While I am probably not going to MAKE all the projects in this book (I don't have use for a knitted window screen), I DO love them all! This book encourages a new view of knitting design and gives you the freedom to use whatever you want for whatever you want to knit. Should you decide to follow the instructions: they are clearly written and the items actually FIT! Gorgeous photography. Includes a small workbook (which you can do without, but, hey, it's cute) ( )

Imaginative patterns, some of which are kind of goofy (paper crowns? Not sure I'd wear that out of the house...) and some of which are really slick (a felted bulletin board!). Filled with exercises that are supposed to help you break free of your knitting conventions. Overall, it's beautifully photographed and has a few good ideas. I'm glad I bought it, but I wouldn't recommend it as an essential. ( )

http://solongas.blogspot.com/2006/04/... ( )

I haven't made anything from this yet, because I have hit a knitting slump more based on never being home or sitting still long enough to knit, that a lack of knit-love. I got it because it is gorgeous, the patterns and concepts for inspiration were interesting, and I love the corset pattern.

Not having knitted from it, I can't judge the efficacy of the pattern writing. Having read it, I can say that if you want to think beyond the pattern, or beyond the traditional uses of knitted objects, or want to inspire yourself with mental exercises, this is a great book. It even comes with a little notebook for you to make your notes and observations. ( )

Book Description
Coloring inside the lines, thinking inside the box, knitting the same-old scarf--those days are over. For knitters looking for something new to spark their imaginations, AlterKnits is the answer. Featuring 27 imaginative projects, 10 creativity exercises, and thought-provoking quotes from Albert Einstein, Martha Graham, and many more, AlterKnits inspires knitters to expect the unexpected, to enjoy the rewards of experimentation, and to see the possibilities of knitting with broader vision.

Some projects call for unusual materials-plastic tubing (for a bag handle) or sterling silver wire (for a necklace). Others blend different craft techniques-a pullover with sewn-on velvet cuffs, a baby blanket with painted-on polka dots. Still others apply knitting in unexpected places, such as laptop cases and bulletin boards. The creativity exercises-called AlterExercises-challenge knitters to try out new ideas and to ask provocative, sometimes amusing questions. Tucked into a pocket on the inside front cover is the 32-page AlterKnits notebook, the perfect place for readers to work on their AlterKnits exercises and do their own creative doodling .

With AlterKnits, our concept of what we can knit will be forever altered!