MUST GET book: Knitting Nature!
You all must know by now that I rarely buy pattern books anymore. Actually, I rarely knit someone else's pattern at all. It's really unusual that a knitting pattern book jumped out at me this much, but Knitting Nature, by Norah Gaughan, is literally amazing. The book is divided into sections, such as spirals and hexagons, which are taken from nature. Then Gaughan uses that repeating motif to create different garments and accessories, all of which have a fresh, unusual spin that's still wearable. The last book that made me this giddy was Loop-d-Loop, but I wouldn't want to wear most of the things in that book (well, maybe the coat). Almost everything in Knitting Nature is wearable, yet interesting and unexpected. There are 7 projects in there I want to make! That has to be some sort of record.
And you know what's really weird? One of the designs is almost exactly something I have had sketched out for the last year, waiting to be made up. I couldn't find a picture of it online, so you have to settle for the pic I shot of the book page. It's this jacket:
This wide-collar swing jacket is so.perfect. I will definitely take that net edging off when I make it, but I love it SO MUCH. The slightly double-breasted closure is exactly what I had sketched, and the silhouette, and the hemmed edges. Sigh. Love. I may make two.
Now to find the perfect yarn . . . I simply have nothing perfect in the stash closet.
3 Responses
Gina
I’ve been quite curious about this book, and you’ve given it an outstanding endorsement.
Brenda
Thanks so much for the recommendation. I got the book yesterday and it is fabulous! The “natural” shapes are interesting and surprisingly easy to translate into knitting. Also thought the stylist was terrific in putting the garments in context. Thanks again.
Lilikoi Knits
May 05, 2006
I’m in love with this book too. My first project will probably be the Roundabout Leaf Tank (though that jacket is a close second).
If you’d like to visit or join us, I just started a Knit Along for projects in the book.
htt://knittingnature.blogspot.com