Knitting Nature: 39 Designs Inspired by Patterns in Nature 
asked by webin on October 31, 2006 9:47 AM
A fractal is a complex geometric figure made up of patterns that repeat themselves at smaller and smaller, or larger and larger, scales. In nature, they're found in fern leafs and corals. In this book, they're found in the pattern for a scarf, the cables of a pullover, and the intricate hemline of a skirt. The pentagon is a familiar five-sided figure that, in nature, can be spotted in the starfish or sand dollar; in this book it's spotted in the yoke of a pullover, the textures of a cardigan, and the shape of a shawl. In nature, water waves and chemical waves abound; in this book, they flow as the patterns in a hat and mittens and in the gores of a skirt.
Knitting Nature is a singular book created by one of the most innovative and respected designers working today. Norah Gaughan, who got her degree from Brown in both biology and art, has combined her knowledge to compile this book of 39 fabulous designs inspired by patterns in nature. With each design, Gaughan first explains where in nature the pattern can be found, such as the spiral in a ram's horn or seashell; then with step-by-step instructions she shows how she rendered that pattern in a skirt or tunic or coat. Complete with exquisitely beautiful photographs, this sophisticated book is truly one of a kind.
Knitting Nature is a singular book created by one of the most innovative and respected designers working today. Norah Gaughan, who got her degree from Brown in both biology and art, has combined her knowledge to compile this book of 39 fabulous designs inspired by patterns in nature. With each design, Gaughan first explains where in nature the pattern can be found, such as the spiral in a ram's horn or seashell; then with step-by-step instructions she shows how she rendered that pattern in a skirt or tunic or coat. Complete with exquisitely beautiful photographs, this sophisticated book is truly one of a kind.
Reviews
0%
0%
At first glance I felt that the composition of Knitting Nature is a bit weird, I still cannot see all the relations between the patterns of nature and the knitting patterns.
A bit disappointed I put the book away, but to my surprice -- when I took it out to review it -- I found that I had placed markers on several of the patterns. I especially want to knit the Target Wave mittens and the scarves. Living in Norway we are in constant need of warmers and it brightens up the winter day with unusual patterns and variety in colours. I also like the womens sweaters in different forms and decorations placed in unusual places on the garments. Maybe the book will be one of my favorites. I havent tried it yet.
A bit disappointed I put the book away, but to my surprice -- when I took it out to review it -- I found that I had placed markers on several of the patterns. I especially want to knit the Target Wave mittens and the scarves. Living in Norway we are in constant need of warmers and it brightens up the winter day with unusual patterns and variety in colours. I also like the womens sweaters in different forms and decorations placed in unusual places on the garments. Maybe the book will be one of my favorites. I havent tried it yet.
reviewed by crick on November 22, 2006 5:29 AM
0%
0%
The garments are beautiful. I am eager to start on several. However, a close friend knit one garment and found tons of errors. Since then errors in this book are described all over the web, but no way to get corrections from publisher. Consider this before purchasing.
reviewed by wendi on November 22, 2006 4:24 PM
0%
0%
I'm a bit of a science geek and a hippy, so this book is well suited to my tastes. It has lots of unique designs based on nature's patterns, with interesting construction methods. Fans of textured knits will be happy, but there's very few colourwork patterns.
Drawbacks are a) the lists of errata I've seen online, so check your patterns carefully before you start on them, and b) the photography. The photos themselves are truly beautiful, with stunning scenery, but many don't show the garments' necklines or sides, and it's difficult to tell how they were constructed. It often looked as though the models were too small for the clothes! Given the size of models these days, I'm not really surprised, but it doesn't really show how flattering they are. A quick search online shows pictures of what people have made from the book, and they often look more attractive when shown on a 'real' person.
Because of this, I wouldn't recommend the book to beginner knitters who aren't sure of how to choose a good size. However, intermediate or adventurous knitters looking for something different from the usual sweaters and shawls should definitely check this out.
Drawbacks are a) the lists of errata I've seen online, so check your patterns carefully before you start on them, and b) the photography. The photos themselves are truly beautiful, with stunning scenery, but many don't show the garments' necklines or sides, and it's difficult to tell how they were constructed. It often looked as though the models were too small for the clothes! Given the size of models these days, I'm not really surprised, but it doesn't really show how flattering they are. A quick search online shows pictures of what people have made from the book, and they often look more attractive when shown on a 'real' person.
Because of this, I wouldn't recommend the book to beginner knitters who aren't sure of how to choose a good size. However, intermediate or adventurous knitters looking for something different from the usual sweaters and shawls should definitely check this out.
reviewed by bigchad on November 23, 2006 10:51 AM
0%
0%
Finally a book for those who know how to knit and would like a little more challenge. These have pleanty of challenge and a lot of beautiful patterns. Most, if not all wearable. Only 1 with multiple color work the rest are stitch texture. Not an odd ball book, these take planning and a trip to your yarn store to get the right materials.
reviewed by avi on November 29, 2006 6:34 AM
0%
0%
My initial read of the book wowed me. I've long combined my own love of math with a passion for knitting so I felt instantly at home with Norah's approach. The book has inspired me to incorporate some of the concepts into my own designs. However, I don't recommend attempting to knit directly from the patterns. They contain so many errors that it's clear no one tested the patterns before publication. This is very disappointing for such an expensive and beautifully designed book.
reviewed by wendi on November 29, 2006 5:40 PM