Knitting Nature: 39 Designs Inspired by Patterns in Nature
Norah Gaughan (Stewart Tabori &Chang)
$49.95/ISBN 1584794844
There's a recipe established by a series of craft books edited by Melanie Falick: clever designer, killer stylist, stunning photography. (Previous hits have included Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson and Loop D Loop by Teva Durham.)
Knitting Nature has all the ingredients with the extra kick of experience; author Norah Gaughan is a prolific designer with more than 1200 sweaters to her name and more coming all the time.
Drawing on her background in biology and her passion for unusual stitches and cables, Gaughan presents work inspired by the patterns of nature. An emphasis on flattering design is evident in the patterns which include coats, scarves, summer tops, skirts, mittens, and a few über-chunky jumpers for men.
The book is great for the newer knitter who's past their first scarf or looking for something unusual, but with its classic, challenging designs, Knitting Nature should also find a following among knitters who have seen a few trends come and go. This book also belongs on coffee tables and would make a fine present for any knitter with a love of stitch patterns—or the scientist with a sideline knitting addiction.
—kylie gusset