As a professional potter and an avid knitter and hand spinner, I have many books on craft on my bookshelf. For every craft there seem to be two types of books: those that offer "recipes" for making copies of what may be pictured, and those that go beyond the simple recipe, and offer you more than a list of ingredients, explaining in detail what it is that you are making and how to make it on your own, with your own elements. Like the work of Elizabeth Zimmerman and Barbara Walker, Katharine Cobey's book definitely fits into this category.On the first page, Ms. Cobey states that she has set out to "knit as creatively and significantly as possible." What is significant about this book is that Ms. Cobey, with clear and detailed directions, in humorous and intelligent prose, gives the reader the tools to design, shape, and complete his or her OWN scarves, shawls, vests, and sweaters (not to mention wedding gowns and wedding blankets, bog people and snakes!). Illustrated through out with drawings to demonstrate the techniques she's describing, as well as photographs of her own work based on these techniques, Ms. Cobey leads the reader step by step to a thorough understanding of diagonal knitting and the possibilities inherent in designing seamless garments.I read through this like a novel - her writing is engaging, and the photographs amazing. It is clear, with the publication of this book, Ms. Cobey has thoroughly succeeded in knitting in a most significant way - and has successfully communicated the tools for each of us to knit in our own creative and significant ways.