Haapsalu, a small resort town on the west coast of Estonia, is famous for its 13th-century castle ruins, curative mud baths, and the legend of the White Lady. About the same amount of recognition has been brought to Haapsalu by its hand-knit lacy scarves and shawls. The skill has been handed down from mother to daughter, from one master knitter to another for one and half centuries.

The book you are holding in your hand has captured the secrets of the Haapsalu shawl and there is nothing left but hope that you will be encouraged to try out lace knitting.

• The history of Estonian lace knitting
• Clear instructions for knitting the shawls
• More than 100 beautiful lace patterns