Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

...then you'll love this book. Victorian Lace Today has a similar coffee table book type presentation to Meg Swansen's classic A Gathering of Lace. The designs range from what I would consider beginner level to advanced intermediate with the majority falling in the intermediate range. The publisher rates most of the designs as Intermediate with a few falling into the Experienced category and some rated as Easy. In terms of complexity, I see nothing in here like A Gathering of Lace's Mediterranean Lace or Frost Flowers. It appears that all the designs are charted, which is my preferred method but those who like written out directions may not be happy. There are several designs knit up in Kidsilk Haze and similar yarns, many done in laceweights like Zephyr and some done in sport/dk weight yarns like Fiesta's La Luz. One of the nice features is a yarn comparison chart in the back of the book, offering advise about substitutions and emphasizing that substituting yarns is nothing to fear. I noticed several of the patterns mention the possibility of using a heavier yarn and doing fewer repeats. The general tone of the book seems to offer reassurance that lace isn't all that hard without trying to dumb down the whole process. There's a nice section in the back that encourages you to design your own shawl and offers lessons in designing both centers and edgings. The presentation of the shawls and scarves is both lovely and informative. Images are clear and sharp and the lace is generally spread out in a way that allows you to actually see the design. There is a bit of history offered but not an overwhelming amount. I'd say it's just enough to give you an appreciation of the genesis of the designs and the time and place in which they were orginally created. I was going to count the number of designs but got sidetracked somewhere around 30. I know there are at least a dozen designs that jumped immediately to my personal 'must knit' list. I would say a majority of the designs are for rectangular stoles but there are quite a few triangular shawls and a few circular designs. There are a couple of collar/fichu type designs which are sweet but I find it difficult to picture them getting much use and a lovely little cape that seems to fall into the same category although it might work very nicely with evening wear. One thing I like is that there is a wide variety of color in the designs. I like a white shawl as much as the next person but I enjoy seeing gorgeous stoles done up in acid green and raspberry and pumpkin. Of course, color is the easiest thing to change but it's fun to see these lovely designs knit up in sparkling contemporary colors. All in all, I'd highly recommend the book to anyone who loves lace and would like a large selection of beautiful wearable patterns that offer a bit of a challenge but won't take a lifetime to knit.