Though the designs in Japanese Inspired Knits by Marianne Isager aren't Japanese, they are inspired by the Japanese culture. The patterns are definitely Isager-style, that is, they are travel-inspired, use bold geometric patterns, use a variety of knitting techniques (entrelac, double knitting, intarsia, stranded colorwork), and many have unique construction.
Each chapter, which is divided by the months of the year, gives a description of the culture that characterizes life in Japan during that particular month. Like the flower buds sweater that follows the description of the blossoming of the cherry trees in April, the inspiration is clear. Each pattern follows along that month's line of inspiration and is a representation of that description.
Isager even gives some extras. Since the yarn requirements included in the book are based on 100-gram skeins, the yarn conversion sheet lists suggestions based on 50-gram skeins, which are distributed in the U.S.
What you don't get are patterns for larger women. Isager stays in the mid-range (38-44 inch bust), though one pattern extends to a 54-inch bust.
Overall, the book doesn't disappoint, especially if you've come to love Isager as much as I do. Once again, she is able to fuse culture and customs and create beautiful, innovative knitwear for women.
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