Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan. Book Review

I hesitated a lot before writing a review for Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan. I was afraid that I can’t put in the true beauty of this book. This book is far beyond knitwear designs inspired from nature. It shows new, innovative and unusual ways of garment constructions. The patterns are not for a beginner, but a beginner knitter can buy this book and knit the garments when becomes more experienced as I am sure the patterns in this book won’t get old-fashioned.
After seeing and contemplating Norah’s designs in this book, I am so proud to knit. Knitting is no more only for bored stay-at-home grandmas, hand knitting means fashionable garments, eye-catching and intriguing designs. There are cardigans, sweaters, tops, tanks, tunics, pullovers, skirts, hats, scarves, ponchos, mittens, afghans, all in 39 superb designs from a beautiful mind.

I am not lazy

I haven't been knitting since sooooo long but not because I am lazy. I have been painting for a custom order since one week. 21 boxes to match the furniture in one room for a special customer. My main concern is now how to ship them from Istanbul to Austin, Texas. I approximate the total weight to 30 kg (66 lbs). When ready, I'll post picture with my creations. In the meantime, I miss my dear knitting needle. I recently received "Knitting Nature" by Norah Gaughan. I usually don't write reviews, but, when I'll have some spare time, I want to write down my thoughts on this amazing book.

Shopping for yarn in Istanbul

lori l. , who will visit Istanbul soon, asked my recommendation for yarn shops in Istanbul. Well lori, there are 2-3 good brands: Feza (the best yarn), YarnArt and Anchor (in this order). You will see Bravo (which looks so nice, a true eye-catcher), but I don't recommend unless you never wash your knits. One brand is very popular here: Nako. It is quite cheap, they have mostly acrylics. From Nako I suggest only yarns with minimum 50 % wool.

Yarn shops are everywhere here, as 90% of Turkish women are knitting. But, the magic yarn land, a street only with (cheap) yarn shops is in Eminőnű district and the place's name is Kűrkçű Han. Actually, this district of Istanbul, Eminőnű, is the shopping paradise. Words are not enough to describe the experience of shopping here. One day is not enough. Here you can find everything (gold jewelry, yarn, clothing, kitchenware, spices, beading accessories, fabrics, etc) at any price. As a foreigner, YOU MUST BARGAIN. The rule is: you say you like the goods (never offend a Turkish seller by telling him his goods are not nice just to get a discount) but you can't afford this price. You pretend you leave his shop, he calls you back to "talk again", you still say you don't agree and leave again, he calls you again. Patience. This "game" might be tiring for you but is usual here.

It seems lori l. will have a great time in Istanbul.