There is an old adage that advises us not to judge a book by its cover. Perhaps we should add don't buy a book because of its cover. Revised editions of books, including tatting books, often have new covers.
This is the case with the new edition of the Langwieser/Scharowa tatting book. These two editions are the same in almost every way. The new edition has a few more motifs in the "Musterteil" section and the back section has the two peacock designs (one of which is featured as the new cover to the third edition) and the butterfly edging, too.
But, the forward to the third revised edition clearly states this information. Unfortunately, the forward is printed in German, so many who purchase the book will not be aware of this.
1st edition - Occhi Schiffchenspitze - Frivolité (Langwieser/Scharowa) 1998
2nd edition - date unknown
3rd edition - Occhi Schiffchenspitze - Frivolité (Langwieser/Scharowa) 2011
But there is one thing which I think makes tatting universal. If we have a photo and/or diagram we can tat the pattern no matter which language is used in the book. (Or, online for that matter.) All editions of this book have clear concise detailed photos and numbered diagrams.
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Many of the patterns presented here will be familiar to tatters. Traditional vintage patterns from such notable tatting designers as Frau Tina Frauberger, Eleonore Eindrucks-Leichtenstern, Emmy Liebert and Martha Burkhardt-Rapperswil are used as examples. Basic instructions are included as well as some useful techniques such as the use of a picot gauge, joins, starter picot and two shuttle work.
