Diagonal Knitting
A visual artist who uses knitting as her medium, Katharine Cobey is a master of the big picture. She manipulates knitted fabric to create sculptural objects that push the boundaries of how knitting is perceived. Some pieces are wearable clothing, others are installation works, all are stunning. Hers is a revered name in the Maine fiberarts community, where she has lived and taught since 1992. And she holds a special place in my own heart. Melanie Falick introduced me to her in Knitting in America, where the photograph of Cobey's "Portrait of Alzheimer's" piece brought me to tears. I'd just lost my grandmother and knitting mentor to that very same disease, and I had never seen knitting used so powerfully as the medium for a deeper message. As brilliant and inventive as Cobey is, she is not a step-by-step pattern writer. Rather, she follows in the footsteps of the likes of Elizabeth Zimmermann, Mary Walker Phillips, and Barbara Walker. She gives you the pieces, shows you how she put them together, and then sets you free to use these pieces however you like. At a time when most publishers are opting for the simple GPS approach, we are lucky that Diagonal Knitting finally came to fruition. --Knitter's ReviewThis treasure of a book goes beyond patterns. It is a work of art. It explores diagonal knitting from the core, with beautiful photography and illustrations on every page. With great techniques, rich history, and visuals, this book is sure to become an American classic. --Living Crafts Magazine