shawls and stoles.
• Enjoying the process of recreating historical crafts.

Then this book is likely a good fit for you.

Does it still matter today?

Yes, it absolutely still matters today. While the specific patterns and techniques might be supplemented by modern resources, the core elements of this book remain relevant:

Preservation of Technique and History: The book preserves an important knitting and crochet technique (hairpin lace) and a style of design from a significant period in craft history. Reading it helps keep these skills alive and provides context for how crafts have evolved.

Inspiration and Aesthetic Value: The classic elegance of the shawls and stoles described can still be very appealing. The shapes and the way hairpin lace fabric is used might inspire modern designs or simply offer a different aesthetic perspective.

Learning Tool: It serves as a valuable learning resource for those specifically interested in hairpin lace or in exploring historical knitting/crochet methods. It provides a direct link to how these crafts were practiced in the past.

Appreciation for Handmade: The book reinforces the enduring appeal and satisfaction of creating items by hand, a value that transcends time.

Conclusion

'Stoles and shawls: hairpin lace, knitted, crocheted' is a concise, period-specific guide offering timeless patterns and techniques. It provides a window into early 20th-century knitting and crochet culture, focusing on the beautiful, dense fabric of hairpin lace. While its patterns may be simpler than many modern designs, the book remains valuable for learning a specific technique, appreciating historical craft, and creating classic-looking accessories. It's a charming artifact for anyone interested in knitting history, the hairpin lace stitch, or the art of making elegant hand-knitted or crocheted stoles and shawls.