Classic book

215 SHAWL DESIGNS

by Olivia Joensen (1980, reprinted 2015)

This simple, black-and-white book from 1980 looks unassuming and very plain compared with today’s beautifully photographed knitting books. But it’s a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone interested in knitting or designing traditional Faroese lace shawls.

Writing in Faroese, Danish and English, Olivia Joensen sets out the fundamental construction of a classic Faroese shawl, with its distinctive shaping. Her book then presents 215 hand-drawn charts for different lace stitch patterns, and explains how to incorporate them into the borders of your own shawls.

The lace motifs range from geometric zigzags and diamond patterns to stylised hearts and flowers. Knitted swatches are not provided; you’ll need to be able to visualise the knitted fabric from these simple drawings, although there are a few photos of shawls to whet your appetite.