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.... although I'm not sure that all of my grandmothers' knitting fit the stereotype either. Katharine knits as sculpture, whether for her art pieces or for garments. In this book (and in her classes), she teaches knitters to visualize the work in three dimensions rather than the two dimensions inherent in typical knitting patterns. This book cannot be quickly scanned; start reading at the beginning and have at hand some paper and crayons or colored pencils to play with the concepts she presents. Sometimes I have trouble visualizing processes when I read them, and in those instances the paper models were a big help. You may or may not want to make the exact garments shown, but you will learn a lot about creating shapes and going beyond what Elizabeth Zimmerman called "blind following." This book will reward careful reading.A very unusual book and I enjoyed it a lot, even though I'm personally unlikely to knit with cut up plastic and other recyclables. Unique and imaginative.I love to see the various methods Katharine Cobey uses to produce her beautifuloutfits. I am still in the stages of following a pattern fairly closely and do not feelthat I am ready to go as freeform as she proposes. I hope to be ready forthese soon.Inspirational!Fabulous book for technique and stretching your knitting skills. I would not recommend this for the beginner, but if you're ready to move to the next level with your knitting and design skills, this is a must-have.I ordered this book based on the reviews here.I was stunned to see the book. There was nothing in it to inspire.It was on geometry which I know and love, and knitting as sculpture.I did not want shocking arty strange fiber museum pieces. I wanted to learn something new.I returned it.Clearly explained technique for those who wish to try their hand at diagonal knitting. Certainly provides a "different slant" for the knitting aficionado!