Knitting Nature

by Gaughan, Norah; Gowdy, Thayer Allyson

• ISBN13: 9781584794844
• ISBN10: 1584794844
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-06-01
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Norah Gaughan is the design director at Berroco Yarns. Her work has been published in all of the major knitting magazines, online, and in many books, including Reversible Knitting, Weekend Knitting, and Handknit Holidays from STC Craft. She is a coauthor of the STC Craft book Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Afghans.

Table of Contents

Foreword	4	(1)
Introduction	5	(3)
Hexagons	8	(30)
Pentagons	38	(28)
Spirals	66	(30)
Phyllotaxis	96	(22)
Fractals	118	(30)
Waves	148	(26)
Abbreviations	174	(1)
Yarn Resources	174	(1)
Recommended Reading	175	(1)
Acknowledgments	175	(1)
Index	176