Inspired to Knit: Creating Exquisite Handknits

Inspired to Knit: Creating Exquisite Handknits by Michele Rose Orne.

This book contains patterns with some "Design Workshops" interspersed. I thought the book would be much more design oriented, but it is helpful for someone to talk about how they designed something while showing you a pattern. The author is clear about what inspired her to create the different garments.

The Patterns:

• Autumn (Indian Summer Cardigan, Amber Beaded Cardigan, Walk in the Woods Jacket, Coral Roses Jacket, Fair Isle Caplet and Gauntlets)
• Winter (Shimmer Lace Shrug, Snowdrift Cardigan, Winter Wonderland Coat, Evergreen Sleeve Tunic, Whisper Cuff Cardigan, Frost Flower Cuff Pullover)
• Spring (Lily of the Valley Shurg, Seed-Stitch Poet Jacket, Victorian Lace Blouse, Vintage Lingerie Top)
• Summer (Tiny Twists Camisole, Ribbed Halter, Papillon Cardigan, Wedding Ensemble)
  

Workshops:

• Finding Inspiration: This section makes me think of Project Runway and inspiration challenges. She is really designing fashion as much as knitware, and this chapter has good tips for how to turn the things that inspire you into knitting.
  
• Building a Color Palette
• Swatching and Sketching
  
• Styling and Fitting
  

Some of these patterns really spoke out to me, even if they're not something I'd knit myself. Walk in the Woods Jacket has some of the most beautiful color work then I've ever seen in a knitting book. There are flowers that travel over the garment in splashes of brilliant color. I love the Snowdrift Cardigan (cover pattern), and how there are cables that circle the sleeves cuffs like bracelets. The Wedding Ensemble is not something that would work for me, but the cap sleeved top is stunning, with little buttons running down the back to close it.