In A Gathering of Lace, one of the most influential voices in knitting today, Meg Swansen, has gathered a talented and diverse group of 30 of North America's best lace knitters. The book is organized by knitter, each followed by several of his or her projects. Today "lace" doesn't just mean doilies and very fine yarns; often the yarns are not fine and the needles large for faster knitting and more dramatic lace. This collection includes sweaters and vests as well as shawls, scarves, gloves, and socks that range from simple to spectacular. Many knitters love to knit lace. A Gathering speaks to those who do and those who don't-yet. The first few pages of the book show anyone who can knit and purl the few additional things they need to be able to do to enjoy knitting lace: forming the basic building blocks of lace; how to read patterns; the secret of success-lace charts and how to read them; choosing yarns and the needles to match; the miracle of blocking. For fun and inspiration, a few very creative works are presented in a gallery section, among them a life-sized knitted lace boat (yes it floats-with its designer in it!), a dramatic "fur"-trimmed coat knit of plastic bags, and an heirloom wedding veil. Interspersed throughout are fully-illustrated techniques and tips from the experts.