[.ca] Kaffe Fassett's Pattern Library: Over 190 Creative ... (ISBN 1561586633)

Incredible resource:
My mother got me started knitting when I was five years old. Admittedly my first scarves were trapezoidal marvels as I lost or split stitches, but I've enjoyed the hobby ever since. Kaffe Fassett's book of designs is an incredible resource. Not only are there useful designs for the knitter, but needlepoint, cross-stitch and other enthusiasts of handwork will also find wonderful ideas for their artwork. I used a pattern of flowers taken from the book to design a decorative band for the front of an otherwise very plain swing coat sweater, and I have yarn now for a similar sweater using another, broader floral pattern for the lower edge of another garment. Really, if you're tired of the routine, this book--an eye pleaser just as something to look at--will give you tons of ideas for your own designs.

Colorwork on steroids, a valuable reference for handknitters:
Kaffe Fassett is an artist using textiles (knits, quilts, needlepoint) and paint. His style is to use a sort of ornamentation-on-steroids, a wild profusion of color and pattern to create a wash of color with pattern that looks logical in its confusion. His work never fails to amaze me. If you liked his earlier knit books, this Pattern Library is a really valuable addition. Instead of sweater patterns, this book has detailed charts of the designs and hints on how to knit them (such as the popular round Persian Poppy pattern that you can knit using a "magic ball" or random strands of yarn tied into a giant raggedy ball that yields fascinating results.) For those who design their own vests, pullovers, jumpers and coats, this is a really valuable reference book. Personally, I'd just use it to knit pillows and not even worry about creating a garment with the patterns. Plenty of color photos, detailed shots and a nice printing job, too. Highly recommended for knitters who love colorwork.