New Vintage Lace - book review

A new book by Andrea Jurgrau is out, featuring a collection of lovely lace inspired by knits of the past. More than patterns, she takes the time to guide the reader through her design process; explaining how she interprets an antique pattern into something new, different, and oh-so-lovely.

New Vintage Lace is available now from Interweave, and features shawls, scarves, wraps, and hats that Andrea designed based on original lace doily patterns. 

A nurse and wonderful lace designer, Andrea has a structured way of working that I find inspiring. The book is beautiful, and the projects timeless. I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea as I explored the pages of her book. 

Read through the interview, and then find out how you can win your very own copy of New Vintage Lace!

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I started by asking her who taught her to knit, and how did she feel the heritage of knitting might have inspired the path to this book:

[AJ]:     My grandmother taught me to knit as a child.  I was immediately interested in traditional techniques, like how to turn a sock heel and make cables.  Lace came right after that and I am interested in lace from all different eras and techniques.  This book is all about vintage lace techniques, with an updated flavor.

[KW]:    I know a lot of nurses that knit. Do you have a knit group at work? (or do you bring a project with you to work?)

[AJ]:    I ALWAYS have knitting with me.  I knit when I travel (as long as I am not the driver.)  I knit during long plane flights, and discovered during a flight to Southeast Asia I can actually sleep lightly and knit.  I knit in meetings and conferences.  I knit during my lunch breaks at work.  I do not have a formal group at work, but several other knitters often join me for lunch.  One is a dentist and another an administrator in radiology.  Sometimes another nurse.  One of our financial people learned to knit with us and is loving it.

New Vintage Lace

By Andrea Jurgrau
Interweave/F+W; $24.99

Buy Now

[KW]:    Which project in the collection is your favorite and why?

[AJ]:    My favorite project is always the one currently on my needles.  Once the project is done and written up I let it go!  So I really do not have a favorite.  I think I knit Kodama the most times, because I tweaked the design once and then the yarn I originally used was discontinued!  But I actually enjoyed knitting all of them.

[KW]:    What do you do with all those swatches? Do they live in a collection in your home? In a treasured box?

[AJ]:    More than swatches, I have full samples.  I always knit things myself before sending them out for a test knit.  I store my samples in zippered pillow cases in boxes.  I actually have to go through them and catalog them.  One of these days I will have to give some away, because they are starting to take up way too much space!

[KW]:    If you could have a retreat weekend with 3 knitters/fiber artists (living or dead), who would you invite, and what about their work inspires you to learn more from them?
[AJ]:    Only three? That is tough.  Elizabeth Zimmermann would be right up there. How about Herbert Neibling? Maybe Marianne Kinzel? But I would also love to chat with Hazel Carter and Evelyn Clark.  EZ was the knitting author I first found as a teenager and I loved her approached.  No spoon feeding. Knitting is for thinking people.  She taught me that there are no rules knitters have to follow.  I would love to chat with Mr. Neibling about his design process and charting.  But if I think more about it I could continue on with the list of knitters I want to meet! 

[KW]:    How do you store/catalog your vintage patterns?
[AJ]:    I keep them in binders on a shelf, but have started to scan them and have many stored on my computer/CDs now.  I have them in folders by style and or probable designer. 

[KW]:    Any plans for another book?
[AJ]:    Indeed.  I already have more than half of the pieces knit and out with  test knitter!  Say no more!

[KW]:    Is there a "purl of wisdom" that you'd like to share with other knitter/crocheters out there? 

[AJ]:    I like to remind people that knitting is a pleasure.  I knit as the "zen" in my otherwise hectic and often emotionally draining professional life as a healthcare provider.  Knitting is about the process for me.  I also spin yarn, for the same pleasure.  Try not to get hung up on the product and live more in the process.  It works for me!

All photos courtesy Interweave Knits.

DRAWING! (completed)

I have a copy of New Vintage Lace to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, simply post a comment on this post by midnight, July 1, 2014. I'll do a drawing on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 to announce the winner!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you to everyone who posted a comment about Andrea's book! There were 10 comments before the deadline for the drawing, and the random number generator chose #8 as the winner!

Congratulations, Sara Greer - you're the winner!

I sent you an email to get your mailing address so that I c

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